Cydoor, also known as Cydoor Desktop Media, is an intrusive ad-supported software that may be downloaded in conjunction with freeware or even shareware. Cydoor has been flagged by numerous sources as a potentially malicious spyware program that does not properly seek the user’s permission to access his/her browser or connect to Cydoor servers in order to download additional advertisements and upload user-related statistics. Cydoor is not known to cause any specifically disruptive effects on the user’s computer, but is known to repeatedly display pop-ups and other forms of advertisements. Additionally, Read More

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is a data encryption and decryption program used in e-mail messaging, encrypting/decrypting texts, files, or even disk partitions, in order to provide security of data. The program was created in 1991, by Phil Zimmerman. Pretty Good Privacy encryption is based on using a serial combination of data compression, hashing, public-key cryptography and symmetric-key cryptography. Public keys are bound to e-mail addresses or usernames. How Does PGP Work? PGP is used for sending messages confidentially. It combines public-key and symmetric-key encryption. A symmetric encryption algorithm is used Read More

The Windows Steady Work virus is an extremely malicious program that pretends to be a computer optimization software in order to lure users into downloading it. The program uses fake alerts, scans, and scan results to make the user believe that his/her computer is infected with malicious software and tells the user to purchase the full version of the software to remove these threats. When the user does, the software continues to do the same thing, but the program’s creator now has the user’s financial information, which he/she can use Read More

CyberDefender is an example of malicious software that poses as an anti-virus software. CyberDefender runs a fake computer scan, then lists a number of “threats” that are really non-existent files, random files, or files that are essential to the computer’s performance. When the user attempts to remove these threats, CyberDefender asks the user to purchase the software. If the user declines, CyberDefender displays a reminder to purchase the software every 30 seconds. CyberDefender also prevents the user from uninstalling the software through conventional means.   Where CyberDefender Comes from CyberDefender Read More

The following are default usernames and passwords for many systems: AS/400 qsecofr qsecofr /* master security officer */ qsysopr qsysopr /* system operator */ qpgmr also qpgmr /* default programmer */ ibm password ibm 2222 ibm service qsecofr 1111111 qsecofr 2222222 qserv qserv qsvr qsvr secofr secofr qsrv ibmce1 DECserver ACCESS SYSTEM Dynix (The library software, not the UnixOS) setup <no password> library <no password> circ <Social Security Number> (Type ‘later’ to exit to the login prompt)   Hewlett Packard MPE-XL HELLO MANAGER.SYS HELLO MGR.SYS HELLO FIELD.SUPPORT HPUNSUP or SUPPORT Read More

Yahoo Anti Spyware is a toolbar provided by the popular search engine company, Yahoo. Yahoo Anti Spyware provides users with standard toolbar functions such as a search field as well as localized options like weather and news. What distinguishes the Yahoo Anti Spyware toolbar from other toolbars, however, is its ability to block pop-ups, scan emails for Trojans, and even scan the user’s computer for viruses directly from the toolbar.   Applications The Yahoo Anti Spyware toolbar has been available for several years, but still provides users with security functions Read More

The XOR encryption is a simple symmetric cipher that is used in many applications where security is not a defined requirement. The XOR Operator XOR (Exclusive OR) is a bitwise operator from binary mathematics. The six bitwise operators, as defined in the C programming language, are: Operation Symbol AND & Inclusive OR | Exclusive OR (XOR) ^ Right Shift >> Left Shift << Complement ~ The XOR operator returns a 1 when the value of either the first bit or the second bit is a 1. The XOR operator returns Read More

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a type of computer network that uses the Internet to create a secured connection between specific parties. For example, if a company wanted to connect its main offices, multiple buildings, and a number of home users without allowing access to the general public, the company would most likely use a VPN. A VPN works in a similar way to instant messaging software by using the Internet to connect multiple users together without letting the general public into the conversation. While a large number Read More

LSASS, or local security authority subsystem service, is a process that functions as part of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Essentially, LSASS is part of the process for maintaining and enforcing the security protocols on the operating system. To this end, LSASS performs several important functions to ensure that the system remains free from unauthorized access and is protected from a wide range of viruses and bugs. What does LSASS Specifically do? Perhaps the most common task that LSASS oversees is the access to a computer or server. LSASS recognizes Read More

Cisco routers are routers that Cisco, a leading provider in network devices, produces. Cisco has millions of customers worldwide and produces thousands of products, including routers, modems, and network storage devices that allow the user to connect to the Internet. Cisco also produces USB based Internet cards and distributes service plans that a wide variety of Internet Service Providers offer. Cisco Router Default Passwords Like any other router, all Cisco routers include a built-in control panel that allows the user to change configuration settings, enable the router to work with Read More