Career Column

Career-Op: Scambuster
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

As with life in general, high-tech life is fraught with scams and scammers. These people are always on the prowl for people they can confuse and con. Along with all your other responsibilities as a high-tech worker, you should be aware of these scams and do everything you can to protect your clients. It can only take an unwary moment or a bit of confusion to allow their computer to be compromised in ways large and small. You owe it to yourself and your clients to help and educate them long before they have to face the consequences of a scam.

(Continued)

Computers/Macintosh

Safari Updated--Security Patch

I like Apple's Safari browser, but, like all software, it pays to keep things up-to-date.

Here is the info from MacMerc.com...

If you use Safari, run software update. There is an update that fixes a security hole in SSL (what you use when you buy something online). More information on the problem is documented here.

[MacMerc]

Events

17th Annual Bug Fair

Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you aren't too squeamish you might consider heading out to this event. Learn everything you always wanted to know (or not) about insects.

From the museum web site...

At North America's largest Bug Fair (formerly the Insect Fair) you'll find out all about the world of insects and their arthropod relatives. Hold a live scorpion, start your own collection of butterflies, or get some great cooking tips from Insect Chef David George Gordon.

Well over 50 vendors will be on hand with books, entomological equipment and supplies, artwork, toys and clothing items. Private collections will be for sale, along with live bugs and spiders, too!

The Los Angeles Urban Spider Survey that started last year at the Bug Fair continues during the fair this year. Safely collect a spider and bring it in.*

The Bug Fair is included with Museum admission. Prices are $8 for adults, $2 for children 5 - 12 and $5.50 for seniors and students. Children under 5 are free.

Computers/Windows

Windows Update Email Hoax/Hack

WARNING - I received the email below today and wanted to let everyone know that it is suspicious in nature. The URL listed is NOT a valid Microsoft URL and it re-directs your computer to some site that attempts to load a PERL program. This method is usually used to install software or infect your system with a virus.

I do not want to risk damage to my Windows computer, so I cannot tell what further damage or infection is might be attempting. I will continue researching the issue and report my findings here.

If you receive this email, DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT VISIT THE WEBSITE LISTED. The valid URL (address) for Microsoft's Windows Update is http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

Here is the text of the original email I received...

WINDOWS SECURITY WARNING!!

A VIRUS HAS BEEN DETECTED ON YOUR COMPUTER. IN ORDER FOR YOUR COMPUTER NOT TO CRASH YOU WILL NEED TO GO TO:

(URL REMOVED)

AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY UPDATE YOUR COMPUTERS SECURITY PATCHES.

SIMPLY TYPE IN (URL REMOVED) INTO YOUR BROWSER. OTHERWISE YOU WILL KEEP RECEIVING THIS SECURITY ALERT EMAIL EVERY DAY.

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UPDATE (734p PDT)

It appears that this email is directing you to a search engine web site which will attempt to install a browser toolbar (called BrowserAid), reset your home page and do a variety of other things to your computer. You can find detailed info at DoxDesk.com. This is a blatant hijacking of someone's computer and presents a significant security risk, especially for less experienced computer users.

What I'm Reading...

Head First: 10 Ways to Tap into Your Natural Genius

Handbook Of Knots

Mary Colter: Architect of the Southwest