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You need a password manager -- right now
Who loves dealing with passwords? No one. Password managers help by saving all your passwords in one, secure place. Let's break down how they work and the best password manager apps available now.
Google: Symantec antivirus flaws are 'as bad as it gets'
Products from Symantec that are supposed to protect users have made them much more open to attack, according to Google. Researcher Tavis Ormandy has spotted numerous vulnerabilities in 25 Norton and Symantec products that are "as bad as it gets," he says. "Just emailing a file to a victim or sending them a link to an exploit is enough to trigger it -- the victim does not need to open the file or interact with it in any way." Symantec has already published fixes for the exploits, so users would do well to install them immediately.
Symantec antivirus security flaw exposes Linux, Mac and Windows
Security holes in antivirus software are nothing new, but holes that exist across multiple platforms? That's rare... but it just happened. Google's Tavis Ormandy has discovered a vulnerability in Symantec's antivirus engine (used in both Symantec- and Norton-branded suites) that compromises Linux, Mac and Windows computers. If you use an early version of a compression tool to squeeze executables, you can trigger a memory buffer overflow that gives you root-level control over a system.
Symantec declares antivirus 'dead' as it focuses on damage control
Given how hard antivirus software makers push you to sign up, you'd think that business was booming. Far from it, according to Symantec's Brian Dye. He tells the Wall Street Journal that antivirus tools like his company's Norton suite are effectively "dead." The utilities now catch less than half of all attacks, according to the executive -- to him, the focus is on minimizing the damage whenever there's a successful hack or infection.
Norton introduces a password manager, Identity Safe (updated)
Norton, better known for its antivirus software, is attempting to take on AgileBits' 1Password with the release of Identity Safe, a password manager for the Mac. Like 1Password, it takes over the task of remembering passwords and generating new ones, keeping the information stored in the cloud. Norton is trying to lure in new customers by offering Identity Safe for free until October 1. There are versions of Identity Safe available for Mac and iOS. However, unlike 1Password which stands on its own, the iOS app is dependent on having the Mac version of Identity Safe installed. A review for the iOS app has criticized Norton for not making Identity Safe compatible with other Norton software that has password security built in. Update: Despite advertising that a Mac version of Identity Safe is available, including links on Norton's site, the download link states that Mac OS is not supported at this time ... even though it's required to utilize the iOS version of Identity Safe. Update (4/24): Norton has informed TUAW that the Mac version of Identity Safe is now available for download.
Norton Identity Safe locks your passwords in the cloud, spares your failing memory
Norton's Identity Safe is a free online service that aims to end the curse of forgotten passwords. If you've got a few social networking accounts, then keeping track of all your keys can be tough. This service remembers all of your log-in details and inputs them automatically when you next visit. It'll warn you about malicious websites and even lock away sensitive data (credit card numbers, social security codes) so if your paperwork goes missing -- you aren't in too much trouble. The companion smartphone / tablet app offers the same integration across all of your devices and is available now for Windows, OS X, iOS and Android gear from today.
Symantec mobilizes Snoop Dogg's cybercrime unit
You know what? Snoop has really done more than any technology company has to bring products to new audiences. Back in fifth grade we had no idea what indo was or why anyone would ever want to combine gin and juice; 3 weeks after "Doggystyle" came out we were hooked on both. At the beginning of last year we couldn't fathom our Grandpas asking Snoop for directions in the Caddy...but it happened. So why not make the leap to, you know, hawking desktop and internet security to urban markets? Symantec's Hack is Wack campaign aims to "bring the attention level up...just try to make people aware that these [cyber] crimes are happening." Snoop invites you to "raise awareness by making a rap song about cyber crimes" and uploading a video for judgment on "originality, creativity and message." The winner gets a pair of tickets to see Snoop, a chance to meet his "mgmt/agent" and a Toshiba laptop. It's been a while since we hit the mic or had any antivirus software installed, but he's got us thinking pretty hard about throwing down some rhymes and our credit cards for a copy of Norton 360 v4.0.
Symantec, McAfee announce new mobile security wares
As unfortunate as it is that the world needs such products, the mobile antivirus industry is actually pretty well matured at this point with offerings from big players like McAfee and Kapersky already several versions deep. Both McAfee and Symantec have chosen this week to announce their latest mobile goods; in McAfee's case, it's really just a rehashing of the company's existing VirusScan Mobile software, which is now available to purchasers of its Triple Play offer for comprehensive security from PC to phone and offers protection for Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices. Symantec meanwhile is introducing its Norton Smartphone Security software, which it claims to be the first to offer protection for Windows Mobile and Symbian devices in a single product. Grab it now (don't want the baddies infecting your N95, do ya?) for $29.99 for a 1-year subscription.[Via Slashphone]Read - Symantec Norton Smartphone SecurityRead - McAfee VirusScan Mobile
Symantec responds to security issue
Symantec is aware of the flaw that is in almost all of their software (that's gotta hurt) and the most recent virus definitions include a 'heuristic detection for potential exploits of the Symantec decomposer RAR archive vulnerability.'What the heck does that mean? The vulnerability can only be exploited if your copy of Norton scans a RAR file that has been crafted in such a way as to trigger a buffer overload. The update makes sure that your copy of Norton can detect these naughty files without falling prey to their naughtiness, for lack of a better word.They have also posted instructions on how to setup your anti-virus software to skip over scanning .rar files. Definitely worth checking out if you are running any Symantec anti-virus products.
Norton AV for OS X makes a Mac less secure
Ah the beautiful irony: last Tuesday, as many of us were getting ready for family and the holidays, Symantec admitted that a serious security flaw has affected about 40 of their products, including all versions of Norton Anti-Virus (NAV) for OS X. Symantec calls this a 'high risk' vulnerability that could allow a remote user to gain control of a computer, even a Mac, that's running any of their affected software. I haven't seen anything about a solution for either side of the fence yet, so if you're crazy for security I don't envy the dilemma a situation like this might put you in. An up-to-date and patched copy of OS X is widely hailed to be pretty secure these days (so run Software Update - regularly!), but the ZDNet Australia article that we found this in poses the important security question pretty well: "As the owner of a Powerbook I am faced with a dilemma. Do I pay AU$118.15 for a flawed 'security' application that is designed to protect me from threats that do not seem to exist; or do I take sensible precautions like keeping my computer behind a firewall and staying up to date with OS X patches?"No matter which side of the OS X security/virus/malware debate you stand on, a situation like this undeniably brings these topics back into light with a new perspective. Feel free to discuss in the comments, but keep it clean; don't make me come in there and separate you.
