[the-facts-machine] Google ads spread computer malware

From: Steve <pipeguy920@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <the-facts-machine@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:11:45 -0400
BlankThis came from kim Komando a couple days ago.


Google ads spread computer malware: Urgent updates to protect your computer 
now







Google ads spread computer malware: Urgent updates to protect your computer 
now


I written repeatedly about the critical importance of keeping your computer 
updated with the latest versions of your Internet software. And if my 
previous attempts have not yet convinced you, I hope today's news will 
finally motivate you to download and install the most current patches, fixes 
and updates.



Today's cyberattack is spread through Google's DoubleClick ad service. 
DoubleClick supplies ads to tens of thousands of websites around the world. 
The service allows sites to earn money from your visits and in return 
provide the services and information you enjoy for free. But some of these 
ads hide a sinister goal spreading dangerous malware to hijack your 
computer, steal your info and spread the nasty virus to your friends. Known 
as "malvertizing," I've already covered other dangerous cases in the past 
where cybercriminals  spread viruses by buying ad space.

I'm taking this attack personally, because I use Google's service for my 
site. I've done some research on who may be infected and here's what I've 
come up with so far:

1.The infected ads primarily target people using the very old Windows XP.

2.Other vulnerabilities include out-of-date versions of Adobe Flash Player 
and Internet Explorer.

3.After infecting your computer, the malware quickly downloads many other 
virus programs to suck up your bandwidth, steal personal information and add 
your computer to a "botnet."

The biggest at-risk group of people for infection by this latest malware is 
those who fail to install the latest computer updates.


I don't like that computer hackers may have used the ads to spread their 
malware. It's good to hear, however, that all of my listeners would have 
been almost totally protected from the malware by simply following my 
ongoing advice.


As a quick refresher, here are some of the basic steps that you can take to 
completely protect yourself:

1.Keep Windows and Internet Explorer up to date.

2.Make sure that you're using the latest version of Adobe's accident-prone 
Flash Player.

3.Always keep anti-virus software on your computer up to date.

Viruses and malware are almost an inevitability online. While it's 
frustrating to see Google get fooled let hackers use their servers to 
distribute harmful software, I'll say it one more time: Anyone who followed 
my advice is completely safe from hacker attack.

Google has said that they're "dealing with the problem," so that means that 
this malware will probably be off of their servers either today or tomorrow. 
Knock on wood, I guess.

Source: Info Security Magazine
[the-facts-machine] Google ads spread computer malware

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