Cyber Security Tips N Tricks

New Suicide Prevention Hotline on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Preventing suicide is everyone’s business. Nearly 100 Americans die by suicide every day, and in the past year, more than eight million Americans 18 or older had thought seriously about suicide. Suicide in India is slightly above world rate. Of the half million people reported to die of suicide worldwide every year, 20% are Indians, for 17.% of world population. In the last two decades, the suicide rate has increased from 7.9 to 10.3 per 100,000, with very high rates in some southern regions.Suicide attempts are ten times the suicide completers. A suicide prevention program is only as effective as its ability to reach people in times of crisis.

As members of a family, a school, business, neighborhood, faith communities, friends, and our government, we all need to work together to solve this problem. We simply can no longer allow those we live, work and play with to ever believe that suicide is an acceptable solution even in the worst of times. We have to learn learning about the symptoms of mental illnesses and substance abuse, the warning signs of suicide, how to stand with and support someone who is in crisis, and how to get someone you care about the help they need. Most of all, we need to be open to talking about these issues in our communities. Once we begin to support those in need, and whenever possible treat their mental and substance use disorders with the same urgency as any other health condition, we will reduce the rates of suicide, advance health and improve the use of limited health care dollars.

The popularity of suicides (37.8%) in India are by those below the age of 30 years, and 71% of suicides in India are by persons below the age of 44 years. This imposes a huge social, emotional and economic burden.

Facebook, in partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, has introduced features to encourage its users to confidentially report suicidal comments when and where they’re most likely to see them on Facebook.

The new features, available in the U.S. and Canada as of Tuesday, are the equivalent to a suicide hotline for the Facebook generation, where the old-fashioned dial-in is replaced by a Facebook-click-to-report and chat-based counselor outreach system.

If a Facebook member come across a suicidal message in her stream, she can click on the update to report it or fill out a form. S/he’ll then receive an email from Facebook with a link to begin a confidential chat session with a Lifeline crisis worker. The email response will also include the phone number for the free hotline.

It is reported that average handles 70,000 calls per month are receiving by Lifeline. We have heard from our Facebook fans and others that there are many people in crisis who don’t feel comfortable picking up the phone,” Lifeline project director John Draper said. “This new service provides a way for them to get the help they need in the way they want it.”

And when it comes to suicide prevention, being in the right place at the right time is critical. Of course, speed matters too, and this program could drastically accelerate the time between a person’s suicidal comment and potentially life-saving intervention.

Choose Smart Password for your online accounts and protect from hacking

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:08:00 +0000

Password is the first line of defense against cyber criminals. If you are using the same password on different websites allows hijackers to access your important accounts details like email, and bank details, if they manage to steal your password from a less secure website. You're likely to have dozens of accounts across the web, and you can't guarantee the security of all of those accounts. Many smaller companies don't have security technology capable of guarding your data from cyber criminals. When you use the same password across the web, a cyber criminal can gain access to a less secure account and then use that password to compromise your important accounts.

To create a smart password try the following steps:

Use unique passwords for your accounts, especially important accounts like email and online banking. Re-using passwords is risky. If someone figures out your password for one service, that person could potentially gain access to your private email, address, and even your money.

Using numbers, symbols and mixed-case letters in your password increases the difficulty of guessing or cracking your password. For example, there are more than 6 quadrillion possible variations for an eight-character password with numbers, symbols, and mixed-case letters - 30,000 times more variations than an eight-character password with only lowercase letters. Do NOT use personal information such as birth dates, anniversaries, special events, etc. because if the hacker is a so-called friend of acquaintance, your password yells free information. Additionally the longer the pass word the more secure, 8 characters in length is acceptable but 14 is recommended.

Choose a combination of letters, numbers, or symbols to create a unique password that's unrelated to your personal information. Or, select a random word or phrase, and insert letters and numbers into the beginning, middle, and end to make it extra difficult to guess (such as "sPo0kyh@ll0w3En"). Using simple words or phrases like "password" or "letmein," keyboard patterns such as "qwerty" or "qazwsx," or sequential patterns such as "abcd1234" make your password easier to guess or crack.

Make sure to regularly update your recovery email address so that you can receive emails in case you need to reset your password. You can also add a phone number to receive password reset codes via text message. Additionally, many websites (including Gmail) will ask you to choose a question to verify your identity if you ever forget your password. If you're able to create your own question, try to come up with a question that has an answer only you would know. The answer shouldn't be something that someone can guess by scanning information you've posted online in social networking profiles, blogs, and other places. If you're asked to choose a question from a list of options, such as the city where you were born, be aware that these questions are likely to be less secure. Try to find a way to make your answer unique — you can do this by using some of the tips above — so that even if someone guesses the answer, they won't know how to enter it properly.

Don't leave notes with your passwords to various sites on your computer or desk. People who walk by can easily steal this information and use it to compromise your account. If you decide to save your passwords in a file on your computer, create a unique name for the file so people don't know what's inside. Avoid giving the file an obvious name, such as "my passwords." If you have a difficult time remembering multiple passwords, a trusted password manager may be a good solution. Spend a few minutes checking out the reviews and reputations of these services.

Source: Google.com

Onam Greetings - Happy Onam 2011 - Onam Wallpaper - Onam Messages

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Thulasikathirinte Nirmalyavum, Thumbapoovinte kulirmayumeki Veendumoru ponnonam varavaayii.

Wish You a Very HAPPY ONAM

Onam Legend

Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad (son of Hiranyakashyap who was slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avataram). Prahlad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. Mahabali learned the act of love and devotion to Lord Vishnu as a child, from Prahlad.

Mahabali conquers the three worlds

Kashyapa had two wives, Diti and Aditi, who were the parents of the demons and the gods (Asuras and Devas) respectively. Kashyapa, who had gone to the Himalayas to do penance, on his return found Aditi weeping. By divine insight, Kashyapa instantly recognised the cause of her grief. He tried to console her saying that nothing happens in the world without divine will and people should go on doing their duties. He asked her to pray to Vishnu and taught her Payovrata, a ritual that has to be observed from the 12th day of the bright half of Karthika (Sukla-paksha Dvadasi). Since Aditi carried out the Vrata with a pious heart, Vishnu appeared before her and informed her that he would help Indra.

Alternatively, the Devas were very annoyed as Mahabali became the ruler of all the three worlds having defeated the Devas. Devas, the celestial beings, were annoyed and jealous. The gods approached Vishnu and asked for his help. Vishnu said to the Devas that Mahabali is doing good things to his subjects and is eligible to become sura (devas). You devas should not be jealous about that. Being jealous would make you asuras. Vishnu decided to test Mahabali.

In the meantime, Mahabali was performing the sacrificial rite of the Viswajith Yagam or Aswamedha Yagam on the banks of Narmada River. He also declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagam.

Onam Celebrations

he celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana (an Avatar of Vishnu) are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it.

Atham - The first day of Onam Celebrations

Onam starts with Atham day in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Its believed that King Mahabali start his preparations to descend from heaven to Kerala on this day. The day also marks the start of festivities at Thrikkakara Temple (considered as abode of Mahabali). The Onam celebrations across the state, starts off with a grand procession at Thrippunithura near Kochi called Athachamayam. In olden days, the Kochi Maharaja used to head a grand military procession in full ceremonial robes from his palace to the Thrikkakara Temple. After independence, the public took over the function and celebrated as a major cultural procession which kicks off the official celebrations of Onam. Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing make Athachamyam a spectacular event which is now aggressively promoted as a tourist event.

The traditional ritual of laying Pookalam (floral carpet) starts on Atham day. The size of pookalam on this day is called as Athapoo and will small which eventually grew day after day. Only yellow flowers will be used on this day and the design will be simple. Also the statues of Mahabali and Vamanan will be installed on the entrance of each house on this day.

Chithira - The second day of Onam Celebrations

The second day is marked off when a second layer is added to pookalam design with 2 different colours apart from yellow (mostly orange and creamy yellow). On this day, people starts cleaning the house-hold to prepare for the Thiruvonam day.

Chodi - The third day of Onam Celebrations

The pookalam now will start growing in its size by adding new layers or designs with at least 4 to 5 different flowers. The day also marks the start of shopping activities. Onam is associated with gifting new clothes, hence from this day onwards people start buy new clothes and jewellery.

Vishakam - The fourth day of Onam Celebrations

Vishakam is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of Onam. In olden days, the markets open this harvest sale on this day, making one of the busiest days in the markets for public. Today Vishakam marks the start of many Onam-related competitions like Pookalam competitions etc.

Anizham - The fifth day of Onam Celebrations

Anizham is one of the most important day in the Onam days as it kicks off the great Vallam Kali (Snake boat) at many parts of Kerala. A mock Vallam Kali is conducted on this day at Aranmula as a dress-rehearsal for the famed Aranmula boat race which will be held after Onam.

Thriketa - The sixth day of Onam Celebrations

By the sixth day, the public frenzy starts going on higher side. Most of the schools and public offices starts issuing holidays from this day onwards and people starts packing their bags to their native homes to celebrate the festival with their dear ones. The pookalam design will be very large by this time, with at least 5 to 6 new flowers types added to the original designs.

Moolam - The seventh day of Onam Celebrations

On the seventh day, the smaller versions of traditional Ona Sadya (Onam special buffet lunch) starts in many places. Most of the temples offers special sadhyas on from this day. Festivities include Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance) and traditional dance forms like Kaikotti Kali also performed in various functions. The official Government celebrations starts on this day with heavy illuminations in Thiruvananthapuram City, Kochi city and Kozhikode along with fireworks.

Pooradam - The eight day of Onam Celebrations

The day marks off with a major traditional ritual where the small statues of Mahabali and Vamana will be washed and cleaned and taken around the house as a procession. It will be later installed in the center of the pookalam smeared with rice-flour batter. The smearing is done by small children whom will be Pooradaunnikkal. From this day onwards, the statue will be called Onathappan.

The pookalam design from Pooradam day onwards get much bigger and complex in design. Shopping will be one of the major activities as the public will be making final purchases for the great Thiruvonam day.

Uthradom - The ninth day of Onam Celebrations

Uthradom is the ninth and the penultimate day of the festival of Onam. It is considered as Onam eve and celebrated in a very big way. The importance of this day is last minute extreme shopping frenzy called as Uthradapachal and is considered the most auspicious day for purchase of fresh vegetables and fruits along with other provisions from the Thiruvonam day.

Uthradam is known as FIRST ONAM because it marks the day when King Mahabali descends Kerala and the traditional myths says that the king will spend the next four days touring his erstwhile kingdom and blessing the subjects. Due to this Urthadom is celebrated in a very pompous manner with larger pookalam and celebrations in household. The Urthada lunch is very famous tradition. Women normally cuts the first set of vegetables on this day that marks the celebrations of Thiruvonam in each household and preparations for grand Onam buffet starts in evening of Uthradom day.

Thirvuonam - The tenth day of Onam Celebrations

The final day of Onam that culminates the 10 days of Onam Carnival. The day is known as Thiru-Onam (Sacred Onam Day) also known as SECOND ONAM. Myth says, it was the day Mahabali was suppressed to underworld by Vamana. The day marks return of Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his subjects and bless them. Apart from this myth, this day is considered auspicious being birthdays of several temple deities like Vamana of Thrikkara temple, Sree Ppadmanabha Swamy of Thiruvananthapuram etc. Though a traditional Hindu festival, Onam today has emerged as a secular festival associated with harvest time of Kerala.

Activities begin early in the morning. People clean their house, smear the main entrance with rice-flour batter (a traditional welcome sign), take early bath, wear new clothes and distribute alms to needy. The eldest female member of each family presents clothes to all the members of the family. Special prayers and Masses are organized in temples, churches and mosques that highlight the secular nature of festival. Later a very special and the biggest of all days, Pookalam is prepared to welcome Mahabali.

The most important activity of Thiruvonam is the grand Thiruona-Sadya, well known for being one of the most sumptuous feasts ever prepared by mankind. The level of sumptuous varies at each individual household, however every household tries to make as grand as possible as they can. The feast served on plantain leaves have more than 13 to 15 curries apart from other regular items. In hotels and temples, number of curries and dishes can go up to 30 for the feast. Whatever may happen no malayalee will miss the Grand ona-sadya. There is a saying in Malayalam that "Kanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "We should have the Thiruvonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties" which shows the importance of the grand lunch on the Thiruvonam day.

A fabulous display of fireworks turns the capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi into a veritable fairyland. Sumptuous feasts are prepared in every household. Even the poorest of the poor manage to find something for himself to celebrate the national festival in his own humble way.

The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games normally seen common in rural areas and those organized by resident associations, clubs etc. in large cities.

Eid ul Fitr Ramadan Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:51:00 +0000

Eid ul Fitr Ramadan Greetings

Eid ul Fitr, Eid al Fitr, Id ul Fitr, or Id alFitr (Arabic: ‎عيد الفطر), often abbreviated to Eid, is a two days Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid Al Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day, Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan. It is considered unholy to fast on this day. It is also a day of forgetting old grudges and ill feelings towards others.

65 Independence Day of India | Happy Independence Day Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:02:00 +0000

64 years have rolled by since India woke up to freedom. That was an awakening inspired by the loftiest moral ideals upheld by the brave men and women of courage and integrity. Time has come for us to pay homage to that moment and those men and women whose principles still motivate us in our pursuit of truth.

On 15 August 1947, India attained freedom from the British Rule. Every year, August 15 we celebrating the Independence Day in India. This national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. All over the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies are conducted by the local administration in attendance.

The main event takes place in Delhi, the capital city of India, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally televised speech from its ramparts. In his speech, he highlights the achievements of his government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. The Prime Minister also pays his tribute to leaders of the freedom struggle.

The Independence Day of any country is a moment of pride and glory. On this special occasion, rich tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought to free their motherland from the clutches of the oppressors - British who ruled the country.

Jawaharlal Nehru Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947.

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again.

Hon'ble President's address to the Nation on 14/08/2011

Sare Jahan Se Achha (A Must Watch Video For Every Indian)

History of India

The history of India begins with evidence of human activity of Homo sapiens as long as 75,000 years ago, or with earlier hominids including Homo erectus from about 500,000 years ago. The Indus Valley Civilization, which spread and flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent from c. 3300 to 1300 BCE, was the first major civilization in India. A sophisticated and technologically advanced urban culture developed in the Mature Harappan period, from 2600 to 1900 BCE. This Bronze Age civilization collapsed before the end of the second millennium BCE and was followed by the Iron Age Vedic Civilization, which extended over much of the Indo-Gangetic plain and which witnessed the rise of major polities known as the Mahajanapadas. In one of these kingdoms, Magadha, Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were born in the 6th or 5th century BCE and propagated their śramanic philosophies.

Almost all of the subcontinent was conquered by the Maurya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. It subsequently became fragmented, with various parts ruled by numerous Middle kingdoms for the next 1,500 years. This is known as the classical period of Indian history, during which India has sometimes been estimated to have had the largest economy of the ancient and medieval world, controlling between one third and one fourth of the world's wealth up to the 18th century.

Much of northern and central India was once again united in the 4th century CE, and remained so for two centuries thereafter, under the Gupta Empire. This period, witnessing a Hindu religious and intellectual resurgence, is known among its admirers as the "Golden Age of India". During the same time, and for several centuries afterwards, southern India, under the rule of the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas, experienced its own golden age. During this period, aspects of Indian civilization, administration, culture, and religion (Hinduism and Buddhism) spread to much of Asia.

The southern state of Kerala had maritime business links with the Roman Empire from around 77 CE. Islam was introduced in Kerala through this route by Muslim traders. Muslim rule in the subcontinent began in 712 CE when the Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh and Multan in southern Punjab in modern day Pakistan,[1] setting the stage for several successive invasions from Central Asia between the 10th and 15th centuries CE, leading to the formation of Muslim empires in the Indian subcontinent such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

Mughal rule came from Central Asia to cover most of the northern parts of the subcontinent. Mughal rulers introduced Central Asian art and architecture to India. In addition to the Mughals and various Rajput kingdoms, several independent Hindu states, such as the Vijayanagara Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the Ahom Kingdom, flourished contemporaneously in southern, western, and northeastern India respectively. The Mughal Empire suffered a gradual decline in the early 18th century, which provided opportunities for the Afghans, Balochis, Sikhs, and Marathas to exercise control over large areas in the northwest of the subcontinent until the British East India Company gained ascendancy over South Asia.[2]

Beginning in the mid-18th century and over the next century, India was gradually annexed by the British East India Company. Dissatisfaction with Company rule led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, after which India was directly administered by the British Crown and witnessed a period of both rapid development of infrastructure and economic decline. During the first half of the 20th century, a nationwide struggle for independence was launched by the Indian National Congress and later joined by the Muslim League. The subcontinent gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, after being partitioned into the dominions of India and Pakistan.

Kerala Cyber Police arrested an accused for uploading morphed images

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:25:00 +0000

The Kerala State Cyber Crime Police arrested a 35-year-old man on charges of uploading morphed images of female anchors of a leading Malayalam television channel on the internet. The accused was identified as Devadas of Ambikasadanam, Poothol, Thrissur. The court remanded him to judicial custody as the crime committed was a non-bailable offense. He was arrested following a complaint forwarded by the channel authorities to Director General Police Jacob Punnoose, who handed over the case to the Cyber Crime Police.

The Cyber Crime Police team led by Inspector Joshi Mathew and Sub Inspector C. G. Suji Kumar successfully traced the accused, despite him having used a fake e-mail ID to upload the pictures.

According to Cyber Crime Police, the accused, who was an diehard fan of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, committed the crime due to the grudge he bore against the channel authorities for portraying the actress in a vulgar manner in one of their programmes.

He had even forwarded a complaint to the channel authorities. Devadas, who is a bachelor, was provoked at their indifferent response and as an act of revenge he uploaded morphed photographs of the channel’s female anchors on the internet.

Man arrested for Morphing Images Video

Kerala Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy's Chamber and Office are now transparent to the world through Live Web Casting Online Web Streaming

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:28:00 +0000

Kerala Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy's Chamber and Office are now transparent to the through online web streaming / web casting. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was inaugurated the live web casting of his chamber and Chief Minister's Office on 1st July 2011. The CM’s office works 24x7 on all the days. Sri. Oommen Chandy inaugurated a toll-free number that would shortly become functional in his office to make it operational round the clock. He also launched the official website of Kerala Chief Minister.

Cabinet Ministers P. K. Kunhalikkutty, Aryadan Mohammed, Adoor Prakash, Abdu Rabb, P. K. Jayalakshmy, Deputy Speaker N. Shakthan, Planning Board Vice Chairman, Chief Secretary, and other top officials were attended the inaugural function of the web streaming. This is the only Chief Minister’s office in India that makes live web cast / online web streaming. The Live Web Casting is also streamed when Sri. Oommen Chandy was Chief Minister in 2005 - 2006 (his last tenure as CM) but it was discontinued after V S Achuthanandan assumed office.

Kerala Chief Minister - WWW.KERALACM.GOV.IN

You can also use the Chief Minister website to File Petition, Tracking Petition, Mail to CM, Citizen Journalism. Anybody can bring to notice of the Chief Minister anything important even by uploading video captured in mobile or other devices.

The web site is having features like live web casting of Cabinet Briefing, Press Conferences etc from Chief Ministers office, online facility to lodge complaint and its tracking, send ideas/suggestion to Chief Minister for formulating development plan for Kerala- ‘Vision 2030’, option for citizen journalism-people can send footage of events/issues, Documents related to Government, Asset Disclosure Form, Cartoons appeared on news papers/periodicals, Press Cuttings related to Government and Chief Minister, Stories and cartoons from the book ‘ Kunjoonju Kathakalum Alpam Karyangalum’, Option to communicate with Chief Minister through Social Network such as Facebook and link to Youtube Channel- for videos of Chief Minister etc. are the important ones among them.

Tags: Kerala CM Office Live Webcasting - Online Streaming, Podcast, Webcast Kerala Chief Minister Office Chamber - CM's website stream - Oommen Chandy keralacm www.keralacm.gov.in, Chief Minister, CM, CM Live, Government, Kerala, Live, Live Video, Live Visuals, Live Webcast, Webcast

Safe Tips to avoid Mobile Phone related Cyber Crime

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Use only mobile phones having SIM Card registered by the owner only.
Purchase Mobile Phone having IMEI Number and which was marked in the bill.
Never hand over SIM card to other people.
Purchase Mobile Phones from genuine dealers / sellers.
If you are buying second hand mobile set, you should make sure about its genuineness and purchased only from genuine dealers / seller with original bills and other related documents.
Inform Local Police immediately about loss of mobile phone, SIM Cards etc. and obtain receipt from there.

Tips for a safe cyber tread

Cyber Crime : Man held in Pandalam Kerala for Cyber Stalking using Mobile Phone

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Kerala Cyber Police caught a youth named Saleesh Kumar, aged 27 from Pandalam in Pathanamthitta District for cyber stalking through mobile phone. He was regularly made unsolicited mobile phone calls and sending malicious SMS messages to several women within the state and outside for the last one year. Pandalam Police arrested the accused with the help of Cyber Crime Police team headed by Mr. Sukumara Pillai, DySP & SHO, Cyber Police Station, Kerala and Mr. Joshy Mathew, Inspector of Police, Mr. C.G. Sujikumar, SI of Police and Mrs. S.S. Poornima, Civil Police Officer of Cyber Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram.

According to Cyber Police the accused had made over 7,000 unsolicited calls and sent over 10,000 SMS messages with malicious contents to the mobile phones of about 200 women over the last few months. He obtained the mobile phone numbers of women by random number dialing method. Several women had fallen into the trap set by the accused, who could speak fluent English

The accused Saleesh was making the calls and sending SMS messages using a mobile phone connection taken in the name of another woman.. He was confident that he would never be caught as he was using a SIM card that was obtained from one of his victim girl but the original subscriber of the SIM card is another girl who handed over the SIM card to one of her friend several months back.

Cyber Police traced the accused by using scientific investigation methods including social networking site profiling, mobile log and tower location analysis, email id details, telephone directory, electoral voters list etc. Several petitions were registered against cyber stalking in several Police Stations in Kerala.

Media Source:
Jeevan News:

Kerala Kaumudi Global News: Man held for pestering women

Deepika Global News

FILM ഡൗണ്‍ലോഡ് ചെയ്യുന്ന പ്രേക്ഷകനും അഴിയെണ്ണും

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:46:00 +0000

FILM ഡൗണ്‍ലോഡ് ചെയ്യുന്ന പ്രേക്ഷകനും അഴിയെണ്ണും

പുതിയ മലയാള സിനിമകള്‍ റിലീസ് ചെയ്യുന്നതിനുതൊട്ടുപിന്നാലെ ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റിലേക്ക് അപ് ലോഡ് ചെയ്യുന്ന കൊടിയപാപം ചെയ്യുന്ന കൊടിയന്മാരേയും ശിഷ്യരേയും തറപറ്റിക്കാന്‍ പോലീസ് ഒരുങ്ങുന്നു. ഐടി നിയമത്തിലെ വകുപ്പുകള്‍ കര്‍ശനമാക്കിയും സൈബര്‍സെല്ലിന്റെ പ്രവര്‍ത്തനം വിപുലീകരിച്ചും പോലീസ് ശ്രമം തുടങ്ങി. ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റിലൂടെ മലയാള സിനിമകള്‍ ഡൗണ്‍ലോഡു ചെയ്യുന്നവരേയും അഴിയെണ്ണിക്കുംവിധമാണ് നിയമം അണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങുന്നത്. ഇതിന്റെ ആദ്യപടിയായി സിനിമാ പ്രവര്‍ത്തകരെക്കൂടി ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തി ഉന്നതതല യോഗം ഈ മാസം 28ന് കൊച്ചിയില്‍ ചേരും. വ്യാജ സീഡി നിര്‍മാണവും വിതരണവും ഇത്രയും കാലം വീഡിയോ പൈറസി ആക്ടില്‍ മാത്രമാണ് ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയതെങ്കില്‍ പുതിയ സാഹചര്യത്തില്‍ ഐ.ടി ആക്ടില്‍ കൂടി ചേര്‍ത്ത് വിപുലീകരിക്കാനാണ് തീരുമാനം. ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്ന സിനിമകള്‍ ഡൗണ്‍ലോഡ് ചെയ്താല്‍ പോലും ക്രിമിനല്‍ കുറ്റമായി പരിഗണിക്കാനാണ് തീരുമാനമെന്ന് ഡി.ഐ.ജി എസ്. ശ്രീജിത്ത് പറഞ്ഞു.

പൊലീസ് ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥര്‍ക്കും സിനിമാ പ്രവര്‍ത്തകര്‍ക്കും ബോധവത്കരണം നടത്താന്‍ കൂടി ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചാണ് ഉന്നതതല യോഗം. സിനിമാ നിര്‍മാതാക്കളെയും ടെക്‌നിക്കല്‍ ജീവനക്കാരെയുംകൂടി ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തും. വ്യാജ സീഡി നിര്‍മാണവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട കണ്ണികള്‍ തന്നെയാണ് പുതിയ സിനിമകള്‍ ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ എത്തിക്കുന്നതെന്നാണ് അധികൃതരുടെ നിഗമനം. ഇതിലേറെയും തിയറ്ററുകളില്‍വെച്ച് തന്നെ രഹസ്യമായി പകര്‍ത്തപ്പെടുന്നതാണെന്നാണ് കരുതുന്നത്. അടുത്ത ദിവസം ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ട 'ക്രിസ്ത്യന്‍ ബ്രദേഴ്‌സ്' എന്ന സിനിമയില്‍ തിയറ്ററിലെ ആരവങ്ങള്‍ കേട്ടെന്ന് ഫിലിം പ്രൊഡ്യൂസേഴ്‌സ് അസോസിയേഷന്‍ പ്രസിഡന്റ് സാബു ചെറിയാന്‍ പറയുന്നു. തിയറ്ററില്‍ കാം കോഡര്‍ എന്ന ചെറുകാമറകള്‍ ഉപയോഗപ്പെടുത്തി പകര്‍ത്തിയശേഷം ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ അപ്‌ലോഡ് ചെയ്തതാകാമെന്നാണ് കരുതുന്നത്. ഇത്തരം കാമറകള്‍ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് പകര്‍ത്തുന്ന സിനിമകളാണ് ഏതാനും വര്‍ഷങ്ങളായി വ്യാജ സീഡികളായി പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്നത്. സിനിമ അപ്‌ലോഡ് ചെയ്താല്‍ പണം വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റ് സൈറ്റുകളും ധാരാളമുണ്ട്. അതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ സിനിമാ മേഖലയിലുള്ളവര്‍ക്കുതന്നെ ഇതില്‍ പങ്കുണ്ടെന്ന സംശയവും വ്യാപകമാണ്. ചില താരങ്ങളുടെ സിനിമകള്‍ പരാജയപ്പെടുത്താന്‍ വേറെ ചില താരങ്ങള്‍ പണം മുടക്കുന്നതായും സംശയങ്ങളുമുണ്ട്.

'ക്രിസ്ത്യന്‍ ബ്രദേഴ്‌സ്' എന്ന സിനിമ 43 സൈറ്റുകളിലാണ് പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ടത്. പല സൈറ്റിലും ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടവര്‍ ഡിലീറ്റ് ചെയ്‌തെങ്കിലും വീണ്ടും കൂടുതല്‍ സൈറ്റുകളില്‍ ഇത് പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ടു. ഉറുമി, ആഗസ്റ്റ് 15, ഡബിള്‍സ് സിനിമകളും ഇത്തരത്തില്‍ നിരവധി സൈറ്റുകളില്‍ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ടു. 'പ്രാഞ്ചിയേട്ടന്‍' കേബളിലൂടെ സംപ്രേഷണം ചെയ്തിന് കഴിഞ്ഞ ദിവസം ആലപ്പുഴയില്‍ രണ്ടുപേരെ അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്തിരുന്നു. ഇവര്‍ക്കെതിരെ ഐ.ടി ആക്ട് പ്രകാരം നടപടി എടുക്കാനാണ് തീരുമാനമെന്ന് ഡി.ഐ.ജി ശ്രീജിത്ത് പറഞ്ഞു. സിനിമാ ലോകത്തെ ഇളക്കി മറിച്ച 'അവതാര്‍' സിനിമയുടെ വ്യാജ സീഡികള്‍ സിനിമ റിലീസ് ചെയ്ത് 24 മണിക്കൂറിനുള്ളില്‍ തന്നെ മുംബൈയില്‍ ലഭ്യമായത് ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടവരെ ഞെട്ടിച്ചിരുന്നു. അന്ന് മുതലാണ് ശക്തമായ പ്രതിരോധ നടപടികളുമായി സിനിമാ ലോകം മുന്നിട്ടിറങ്ങിയത്. മോസര്‍ ബെയര്‍, യു.ടി.വി, എം.പി.എ, റിലയന്‍സ് എന്നീ വന്‍കിട നിര്‍മാതാക്കള്‍ 50 ലക്ഷം വീതം മുടക്കി വ്യാജ സീഡി നിര്‍മാണത്തിനെതിരെ സംവിധാനമുണ്ടാക്കിയെങ്കിലും ഫലപ്രദമായില്ലെന്നാണ് പുതിയ സംഭവങ്ങള്‍ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നത്. അപ്രതീക്ഷിത റെയ്ഡുകള്‍ നടത്തിയും ബോധവത്കരണ പരിപാടി സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചുമാണ് ഇവര്‍ സംവിധാനം ഒരുക്കിയത്.

സിനിമ റിലീസ് ചെയ്ത് 100 ദിവസം തികയും മുമ്പുതന്നെ ഒറിജിനല്‍ സീഡി പുറത്തിറക്കിയും വ്യാജ സീഡി പ്രതിരോധത്തിനായി ശ്രമിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. ഇതിനെയും കടത്തിവെട്ടിയാണ് ഇപ്പോള്‍ റിലീസ് ദിവസം തന്നെ സീഡിയും ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റിലും പുതിയ സിനിമ പ്രചരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്. തമിഴ്‌നാട്, കര്‍ണാടക എന്നിവിടങ്ങളില്‍ വ്യാജ സീഡി നിര്‍മാണം ഗുണ്ടാനിയമത്തിന്റെ പരിധിയിലാണ്. ഇതുപോലുള്ള നിയമം കേരളത്തിലും വേണമെന്നാണ് ആവശ്യം. പൃഥ്വിരാജ് നായകനായ ഉറുമി അമേരിക്കയില്‍ രജിസ്റ്റര്‍ചെയ്ത ഒരു സൈറ്റില്‍ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ടതിനെത്തുടര്‍ന്ന് നടത്തിയ അന്വേഷണത്തിലാണ് ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റിന്റെ വലക്കണ്ണികള്‍ വരിഞ്ഞുമുറിക്കിയ മലയാളയുടെ യഥാര്‍ത്ഥചിത്രം പുറത്തായത്. അമേരിക്കയ്ക്കുപുറമേ ഓസ്‌ട്രേലിയയില്‍ നിന്നുള്ള ഒരു സൈറ്റിലും ഉറുമി പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെട്ടതായാണ് വിവരം. അതേസമയം സംഭവം വിവാദമായതോടെ സൈറ്റുകളില്‍ നിന്നെല്ലാം മലയാള സിനിമ അപ്രത്യക്ഷമായിരിക്കുകയാണ്.

പുതിയ മലയാളസിനിമകള്‍ ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ പ്രദര്‍ശിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ആഷ് മാജിക് ഡോട്ട് കോമിന്റെ ഉടമ മലയാളിയായ ജോണ്‍ കൊടിയനാണെന്നു കഴിഞ്ഞ ദിവസം കേരള പോലീസ് സൈബര്‍ സെല്‍ കണ്ടെത്തിയിരുന്നു. ഇയാള്‍ക്ക് ഇതിനു പുറമെ, രണ്ടു വെബ്‌സൈറ്റുകള്‍ കൂടിയുണ്ടെന്നും, ഒരു സൈറ്റില്‍നിന്ന് മറ്റൊന്നിലേക്ക് ലിങ്ക് നല്‍കിയിരുന്നുവെന്നും അന്വേഷണത്തില്‍ വ്യക്തമായിരുന്നു. വിഡിയോ ബിബി(വിബിബി) ഡോട്ട് കോം, ബേ മലയാളി ഡോട്ട് ഓര്‍ഗ് എന്നിവയാണ് മറ്റു രണ്ടു സൈറ്റുകള്‍. ഉറുമി, ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 15, ട്രാഫിക്, മേക്കപ്പ്മാന്‍, ക്രിസ്ത്യന്‍ ബ്രദേഴ്‌സ്, കുടുംബശ്രീ ട്രാവല്‍സ്, ബെസ്റ്റ് ആക്ടര്‍, റേയ്‌സ് തുടങ്ങിയ പുതിയ ചിത്രങ്ങളെല്ലാം ഈ വെബ്‌സൈറ്റുകളില്‍ ലഭ്യമായിരുന്നു. ഉറുമിയുടെ നിര്‍മാതാക്കളായ ഓഗസ്റ്റ് സിനിമയ്ക്കു വേണ്ടി മല്ലിക സുകുമാരന്‍ നല്‍കിയ പരാതിയുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലാണ് ജോണ്‍ കൊടിയനെതിരെ കേസെടുത്തത്. കാലിഫോര്‍ണിയയിലെ ഒറാക്കിള്‍ റെഡ് വുഡ് ഷോര്‍സില്‍ വെബ് ഡിസൈനര്‍ ആന്‍ഡ് ഹോസ്റ്റ് തസ്തികയില്‍ ജോലി ചെയ്യുകയാണ് കൊടിയന്‍. കാലിഫോര്‍ണിയയിലെ ഫ്രീമോണ്ട് കാര്‍ഡിനല്‍ ടെറസില്‍ സ്ട്രീറ്റ് നമ്പര്‍ 3878ല്‍ താമസിക്കുന്ന ഇയാളുടെ ടെലിഫോണ്‍ നമ്പരും ഇമെയില്‍ ഐഡിയും ഉള്‍പ്പെടെയുള്ള വിശദാംശങ്ങളെല്ലാം പൊലീസ് കണ്ടെത്തിയിരുന്നു.

Beware about Scareware Software Live Supports

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Beware about Scareware Software Live Supports
Now a days fake anti-virus software (scareware )distributors are offering 'Online Support' to convince their victims to steal their valuable data including credit card information. This was discovered by Mr. Nicolas Brulez of Kaspersky that the scareware distributors are now offering actual live support. Users installing fake anti-virus software Security Master AV and clicking on the 'Online Support' button are directed to a chat window in which they can put questions directly to the scareware 'vendor'. As a special offer, the 'support team' offers a one-day trial version of the full product, which reliably removes the imaginary malware identified by the 'demo' version from the user's system. Debora Brown, Kendra Grace and David Lee appear to have all the time in the world online to convince victims in fluent English that their software is genuine and to get them to install the bogus full product. Alternatively, victims can call them up, or send an email. It is suspected that the extra-helpful scareware distributor is located in Russia or the Ukraine. The FBI recently charged three men accused of extracting around $100 million from internet users in more than 60 countries.

Kerala Cyber Police traced a Missing Person

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:55:00 +0000

The Kerala State Cyber Police have successfully tracked a missing person solely with the help of Internet. A 33-year-old man, who was missing for the past 12 years, has been traced by Kerala Cyber Police after tracking his activities on an Internet social networking Site. This was the first case in the country where a missing person was tracked down with the help of Internet.

The Cyber Police, Thiruvananthapuram, which tracked down Jimmy Koruth, a then final-year degree student from Pandalam who went missing since November 1998. A man missing case was registered at the Pandalam Police Station. In January 2010, one of Jimmy’s relatives came across an Orkut profile named after Jimmy. The information was passed on to the Pandalam police immediately, which, in turn, handed over the case to the Cyber Cell.

The Cyber Cell contacted Google International in the US for tracking Jimmy’s email details and found out that the profile was created at a cyber cafe in Chennai in October 2008. The police obtained Jimmy’s address from the identity proof he had given in the cyber cafe. His father V.V.Koruth identified him from the images recorded by the security camera at the cafe.

Cyber crimes have been steadily on the rise in Kerala and the numbers may cross 50,000 this year (2010) said by Mr. Jacob Punnoose IPS, Kerala DGP recently.

Happy New Year 2010

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:46:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2010

Wish You a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2010

Deepavali Greeting

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Deepavali / Diwali Greetings

More Diwali News and greetings click here

Onam Greetings - Happy & Perosperous Onam

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:35:00 +0000

Terrorists are using Social Networks Site for their activities

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Your Ad Here

The new generation terrorists are using online forums viz. Facebook, Mysapce, Orkut, etc. to recruit people who align themselves with the mission of al-Qaeda, creating global networks of terrorists. This pose a growing threat to the world.

Evan Kohlmann, a senior investigator and private consultant for Global Terror Alert, said at the International Conference on Cyber Security 2009 in New York that Cyberterrorists are using a series of online forums and at least one social networking site to recruit people to their cause. Many of these people never actually meet in person, but conspire online to launch both cyberterrorist and physical terrorist attacks such as suicide bombings.

Global Terror Alert is an online clearinghouse of information for counterterrorist researchers, analysts and policy-makers.

90 Percent of emails received Worldwide are SPAM

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:57:00 +0000

90 Percent of emails received Worldwide are SPAM

A recent survey has found that 90 percent of the emails sent to a person’s inbox are usually spam. 90pct of emails received worldwide are spamThe survey report suggests that more and more hackers are devising new ways to send in spam emails, reports the China Daily.

It further states that virus-infected computers are woven into “botnets” used to attack more machines, and to send sales pitches to e-mail addresses in low-cost quests to bilk readers out of cash.

“Every year we see threats evolve as criminals discover new ways to exploit people, networks and the Internet,” Cisco chief security researcher Patrick Peterson, who was involved in drafting the report, said.

According to the Cisco Annual Security Report, junk e-mail make up for nearly 200 billion messages daily, approximately 90 percent of email worldwide.

As per the survey, the US is the biggest source of spam, accounting for 17.2 percent messages.

Turkey and Russia ranked second and third, accounting for 9.2 percent and 8 percent spam respectively, according to Cisco.

This year, botnets were used to inject an array of legitimate websites with an IFrames malicious code that reroutes visitors to websites that download computer viruses into their machines.

“The botnet is, in many cases, ground-zero for online criminal threats,” Peterson said.

“Using malware to infect someone's computers is an incredibly common mechanism and harnessing them all together is a way they do their click fraud, spam emails, and data stealing,” he added.

Online criminals are turning botnets on web-based e-mail accounts. Hackers are "reputation hijacking" by using botnets to figure out weak passwords protecting web-based e-mail accounts, according to Peterson.

Weak passwords consist of family names, birthdays, home addresses or other terms considered relatively easy to deduce.

Once access is gained to legitimate e-mail accounts, a plethora of spam messages are sent in the owners' names.

Source: ANI

Microsoft Kicks Fake Security Software off 400,000 PCs

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Microsoft Kicks Fake Security Software off 400,000 PCs

In the second month of a campaign against fake security software, Microsoft Corp.

has booted the rogue application "Antivirus 2009" from almost 400,000 PCs, the company recently claimed.

December's version of the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT), a free utility that Microsoft pushes to Windows users as part of Patch Tuesday, targeted one of the most popular phony security app, Antivirus 2009. According to Microsoft, the MSRT erased the fake from over 394,000 PCs in the first nine days after it released this month's edition on Dec. 9.

Last month, Microsoft trumpeted a similar cleaning operation against another family of bogus security software that it said had purged nearly a million machines of programs such as those called "Advanced Antivirus,"

"Ultimate Antivirus 2008" and "XPert Antivirus."

Sony’s Pocket PC: Netbook or Notebook?

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Details of Sony’s rumored mini-notebook are steadily leaking. The last thing the world need is another netbook, but this one seems to have a twist: a small LED display (only 8 inches) with a large resolution of 1,600 by 768 pixels. Other specs appear to include a 1.33GHz Intel processor, a 60GB hard drive or 128GB SSD, and Windows Vista. Based on the clock speed, the chip might be an Intel Atom Z520 or the ultra low-voltage Core 2 Duo U7700, a more powerful and much pricier processor. The display size–along with some blurry pictures which were posted on Engadget and other sites–would put the “P series” somewhere between a netbook and what Intel refers to as an MID, or Mobile Internet Device, the target device for the Z series Atom processor. But it would be unusual to pair this chip with Vista and such a high-resolution display–most netbooks use Windows XP and the handful of MIDs that have shipped tend to use lightweight Linux operating systems. So it could be that the P series won’t be a netbook at all, but rather a traditional, high-end subnotebook with a distinctive display size and design.

Take precaution against Cyber Theft - During this Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:21:00 +0000

Be wary of holiday gift cards and holiday coupon offers sent via e-mail—these often have malicious links within the offer which lead to downloads of info-stealing Trojans or the hackers try to scam you out of your bank account information.
When visiting your favorite online retailer to purchase gifts, be sure to type the actual Web site address of the retailer into your browser. Do not follow links provided by e-mail offers or pop up ads. Many times these are fraudulent sites made to look like the legitimate retail sites.
When making online purchases, always use a credit card that limits your fraud liability. Avoid using debit cards to do online purchases when possible so as to limit your personal exposure to any possible fraudulent transactions.
When making online purchases, always look at your Web browser for the https (as opposed to http) protocol that proceeds a Web address. The “s” let’s you know that the Web site is providing a layer of security for transmitting your personal information over the Internet.
Be wary of unsolicited e-mails, even from senders that you know, that include links or attachments. Before clicking on links or attachments, ALWAYS verify that the correspondent sent you the e-mail and enclosed link or attachment.
Be wary of e-mails notifying you that your banking certificate or token is out of date and to download a new certificate or token. Before taking any action, verify with your financial institution by calling them on a number that is not provided in the email.
Avoid using simple (weak) or default passwords for any online site.

U.S. government vulnerable to Internet predators

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:13:00 +0000

U.S. government vulnerable to Internet predators

Most Internet users have some awareness of the problem of threats to the entire system from criminals, terrorists and potentially hostile nations, since they encounter it in the form of spyware, viruses and other online nuisances.

However, the most disturbing "cyber" threats are largely invisible to the general public, because they involve attacks on specialized networks used by the armed forces, healthcare professionals, air traffic controllers, financial institutions, public utilities and heavy industry.

Each of these vital components of modern society now relies on Internet Protocol communications to run efficiently, and in most cases the new technology was assimilated without a careful assessment of its vulnerability to attack by outsiders.

Fake Christmas, HolidayGgreetings Spread New Malware over Internet

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:37:00 +0000

Fake Christmas, Holiday Greetings Spread New Malware over Internet

New malware is spreading via Christmas and holiday greetings, security researchers said today, a tactic reminiscent of those used last season by the notorious Storm Trojan horse.

Researchers at the Bach Khoa Internetwork Security Center in Hanoi, Vietnam, reported today that a new piece of malware, dubbed "XmasStorm" by the center, is spreading through holiday-themed spam.

Touting subject lines such as "Merry Xmas!" and "Merry Christmas card for you!" the spam includes links to sites that purportedly host electronic greeting cards waiting for the recipients. In fact, the sites are serving up malware that hijacks the visiting PC, then installs a bot that waits for commands from the hacker controllers.

Nguyen Minh Duc, manager of Bach Khoa's application security group, said that XmasStorm originated in China. Hackers have registered at least 75 domain names relating to the malware campaign's holiday theme in the last month, including "superchristmasday.com" and "funnychristmasguide.com." According to WHOIS searches, those domains were registered to a Chinese address on Dec. 1 and Dec. 19, respectively.

"Special occasions such as Christmas and New Year have always been the periods when hackers distribute viruses via fake e-card with malicious code," said Nguyen in an e-mail Wednesday. "Therefore, users should be careful on receiving greeting e-mail from unknown sources for safety's sake."

Similar attacks have been monitored by other researchers, including those at ESET LLC, a Slovakian security company that has offices in San Diego. On Monday, ESET researcher Pierre-Marc Bureau reported a spike in holiday spam that pointed to sites hosting a file named "ecard.exe" that was not, of course, a greeting card, but instead malware.

"The reason this wave has attracted our attention is that it is very similar to the Storm worm attacks we were seeing last year," said Bureau in an e-mail.

Source: Computer World.

Credit Card Theft Underground - Awareness Article

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:24:00 +0000

Credit Card Theft Underground - Awareness Article

This is a fascinating article in the recently-released January issue of Wired magazine about the credit card theft and fraud underground. It's the story of the rise and fall of a completely criminal -- and quite technically sophisticated -- business enterprise.

Unlike the print version, which I just picked up, the online article has a video with Detective Bob Watts of the Newport Beach PD, telling how some of it was done, complete with card pressing and embossing equipment. The machines were used to press real cards from the stolen data.

The article also has a link to another video on the Identity Theft Secrets web site about CardersMarket.com, one of the web sites used in the criminal venture.

And while we're on the subject of credit card security, here's five tips from SC Magazine for successfully complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Besides being required for any business involved with credit cards, PCI compliance is one big step in protecting against credit card crime.

The Duhs of Security

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:20:00 +0000

The Duhs of Security

This security awareness video was developed by the Commonwealth of Virginia to promote simple changes in behavior that will strengthen security.

* Dont allow tailgating
* Guard your password and change it often
* Safe sensitve information to secure backed-up network storage areas
* Lock the computer when unattended
* Pick up sensitive printouts immediately
* Dont have sensitive conversations where you can be overheard.
* Be wary of suspicious emails
* Keep electronic media secure and safe from theft or damage.

Nokia Phones vulnerable to Java Attacks

noreply@blogger.com (G.Binu) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:40:00 +0000

Nokia Phones vulnerable to Java Attacks

A pair of critical vulnerabilities in Sun Microsystems Inc.’s Java technology for mobile devices could be used by hackers to surreptitiously make calls, record conversations, and access information on Nokia Series 40 cell phones, a Polish researcher said Monday.

Adam Gowdiak, a researcher who has found numerous bugs in Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) in the past, said he reported the two vulnerabilities to Sun last Thursday, and notified Nokia the same day of the security issues in its handsets. However, Gowdiak is taking a disclosure tack he admitted will be controversial. He has provided the vendors with only a small subset of the information he’s uncovered, approximately one-to-two pages worth. To obtain the remainder, which includes proof-of-concept code, Sun or Nokia will have to pony up $29,826.

The flaws can be used by attackers to force-feed malicious Java applications to Nokia Series 40 phones, said Gowdiak. Those applications, in turn, could be crafted to conduct all kinds of mischief, including making phone calls from the phone, sending text messages from the phone, and recording audio or video. Hackers could also access any file on a Nokia 40 model phone, obtain read and write access to the phone’s contact list, access the phone’s SIM card, and more, added Gowdiak.

“This can completely wipe out any security within J2ME,” said Gowdiak in an interview Monday. “It allows [attackers] to do anything malicious on any mobile device.”

All told, Gowdiak said he had found 14 security issues with the Nokia Series 40 handsets. The Series 40 is the world’s most widely-used mobile platform, according to Nokia. Gowdiak estimated that approximately 140 different Nokia handsets use the Series 40 platform.

All an attacker needs to hack a specific Series 40 handset is its phone number, Gowdiak claimed. A security flaw in the platform can be exploited by simply sending a maliciously crafted series of messages to a given phone. “By combining the vulnerabilities with the Series 40 issues, one could develop malware which could be simply deployed. And that malware won’t be visible to the user,” he said.

Gowdiak tested seven different Nokia Series 40 handsets — “At least one from each major family in the series,” he said — but he suspects that other manufacturers’ phones that use J2ME may also be vulnerable.

He said that the most current version of Sun’s Java Wireless Toolkit also contains the critical bugs. The Toolkit is essentially a software developer’s toolkit, or SDK, for building wireless applications based on J2ME. The implication, said Gowdiak, is that any application created with the Toolkit would also be open to attack, including those installed on handsets other than Nokia’s.

Nokia did not respond to a request for comment Monday, and although Sun did return a call, its spokeswoman did not have any immediate information about the vulnerabilities reported by Gowdiak.

For his part, Gowdiak said security teams at both companies had confirmed receiving his reports last week. “They seem to be working on these issues,” he added.

But the vulnerabilities may not be what many focus on, Gowdiak admitted.

To fund his start-up — a Polish-based company called Security Explorations — Gowdiak is selling copies of his research for 20,000 euros each. “There are six long months of work in this research,” he said in justifying the price. “It was an enormous amount of research.”

But Gowdiak is savvy enough to know that the move will be controversial. “Of course. The whole security arena is divided,” he argued. “Some will be against this and some will be for it.”

He said that the amount of information he had turned over to Sun and Nokia was “similar” to what he had disclosed to vendors previously. “We’re not blackmailers, we’re not black hats,” he said. “They have a choice whether they want to sign up for our security research or whether they want to [devote] research engineers of their own to investigate the vulnerabilities.

“But in our opinion, they have full vulnerability information.”

He also stressed the special nature of the vulnerabilities he had discovered. “This is the first time that such a widespread and critical attack has been demonstrated against Nokia’s Series 40 devices,” he said. “We have proved that these devices can be hacked and infected with malware in a very similar way PC computers are.”

Still, he was on the defensive. “Some people will attack us, and hate us,” he said, for selling research in this fashion. “But in time, people will be able to judge on their own whether we got it right.”

He stopped short, however, of promising to release more information once Sun and/or Nokia had patched their software. “We’re considering it,” was as far as he would go.

(Source:ComputerWorld)