The insecurity paradox
2011-08-29
The formula here attempts to explain a paradox in security analysis:
If it is true that security is only as strong as its weakest link, why are not those who use insecur...
más >>
más >>
Seguridad proactiva para IT
- SandBox Information Center
- Malware Analysis Search
- Artículos sobre seguridad
- Blog de seguridad [EN]
- Nivel de amenaza [EN]
- Amenazas de virus actuales
- Tipos de malware [EN]
- Descripciones de virus[EN]
- Estadísticas de correo electrónico [EN]
- Libros, documentación técnica general, etc.
- Nuestra tecnología
Centro de seguridad
Lea las últimas novedades sobre seguridad de nuestros expertos
Temas de seguridad
Exploit analysis (7)
Debate sobre el malware (133)
Tecnologías móviles y wireless (30)
Problemas de confidencialidad (51)
Proyectos de protección (59)
Términos de seguridad (38)
Ingeniería social (65)
Asesoramiento de software (207)
Spam (11)
Mecanismos de propagación (109)
Tendencias y previsiones (151)
Ultimos artículos - Mecanismos de propagación
An approach to an organization's risk factors (part 3)
In this third and final part of our article series about risk factors, we will examine Human attack factors and Physical factors.
An approach to an organization's risk factors (part 2)
The previous article discussed different procedures and systems that could be invoked in order to mitigate risk. In subsequent parts we will examine areas at risk, starting with Electronic factors.
An approach to an organization's risk factors (part 1)
The aim of this type of initial risk analysis is to identify potentially vulnerable points that may be exploited if they are not sufficiently secured.
Malicious images (codes)
The ease involved in creating QR codes that links to web pages implies that this will be a popular way to facilitate the propagation of malware for mobile devices.
The importance of typing correctly
Computers do what they are told. This may result in consequences that are funny as well as dangerous.
Secure browsing turns insecure (again)
It seems obvious that the current certificate security model needs to be replaced by something that is less vulnerable for attacks from dedicated persons, organizations or governments.
Circumventing malware detection
Malware authors continue to pursue delivery mechanisms that can confuse different malware detection systems.
Combating fake antimalware
Coordinated efforts between experts/authorities against cybercriminals seem like the most efficient method for combating cybercriminals. Different experts and authorities are then able to focus on the part of the criminal chain that corresponds to their ability and expertise.
Diversification of attack vectors
Computer systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex with components that are individually computerized. This increases the attack surface for cybercriminals, and represents a challenge for users and the security industry.
Mobile (in)security
The steps that private users and organizations can take to protect themselves, are quite similar in character to protection of traditional computers.
Targeted attacks: More "Bang for the Buck"
Since the cybercriminals seem to shift from randomly directed mass attacks to more focused attacks, the total volume of spam will decrease.
Plug mouse into the computer - be compromised
It is almost impossible to protect completely against a targeted cyberattack against an organization.
The profitable Pay-per-Install ecosystem
We shall in this article focus on the PPI ecosystem and how this is used for malware distribution.
Secure tokens turn insecure
Even organizations, which presumably are more security conscious than most, have vulnerabilities that may be exploited by an attacker who has sufficient resources and determination at her disposal.
The old dogs are still in learning mode
The web site (usually an infected site) that displays the message checks the browser visiting the site, and displays a warning message similar to the browser's real warning.
Dangerous images
Recent weeks have shown that images are used as a malware spreading technique; particularly images that appear after performing a Google image search.
The RTLO unicode hole - sequence manipulation as an attack vector
Do not rely on any file attachment or file on any device to be safe based on its file name.
Cybercriminals focus on new targets
Users of the operating system Mac OS X have so far been quite safe from malware infections compared to those who have chosen Windows as the operating system platform.
Free music with an unwanted tune
Whenever malware authors find new vehicles to spread their malware, the probability for success increases immensely.
Spam botnet Rustock beheaded
Bots and botnets comprise one of the biggest threats to the Internet and its users. However, recent news report of a success story: beheading the spam botnet Rustock.
Shamelessly exploiting disasters
In previous security articles, we discussed the fact that cybercriminals use big events to spread malware. Not surprisingly - nevertheless disgusting - the recent events in Japan have inspired shameless exploitations by cybercriminals.
PlayStation 3 security fully compromised
Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) has been viewed as one of the most secure gaming devices. Applications and games from other sources than Sony could not be installed and run on PS3, and a firmware update early in 2010 disallowed using other operating systems than the one set up by Sony. All this is now changed.
Holiday - relax, have fun, meet family and friends... and be vigilant
Major events, happenings and in general all kind of things that create much notice, also leave in their wake a stream of malicious software.
The ultimate surfing challenge: Avoiding web sites with malicious content
Some years ago it was an established "fact" that a computer could not be infected by malicious software by visiting a web page. But technology evolves quickly and some facts may change when new technology emerges. These days web pages are perhaps the most used propagation vector for malware.
Malicous cold calls with high success probability
According to a posting 15 November on the blog belonging to the UK based organization Get Safe Online, one in four UK web users have been targeted by so-called cold calls.
Communication consolidation or security nightmare
In recent months there have been lots of rumors about the upcoming email system closely integrated with Facebook. More detaileds about this have recently been disclosed by Facebook, and we will examine some aspects of the new offerings.
Safe crime
We have previously advocated the view that endpoint security is just one of several tools needed to accomplish secure environments. This article will examine one particular threat against the Internet community and discuss how it may be overcome.
Man-in-the-middle goes Mobile
The term Man-in-the-middle in a security context refers to an attack where someone/-thing is inserted between two endpoints and intercepts the communication between those. The intent is usually to obtain information and use this for illegitimate purposes. Recently the term Man-in-the-mobile, abbreviated as Mitmo, emerged.
A new generation of malware
Computer software evolves, and popular interpretation is to introduce new generations whenever fundamental changes arrive. If one looks at malware in the same manner, one may also classify different types into various generations.
Old dogs learn new tricks
Fake antimalware software has become an increasing problem for end users and corporations. The creators of these rogue applications are able to earn easy money and are constantly searching for new ways to exploit their victims. A new technique has recently been seen. We shall look at this in more detail in this security article, and attempt to point to some general considerations regarding this type of software and malware in general.
Number of vulnerabilities on the rise
In August IBM Security X-Force published its Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report. The X-Force reports are always interesting reading, and this latest addition maintains the high standards. Lots of topics are discussed in the report. In our security article, we shall however focus on one particular finding.
Self-protection from malware - part II
In the previous article in this series about self-protection, we discussed examples of attempts to trick you to expose yourself for malicious software. Infected web sites are currently the most used technique for propagation of malware. By increasing your own awareness of the techniques the cyber criminals use, you can avoid this exposure.
Self-protection from malware - part I
There are several levels where you can set up protection mechanisms in order to minimize the risk of falling victim to malware. Different protection mechanisms are needed depending on which danger situation we are discussing.
Malware infections by telephone
An interesting news item has appeared in several UK-based media lately. Several end users have received phone calls from someone who present themselves as security personnel. The caller informs that the computer is infected by malware and offers to help. Varying social engineering techniques are used to persuade the recipient to allow the use of remote access software in order to "fix the problem".
The first part of 2010 - overview of security issues
In this Norman report on security issues during the first half of 2010, we will go through some incidents and tendencies. We will focus on those that Norman perceives as most important in these past six months.
Disclose information about vulnerabilities? Yes/No/When?
Last week a researcher from Google, Tavis Ormandy, posted information about and exploit code for a new vulnerability in Microsoft's help and Support center.
Upcoming? The age of the cyborgs
We should have been expecting it - some did. Late May this year a researcher in the U.K. claims to be the first person in the world infected by a computer virus.
Reflections on the PDF vulnerability
Earlier this month we wrote about a vulnerability in the PDF specification that could be utilized to run malicious programs embedded in a PDF file. Proof-of-concept code was published, and it was expected that real-life malware that used this technique might appear soon.
Dangerous device diversification
Most organizations have been experiencing an explosion in the number and types of devices that are in use in their networks. Gone are the days when traditional desktop computers, servers and printers, hard-wired together, were the available hardware in the network.
Scary technique utilizing functionality in the PDF specification
Exploitation of how applications handle files in the Portable Document Format (PDF) is one of the most used techniques to successfully create malicious software. Usually this is accomplished by utilizing vulnerabilities in the applications used to read PDF documents, like the very popular free program, Adobe Reader.
Domain name registrants - who? where?
Domain names are a crucial part of the Internet's infrastructure. However, as we have shown in previous security articles, registration of special domain names may be used as an attack vector for spreading malware.
Handling an infected computer as an infected human being
The RSA Conferences are among of the most important annual security conferences. This year's US conference was held in San Francisco 1 - 5 March. One of the speakers was Microsoft's Scott Charney, Corporate Vice President Trustworthy Computing. His speech covered several interesting topics, of which we will discuss one: the ability, usefulness and implications of treating infected computers in a similar manner as infected human beings.
Resumiendo 2009: predicciones para el año que se inicia
Diciembre es el mes en que habitualmente se echa un vistazo al año que acaba, y en este artículo intentaremos resumir la situación desde el punto de vista de una empresa de seguridad. La observación más significativa en materia de actividad de malware durante el año que pasó es que diferentes redes sociales se han convertido en un importante objetivo para los autores de programas maliciosos.
Vacaciones: la época preferida por los niños y ...los delincuentes
Los eventos y acontecimientos importantes, y en general todas las cosas que llaman mucho la atención, también dejan a su paso una estela de software malintencionado.
Complementos de aplicaciones: caldo de cultivo para el malware
En varios artículos sobre seguridad, se ha tratado el hecho de que los nuevos dispositivos multimedia y de comunicación son vehículos óptimos para la propagación de malware. En esta ocasión se examinará un tipo de aplicación que todavía no ha sido objeto de atención (supuestamente) por parte de los autores de malware ni por los críticos.
Producción de identidad maliciosa
El robo de identidad es un término que se ha convertido en algo familiar durante los últimos años. Hasta hace poco tiempo, lo más exótico ha sido la producción de identidad con fines maliciosos. Una nueva versión de Koobface hace eso exactamente de manera automática.
Anuncios en Internet: una importante vía de propagación de malware
La publicidad en Internet es un mercado en expansión. Varios de los sitios web que visitamos diariamente como entretenimiento o dentro de nuestro trabajo, tienen publicidad como una parte importante de los ingresos de su titular. No hay más que mencionar los periódicos y revistas en línea, los motores de búsqueda, los recursos de información de otros tipos, etc. Lamentablemente la publicidad en sitios web también es una vía importante de propagación de software malicioso.
Servidores dedicados como parte de redes de robots (botnets)
En el artículo de seguridad de esta semana trataremos el empleo de un tipo específico de ordenadores, los servidores dedicados, como parte de una red de robots.
Software más susceptible a ataques exitosos
Esta semana se ha publicado un nuevo informe sobre riesgos para la seguridad. Esta publicación, "The Top Cyber Security Risks" (Los principales ciberriesgos para la seguridad), es una iniciativa conjunta de las organizaciones de seguridad TippingPoint, Qualys y SANS. En el artículo de seguridad de esta semana abordaremos un tema específico de dicho informe: la aplicación de parches de software.
El malware en aplicaciones: un problema especial
Snorre Fagerland, analista de virus senior de Norman, escribió recientemente acerca del malware W32/Induc.A en nuestro blog seguridad. Se trata de un virus que infecta al lenguaje de programación Delphi. Como consecuencia, las aplicaciones que se crean con un entorno de Delphi infectado están también infectadas. Las repercusiones son muy interesantes, como vamos a ver.
El primer semestre de 2009 visto tras la óptica de seguridad
Ha llegado el momento en que resulta útil echar un vistazo al primer semestre de este año e intentar resumir la situación desde el punto de vista de Norman en tanto que empresa de seguridad.
Direcciones URL abreviadas: ¿buen o mal sistema?
Obviamente, la funcionalidad de direcciones URL abreviadas tiene sus méritos. No obstante, existen deficiencias y problemas que hacen que el sistema resulte menos seguro de lo que sería deseable.
Su PC como servidor de Internet con solo unos clics
El software para configurar cualquier ordenador como recurso de Internet ha estado disponible para cualquiera durante mucho tiempo. No obstante, el umbral para hacerlo ha sido tan alto que no todo el mundo creía que se pudiera hacer sin conocimientos especiales. Esta situación puede cambiar ahora.
Una fuente inagotable de dinero...
El título de este artículo sobre seguridad puede parecer el principio de un cuento de hadas que le contara un delincuente a su hijo. No obstante, una variedad de software malicioso (malware) que ha aparecido este año parece haber convertido el cuento en realidad para algunos…
Está infectado. ¡No, no lo estoy!
Por consiguiente, los proveedores de programas de software de seguridad tienen la siguiente tarea: Detectar y eliminar tanto software malicioso como sea posible sin definir erróneamente el software benigno como malware. Lamentablemente, no es tan sencillo como parece.
Registro de nombres de dominio: un vector para la propagación de malware
Otros usos de los servidores web como propagadores del malware. El método aprovecha términos populares para inducir a los usuarios a visitar sitios web que son intencionadamente maliciosos.
GhostNet: una auténtica red de espionaje
Esta semana, la atención de los medios estuvo dirigida a un informe publicado el 29 de marzo en el Information Warfare Monitor (Canadá) titulado Tracking GhostNet: Investigating a Cyber Espionage Network (Seguimiento de GhostNet: Investigación de una red de ciberespionaje).
Hot stuff: Exploitable routers - a flash of the whole iceberg
A new type of malicious software has recently been getting some media attention. The most interesting part of this is the fact that the malware's targets are not traditional computers. Rather does this malware attack different types of devices, namely routers and modems.
Ingeniería social con un toque virtual
El tema de la ingeniería social, en sus diversas formas, ha sido un tema abundantemente tratado en nuestros artículos de seguridad. Esta vez la abordaremos desde un ángulo diferente, el tradicional, con un nuevo toque bastante inteligente.
No diga que no le avisamos
El tema de la necesidad de aplicar parches de seguridad a los sistemas operativos y aplicaciones ha sido abordado en varias ocasiones en nuestros artículos de seguridad. El último de ellos, Parches de seguridad: un problema de seguridad adicional, se escribió a finales de octubre de 2008.
Descarga de programas desde Internet: una actividad de riesgo
Internet ofrece una plétora de aplicaciones, películas, imágenes, textos... todos los contenidos digitales que puedan ocurrírsele (¡y otros que no!). Saber qué elegir entre tantas alternativas y oportunidades resulta difícil, y en diversos aspectos incluso puede ser peligroso. En este trataremos algunos de esos peligros.
Juegos en Internet - Nuevas oportunidades para los visionarios (sospechosos)
El uso del dinero que maneja en los juegos en línea ha sido tradicionalmente solo la cuota de entrada para comprar el propio juego (si no es gratuito). No obstante, en este artículo les demostraremos que esto ya no es así.
Los fantasmas del pasado resurgen con las memorias USB
El uso cada vez mayor de las memorias USB y su capacidad de almacenamiento constituyen un importante problema para la seguridad.
Security patches - an additional security issue
There are some issues with security patches that in fact may render certain users more vulnerable. This apparent contradiction will be examined in this article.
Facebook: un vector cada vez más popular para la propagación de malware (software malicioso)
Han comenzado a surgir programas de software malicioso personalizados que utilizan Facebook y que están dirigidos a la comunidad de Facebook. Han aparecido diversos informes acerca de diversos tipos de malware, y seguramente aparecerán muchos más.
Clickjacking: ¿un nuevo peligro o un nuevo nombre innovador?
Pocas semanas atrás comenzó a circular un nuevo en las alertas de seguridad: "clickjacking". Desde entonces, algunas organizaciones de seguridad, (como US CERT), así como diversas agencias de noticias por Internet, han venido destacándolo como importante y nueva amenaza.
Slurping: un problema de seguridad que a menudo se ignora
Slurping (sorber) no es solo un método para apagar la sed. Es también un término que se utiliza para un tipo concreto de problemas de seguridad que a menudo se ignora.
No TODOS los regalos de Navidad son bienvenidos
En Navidad mucha gente suele dar y recibir regalos. Sin embargo, no siempre se quieren todos los “regalos” que se reciben.
Servidores de Internet inseguros: la propagación del malware aumenta
Un nuevo vehículo de propagación se está haciendo cada vez más popular entre “los malos": los sitios web maliciosos.
Puntos de acceso inalámbricos en lugares públicos: el mundo al alcance de su mano o una práctica de riesgo
Imagínese que una persona con malas intenciones se sienta en una cafetería para tomarse un capuchino y finge navegar por Internet, mientras que lo que realmente está haciendo es recopilar nombres de usuario y contraseñas de otros clientes del establecimiento.
Smishing: otra ingeniosa variante del término phishing
La mayoría de personas que trabajan en el ámbito de la seguridad y posiblemente una gran parte del público en general, conocen el término phishing ...
Cuidado con el gusano Stration
El gusano Stration, que se propaga a través del correo electrónico, está causando retrasos en la entrega del correo de muchos usuarios.
El cambio en el planteamiento de los creadores de programas malintencionados, “malware”, define nuevos retos para el software de protección
Durante los dos últimos años, los encargados de analizar las tendencias de la actividad malintencionada en Internet en general y del software maligno en particular han observado un cambio significativo.
Los siete pecados capitales informáticos cometidos en vacaciones
Volvemos a estar en esa época del año en la que la gente surca los cielos, las carreteras y los mares en un intento de encontrar descanso, relajación y disfrutar de sus vacaciones. En estos momentos, la seguridad informática es lo último que pasa por sus cabezas.
Zombies and targeted attacks – a challenge to overcome?
One of the most prevalent and fastest increasing threats against IT security is the rise of zombie computers and botnets. Not only do they spread extremely fast, they are also able to do immense damage that can easily lead to large costs.
ContextPlus RootKit bytes the dust
ContextPlus has stopped their activities. This company most known programs are PeopleOnPage and Apropos. Once installed, they will monitor the browsing behavior and send the obtained information to the ContextPlus servers.
The usage of child porn: a sad but true story…
Where in the past malware file names would have ‘interesting’ names such as “Anna Kournikova" or “Britney Spears Naked", many things happened but seeing a picture of the two aforementioned idols was not one of them.
La gente es engañada fácilmente - razones por las que el phishing funciona
El phishing es una de las amenazas crecientes más rápidas contra la seguridad IT. Aún cuando los fabricantes de seguridad están desarrollando herramientas constantemente para proteger a los usuarios de ser estafados, esta forma de fraude está aumentando. La razón: la gente es engañada fácilmente.
Your pet can be infected by a computer virus!
Researchers of the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands have succeeded to successfully infect a RFID-chip (Radio Frequency Identification Device) with a computer virus.
Proof of concept virus targeting InfoPath
A new proof of concept virus has been discovered infecting yet another application of the Microsoft Office Suite.
Nuevo gusano propagándose a través de e-mails y "recursos de red abiertos"
El gusano W32/Small.KI@mm ha estado propagándose rápidamente desde principios de esta semana. Este malware está infectado ordenadores a través de e-mails y programas de compartición de archivos.
Un mundo habitado por zombis
Las amenazas contra la comunidad IT ya no son dominadas más por los virus, gusanos y troyanos. Mientras que los ataques de phishing han recibido la mayor cantidad de atención últimamente, uno no debería olvidar la altamente prevaleciente amenaza de los zombis.
Program flaws as malware propagation technique
During the latest years the tendency for malware to exploit flaws in computer programs seems to have increased.
The cyber war continues – the zombie battle
Hacker controlled computers- so called zombies - are on the rise and the number of new zombies is increasing rapidly.
Information about the Sasser worms
Here are some general information about the Sasser worm - Frequently Asked Questions, and their answers.
"You ain't seen nothing yet" - or - The Warhol worm and worse
It is hardly controversial to claim that the end of February and beginning of March 2004 was the worst period ever regarding the sheer number of new mailicious programs threatening the Internet community. New variants of Bagle, MyDoom and Netsky were spread daily - sometimes even more than once per day.
An analysis of Sobig.F and its ability to harm Internet users around the world
In September 2003 Internet users and organizations experienced the most severe attack on the Internet infrastructure since the "Morris worm" in November 1988. The outbreak of W32/Sobig.F caused major problems because of the huge amount of emails flooding the infrastructure.
Infections from opening e-mails and browsing the web
Security Information Week 45, 1999 The Security Information for week 43 discussed several vulnerabilities which were possible to exploit due to problems with the functionality in ...
PrettyPark is still alive and active
Security Information Week 40, 1999 There have been several reports about the PrettyPark.Worm program recently. This worm was first reported to be in the wild early ...
Deceitful patch to Internet Explorer
Security Information Week 7, 1999Since January this year several users have received an e-mail apparently from Microsoft. The mail informs the receipient that the attachment ...
Risk assessment with Mass Mailers
Security Information Week 50, 1999IntroductionDuring the latest months viruses have been using e-mail clients to spread themselves. The most famous one is of course W97M/Melissa.A ...
Internet Explorer 5 and Active Scripting
Security Information Week 43, 1999During the last weeks different security issues which involves Internet Explorer version 5 has been discovered. These have to do with ...
The worm ExploreZip is in the wild
Security Information Week 23, 1999 A new, malicious worm is reported in the wild. So far reports has come from France, Germany, Israel, Czechia and the ...
Exploiting security issues in known applications - a new trend in malicious programs?
Security Information Week 32, 2003
Documents with RTF extensions - are you safe from virus infections?
Security Information Week 21, 1999 Documents saved as RTF files are not dangerous with respect to macro virus infections. This fact has been stressed from the ...
The dilemmas of publishing information about vulnerabilities in software
Security Information Week 40, 2002IntroductionOne of the ongoing discussions regarding security is about informing the public about new security risks. The two extremes are on ...
PCs at home - a safe haven for malicious programs?
Security Information Week 26, 2002 Introduction Several previous Security Informations have discussed topics related to PCs at home. E.g. one issue in 1999 examined Attacks from the ...
Malicious programs in the Klez family
Security Information Week 25, 2002 Introduction The Security Information for week 20 discussed in general terms why some malicious programs succeed in becoming widespread while other do ...
Malicious programs - why do they never end
Security Information Week 20, 2002 Introduction During the latest 10 months the "top three" malicious programs ("malware") with respect to spreadig have made havoc on networks and ...
The so-called HTML viruses
Security Information Week 1, 1999 The computer magazines as well as other papers have recently published articles about a "new" kind of viruses - the so-called ...
The worm JS/Kak and a security patch from Microsoft
Security Information Week 9, 2000 In our Security Information for week 45 last year, we discussed a security problem with Internet Explorer which had as a ...
Computer viruses in non-Microsoft products
Security Information Week 8, 2000Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is Microsoft's programming language used to enhance the functionality of some of its programs, particularly the ...
What to learn from visits by Melissa and her siblings
In April 1999 a lot of people and organizations were paid a visit by the computer virus Melissa. This virus propagated so quickly and extensively that many compared it to the legendary "Morris worm."
Ultimas entradas del blog [EN]
The 10 most insecure passcodes
2011-06-16
Earlier this week I read an extremely interesting and impressing blog item by Daniel Amitay: Most Common iPhone Passcodes.
Amitay has analyzed more than 200 000 passcodes used in an app with a similar...
más >>
más >>
Purchasing and downloading outdated software
2011-05-23
Last week in the "JoshMeister On Security" blog, the topic was about Apple's Mac App Store, and the fact that software available from this store may not be the latest version.
The blog's aut...
más >>
más >>