Web Security Review

by mheo soriano

New Feature: The Link Scanner

The AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 newest addition, the Linkscanner technology promises to give AVG a more versatile protection. Linkscanner, developed by Exploit Prevention Labs, is known to obstruct malicious content from Web sites from getting in your computer.
Adding this to the system, surfing online with AVG Anti Virus 8.0 seems to be more secure than before.

What AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 linkscanner feature lacks is additional information about the exploit, unlike the standalone Linkscanner Pro package, which provides detailed information about the exploit it finds as well as a rich log archive so that sites with malicious software can be easily identified.

Although not as powerful as the Linkscanner Pro, AVG’s Linkscanner works great for an additional feature.

To be continued…

by mheo soriano

Interface

The user interface of the AVG AntiVirus 8.0 is an improved version of the previous design. However it turned out to be somewhat complicated, the right windowpane seems too crowded with the large icons (there are nine icons). Under each icon is a note that indicates whether the feature is active or not. When an icon is clicked the application will either display additional information about that tool (if an icon tool is clicked) or run that specific scan.
On the other hand the left windowpane only has three selections.

The Overview , Computer Scanner, and Update Now Options.

Computer Scanner has only one option, Scan All.

Update Now is intended to search the grisoft.com for updates.

There is a toolbar on top of the windows which contains the advanced feature options.

To be Continued…

by mheo soriano

AVG just released the AVG Anti Virus 8.0 last March 2008. And it is now equipped with the Linkscanner Technology, an advance that can actively block malicious content from site in the world wide web. These sites may either be hijacked or designed to send malicious content that can harm your computer. There are thousands of reported cases about this matter around the globe.

Also the AVG integrated its three past innovations (the antivirus, antispyware, and antirootkit) into one powerful product. T also features the drive-by download protection that contributed to AVG’s award winning effectiveness

It does a great job in the blocking and removing virus, malware and spyware. However its somewhat exhibits slow performance when it was tested by CNET Labs. Even though the individual applications load fast, the scan and boot appeared to be slow.

To be Continued…

The Photo Express service is currently only officially offering by Adobe to those in the US, but we successfully accessed and used it from the UK (although we did have to claim to be from the US to do so). To those using the Photoshop Express service from outside the US, the Adobe has warned them that they will find it painfully slow but we found it fairly slick. Later in the year plans are in place to officially launch Photoshop Express in other locations.  My Photos section offers 2GB of space and we started uploading photos, and we were able to organize images into albums or leave them loose in the library, then it was on with the editing.

The same group of people that initiated the contest, “PWN to Own” is at it again this year in Vancouver, as they will put Linux, Leopard and Vista to the test as to who will sustain the least damage the best.

Security researchers that will be able to hack these systems will get a cash price of $10,000 and a shiny, brand-new, titanium-cased Mac Book Pro (MBP).

According to CanSecWest organizer, Dragos Ruiu, “The fur is flying right now about which is more secure–Linux, Vista, or Leopard… Linux guys have their propaganda, Windows guys are saying this and that, Apple guys have buried their heads in the sand as usual. I guess the proof is in the pudding.”

The ninth annual CanSecWest conference will be held from March 26 to 28 2008, at the Mariott Renaissance Harbourside hotel in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

http://www.news.com/Vista%2C-Leopard%2C-Linux-to-compete-in-hack-contest/2100-1002_3-6229577.html?tag=cd.hed

By: MJ

The first of its kind, the ZoneAlarm ForceField is a virtualized browser security service specially fitted to cater to the safety needs of online web surfing. Using a one-of-a-kind virtualization engine, it shields the computer and its sensitive data from internet threats like phishing, dangerous file downloads, and spyware.

It works by creating an exact replica of your computer’s digital identity. The replica also performs the same activities that you do but can take hits from the internet threats. Identity thieves, phishers, and other threats are outsmarted by the fake identity and are fooled into thinking they have hit jackpot when in reality, they have not.

Anyone should be aware of the frustrations associated with making it work properly and effectively if you have developed any kind of web system or a basic web site. A minor testament to the problems is the Compendium Developments, that plague even simple information sites like this one. Trying to help the readers, taking them through the many aspects of delivering a Quality Web System and using a single example case study, to help them meet a desired level of quality this is not aimed solely at testers but does illustrate how to go about testing web sites and systems.

The Windows Server 2008 according to The Planet features enhanced capabilities and powerful tools that build on the strengths of its predecessors. In February, the new operating system, which was launched along with Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008, delivers enhanced Web tools, virtualization technologies and security features that, backed by The Planet’s network and six data centers, provide a secure and scalable hosted IT environment. Urvish  Vashi, director of product management for the planet said that “As more companies move their complex IT infrastructures to hosted environments, they’re looking for the broadest portfolio of offerings to support their strategic business requirements,”

By: MJ

1. It actively searches for threats. Each week, it scans over 595 million websites. When it encounters a new high-risk threat, it automatically downloads real-time security updates without any intervention required.
2. It is quick to report attacks on websites or brands and also does a report on web server Achilles’ Heels. Part of the daily activities of WebSense is to watch the websites and brands so that any attack can reported immediately. It also conducts a search from a hacker’s point of view of any vulnerabilities in the web server.
3. It has industry-grade web filtering capabilities that are some of the most accurate and comprehensive in today.

You’ve got to get moving if you haven’t already filed your tax return because April 15 is nearly here. This year, it is important to file if you are eligible for an economic stimulus payment. If you don’t file then you don’t get paid. On March 29 the Internal Revenue Service teamed up with tax operations run by such organizations as AARP and the United Way to help the many folks who don’t typically file and held what the agency called “Super Saturday”, one way the IRS and its partners are working to ensure everyone eligible receives a stimulus payment. IRS spokesman Jim Dupree said “For millions of Americans, filing a tax return is not routine” he also said that “Their income is either too low or not taxable”.