The vulnerability was found in HTC Magic phone running the Android OS which was supplied by Vodafone Germany (based on the screenshots and German language used on the computer of the Panda AV employee). The alert was triggered by Panda Cloud AV, when the phone was plugged into the PC via USB.

Malicious code was found in the Autorun files, which automatically runs when a USB drive is connected to a PC. The malware in question was identified as Mariposa bot client, which is run by an unknown guy named “tnls”. If users are infected with the virus it will automatically start contacting servers and sending data to them.

In addition to the above bot, the researcher also found traces of Conficker virus along with a password stealing malware called Lineage. There were no reports about the phone being affected by the above, but PCs without appropriate protection would definitely be vulnerable to these viruses.

It is really startling to see that both Vodafone and HTC allowed these phones to be sold without extensive testing and checks. It is not known as too how many phones are affected, however, it is a safe bet to connect your phone to your PC (with AV running), and running a quick scan on the contents of the phone.

We have contacted Vodafone and HTC for a statement, will update this post when more information becomes available.

The post Vodafone distributes Mariposa Bot, Conficker and Lineage in HTC Magic appeared first on Techie Buzz.

TeaTimer.exe is not a virus, spyware or malware, in-fact it is run by a spyware defending software called Spybot Search & Destroy.

So if you have this spyware protector installed in your system, you will most like see it in running processes.

Here is a excerpt from the Spybot knowledgebase:
The Resident TeaTimer is a tool of Spybot-S&D which perpetually monitors the processes called/initiated. It immediately detects known malicious processes wanting to start and terminates them giving you some options, how to deal with this process in the future.

However there are certain variants of worms that use the same name, if you do not use the above software, you should definitely cleanup the worm.

To solve any spyware issues you might want to read a article which we had written earlier about removing spywares/worms from your computer.

To stay on the safer side don’t forget to read our articles on Detailed Instructions on Protecting Your Computer from Internet Threats and Online Security Tips Keep your computer secure and safe.

The post HELP!!! What Is TeaTimer.exe? Why Is It Running On My Computer? appeared first on Techie Buzz.

May be you can take them as New Year’s Resolutions!

1. Put your Antivirus to good use

Do you find lazy to fire up your antivirus software and get your computer scanned, just because it takes too much time? I usually don’t like to do this because the anti virus tool steals focus (not all, but some). So I always find myself reluctant to to scan files using AVs. This time around, I’ve decided to schedule scanning when the computer is idle, when I’m away. No more need to wait patiently for scanning to complete.

Then comes updating. Make sure you set your antivirus to check for updates everyday. If you’re AV doesn’t provide a real time scanning feature, make sure you get one.

Because prevention is better than cure, it’s always better if your antivirus scans web traffic real time and stops viruses and malware if they intrude into your PC.

And having an antivirus isn’t just enough. Get an anti spyware too.

2. Get a Firewall Program

Firewall isn’t needed you think? Think again. Get your PC a firewall software, like the Kerio Firewall or Comodo PRO Firewall or even Zone Alarm. You’ll have a lot of control over what’s happening on your own PC. You’ll find programs that connect to the internet without your knowledge.

It may seem annoying at first with lots of warnings and stuff from the Firewall. But, at the end of the day, it does good to your PC. Feel safe, get a firewall now!

3. Download from trusted sources

Sure there’s a hell lot of places where you can download programs from on the internet. But most of these places contain crappy programs and are pages literally stuffed with ads.

Make sure that you download the program from the official site itself, or a mirror that’s listed on the official site of the manufacturer.

Very so often, people find themselves downloading programs from untrusted sources, and this leads to virus infections.

Just make sure that you always download files from trusted sources, and for that extra security, scan your downloaded files using your antivirus tool.

4. Beware when you’re installing programs

If a program asks you to install something like a toolbar or any little program, OPT OUT. You don’t want to compromise on your security for a freeware program, do you?

Most of the time, you permit the software to install junk on your PC. “Me?”, you’re asking? Yes, you. But how? Just by skimming through the EULA (License Agreement), agreeing to it, thereby permitting the software to install what you really didn’t want to, on your PC.

So here’s a nifty little tool called EULAlyezer to hep you. Just copy and paste the EULA from anywhere to this tool, and it will warn you about potential spyware installations by analyzing the license text.

If the program policies don’t permit you to use it without the bells it comes with, just go search for an alternative. There are scores of them on the web.

5. Be alert when you’re browsing

Yes, keep watching. Check your status bar before you click on a link. The link may not always be pointing to where it seems to lead to.

Make sure you’re on secure mode when you’re transacting money. Look for https:// URLs. Also keep an eye on the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser.

Don’t fall prey to phishing scams. Dismiss those victorious messages that glorify you by telling that you’ve won a lottery. They’re just spam.

All these can help you have a more secure online life than ever before. Enjoy the new year, safe and secure!

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Computer Secure And Safe appeared first on Techie Buzz.