TR/Ransom.G

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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TR/Agent.81920.EA

 General Methods of propagation:
• Autorun feature
• Messenger
• Peer to Peer

Aliases:
•  Sophos: W32/Palevo-AI
•  Bitdefender: Backdoor.Tofsee.DI
•  Panda: W32/P2Pworm.OJ
•  Eset: Win32/Peerfrag.FD

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Thursday, December 16, 2010

View the original article here

HTML/Small.AE

 General Method of propagation:
• No own spreading routine

Aliases:
•  Symantec: Trojan.Webkit!html
•  Sophos: Troj/Bpac-A

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows 98 SE
• Windows NT
• Windows ME
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7
• Linux
• Unix
• OS/2
• Mac

Side effects:
• Makes use of software vulnerability

Description inserted by Alexander Bauer on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Description updated by Alexander Bauer on Tuesday, December 21, 2010

View the original article here

Worm/Pale.opi.12392

 General Methods of propagation:
• Autorun feature
• Messenger
• Peer to Peer

Aliases:
•  Sophos: Mal/Palevo-A
•  Bitdefender: Worm.Generic.252444
•  Panda: W32/P2Pworm.OJ
•  Eset: Win32/Peerfrag.HF

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Thursday, December 16, 2010

View the original article here

JAVA/Small.Y

 General Method of propagation:
• No own spreading routine

Aliases:
•  Kaspersky: Trojan-Downloader.Java.OpenConnection.cl
•  F-Secure: Trojan-Downloader.Java.OpenConnection.cl

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows 98 SE
• Windows NT
• Windows ME
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Drops a file

Description inserted by Alexander Bauer on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Description updated by Alexander Bauer on Tuesday, December 21, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Spy.Banker.XH.10

 General Method of propagation:
• No own spreading routine

Aliases:
•  Symantec: Suspicious.MH690.A
•  Kaspersky: Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.avtr
•  F-Secure: Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.avtr
•  Sophos: Mal/Agent-IE
•  Microsoft: TrojanSpy:Win32/Banker.XH
•  AVG: Delf.UYL
•  Panda: Trj/CI.A
•  Grisoft: Delf.UYL
•  Eset: Win32/Delf.PLO
•  AhnLab: Win-Trojan/Agent.300544.V
•  Ikarus: Trojan-Spy.Win32.Banker

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows 98 SE
• Windows ME
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Registry modification
• Steals information

Description inserted by Alexander Bauer on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Description updated by Alexander Bauer on Thursday, December 16, 2010

View the original article here

Avira KK Celebrates First Year in Japan

Customer Requests Pull German Anti-Virus Software Maker into Global Expansion

Tokyo, December 2, 2010 - IT security expert Avira today celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Japanese subsidiary, Avira KK. Avira also announces that it now serves more than 2.5 million users in Japan.

Avira KK’s one year anniversary will be celebrated with an event at Xex Daikanyama. Avira KK has chosen to use the anniversary to show its appreciation to its first supporters in Japan, and has invited 100 users, out of more than 300 respondents in 4 days, to celebrate the occasion at an intimate event. Company founder and CEO Tjark Auerbach will personally greet attendees, and will conduct a technical workshop that discusses recent trends in Internet security.

“Our customers literally pulled us into Japan,” said Richard Yamamoto, VP Asia Pacific. “A couple of years ago we noticed that some of our customers had collaborated to translate our software and support pages into Japanese. Thousands of download requests then poured in, and when we passed 750,000 Japanese users we felt we had to set up an official office to support them. Today we celebrate our earliest loyal users.”

In appreciation for the support of users in Japan, Avira KK is currently offering a 50% Off Campaign for all of its products.

The complexity of the Japanese language makes it challenging for security software vendors. Also, Japanese users tend to send emails that are very rich in html, embedded pictures, ASCII art and other details which allow many places to hide spam, phishing and malware code. These two trends combine to make Japanese computer users more prone to localized attacks than other industrialized and Internet connected countries. Avira estimates that approximately 15 percent of malware and 14 percent of phishing URLs detected and blocked in 2010 were hosted in the Internet region APNIC (Asia-Pacific NIC).

View the original article here

Avira Premium Security Suite is "Software of the Year 2010"

Visitors from softwareload.de chose Avira as the winner in the "Security" category

Tettnang, October 22, 2010 – Over 800,000 Internet users took part in the Softwareload.de online poll, which ran between September 1 - 30, 2010, to select the "Software of the Year 2010." Voters picked their favorites from 18 software categories. Avira Premium Security Suite won first place in the "Security" category leaving nine competitors in its wake.

Prior to the online vote, a jury made up of 12 well-known IT and business journalists as well as company representatives selected ten software programs for each category.

"We are pleased to win this award and are honored to have the support of so many fans," explains Travis Witteveen, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Avira GmbH. "More than 100 million private users worldwide have shown their great trust in Avira virus protection. To be voted "Software of the Year 2010" by the Softwareload.de community is very reassuring for us."

Avira's anti-virus programs offer Internet users the right protection for all their online activities. Avira AntiVir Personal offers users free basic protection and can be downloaded from www.free-av.de. It protects against viruses, key loggers, and other threats on the Internet. The Avira AntiVir Premium solution offers users expanded security functions such as Avira WebGuard and MailGuard. These filter out viruses from the Internet data flow, thus preventing them from ever reaching your computer. The Avira Premium Security Suite offers additional protection featuring a firewall and parental controls as well as a backup function.

View the original article here

TR/OnlineGam.106413

 General Methods of propagation:
• Autorun feature
• Mapped network drives

Aliases:
•  Symantec: W32.Gammima.AG
•  Mcafee: W32/Autorun.worm.zzw
•  Kaspersky: Worm.Win32.AutoRun.gls
•  TrendMicro: WORM_TATERF.CA
•  F-Secure: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  Sophos: Mal/Taterf-B
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  Microsoft: Worm:Win32/Taterf.B
•  Panda: W32/Autorun.JFL
•  PCTools: Worm.AutoRun!sd5
•  VirusBuster: Worm.AutoRun.WZJ
•  Eset: Win32/PSW.OnLineGames.NNU
•  Sunbelt: Worm.Win32.Taterf.b (v)
•  GData: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  AhnLab: Win32/Autorun.worm.106413
•  Authentium: W32/Autorun.OT
•  DrWeb: Trojan.PWS.Wsgame.12824
•  Fortinet: W32/AutoRun.GLS!worm
•  Rising: Trojan.PSW.Win32.OnlineGame.zqz

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista

Side effects:
• Downloads a file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification
• Steals information

Description inserted by Alexandru Dinu on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Friday, October 15, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Spy.176128.227

 General Methods of propagation:
• Autorun feature
• Messenger

Aliases:
•  Kaspersky: P2P-Worm.Win32.Palevo.atln
•  TrendMicro: WORM_PALEVO.OSZ
•  F-Secure: Worm.P2P.Palevo.GO
•  Bitdefender: Worm.P2P.Palevo.GO
•  Panda: W32/P2Pworm.OY
•  VirusBuster: Worm.P2P.Palevo.VHR
•  Eset: Win32/Peerfrag.FL
•  GData: Worm.P2P.Palevo.GO
•  DrWeb: Win32.HLLW.Lime.18

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Third party control
• Drops files

Description inserted by Irina Diaconescu on Friday, November 5, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Tuesday, November 9, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Spy.ZBot.agip

 General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature

Aliases:
•  Sophos: Mal/Generic-A
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.Generic.3314992
•  Panda: Trj/Krapack.gen
•  Eset: Win32/Spy.Zbot.UN

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Downloads a malicious file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 14, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Kazy.7

MD5 checksum: 7EBEEBE7FD388057629D5230D8A55841 Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

TR/Spy.ZBot.boyy.34

 General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature

Aliases:
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.Spy.Zbot.EOA
•  Panda: Trj/Sinowal.XFF
•  Eset: Win32/Spy.Zbot.JF

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Downloads a malicious file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Friday, October 15, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Code.lkx.12

 General Method of propagation:
• No own spreading routine

Alias:
•  F-Secure: Trojan-Downloader.Win32.CodecPack.okh

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Lowers security settings

Description inserted by Florian Burlefinger on Thursday, November 18, 2010
Description updated by Florian Burlefinger on Thursday, November 18, 2010

View the original article here

JS/Pidief.21793

MD5 checksum: abc9839239af0146d641583aabbe99c1 Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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TR/Obfuscated.IX.665

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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TR/Viking.B

 General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature

Aliases:
•  Sophos: Mal/Taterf-B
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.Onlinegames.995
•  Panda: W32/Lineage.LJI
•  Eset: Win32/PSW.OnLineGames.OUM

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Lowers security settings
• Downloads a malicious file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Wednesday, November 17, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Scar.ceop

 General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature

Aliases:
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.Generic.3910668
•  Panda: W32/P2Pworm.HK
•  Eset: Win32/AutoRun.IRCBot.FC

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Third party control
• Lowers security settings
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 21, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 21, 2010

View the original article here

JS/iFrame.3184

 General Method of propagation:
• No own spreading routine

Alias:
•  GData: HTML/Iframe-inf

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 98
• Windows ME
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Redirects to an infected website

Description inserted by Carlos Valero Llabata on Thursday, November 18, 2010
Description updated by Carlos Valero Llabata on Thursday, November 18, 2010

View the original article here

TR/Palevo.acd

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

TR/PCK.Katusha.O.3324

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Avira research shows computer users leave room for blackmail

Not having a backup makes users vulnerable to blackmail, but most of them are prepared for a loss of data.

Tettnang, 13 July 2010 – IT security expert Avira asked 2,917 participants of its May survey on www.free-av.com if they would have to pay a ransom in case of a loss or kidnapping of their data. The survey results bring to light that quite a few users aren’t very concerned and would easily fall victim to blackmail. However, most of the respondents did not have to worry about extortion because they regularly backed up their data.

Around 16 percent of the surfers (496) admitted they save photos, data and personal files on their PCs but do not create regular backups. If a data disaster or outbreak of a blackmail Trojan were to happen, all personal information, photos and addresses would be at risk. A ransom Trojan and a possible loss of files would catch them unprepared and cause them serious damage. Hence they confess they would be ready to pay a high amount to reclaim possession of the data. The survey also showed an alarming figure of 8 percent (233) that already fell victim to this type of data theft and had to pay a ransom.

Blackmail Trojans sneak just as easily onto PCs as any other malware. Avira strongly recommends that if you are attacked and blackmailed to pay for your data, you should not do it under any circumstances. Usually the victim is directed to a website where credit card information is collected. This site is used only to gather credit card data and to cause further financial damage to the victims by selling this data to third parties.

Furthermore, the victims should report the blackmail to the police and take general precautions, such as performing regular backups on an external hard drive and using a complete antivirus solution to detect and eliminate Trojans. Such a comprehensive solution is Avira Premium Security Suite, with the integrated Backup System.

Unlike those unprepared for data loss, a third of the respondents (968) take great care of their files. They act very prudent and save their data regularly. 25 percent (739) use their computers just for surfing and do not keep important files on them – an attempt to blackmail would not affect them at all. Furthermore, 18 percent (518) of the surfers said they could survive data loss since they don’t store personal data on their PCs.

The best insurance against data loss is an effective IT security solution combined with regular backups. Avira provides free basic protection with Avira AntiVir Personal – Free Antivirus. More extensive protection comes from Avira AntiVir Premium, which uses the WebGuard and MailGuard to filter out malware before it lands in the Web browser, which prevents it from reaching your computer. The license for one year costs $25.93.

The answer for all-round protection is Avira Premium Security Suite, as it supplements the features of Avira AntiVir Premium with a firewall to protect you against Internet attacks, a parental control feature, and a backup function. The solution is available for $51.93.

View the original article here

Building the future: Avira goes ahead with second construction stage

Avira steps up expansion of corporate headquarters in Tettnang

November 10, 2010. Tettnang, Germany – Almost a year after the official construction kick-off of the company's new corporate headquarters, the second and final construction stage of the building with a total floor space of 13,600 square meters has begun. The building extension adds a total surface area of 4,400 square meters and should be finished and ready for move-in early 2012. Besides space for 140 additional workstations, the first floor of this new building will contain the company cafeteria. Also, the underground parking garage will be extended, offering an additional 32 parking spaces. The building extension will cost almost 8 million Euros.

Due to Avira's dynamic development both in international and domestic markets, the second construction phase was started earlier than scheduled. "Originally, we intended to start building the third wing of our corporate headquarters in 2015. But now it looks like we may not be able to wait any longer: We are moving into the building at the end of March 2011, almost completely filling the first section of the building. To facilitate further growth, we have now started the second construction stage," explained Tjark Auerbach, founder and CEO of Avira GmbH.

Avira’s corporate headquarters at a glance:

Total size: 13,600 square metersWorkforce in Tettnang (status 11/2010): 285Financing: Own resources as well as loans from the KfW bank groupExpected move-in date: 1st construction stage: scheduled for March 20112nd construction stage: scheduled for early 2012

View the original article here

Avira Survey Shows 50 Percent of People Are Concerned About Banking Online

One out of every three users have chosen not to access financial accounts online

Tettnang, November 11, 2010 – IT security expert Avira conducted a survey of computer users worldwide in September which showed that almost 50 percent of respondents admit to being wary of online banking, while one in five users feel secure while banking online. One out of every three users have chosen not to access financial accounts online.

In the survey, which was posed to Avira’s 100 million customers worldwide, a random sampling of users responded to the online survey asking if they trust online banking or if they have concerns about security while accessing information online. There were 3,127 responses which broke down in the following manner:

20.5% - Of course, I feel secure.48.5% - I do online banking, but I am concerned about the increase of Internet crime.31% - I never do online banking, due to security concerns and instead go in person to the bank.

“It’s a good sign to learn that almost half of the people we polled at least had some concerns with banking online and eye opening that almost one out of three just didn’t practice online banking in any form whatsoever,” said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert of Avira GmbH. “This proves that financial institutions have a long way to go before they persuade most of their customers to trust doing business online. The reason for this lack of trust comes from the fact that almost all banks have been targets of phishing attacks and other security threats. In addition, the software security industry has to do more in this area to ensure safety online. We must give to all Internet users the freedom to do whatever they want to do without fear.

Mustaca says that online freedom should come through education and by using reliable security products. He offers some basic tips to stay safe while online:

Always take great care when opening attachments in emailsDo not visit sites which you don’t know or have a bad reputationDon’t install programs coming from unknown sourcesNever, ever give your financial details as a response to any emailBe sure to install an antivirus solution and make sure it is updated regularlyMake sure your computer’s operating system is regularly updated

View the original article here

Avira survey shows 1 in 3 people think all websites pose security threat

Tettnang, 31 August 2010 – IT security expert Avira conducted a survey of computer users worldwide in July which shows that more than 1 in 3 people admit that "when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet."

In the survey, which was posed to Avira’s 100 million customers worldwide, a random sampling of users were asked “Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the Internet?” There were 3,325 responses which broke down in the following manner:

12.59% - Browser games (Poker, etc.) are really popular – the danger here is very high22% - Visitors are exposed to such dangers especially on websites with pornographic content26.69% - So-called Warez sites, which offer illegal software, are extremely dangerous4.14% - Big portals are particularly vulnerable, due to their popularity34.5% - When it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet

“On one hand, it’s encouraging to see that over 33 percent of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it’s also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can’t trust any of the websites they visit,” said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert of Avira GmbH. “Our survey shows that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers they can be exposed to while browsing, and we at Avira are very happy to be able to help our users to stay safe while surfing the Internet.”

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TR/Swisyn.ahql

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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WORM/IrcBot.77824.2

 General Methods of propagation:
• Local network
• Messenger

Aliases:
•  Kaspersky: Net-Worm.Win32.Kolab.kzg
•  TrendMicro: WORM_KOLAB.LMW
•  F-Secure: Net-Worm.Win32.Kolab.kzg
•  Bitdefender: Backdoor.IRCBot.ADAF
•  Panda: W32/P2PWorm.NW
•  VirusBuster: Worm.Kolab.DYU
•  GData: Backdoor.IRCBot.ADAF
•  DrWeb: Trojan.AVKill.2278

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7

Side effects:
• Lowers security settings
• Downloads malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Irina Diaconescu on Thursday, November 4, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Tuesday, November 9, 2010

View the original article here

W32/Sality.ac

 General Method of propagation:
• Infects files

Aliases:
•  Symantec: W32.Sality.AM
•  Kaspersky: Virus.Win32.Sality.af
•  Bitdefender: Win32.Sality.OX2
•  Microsoft: Win32/Sality.AM
•  Eset: Win32/Sality.AF

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows 98 SE
• Windows NT
• Windows ME
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Blocks access to certain websites
• Blocks access to security websites
• Disable security applications
• Infects files

Description inserted by Razvan Olteanu on Thursday, November 4, 2010
Description updated by Razvan Olteanu on Friday, November 5, 2010

View the original article here

WORM/Vbn.aiut.77824

 General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature

Aliases:
•  Kaspersky: Worm.Win32.VBNA.aiut
•  TrendMicro: WORM_VBNA.SMN
•  F-Secure: Worm:W32/Vobfus.AZ
•  Sophos: Mal/SillyFDC-D
•  Bitdefender: Win32.Worm.VB.NZH
•  Avast: Win32:VB-PSJ
•  Microsoft: Worm:Win32/Vobfus.AC
•  AVG: Worm/VB.12.P
•  Panda: W32/Vobfus.EQ
•  VirusBuster: Worm.VBNA.ADHC
•  Eset: Win32/AutoRun.VB.RH
•  Sunbelt: Trojan.Win32.Vobfus.a (v)
•  GData: Win32.Worm.VB.NZH
•  DrWeb: Win32.HLLW.Autoruner.25067
•  Fortinet: W32/VBNA.D!tr
•  Norman: W32/VBNA.BN

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista

Side effects:
• Drops a malicious file
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Alexandru Dinu on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Alexandru Dinu on Friday, October 15, 2010

View the original article here

Worm/Palevo.vsv

 General Method of propagation:
• Messenger

Aliases:
•  Sophos: W32/Autorun-BBI
•  Bitdefender: Worm.Generic.231659
•  Panda: W32/Koobface.JK
•  Eset: Win32/Boberog.AK

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003

Side effects:
• Third party control
• Lowers security settings
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification

Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 21, 2010
Description updated by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 21, 2010

View the original article here

Worm/Palevo.110594

Reported Infections: Low to medium Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

New Virus Alert: TR/PSW.Zbot.126464.R.1

General Method of propagation:
• Autorun feature
Aliases:
•  Sophos: Mal/EncPk-QH
•  Bitdefender: IRC-Worm.Generic.12887
•  Panda: Trj/Sinowal.XFF
•  Eset: Win32/Spy.Zbot.JF
Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
Side effects:
• Downloads a malicious file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification
Description inserted by Petre Galan on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Friday, October 15, 2010

View the original article here

Avira Announces Limited-Time Antivirus + Tune Up Bundle

Tettnang, 4 October 2010 - IT security expert Avira today announced a limited-time offer to bundle the security protection of its internationally-acclaimed Avira Premium Security Suite (APSS) with the computer performance and system optimization benefits of TuneUp Utilities™ 2010. The bundle is priced as two-for-one, making the bundle "double speed + double protection = double value".

TuneUp Utilities™ 2010 is an award-winning software utility suite that speeds computer performance, solves a multitude of computer problems and keeps the PC running like new. The TuneUp Utilities™ 2010 suite (which normally sells for $49.95) is being bundled with Avira’s flagship Avira Premium Security Suite (which normally sells for $53.95) for a combined price of USD $49.95 (two software programs for the price of one).

The Avira+TuneUp bundle offers all about making your computer perform at its peak. So in celebration, we suggest five easy ways to "pimp" your device:

The most likely reason your computer is running slow is because a virus or spyware snuck onto your computer somehow. You can scan your computer and disable most malware (for FREE) by downloading our AntiVir Removal Tool – which work alongside whatever antivirus software you already haveIf your computer is more than a year old, your System Registry has the equivalent of cobwebs. Clean up missing DLLs, invalid file associations, broken shortcuts and other clutter. You’ll need a system optimization utility to do it – like our friends at TuneUpTo free up more space on your hard drive, run the built-in Windows Disk Cleanup utility to remove unnecessary files. Just type "disk cleanup" in the Start Menu search box and hit enterTurn off Windows Defender (don’t worry, we’ll protect you). Microsoft tells you how to do it in this tutorialDo all of the above, and more, by downloading the Avira+TuneUp bundle today!

Avira+TuneUp bundle is a limited-time promotion lasting through December 31, 2010 and is available in 11 languages, always for the equivalent of $49.95 in local currency.

View the original article here

Avira improves email security with its managed cloud service

Tettnang, 4 October 2010 – As part of its Avira Managed Security Service product line, IT security company Avira presents a new "in-the-cloud" service package for small and medium-sized businesses called Avira Managed Email Security (AMES). This new packages offers users safety from the cloud by filtering emails and scanning for viruses long before they reach the company server or local network. Corrupted emails and spam are immediately quarantined, which helps to keep companies safe from harm.

AMES works off of Avira-owned data processing centers, which means that users don’t have to invest in new software or additional hardware. Because Avira offers a complete hosting and maintenance service for the AMES solution, companies do not have to deal with spam nor waste valuable time on administrative activities. In addition, they can also benefit from a reliable security solution that is always up to speed because Avira constantly updates the AMES cloud to ensure comprehensive protection against malware.

"On average, over 90 percent of all emails are spam! In addition to the security threat posed by viruses, spam also affects companies in many other ways. For example, spam unnecessarily limits bandwidth and server capacities, it creates additional costs, and also reduces productivity due to the time staff have to spend dealing with it," says Patrick van der Valk, Avira Chief Strategic Operations Officer.
"AMES completes the Avira portfolio of server, desktop and gateway solutions with a fully managed cloud service and brings small and medium sized businesses one step closer to an integrated security concept. But that’s not all, it also improves performance and cuts costs because it reduces the burden on staff and infrastructure Managed solutions from the data cloud offer companies a higher level of security, which Avira plans to constantly improve with the help of additional managed security services. For example, we are planning to launch our archiving component at the beginning of 2011."

By redirecting the company domain name as a cloud solution, Avira Managed Email Security acts as a veritable security buffer for the company network. Avira Managed Email Security scans all incoming, and – depending on the settings – outgoing emails for spam and viruses, it then forwards safe messages to the company’s mail server. If the mail server is offline, messages are kept in the cloud and forwarded as soon as possible. Blocked emails are kept away from the company and saved in the AMES cloud’s quarantine area. Users receive email notification about the blocked content.

Thanks to its intuitive user platform MyAccount.avira.com, Avira provides access to isolated messages and full control over the system (including detailed filter rules). It allows user rights and settings, which range from administrator rights to group and individual settings, to be defined. This enables certain categories of emails, contents or attachments to be blocked or unblocked manually. Also, Avira MyAccount platform can modify stringent filter and scanner settings. Support is available from the German-speaking Avira support center.

In order to provide reliable protection against spam, viruses and other threats, AMES relies on internally developed technologies, such as the heuristic ProTAG scanner and the HICAR module used to scan images. Combined with traditional Avira Antivirus technology, these are reliable tools for malware detection. The heuristic ProTAG scanner, in particular, identifies new viruses faster than conventional methods. ProTAG scans the email traffic for patterns and behaviors that may indicate malware. That’s how AMES is able to detect infected emails long before a new virus update is available for locally installed antivirus software.

Avira Managed Email Security is already available from authorized Avira Channel Partners. Licensing depends on the number of users and is provided for 5 users or more. Available contract terms are 12, 24 and 36 months.
As an example, the cost for 250 users is € 21 per license for one year or roughly € 50 for a three year contract. This helps small businesses with 50 or less users to benefit from comprehensive AMES protection with an annual investment of only € 1,100.
There are no installation fees. All prices are net prices and do not include VAT.

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Avira survey shows 1 in 3 people think all websites pose security threat

Tettnang, 31 August 2010 – IT security expert Avira conducted a survey of computer users worldwide in July which shows that more than 1 in 3 people admit that "when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet."
In the survey, which was posed to Avira’s 100 million customers worldwide, a random sampling of users were asked “Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the Internet?” There were 3,325 responses which broke down in the following manner:
12.59% - Browser games (Poker, etc.) are really popular – the danger here is very high22% - Visitors are exposed to such dangers especially on websites with pornographic content26.69% - So-called Warez sites, which offer illegal software, are extremely dangerous4.14% - Big portals are particularly vulnerable, due to their popularity34.5% - When it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet
“On one hand, it’s encouraging to see that over 33 percent of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it’s also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can’t trust any of the websites they visit,” said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert of Avira GmbH. “Our survey shows that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers they can be exposed to while browsing, and we at Avira are very happy to be able to help our users to stay safe while surfing the Internet.”

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Avira warns of Windows vulnerability

Cyber criminals abuse an open security vulnerability in all Windows versions to inject malware into PCs

Tettnang, 21 July 2010 – In Windows operating systems there is currently a vulnerability which attackers can abuse to smuggle in viruses. It suffices to open a specially prepared USB stick or a folder containing a manipulated link with Windows Explorer, warns IT security expert Avira, whose security software protects from this threat.

For the security vulnerability in the processing of file links (.lnk files) within all supported Windows operating systems, Microsoft released a security advisory; an update to eliminate this vulnerability is not yet available, though. The company currently merely provides a guide to deactivate a Windows service as well as the defective processing routines for the .lnk files, which seems to be too complicated for the most users and poses the risk to render the system unusable by a small error. Additionally, the start and quick start menu show a standard icon for all programs after the procedure, which decreases usability significantly.

Thorsten Sick, Product Manager at Avira, recommends to use up-to-date antimalware: “Avira protects users from this threat by detecting and blocking malware which abuses the vulnerability with heuristic analysis. Avira herewith delivers proactive protection against this vulnerability, already without requiring special virus definition updates.” Malware of this kind is detected by Avira as EXP/CVE-2010-2568.A and EXP/CVE-2010-2568.B, respectively.

The security vulnerability was abused by a Trojan at first which Avira detects as RKit/Stuxnet.A. It can, for instance, spread via USB sticks. The malware becomes active just by opening the USB stick with Windows Explorer. Meanwhile, there is Proof-of-Concept code available on the Internet which cyber criminals can put into their malware to abuse the vulnerability. It is very likely that more malware will show up in the next days abusing this security hole.

The basic protection of Avira AntiVir Personal detects and blocks the dangerous malware. Avira AntiVir Premium offers a higher protection level for $25.93. The integrated WebGuard and MailGuard block the malware even before it reaches the web browser or mail program. The Avira Premium Security Suite for $51.93 also protects from these threats and additionally contains a firewall, parental control and a backup solution – so that users can restore their important data.

View the original article here

TR/OnlineGam.106413

 General Methods of propagation:
• Autorun feature
• Mapped network drives

Aliases:
•  Symantec: W32.Gammima.AG
•  Mcafee: W32/Autorun.worm.zzw
•  Kaspersky: Worm.Win32.AutoRun.gls
•  TrendMicro: WORM_TATERF.CA
•  F-Secure: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  Sophos: Mal/Taterf-B
•  Bitdefender: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  Microsoft: Worm:Win32/Taterf.B
•  Panda: W32/Autorun.JFL
•  PCTools: Worm.AutoRun!sd5
•  VirusBuster: Worm.AutoRun.WZJ
•  Eset: Win32/PSW.OnLineGames.NNU
•  Sunbelt: Worm.Win32.Taterf.b (v)
•  GData: Trojan.PWS.OnlineGames.KCRI
•  AhnLab: Win32/Autorun.worm.106413
•  Authentium: W32/Autorun.OT
•  DrWeb: Trojan.PWS.Wsgame.12824
•  Fortinet: W32/AutoRun.GLS!worm
•  Rising: Trojan.PSW.Win32.OnlineGame.zqz

Platforms / OS:
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003
• Windows Vista

Side effects:
• Downloads a file
• Drops malicious files
• Registry modification
• Steals information

Description inserted by Alexandru Dinu on Thursday, October 14, 2010
Description updated by Andrei Ivanes on Friday, October 15, 2010

View the original article here

Avira Company Profile

Industry	Antivirus Software
Founded	1988
Founder	Tjark Auerbach
Headquarters	Tettnang, Germany
Key people	Tjark Auerbach – CEO Stefan Schiffert – Technical Director
Products	Avira Antivir Personal Avira Antivir Premium Avira Antivir Premium Security Suite
Employees	410 worldwide
Website	www.avira.com

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