“Rogue Virus Testers Delude Consumers” plus 2 more

Rogue Virus Testers Delude Consumers
Bangkok Bank and Kaspersky Lab offer six months free antivirus protection
Commtouch (CTCH) Sees Traction From Command Asset Purchase

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Rogue Virus Testers Delude Consumers

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 04:57 AM PST

If you haven't yet encountered a rogue antivirus ("scareware") program, it's probably because your existing antivirus software protected you from it. These programs prey on consumers who know they need protection but don't know enough to distinguish the real thing from a scam. If you take the bait you've got fake protection instead of real protection, and the bad guys have your credit card.

We've explained how you can avoid rogue antivirus tools. A post on Virus Bulletin's blog by Kaspersky Lab researcher Costin Raiu suggests that rogue antivirus testers pose a new but similar type of threat. Their web sites promote the idea that no security software can really protect you, says Raiu. Where scareware promotes a false sense of security, these rogue testers promote a false sense of insecurity. Each consumer who declines renewing an antivirus subscription is a win for the rogue testers.

Raiu lists a number of characteristics of these rogue testers. They lack affiliation with any legitimate testing organization such as the AMTSO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization). They publish limited free reports but charge a high price for full reports. Charts in the free reports may contain "amusing mistakes". The reports conclude that all antivirus products are useless. And the price to get full information about testing methodology is deliberately set so high that nobody will pay it.

I have not personally encountered sites fully matching this description, but I've definitely seen "shill" sites that use fancy charts and false data to promote rogue antivirus products. One rogue actually manipulates the victim's Internet connection so that a search for info about the product lands on a fake (and very positive) review. In fact it's a copy of one of my own reviews, attributed to me, with the product name changed. I've also run across test sites whose badly-written text is reminiscent of the previous generation of scareware. I don't doubt that full-scale rogue virus tester sites exist.

How do you avoid getting fooled? Kaspersky's Raiu says "I recommend sticking to established testing organizations such as Virus Bulletin, AV-test.org and AV-Comparatives or reputable magazines with a good history behind them". I couldn't agree more. You can start your search right here at PCMag.com.

Bangkok Bank and Kaspersky Lab offer six months free antivirus protection

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 12:29 AM PST

Bangkok Bank and Kaspersky Lab, one of the world's leading antivirus software and online security firms, are providing Bualuang iBanking customers with free access to Kaspersky Labs anti-virus software for a six month period. Software can be downloaded any time from now until 28 February 2011.

Bangkok Bank Head of Security Management Dr Kitti Kosavisutte said Bangkok Bank realizes the important role customers play in protecting their own personal computers, and thus the security of their online accounts. In collaboration with Kaspersky Lab, the Bank is offering Bualuang iBanking users free use of Kaspersky Labs antivirus software for six months, starting any time from now until 28 February 2011. At the end of the six months, customers can opt to continue using the software by purchasing an ongoing license from Kaspersky Labs.

"Bangkok Bank customers can take advantage of the antivirus program's highly-efficient virus scanning capabilities, including the location and disposal of any 'Trojans', the type of malicious software commonly used in internet theft. Reliable, up-to-date antivirus software is essential for our customers to safeguard their personal computers. It will also give them more confidence in the security of their transactions and when shopping online. Interested customers can take advantage of the offer by downloading the software from a link on www.bangkokbank.com/ibanking" said Dr. Kitti.

Russian-based Kaspersky Lab, is a leading global provider of technologies preventing cyber attacks and spam. It was ranked among the top three best antivirus programs in 2010 by the website top10reviews.com. Due to its capacity, ease-of-use, and other features, it provides users with the confidence that they will be protected at all times when making transactions online.

"Bangkok Bank encourages all customers to keep their computer and internet banking 'S A F E' from online fraud. Remember – Software, Anti-virus, Familiarity and Email. This means, use Software from legitimate sources; use updated Anti-virus programs; don't proceed if something doesn't look Familiar; and make sure to read and check Bangkok Bank's Email and SMS alerts carefully. With proper care and attention, the likelihood of financial fraud is reduced dramatically," continued Dr. Kitti.

Bangkok Bank employs world-standard security technologies across all internet enabled services. Customers who notice any unusual screens or alerts are encouraged to immediately call Bualuang Phone 1333 or +66 (0)2645 5555.

Commtouch (CTCH) Sees Traction From Command Asset Purchase

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 09:15 AM PST

XCO: Summary for EXCO Resources, Inc. Exco Resou- Yahoo! Finance

View the basic XCO stock chart on Yahoo! Finance. Change the date range, chart type and compare EXCO Resources, Inc. Exco Resou against other companies.

finance.yahoo.com/q?s=xco - Cached

AntiVirus Free

Friday, January 14, 2011