Jim Hamm sends this latest: "You probably are already cognizant about this subject, but here's an article about protecting your computer against Java malware. I had disabled Java on my Mac some time ago but hadn't done so on my PC till now, when I read this article. However Java is used on a computer, I haven't noticed missing it once it was disabled.
"In an unrelated malware incident involving attempted "phishing", I received an email a couple of days ago that looked like it was from Amazon thanking me for my order of Bose speakers for $120. Well, I hadn't ordered any speakers and there was different links in the message that one could click -- but I didn't click any of them. What was interesting was a message to the side that said this might be a "phishing" attempt. Have no idea how/why this was in the email. Anyway, I just deleted the email and checked to insure a charge hadn't got on our credit card for this amount. It hadn't. However, the document from Amazon sure looked real.
"What with the proliferation of purchases online, think about all the places/websites where you have used your credit card — or at least I have. The bad guys are constantly on the prowl looking for ways to penetrate these websites — and your computer — to steal your credit card number. A life-long battle between them and us it seems," Jim comments.
Lawyer's Advice
Ginger Carlson sends this link to a site with advice from Steven Weisman who is an author, lawyer, and college professor who posts warnings about scams being circulated.
Beware Malicious Files on Olympics
A warning about your security when you browse the Internet for Olympic sites is posted. A San Jose tech security firm ThreatMetrix warns that a malicious file named "london-2012-olympic-games-day-by-day-schedule.pdf" has already been spotted. This is a 2 page article from San Francisco Chronicle newspaper with info on the Olympics websites.
Serious Bug Discovered in Lion
John Carter wants our attention now! "I just discovered that LION has a serious bug that Apple isn’t recognizing as a bug yet. Files disappear from the hard drive. Do a search with the keywords “files disappearing on mac."
"It happened to me, and it’s happening to others. I’m still looking into it.
"There doesn’t seem to be any fix in the future. Maybe Mountain Lion won’t have the bug. It’s totally random while at the same time appears to be completely selective. All the files in every subfolder of one of my folders are missing: e.g., folder A contains folders B, C, and D. All files in B, C, and D are missing.
"Other folders that I know should be on the machine are now missing — stuff that I put there just two weeks ago.
"Using Time Machine only helps if you actually use it. In my case, the folders and files in question were deliberately excluded from Time Machine — to save space in my Time Machine backup. What a shame on me!"
John concludes for now with, "Now, I recently worked with a client who has Snow Leopard, and dozens of photos disappeared off his Mac. No Time Machine backup. Another client also claims to have missing files — and he is not using Lion. So when did this problem start, and how widespread is it?"
Want to see John's posts on this problem on the Apple Discussion site? Find it here. He is posted as jrc39 and his comments are as of 7-15. Keep up the good work, John, and let us know the resolution of the matter.
Want to see John's posts on this problem on the Apple Discussion site? Find it here. He is posted as jrc39 and his comments are as of 7-15. Keep up the good work, John, and let us know the resolution of the matter.
Malware Attacks PowerPC or Intel Mac with Rosetta
Ever on the alert to help Mac users, Prez Art Gorski sends this info: "Note that this malware cannot affect the latest version of Mac OS X. It is a PowerPC binary, which means it can only run on an old PowerPC Mac or an Intel Mac with Rosetta installed. Note also the Mac dialog box shown, which warns you not to trust this! That's why it's called social engineering, it depends on you clicking on it when you shouldn't." Here's the article.
Package Delivery Virus
If you receive an email notification about a package delivery it could be a virus, making the rounds again. Look at this info from Snopes which is dated April 19.
Travelers: Be Careful with Your Laptop
A travelers' warning from the FBI has come to our attention. Dated 5-8-12, http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams tells about travelers' laptops being infected with malicious software from using hotel Internet connections. Read the details and be careful.
Use Caution with QR Codes
You probably see them all over. QR codes are getting more and more popular. But here's a caution from Jim Hamm. "The hackers don't miss an opportunity. Take a read on this article, and be cautious of QR codes."
Previously posted on this newsblog we called them "QR Tags"— see December 11, 2010; March 29, 2011; and January 29, 2012.
QR code, a “barcode on steroids” — abbreviation for Quick Response Code, a type of matrix barcode was first designed for the automotive industry, invented by the Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process. Here are 84 accounts of the use of QR codes.
Considering Google Drive?
( For the benefit of RSS readers see if this works. Click on http://pmugnews.blogspot.com/ to bring up the whole first page of the blog.)
This CNBC article is headlined, "Suspicion, Confusion Swirl Around Google Drive." Take a look to keep informed.
Half-Baked Cloud: Read This
"Before you sign up for the new Google Drive," Prez Art Gorski gets our attention, "have a look at this review." Three paragraphs down you'll find a privacy warning spelled out.
Malware Warning
Malware? There's more to come for Mac! Jim Hamm sends us this warning, "Unfortunately, I think the article has a point: more malware is probably headed towards Macs." Keep informed.
More on Flashback
"The Flashback virus is real," emphasizes John Carter. He elaborates on the issue, "There is a Java update available from Apple to fix the problem.
"As a result of doing the latest Java update from Apple, I no longer have Java working on my iMac.
However, the update works on the Mac Mini and the MacBook Air.
" I discovered this on my iMac by invoking the following command in Terminal: java
"The result was: Unable to locate a Java Runtime to invoke
"I went online and discovered that many people complained of the same thing. It seems that installing the older version of Java fixes the problem, but then you leave yourself open to the Flashback virus."
John continues, "I attempted to install the older version from a download from Apple, but the package detected the newer version and would not install. I guess you can only install the older version from the installation DVD.
"At this point, since I am not doing any Java development I am not overly concerned about this 'bug' and I haven’t seen any problems with websites I’ve visited. Google Chrome has its own Java built into the browser and is the preferred browser now for surfing the web because it is immune to the Flashback virus.
"Within the next week, Apple should be doing something about the problem caused by the update and put out a new update."
Be Aware of This Trojan
"Here's some info on a trojan that attempts to infect your Mac. Something to be aware of." Thanks to Jim Hamm for this warning.
Email Warning
Jim Hamm sends this link from MacWorld, and says, "Here's an article about a new 'phishing' attack on Apple customers. The moral of the story here is never click on a link in an email to update anything where a password is required. Always go directly to the website from an address you enter into the browser."
Protect Your Computer in Cold Weather
Looks like winter? Consider the protection your electronic gear needs. Do not leave your notebook, iPod, iPhone, other electronic gear in the car overnight. First thing to do when you find yourself with a moisture-covered device is to turn it off and remove the battery. iPod and iPhone users can only shut down and wait. You'll want to read the whole report from today's Small Dog Tech Tails #795. (They're also having a Garage Sale starting today.)
Looking for Help with iDVD
David Passell asks this question and sends this warning about iDVD. "Hi: I have been using iDVD 7.1.1 to create DVDs from pictures and movies from iPhoto (It still works with iPHOTO '11). I thought that perhaps there is a newer version and at the Apple App Store there is a 'MPVs iDVD 11 101.' However, beware: Here is a comment from a very dissatisfied customer. (Click to enlarge it.)
"If I read this correctly, not only is there no update for iDVD, but LION disables it completely. I notice it is not in the current iLIFE suite. Another reason why I won't be upgrading (if that is the correct term?) to LION. Is there a later version of iDVD, and if so where do I find it?"
Security Alert
A security alert was sent to us by Bill Williamson. Here's the link from the National Cyber Alert System for Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-286A. It outlines Apple updates for multiple vulnerabilities for OS X Lion v10.7.2 and Security update 2011-006.
Bogus Flash Installer & Other Warnings
The eagle eyes of Jim Hamm have found some valuable info on how to avoid malware. He sends this MacWorld article which describes the problem of a bogus Flash installer and gives a solution, along with a list of similar articles. One point is to make Safari safer by going to Safari > Preferences > General and unchecking where it says "Open 'Safe' files after downloading." This second article tells about safe downloading.
Security Concerns
Keep up with the latest information on computer security problems. The recent Black Hat conference underscores how vital computer security is, and how much Apple is at risk. Jim Hamm found two articles from InfoWorld that we need to read. This one and this other one.
Here's the parts Jim wants to emphasize, "The author—who, interestingly, is a full-time principal security analyst at Microsoft— observes the following: 'So when I'm asked if Microsoft or Apple's security is better than the other, it's not a question even worth answering. Overall, computer security is pretty bad. Nearly any company can be hacked, with just a little research and know-how.'"
And here's Jim's emphasis: "OS X or Windows—it doesn't matter—one should just use common sense and caution on the internet. As for 'Cloud' computing or storage, I personally would never store anything of a personal or critical nature on a server somewhere. I prefer to have my 'offsite' storage on an external hard drive that I can store where I want."
With all the new devices, iPhone, iPad, etc. along with our personal computers the personal information floating around, available for any hacker is astounding. Thanks, Jim, for sharing your viewpoint.
This Looks Phishy
Always alert for scams, this comes from David Passell who writes, "This is an E-mail I received that I wouldn't think of answering. What do our other readers think??? Here is my copy/paste of the message with some [additions].
From: "test"
Date: August 14, 2011 12:12:31 AM MST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: IMPORTANT EMAIL UPGRADE
Reply-To: techupgradearfarf@#% bitscn.net [I have deliberately messed up the address; no, I am not going to Reply-To]
Dear Email Subscriber,
This is to inform all Subscribers that our server upgrade/maintenance is scheduled for September 1st 2011. [Who dat? I have five different E-mail accounts]
You may experience login problems during this period. We are having congestion due to various anonymous account registrations and on this note, we are deactivating some accounts that are no longer active and your account may be deactivated if no action is taken. To confirm and keep your account active during and after the upgrade and maintenance, you are advised to provide the below details to confirm your account.
Email Address:
Confirm Email Address:
Password:
Confirm Password:
Date of Birth:
Your E-mail account will remain active after we have successfully upgraded our server. This is to help us serve you better. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your swift response to this notification.
Technical Support Team
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