UPDATED 4-5-2012, 1:22 pm.

So I’ve looked further into it and I did run into this trojan at a clients a few years ago. threatpost explains that Flashback started as a flash installer that stole your bank account info. My client realized what had happened after money went missing from his account, and the trojan was removed, money dealt with, but not fun. In researching this issue I couldn’t find any info online, I think because of the whole idea that macs don’t have malware so why talk about it?

But now the trojan has changed and is running through your browsers. If you want to check for it or if you think you’ve been infected and you want to remove it yourself SLASHGEAR has a walkthrough you can try.

And of course if you would like to make an appointment with Ms Mac to come clean things up we’ll be happy to help.

Cold-calling scams that target English-speaking computer users have been a common occurrence during the past two years. The scammers usually pose as tech support engineers who work for Microsoft or ISPs in an attempt to trick victims into buying questionable security or PC optimisation software.

However, it seems that these attacks are becoming increasingly more targeted, with callers beginning to impersonate employees from companies that users have already entrusted with their computers’ protection.

If people are asking you to install something or spend money or that they are a friend trapped in a foreign country and need money BE CAREFUL! Always always confirm with a primary source that it is not a scam. Call Microsoft and ask about that nice boy Brian who called to say you need a new update to make sure Office doesn’t eat your children. This will save you identity theft and alert the company someone is masquerading as a representative, which they will want to try and do something about.

There are a lot of scams and thieves out there these days. And of course if you are a Ms Mac client and have questions about something just shoot me an email. I can spot a computer scam at a hundred pixels these days.

I haven’t had my hands on one of the new iPads yet, this blog and site still being geared more towards serving my clients than reviewing newest toys, but if you want to know what people think click on this article.  Om Malik has rounded up a lot of the commentary out there and given a nice review of the reviews.  This one time “meta” truly applies.

A morning news reports just said a bunch of the group got picked up in nyc lower east side.  Also, notice the macintosh in the background of the photo:)

I’m really not sure how I feel about this whole thing.  If corporations and the governement were always above board good guys obviously hacking into systems is wrong.  But much of Anoymous is cyber protesters, not criminals, at the ethical points.  Caveat: I have not spent enough time researching the various sectors of anonymous and all their behaviors to speak as an expert.  Merely some immediate musing.

It’s still a lot more difficult for this trojan to install itself, and seems easier to ferret out, than the viruses I’ve wrastled on PCs but it’s definitely time to install virus software on your macintosh.

I like the virus protection of Sophos - http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx and the article linked to above mentions that Virus Barrier also is equipped to handle this one.

Update your Java, be aware there’s an Apple Security Certificate that needs approval so DON’T! and install a guardian at your gate.

It’s pretty simple and if you follow the link there is a very clear walk-through about how to do this.

2012 Has brought a few changes, including the departure of Jools among the full-time macintosh consulting tech staff. Ms Mac’s client base is now being carried by Marsha while we work on training the new intern (Marsha’s son:) and setting up a virtual back up net, please have a little patience. It’s why the msmac.net holiday banners and announcements didn’t come down until two weeks into the new year. :)

Our rates have now changed and are $125 an hour, one hour minimum within most of manhattan, ny. Minimums vary above 125th street and outer boros. We’re also happy leave nyc for work along the metro and long island railroads lines. – again, minimum payment needed will vary.

We also want to make sure you know about our staff designer Lori Mocha. She’s the graphic artist who designed our logo and puts together our holiday banners and is available for logo and site designs.

And finally, don’t forget to enquire about our website management and site updating abilities. We specialize in adapting WordPress to the needs of a Small Business.

Thanks for checkin in on Ms Mac!

xCubicle – Game System Repairs – PS3 XBOX Wii DSi PSP.

I’ve been in touch with these guys about a Playstation 3 that has gond down in our house.  I personally would rather have an expert repair my things than me trying to crack into something I simply am not that  familiar with.   And these guys have been very helpful and I highly recommend them.

]]> http://www.msmac.net/2011/12/23/electronics-need-repair-xcubicle-does-it/feed/ 1 http://www.msmac.net/2011/12/21/marshas-new-years-vacation/ http://www.msmac.net/2011/12/21/marshas-new-years-vacation/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:47:19 +0000 admin http://www.msmac.net/?p=323 I will be out of town from Dec 28th to Jan 2. Appointments will begin again on Jan 3rd 2012.