McAfee Security Brief: Top 10 Security Threats for 2007

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McAfee® Avert® Labs' Top 10 Security Threats for 2007

Spam Returns, MySpace Targeted, MSFT Stalked Expect more junk email, Phishing attacks and malware from cyber criminals, say Avert Labs researchers, who to date have identified 217,000 known threats to your computing, files and identity. In random order, here's what they predict for the next 12 months: Identity theft and data loss remain top concerns as organized crime increasingly exploits vulnerable Internet users. Phishing continues to flourish as identity thieves use password-stealing Web sites and fake sign-in pages for popular services like eBay and PayPal. Unwanted email—especially bandwidth-eating image spam hyping phony stock tips—makes a big comeback. Hackers increasingly hide worms in video files posted on social networking communities like MySpace and YouTube. Mobile phone attacks come of age. In August, Avert noted its first "SMiShing" attack with VBS/Eliles, a mass mailing worm that sends short message service (SMS) messages to mobile phones. Adware distribution goes mainstream as legitimate companies look to bolster advertising revenue. Hackers reply more on bots, automated PC programs, to steal personal data or hijack computers into zombie networks. "Parasitic infector viruses" that corrupt data and help remote hackers compromise a system—previously on the decline—return to plague computer users. Rootkits on 32-bit platforms proliferate. "Zero-day attacks" continue immediately after Microsoft OS patch updates. Meanwhile, last week, Microsoft noted 11 more vulnerabilities related to its products, bringing the 2006 total to more than 150. How Do I Find Out More? Go here. How Do I Stay Safe? Regularly install operating system patches from Microsoft. Go online with updated security software. At minimum, upgrade standalone anti-virus or anti-spyware software to McAfee® VirusScan® Plus with built-in firewall protection. Ideally, install multi-layered protection like McAfee Internet Security Suite to combat mixed threats. Security Resources McAfee Threat Center Blogs, Tips & Insight from McAfee® Avert® Labs researchers. FreeScan checks for PC viruses Install the Latest Protection Current McAfee Subscribers 1. Connect to the Internet. 2. Right-click the "M" icon in your system tray, near the clock. 3. Click Updates. Note: By default, McAfee products update automatically. VirusScan 2006/10.x Retail Owners Renew your DAT subscription or upgrade to new VirusScan Plus. VirusScan 2005/9.x or prior Retail Owners Visit our Upgrade Center to order new VirusScan Plus. Internet Security Suite 2006/8.x Retail Owners Renew your anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam filter content subscription or upgrade to new Internet Security Suite. Internet Security Suite 2005/7.x or prior Retail Owners Visit our Upgrade Center to order new Intenet Security Suite. New Users Order McAfee VirusScan Plus with 3-in-1 AntiVirus, Firewall and AntiSpyware protection. Or try free for 30 days.

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