VB Blog

WordPress users urged to manually update to fix bug that prevents automatic updating

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Feb 8, 2018

Users of the popular WordPress content management system are urged to manually update their installation to version 4.9.4, as a bug in the previous version broke the ability to automatically install updates.

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New paper: A review of the evolution of Andromeda over the years

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Feb 7, 2018

The Andromeda botnet (aka Gamarue or Wauchos) has plagued Internet users for more than half a decade but, following a takedown effort and the arrest of the suspected botnet owner in December 2017, it is likely we have seen the end of it. In a new paper by Fortinet researchers Bahare Sabouri and He Xu, we look back at the evolution of Andromeda from version 2.06 to 2.10 and demonstrate both how it improved its loader to evade automatic analysis/detection and how the payload varied among the different versions.

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There is no evidence in-the-wild malware is using Meltdown or Spectre

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Feb 2, 2018

Reports of malware using the Meltdown or Spectre attacks are likely based on proof-of-concept code rather than files written for a malicious purpose.

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Throwback Thursday: Malware taking a bit(coin) more than we bargained for

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Feb 1, 2018

This Throwback Thursday, we republish the VB2012 paper by Microsoft researcher Amir Fouda, one of the earliest papers to look at malware targeting Bitcoin.

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First time speaker? Don't be afraid of submitting to the VB2018 CFP

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 31, 2018

We especially encourage those less experienced in speaking in public to submit to the call for papers for VB2018, where we aim to provide a friendly and welcoming environment in which people can both present their own research and learn from what others have been working on.

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VB2017 paper: VirusTotal tips, tricks and myths

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 25, 2018

At VB2017 in Madrid, security researcher Randy Abrams presented an overview of the VirusTotal service and then went on to bust several of the persistent myths that surround it. Today we publish both Randy's paper and the recording of his presentation.

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Healthcare CERTs highlight the need for security guidance for specific sectors

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 24, 2018

A new computer emergency response team has been launched in the Netherlands to provide guidance specifically tailored to the healthcare sector. Martijn Grooten welcomes the development.

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VB2018 call for papers now open!

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 23, 2018

Have you analysed a new online threat? Do you know a new way to defend against such threats? Are you tasked with securing systems and fending off attacks? The call for papers for VB2018 is now open and we want to hear from you!

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Book review: Serious Cryptography

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 22, 2018

VB Editor Martijn Grooten recommends Jean-Philippe Aumasson's 'Serious Cryptography' as a very solid but practically focused introduction to cryptography.

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Necurs pump-and-dump spam campaign pushes obscure cryptocurrency

Posted by   Martijn Grooten on   Jan 16, 2018

A Necurs pump-and-dump spam campaign pushing the lesser known Swisscoin botnet is mostly background noise for the Internet.

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Search blog

2003

Latest news from the anti-virus industry provided by independent anti-virus advisors, Virus Bulletin
NewsUS and UK spam legislation in place Anti-spam legislation in place. 29 December 2003Number crunchingCalculating the average cost of a virus attack - estimates or guesstimates?… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2003/

January

Anti-virus and security related news provided by independent anti-virus advisors, Virus Bulletin
https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2003/01/

Stocks, viruses and a disgruntled employee

A systems administrator has been charged with attempting to manipulate a company's stock price by introducing a virus into its computer system.
A systems administrator has been charged with attempting to manipulate a company's stock price by introducing a virus into its computer system. The New York Times reports that a… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/12/stocks-viruses-and-disgruntled-employee/

Stocking Fillers

It's that time of year again when we're frantically scouring the shopping malls for something unique and meaningful to give to our loved ones. Coincidentally, it's also that time of year when VB turns out its stock cupboards and puts some truly fabulous m…
It's that time of year again when we're frantically scouring the shopping malls for something unique and meaningful to give to our loved ones. Coincidentally, it's also that time… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/12/stocking-fillers/

December

Anti-virus and security related news provided by independent anti-virus advisors, Virus Bulletin
https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/12/

Addendum: Windows 2000 Advanced Server Comparative Review

After re-testing, Trend's ServerProtect product gains a VB 100% award.
After re-testing, Trend's ServerProtect product gains a VB 100% award. In the November 2002 Comparative Review Trend's ServerProtect was reported to have failed to achieve full… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/12/addendum-windows-2000-advanced-server-comparative-review/

Some thoughts on ViraLock

We examine ViraLock, a product which promises 'Zero Escape For Email Viruses', provided, it seems, the virus plays by their rules.
We examine ViraLock, a product which promises 'Zero Escape For Email Viruses', provided, it seems, the virus plays by their rules. It's understandable that we greet announcements… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/11/some-thoughts-viralock/

Who's There?

New security portal unveiled by publishers of Information Security Bulletin magazine.
New security portal unveiled by publishers of Information Security Bulletin magazine. Last month a new security portal was unveiled by the publishers of Information Security… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/11/who-s-there/

Paying the Price

McAfee Security issues press release estimating the potential costs to businesses of 'the next big virus attack'
McAfee Security issues press release estimating the potential costs to businesses of 'the next big virus attack' McAfee Security has become the latest security company to issue a… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/11/paying-price/

Writer of virus trio in court

A British man has appeared in court charged with the creation and distribution of a trio of mass-mailing viruses: Gokar, Redesi and Admirer.
A British man has appeared in court charged with the creation and distribution of a trio of mass-mailing viruses: Gokar, Redesi and Admirer. A British man has appeared in court… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/11/writer-virus-trio-court/

November

Anti-virus and security related news provided by independent anti-virus advisors, Virus Bulletin
https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/11/

'Kournikova' writer loses appeal

Reports are that Jan de Wit, author of the 'Kournikova' virus (VBSWG variant) has lost his appeal against 150 hours of community service.
Reports are that Jan de Wit, author of the 'Kournikova' virus (VBSWG variant) has lost his appeal against 150 hours of community service. The Register reports that Jan de Wit,… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/kournikova-writer-loses-appeal/

With friends like these...

A nuisance email which is neither viral nor a hoax is proving to be equally bothersome.
A nuisance email which is neither viral nor a hoax is proving to be equally bothersome. A nuisance email which is neither viral nor a hoax is proving to be equally bothersome.… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/friends-these/

Addendum: June 2002 Windows XP Comparative Review

F-Prot users relying on the on-access protection against W32/Nimda.A are safe
F-Prot users relying on the on-access protection against W32/Nimda.A are safe In the June 2002 comparative review of anti-virus products for Windows XP (see VB, June 2002, p.19),… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/addendum-june-2002-windows-xp-comparative-review/

Moth-eaten software...

A warning issued by Israeli security firm GreyMagic Software last month revealed a total of nine vulnerabilities in IE 5.5 and 6.0, all concerning object caching.
A warning issued by Israeli security firm GreyMagic Software last month revealed a total of nine vulnerabilities in IE 5.5 and 6.0, all concerning object caching. A warning… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/moth-eaten-software/

Service or bust

So confident is Trend Micro of its virus detection abilities that it is offering a financial penalty-backed detection guarantee.
So confident is Trend Micro of its virus detection abilities that it is offering a financial penalty-backed detection guarantee. So confident is Trend Micro of its virus detection… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/service-or-bust/

October

Anti-virus and security related news provided by independent anti-virus advisors, Virus Bulletin
https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/10/

Viruses - Some Good

Just occasionally, a virus infection can have some positive effects...
Just occasionally, a virus infection can have some positive effects... Much like biological viruses, it turns out that infections by computer viruses can lead to increased measures… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/09/viruses-some-good/

Bring on the DEET

The latest award for the most tenuous product-pushing story goes to BitDefender, whose marketeers claim a 'mosquito-borne disease could easily become a computer infection.'
The latest award for the most tenuous product-pushing story goes to BitDefender, whose marketeers claim a 'mosquito-borne disease could easily become a computer infection.' The… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/09/bring-deet/

Virtually There

The Infosecurity show and exhibition has gone virtual with the launch of the first Infosecurity World Online exhibition. But where are the sweets?
The Infosecurity show and exhibition has gone virtual with the launch of the first Infosecurity World Online exhibition. But where are the sweets? The Infosecurity show and… https://www.virusbulletin.com/blog/2002/09/virtually-there/

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