The Re-launch of BitBuckIT 10 is now posted. Listen as the team talks about:

Viruses in social media and those emails that want your username and password? We answer all those questions and more, so [ click here ] and listen to what’s in the BitBuckIT  !

April 1st is the reported date the Conficker worm calls home to receive instructions from its botnet masters. There’s a lot of hype surrounding this “April Fools” worm.  Actually, Conficker.C is a new variant of a worm that’s been around since late last year.  It exploits the MS08-067 vulnerability in un-patched Windows systems.  Microsoft issued a patch for the vulnerability last October.

Much of the hype is just that, hype.  Though worms and botnets are serious business, claims that Conficker will wipe out your computer or bring down the Internet are improbable.   That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned, but as long as your Windows patches and anti-virus definitions are up-to-date, you should be OK.  Actually, hype can be a good thing.  It give us a “teachable moment,” an opportunity to start a conversation about Internet security.

If concerned about an infection, McAfee AVERT is offering a special version of its famous Stinger virus removal tool.  The Conficker Stinger is not a substitute for a full anti-virus application, but can help in the removal of the worm.  Click here to download the current version.

Well it seems that SP3 is here for XP, for some time now SP3 was available as a download in beta form. From a blog I just read from PCWorld. It seems that there was a conflict with some program called Microsoft Dynamics RMS. Microsoft has placed a filter of some sort on the Windows Update page that will not allow SP3 to be downloaded to computers with the Dynamics RMS software on it. You can also download the service pack 3 manually from the Microsoft Download Site.

It took me three or four tries to log into my ETRC account so can add this post. I couldn’t remember the password. We all know passwords are a necessary evil. But it seems like I’m adding a new password to my KeePass database almost every day.

New security policies will require stronger passwords than we are used to using. Plus, we will have to use better password management, no more password sticky notes stuck to the monitor, or easily remembered words or names. The Buckeye Secure and Microsoft’s Password Security websites describe what makes a good (strong) password and tips to help keep it secure.  Check the out those links, and start beefing up those passwords.

Here is a great read for anyone surfing the net. PCMag.com’s list of 72 tips to help you be a safer computer user. I highly recommend taking a few minutes to read this article. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2254028,00.asp Here’s a tip from the article: Microsoft will provide free technical support if your question concerns viruses or spyware. Call 866-PCSafety (866-727-2338).