[IS&T Security-FYI] SFYI Newsletter, June 6, 2011

[Monique Yeaton]

In this issue:


1. Scareware Defeats Apple Security Update

2. Microsoft Safety Scanner Provides On-Demand Virus Scan

3. Safe Computing While Away from MIT


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1. Scareware Defeats Apple Security Update

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Last week (May 31) Apple released a security update to rid Macs of the menacing malware that has been around for nearly a month and is attempting to get users to purchase a bogus anti-virus software known as MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity. But shortly after the update was released, cyber-criminals released a new variant of the malware that can defeat the security efforts.


Apple's Security Update 2011-003, available for Mac OS X 10.6.7, includes a malware removal tool that searches for and destroys the known variants of the malware. It is not clear how Apple will keep ahead of the new variants, but the malware removal tool does allow for the updating of "definitions," malware profiles that let the software identify viruses.


If you are running virus protection software on your Mac already, you are likely better protected. McAfee and other third-party anti-virus software vendors are usually very quick to update their definitions and catch newly released malware. You can download the Mac version of McAfee Security from MIT here:

<http://ist.mit.edu/services/software/macsecurity/1x>


How Security Update 2011-003 protects Macs from malware:

<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4651>


How to avoid or remove the malware:

<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650>



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2. Microsoft Safety Scanner Provides On-Demand Virus Scan

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You can get a free PC safety scan by using the Microsoft Safety Scanner, a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware and other malicious software. It works with your existing anti-virus (AV) software.


Note: the Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again. This tool is not a replacement for using an AV software that provides on-going protection.


So why would you use this scanner? It is good for those times when you think you might have a virus or you don't trust that your usual AV software is catching all the threats out there. This tool allows you to run a one-time, on-demand scan, and works as a good "backup" security tool for your PC.


Learn more and download:

<http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx>



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3. Safe Computing While Away from MIT

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Keeping data secure, while using your home computer or while traveling with a laptop, is a challenge. While the summer time is a period when most of us are relaxing, we can't afford to ease off on securing important data.


This article has several tips for both the telecommuter and the summer traveler:

<http://ist.mit.edu/news/securedata_outofoffice>



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Read all Security FYI Newsletter articles online at http://securityfyi.wordpress.com/.

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Monique Yeaton
IT Security Communications Consultant
MIT Information Services & Technology (IS&T)
(617) 253-2715
http://ist.mit.edu/security


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