Identity Theft Trojan Scanner now available....

Sunbelt software has now released their stand-alone scanner for this id-theft Trojan. Get it now. It is small, fast and good. (I was clean--of course. Are you?) Many anti-virus companies are now adding it into their DAT list as well so make sure your DATS are current.

As I posted over in the TechBlog comments:

Regardless of the "who-found-what-first" or "it's-a-variant" game. I must say, I really appreciate the fact that Sunbelt Software posted a stand-alone application scanner/remover for this trojan. I think it goes a long way for a company's ethics that they care enough about the general web-public to research, design and then post a product that will help all web-users verify the integrity of their system.

Now, I don't use Sunbelt Software's applications. I use my own "holy-trinity" of applications I have tested over the years as a sysadmin. But I will be downloading the trial version of their primary malware tool to review very soon. Good job guys.

As Eric Howes Rogue Anti-Spyware list shows, many unscrupulious vendors claim to detect problems, then offer to sell you their cleaning tool to fix 'em. What you get are a lot of "false-positives" a download full of malware masquerading as anti-malware and a lighter wallet.

So when a company finds a problem, could make a buck off your misfortune, but offers a SMALL, FAST and FREE standalone scanner--Kudos. I personally use Grisoft's antivirus program, but likewise am impressed with McAfee offering their standalone anti-virus/trojan scanner known as STINGER. No it doesn't scan for everything, but having a little FREE stand-alone scanner (kept on my flash-drive) to scan possibly infected systems is a real plus. Keeping these apps small is a real plus for the folk still on dial-up. Many don't have the time or patience to leave their pc on overnight to download a 10+MB application to scan/clean their pc.

On the otherhand, I find it "interesting" that while identity-theft news stories are pretty "sexy" right now, no major media outlet (cable/broadcast/radio) has picked up this identity-theft case and the implications for users. Unless you are in IT or know someone who is, or maybe follow some malware/IT blog, there is a chance your pc could be infected, your identity snatched, and you are still clueless and wouldn't begin to know how to respond to check/clean your pc.

Wow. Now THAT is really scary.

--edit-- This message thread at CNet seems to indicate that some users are getting some false-positives on their systems with this tool. Not real clear yet what is going on. If you are getting results that indicate you have this trojan with this tool, might want to check back with Sunbelt's tool download location and see if they update the tool version in the next couple of days.

Also that thread mentions this PCWorld article. In it a freeware security tool is mentioned to check the Protected Storage area of your Windows pc. It is a tiny app that you might find reveals some information that you would rather not list. The tool is called Protected Storage Passview (PSPV).

Hope to see you in clear blue skies!
--Claus

(Please welcome our Grand Stream Dreams guest blogger...Alvis)

Hi, I'm Alvis!

I like to write, draw, paint and play soccer. I watch a lot of anime. right now I am working on a story called "Hope 'n Evil". I'm going to start my 2nd year in soccer soon.I love to spend lots of time with my family, especially my cousins: Ed, Winry, and Ally. Ed is 7, Winry is 3 and Ally is 2. Well, since I told you about me...

See you in the skies.
--Alvis!

Waterpark visits and keylogger ID theft Hell....

I was reading Keeper's blog today. He has been blogging about the trials of finding swim-shoes this late into the season (been there-done that) and moved on to his adventure at Splashtown, a local waterpark here in North Houston. So the times I've gone I've always been stumped on what (bare-minumum) to take into the waterpark, and how to hold onto it when your there....

In Houston, you have to drive everywhere, even to get to the waterparks. Yes we do have public Metro transportation (buses) and a Metro light-rail train that has a vehicle crash count--so far--that just reached it's 100 collision today. (Houston drivers can be dense.) But really, you have to drive everywhere to get anywhere here in Houston. Oops, I'm going off on a tangent!

So you have to take (1) your car key since you want to lock your car up. If you are a guy, next we have to settle with what to do about the wallet. Leave it locked in the car--I guess? An uncomfortable decision at best. Maybe your drivers license (2) can come with you. If it's in good shape, the plastic cover should keep it protected. Credit/debit card (3)? And (4), cash.

What do you put them in now? I picked up a waterproof bag at Academy once. (I've seen the "torpedo-tubes" you can seal up and put around your next, but they look clunky and uncomfortable.) The waterproof bag idea worked medium well. Everything was damp (cash was soaked) but the key/cards were ok. I guess you could get a locker, but I don't trust them with anything so valuable. What do you do? What is your plan when you visit a water park. Ladies? Any suggestions from your side?

This keylogger/spyware identity theft issue is getting worse and worse. If you don't know what I am talking about, read this for an intro. Sunbelt Software now has some more results on their initial analysis posted on their blog site. Susie at Spyware Warrior has some good tips on a response if you think you got infected with this bad-puppy. They report they are working on a standalone scanner for it. I hope they get one out fast. From the Sunbelt blog site:

Briefly:

– It’s footprint is extremely small — about 26k.

– It seems related to the CoolWebSearch gang, but that is still not certain.

– It is related to the Dumador/Nibu family of trojans. The keylogger executable is winldra.exe.

– It runs under Internet Explorer (IE), so it is generally undetectable by a software or hardware firewall. So much for my ranting about the need to run a software firewall.

– It turns off the Windows firewall.

– It steals data in the IE Protected Storage area.

– It steals data from the Windows clipboard

– It steals logins and passwords from a number of programs, including WebMoney, Far Manager and Total Commander.

– It modifies the host file to stop access to Trend Micro, Mcafee.com, Symantec.com, Etrust/Computer Associates, AVP, Kaspersky, F-secure, etc.

Please, please, please! Run an anti-virus program on your pc and keep the DAT files up to date. Run at least one anti-spyware scanner on your pc. Run a firewall on your pc (besides the XP one!). There are LOTS of great free ones. Yes there are others besides the ones I linked to. Just pick some and stick with them! Use them! Ignorance is not bliss on the internet, it is $$$EXPENSIVE$$$. Good luck.

See you in the skies.
--Claus

Passings, Landings, and Surprise Bloomings....

Sunday night I was checking out the landing times for the shuttle mission and saw the notice that Peter Jennings had passed away. Back in the "pre-cable" days, Peter and Tom Brokaw were the two men who helped interpret the changing world around us. When Tom retired, Peter remained a calm, professional, yet warm voice who helped me make sense about the world. He didn't chatter. Didn't raise his voice and bark on-screen. He knew his stuff and guided us through the confusion. He was a consumate professional. I think he really gave an excellent example of what I expect a news leader--no--a true journalist to be. He soothed our frayed and distraught nerves and heat during the 9-11 days. We felt pride when he took American citizenship and joined our country (one that his special programs about America helped show us who have always lived here a perspective only his could deliver). And we felt concern when he stepped off the air due to his illness. I felt sadness watching and listening to his final goodbye on air that night. Peter will be missed, and he will never be replaced.

Alvis and I have been getting up in the wee morning hours for the past two days hoping to catch the shuttle's landing. Today it finally paid off. It was so exciting watching the landing. Good job team (that goes for the whole NASA family)! Alvis announced that she wanted to be an astronaut so she could work on the moon. I remember in the home I grew up in...there was a small coat-closet underneath the stairs. If you crawled behind the coats, there was just enough room to make a hidden clubhouse. I had gotten somehow a collection of NASA publicity photos of space ships and things. I covered the walls with them and an old National Geographic poster of the moon's surface. It was awesome. There was probably more space in there than the Gemini capsules. I really wanted to be an astronaut. I even flirted briefly with going to the Air Force Academy. Yesterday, Alvis wanted to be a teacher, today an astronaut. Aren't the dreams and hopes of youth a precious thing? We will miss the shuttle when it is retired. I hope that the Johnson Space Center gets one for permanent display. The new CEV that will replace it doesn't seem near as cool looking, but then in consideration, the Apollo landers look pretty clunky but were awesomely cool. In an age spoiled by sci-fi special effects, coolness reigns, but in real space, form always follows function.

We have some hibiscus plants on the side of our home that the former owner planted. They recently got over the roof-line and needed to be trimmed back. They bloom almost non-stop. I felt really guilty about cutting them back a little bit. I read on the internet when the best time to prune was, how to do it, and about saving cuttings. The middle of summer was not described as an optimal time to try. Oh well, what do I know. Lavie and I collected the most promising looking clippings, dunked them in some rooting powder, stuck them in some large pots and watered them. 80% have died out, but the remaining 20% are leafing out very nicely and one or two even bloomed those humongus red-pink blooms! Wow. Who would have guessed. I hope we have 4-5 survivors when the summer is over. It would be nice to be able to plant them alongside their original bushes.

See you in the skies.
--Claus

Linux Live CD's

Who needs a Linux "Live" CD? -- You do.

What is a Linux "Live" CD? -- It basically is a bootable CD that contains a version of the Linux operating system. If your pc is able to boot from your CD drive, you have a good chance of being able to use one. (See the Wikipedia for more information about "Live CD's.)

What can you do with a Live CD? Tux.org has a list of 10 things. (Those and some more with my preferences noted instead below...)

• Try Linux without installing it (Ubuntu)
• Use as a portable desktop (MEPIS) or (VectorLinux) or (SLAX)
• Maintain hard drive/recover data (Ultimate Boot CD)
• Install Linux (Overclockix) --(Alvis has this installed on her pc)
• Run Security Response (INSERT)
• Try Linux software (BeatrIX) --(awww...look at the pretty kittys!)
• Reset forgotten Windows passwords (Austrumi)
• Build your own distribution (Damn Small Linux) -- (I do this!)
• Watch/listen to multimedia (dyne:bolic)
• Play games (GamesKnoppix)
• ZEN out (Zen Linux)
• Teach your Kids Educational Stuff (Freeduc)
• Do Forensics on a pc system (Helix) -- (has a windows app side as well...)
• Geographical mapping (GeoMorphix)
• Get a free home entertainment system (KnoppMyth)

All of these are FREE! A broadband connection is best for attempting downloads as sizes of the ISO file can run between 45-800MB. There are lots of good books out on these, my all-time favorite is Knoppix Hacks by O'Reilly Press. It is awesome! and comes with a cd of the Knoppix distribution. Some distributions even support booting a pc from a USB device (assuming your motherboard supports it...)

Once you have downloaded the ISO file, use your preferred cd-burning tool to burn the ISO image to disk (don't burn a copy of the ISO file to the cd, burn the ISO file contents to cd--read your burning software help-file for more info.)

I carry several of the above distributions with my in my sysadmin CD case collection at all times. I pick and choose depending on what I want to accomplish. However, my "daily-use" pick is Damn Small Linux.

Even if you are not ready to take the Linux plunge and switch. These are a great way to find out what all the Linux talk is about, get your feet wet, and do some learning. All without touching your current pc setup's hard-drive configuration!

• side note--I'm not really happy with my current blog font. I will be experimenting for a while with other fonts to decide which I like best. Please be patient!

See you in the Skies!

--Claus

Yatsubato! (...and thinpack sets)

A new manga series we are reading now is Yatsubato! Volume 2 was just released this month. It is the wacky brainchild of Azuma Kiyohiko (blog) who wrote the cute manga series Azumanga Daioh. Yatsuba is a 6-year old child full of energy. She sees and responds to the world around her in the way only a 6-year old's wisdom can grasp. It is a delightfully refreshing comedy. There is some seriousness about it, but it is very nice to laugh again at the sillyness of the release of 1000's of ciacada's in a home by a well-meaning 6-year old.

Innocence is a precious commodity these days. (We're not Afraid! and Runny Babbit Tales)

We started watching Azumanga Daioh in the anime form before picking up the manga version as well. It follows the high-school adventures of a group of very diverse (personality-wise) Japanese girls. From first year to graduation. We couldn't help but fall in love with them. It isn't deep. At all. More like a light spring breeze. It comforts you then moves on. Comparisons have been made to Seinfeld. (Samples of Azumanga Diaho manga series here.)

Lavie and I have been picking up quite a bit more manga than we used to. We started out as anime fans (and still are) but now tend to bring home 4 or more manga for every one DVD we get. Price is not really a factor. Al has her own manga series she likes. So why the switch? Well, it's not really the tie-in factor (where you get manga versions of an anime series). We do have some of those. No, I think it is the fact that the manga can tell an even deeper storyline and provide more fleshed out characterizations than the anime can. For instance, Lavie loves the "Love Hina"manga as previously blogged--even though she has never seen any of the anime versions. And I really enjoy Video Girl AI in manga--despite having seen the anime version.

Plus, you can read and take it all in at your own pace. Anime is kinda like riding a roller-coaster. You get on, you have a blast. You get off, a little dizzy. Then you go back to the end of the line and wait forever in mixed excitement for the next ride. Manga is more like that jungle-riverboat-adventure. You get on, you slowly cruise the ride, you get time to pick out the various sights along the way and linger your attention on those that interest you. Relaxing. Manga is also gaining in popularity with the general public.

Which brings me to my second issue--anime "thinpack" sets. Generally, when you buy anime titles you spend at least $29.99 for a single DVD that may run about 90min in length. Anime shows can average anywhere from 2 or more DVD's in the series. Some have over 10. That adds up to a hefty investement. Plus you have to often wait a month or more between episode releases. Granted, you may get some "extras" with these: commentary inserts, collectible pins, art cards... On the other hand, anime distributors have recently been releasing complete sets. Sometimes in a "thinpack" set (where each DVD is housed in a thiner DVD case without most of the extras), sometimes in a "brick" set where the DVD's are housed in one DVD case, and sometimes a compilation set where the epsiodes have been crammed together on one or two DVD's total.

I'm really mixed on this (as are a lot of anime fans). Anime collecting is a pretty expensive persuit--not at all for the faint-of-heart. If it is a series I am just blown-away by (like Last Exile) and I have to have all the art/collectibles--then I will lean to picking up the individual DVD's. If it is a series that I like, but not crazy-wild about (or has more than 4-5 DVD's in the entire series), I will almost certainly wait the extra 6 months to a year and get the the box-set (thinpack/brick). This is usually much cheaper as well. I bought the Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi series one-by-one at an overall investment of $120. Now it is coming out in a thinpack set for $49.99. See what I mean? Did I like Abenobashi? You bet! Kinda like the Marx brothers on celluloid crack--with Texas accents...who wouldn't like that?! Would I rather have spent $50 on it, yep. Now, I do plan to pick up the individual series DVD boxes on Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex, AIR, Ah! My Goddess (TV) and CowboyBebop-Remix. On the other hand, I think I will be waiting for the thinpacks on R.O.D. : the TV, Kino's Journey, and MadLax. Now, if I could just get word that Yotsuba is going to be made into anime....

Tangental topic: I was driving home yesterday from work listening to NPR and heard that August 6th, 1945 is the date Hiroshima was bombed with an atomic weapon. They had an audio copy of an eyewitness's account of the bombing from an English speaking Russian emigrant who lived just outside the city. A photo gallery here. It struck me how far we have come in the (60 years?) since. Our family eats at a local Japanese sushi-bar. We buy loads of Japanese anime and manga and music. We watch Korean and Japanese movies and TV dramas weekly. Lavie works at a local German-owned chemical manufacturing plant, and I am a 7th generation German American. I did not live in the WWII America. I will never know the anger and pain our nation felt during that period of our history. I have only seen the pictures. I am deeply and utterly moved by the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Many historians believe the decision likely saved hundreds of thousands of lives (civilian and soliders) on both sides had American forces invaded Japan by force.

I am deeply proud of the sacrifices America and its soldiers/citizens made for my family during WWII. I am deeply proud today to be an American (and Texan!). At the same time, I also think we are all still living with the ongoing cost of the aftermath.

I just feel sad thinking about it...that's all. Geesh, now I've got to go watch some more Azumanga Diaho, right after I give Alvis and Lavie a hug.

Bonus linkage:

• Last Friday was System Administrator day. Our bosses didn't do anything for us sysadmins at all at work. Bummer. This site has some good humor for the poor-forgotten sysadmin's like me. (Lavie offered to take me out to dinner since I can also be considered the sysadmin for the home pc...)
• Speaking of sysadmins. Have you heard of the Chronicles of George? I use a problem ticket system exactly like this one at work. Dude is in need of some job-counseling, seriously. The chronicle keeper is a fellow Houston blogger.
  
• NASA's shuttle mission webpage has an awesome multimedia page. The high-res photographs are literally out of this world. The detail of the photography is breathtaking.
• Hacking an Elevator (so it doesn't stop between floors to the one you want). Don't even get me started ranting 'bout elevator etiquette!
• Mando has a great Starbucks wallpaper, and check out his old-school space desktops, and the rather clever Firefox protection.
• Inkscape has a major new release update out (version .042). Go snag it and do some vectors.
• ZoneAlarm firewall also has a pretty new update out as well (version 6.0.631.3).
• Spyware causes identity theft? Are you surprised?
  

Finally, I have finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to Lavie and Alvis (along with the other 3/4 of the world's population). Wow. Didn't expect all that. What the #%#^@#$ was JKR thinking? So much to think about....while we have to wait another 2 years or so for the final volume. Oh, this was pretty funny, but don't go (spoiler warning!!) HERE unless you have read the entire HP&THBP book first (or if you just don't care and want to save $20).

See you in the skies.
--Claus

The Girls of Summer...

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to certain things. Fast-food, architecture, art, movies. Web-browsers are no different. Some people like Miss Blue, Internet Explorer. Others prefer the younger and cute Firefox. Some like Opera. For those that like 'em petite, there is OffbyOne. And, just to prove I support alternative lifestyles, there is a whole slew of options for Linux web-browsers. Whatever your tastes run, just take care of her. Patch her. Get to know her. Look out for her and be aware of her likes and weaknesses. That's all.

Girls like to get new clothes. Lavie and Alvis taught me that. Have you ever thought of getting some new clothes for your web-browser?

Internet Explorer has two very nice "supportive" applications that can enhance its features. I generally avoid tool-bar enhancements like a plague having spent way too much time cleaning up workstations with spyware/malware trickery that got installed along with a tool-bar. However, these two applications are solid performers. Avant Brower and Maxthon. Both build on the IE engine and wrap it in additional features that many users will find useful. Enhanced pop-up blocking, tabed browsing, additional search features. They are worth a try if you date Miss IE exclusively. Word on the street is that Miss IE is going to be coming out with a whole new look soon.

Firefox has a ton of enhacements that it refers to as "extensions." The browser is slim and cute. You can add as many of these as you like--or none at all. Here is a list of the ones I have tested and fly with Firefox (my preferred web-browser).

• BugMeNot - bypass compulsory web registration
  
• ColorZilla - eyedropper tool to capture color codes
  
• Copy Plain Text - copies web-text without html formatting
  
• CuteMenus - adds icons for extended menus
  
• Diggler - URL tool
  
• Download Statusbar - shows status of downloads in tool-bar
  
• Ext2Abc - sorts extension list a-z
  
• ImageZoom - enhances image management in browser
  
• SecurePassword Generator - create random passwords when prompted
  
• SpoofStick - detects "spoofed" website
  
• Statusbar Clock - shows the time/date in browser
  
• Tab Clicking Options - expands options for tab-clicking
  
• Translate - translate language webpage tool
  
• ScrapBook - webpage saver
  
• downTHEMall - webpage download filter
  
• X - delete cookies,cache, etc
  
• FoxyTunes - control media player in Firefox
  
• Gmail Notifier - notifier of Gmail accounts
  
• Objection - Flash LSO remover
  
• PrefBar - browser preference toolbar
  
• Moji - integrated Japanese dictionary
  
• FaviconPicker - replace bookmark icons
• Sage - RSS feed reader
• FireFTP - FTP client
  

Lastly--if you are like me and carry a flash-drive memory stick just about everywhere you go, there are some good portable packages (Firefox/Thunderbird/Nvu/OpenOffice) just for you. Check out these Portable Mozilla Versions. John Haller also has some other cool things too.

See you in the skies.
--Claus