Archive for January, 2010

Disclaimer: This post is targeted to non-technical users. When I reference vulnerabilities or attacks, it is to be assumed that I am talking about known threats that those responsible for the software has patched and not zero day threats.

A couple of years ago, the number one thing for protecting your computer (Windows-based) is keeping Windows up-to-date. That involved either enabling automatic updates or manually going to get updates from the Microsoft’s website. Merely keeping Windows updated wasn’t enough but it did protect your system from a good amount of malicious attacks. Antivirus, firewalls, and above all else proper “training” and common sense help prevent attacks against your systems. Those good old days of simplicity are over. Today’s malicious attacks are using vulnerabilities in other software to gain access to your computer.

Microsoft has made great progress in making the Windows OS more secure and resistant to attacks in recent years. The most popular attack vector is no longer Internet Explorer or the Windows operating system (OS) but Adobe’s Flash and Acrobat Reader. It is estimated that 90% of all computers in the world have flash installed. And the popularity of PDF has only grown over the years, making it an attractive target. This is forcing attackers to find other ways to penetrate computer systems. I specifically mention Adobe’s Flash because most people know and use it everyday; it is also being targeted by the most recent wave of malware. And it allows malware and attackers to not only gain access to Windows-based systems but potentially any system that has these software installed.

Flash along with other third party software are quickly becoming one of the weakest part of the system (the human will always be the weakest). Keeping Windows updated no longer guarantees that you’re are protected from these attacks. Even with a fully patched Windows OS, you can still be infected by malware that target Flash or other software. It is important to keep not only Windows updated but to keep all the software on your system updated as well. So take the time every month or so to check and make sure you the latest versions of your software.

I can probably make a more convincing argument and provide more detail but I should be studying for my midterms. If this post seems half assed… it is.

Till next time…

This is what happens when I get bored and want to find something to shoot:

Clementine is not amused...

What are you looking at...

Till next time…

I love the rain. And I love the few hours right after the rain stops. Especially, if it’s nice and sunny. Unfortunately for me, it happened just as I arrived at UCI and making my way to class.

I was walking to class from the parking structure and noticed the reflections on the parking structure walls. This was about 30 mins after it stopped raining.

I couldn't help but notice the rain slick roads and the reflections thta it made.

A table and a pair of chairs left out in the rain in front of the Engineering Hall building.

Heavy rains and thunder storms rolled into SoCal on January 21, 2010. Pictured is lightning outside my house.

Lightning storm outside the house. This picture was actually taken by my brother.

While going around on my daily scrounging on the web, I came across this website: rainymood.com It’s basically a high quality 30-min loop of the sound of rain. Anyway, I should be working on other things… like homework. So more to come.

Till next time…

Went to CPP Friday night to help John out with pushing the buttons on our cameras :p Here’s some of the pics:

Chips on the table.

Dancing

Dancing again

Till next time…

Some random pics:

Chairs and tables outside the student center at CPP.

Foot prints of two kids playing in the playground at the park.

Till next time…