Disable AutoRun to Stop 50% of Windows Malware Threats

According to a biannual Security Intelligence Report from Microsoft, AutoRun—the feature in Windows that automatically executes files when you plug in a USB or connect to a network—accounts for almost half of all malware infections. That's really damn high.

To be clear, these are infections that don't require any user-input from you, so it's kind of not your fault that your computer gets infected. By turning off AutoRun, you'll add an extra step to certain tasks, but it's worth it to cut down on malware 50%.

What's also interesting in this report is that Windows XP SP3 systems get infected about ten times as much as Windows 7 SP1 64-bit systems, and six times as much vs. 32-bit Windows 7 systems. That alone is one reason why you might want to upgrade your parents' machines to Windows 7.

The easiest way to disable AutoRun is to download a free utility like Disable AutoRun or previously mentioned Panda USB Vaccine, run it, and call it a day (these apps are made specifically to turn off AutoRun). On the other hand, if you're comfortable with editing the registry, here's a quick guide to doing it yourself.

4 Security Issues SMBs Should Watch In 2012

1. Masses will migrate to cloud platforms. This prediction seems to lean a little hard on retrospect--except that Morris is talking about John and Jane Doe--not businesses. Morris tied his prediction to Apple's recent iCloud launch and said it will make online applications the public norm rather than a trend. Continued consumerization will, in turn, force IT pros to deal with cloud applications--and any inherent security concerns--whether they want to or not.
Morris isn't talking about things like Web-based email--already somewhat old-fashioned in 2011--but file sharing, storage, and a much broader range of tools. Many tech-savvy SMBs are well ahead of this curve, but there are no doubt firms that have stayed away for security or other reasons. A potential silver lining: If a broader range of cloud platforms goes mainstream, then (hopefully) there'll be more onus on vendors to invest in security--if for no other reason than the increasing cost of a breach and the ensuing PR fallout.
2. Your smartphone will be a target. If you're placing bets, this one is easy money. Morris gives a general pat on the back to the security industry here, saying that because it has done a good job of protecting traditional endpoints, the bad guys will gold-rush the mobile frontier. "We will see an increase in Android and iPhone attacks: rogue apps, malicious links, and spyware targeted at smartphones and tablets," he said. "It's all about data, and business users and consumers alike store an abundance of highly sensitive and poorly guarded information on their mobile devices." SMBs need a mobile arm to their security plans that deals with both the devices themselves and the apps that run on them. Speaking of which...
3. Legitimate applications will be used for illegitimate activities. The cynic might say: "Duh." Just this week, Facebook--how many of your employees aren't using it?--got hit with a widespread porn attack. Morris is more concerned about the vast, growing universe of mobile apps in use on employee smartphones and tablets--whether those are company-supported or not. "A simple glance at an application like Plane Finder illustrates the vast amount of data that is at anyone's fingertips," he said.

4. Our weakest link will be strengthened. Morris has faith in humanity: He thinks we'll get smarter about security practices in 2012: "Indifference toward security will diminish." That's an interesting one for SMBs--their innate agility and leaner staff should make it easier to educate users on both the fundamentals and evolving problems. Yet SMBs--just like much larger concerns--run into problems all of the time, often as the result of human error. But it's not like this will just magically happen once the ball drops at midnight on January 1. It requires a philosophical shift--one that need not depend on a big budget. Is Morris right--will we get smarter next year? Let's hope so.

Ref:-Informationweek

How to Turn Your Webcam Into a Streaming, Motion-Detecting Surveillance System

You don't need expensive software or a new camera to keep an eye on things at home. Whether you're looking after your dog or trying to catch burglars in the act, you can put together a home security system with a regular webcam and your PC.
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