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An executable showing a ransom note.

May 12, 2017 • 9 min read

WannaCrypt ransomware worm targets out-of-date systems

In this blog, we provide an early analysis of the end-to-end ransomware attack. Please note this threat is still under investigation.

October 18, 2013 • 1 min read

EMET: A valuable tool for PC protection

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then you’ve probably already taken steps to help protect your PC. You have antivirus software that you trust and you keep it updated automatically. You’ve activated your firewall. You regularly install security updates. You know not to respond to suspicious emails or to click links with promises…

June 13, 2013 • 1 min read

There is no Hotmail Maintenance Department

Cassie writes: I received an email from the Hotmail Maintenance Department requesting personal information verification. The message included a PDF file. Is this a scam? Yes. This is one of many types of email cybercrime, also called phishing. Cybercriminals often use the Microsoft name to try to get you to share your personal information so…

October 30, 2012 • 1 min read

Spooky antivirus software

Judy writes: My virus protection doesn’t seem to want to stay on. I’ve been able to turn it back on, but when I shut down and then restart my computer later, the virus protection is off again. Is this some kind of Halloween trick? Having a virus is no treat Achieving 100 percent protection from…

May 10, 2012 • 1 min read

Protect your PC from the Conficker worm

The most recent Microsoft Security Intelligence Reports (SIR) describes the ongoing threat of the Conficker worm and urges businesses and individuals to apply security updates. Microsoft first recognized the Conficker threat in November 2008 and since then the Microsoft Malware Protection Center has been regularly releasing security updates to help protect against Conficker. The worm…

March 29, 2012 • <1 min read

NEWS: Microsoft offers most popular US antivirus program

Have you recently installed Microsoft Security Essentials? Earlier this month, the development tools and data services company, OPSWAT, announced that Microsoft’s free antivirus software was the most popular antivirus program in North America during the last 12 months. Microsoft Security Essentials is free to download and helps protect personal and small business computers from viruses,…

June 23, 2011 • <1 min read

Fake security software: Know the risks

If you’re browsing the web and you see a security warning, beware. Cybercriminals use fake security warnings (also known as “rogue security software”) to steal personal information or to charge you for a program that doesn’t work. You should only download software from a reputable source. Microsoft Security Essentials, for example, is a program that…

May 19, 2011 • 3 min read

Computer security tales of woe: What’s yours?

I recently received two email messages from people who had been the victims of cybercrime. These people weren’t just readers of our blog—they work on our team. That means that they spend almost every day thinking about viruses, online fraud, security updates, and other issues of computer security. And they still weren’t immune to the…

February 4, 2011 • <1 min read

Valentine’s Day e-card security tips

Electronic greeting cards are easy, cheap, and fun to get and send, but cybercriminals also use them to try to steal your personal information or to spread malicious software. Legitimate companies have standard, obvious ways for you to recognize that the email is not a fraud. For example, with MSN Greetings, the “from” line always shows…

October 16, 2010 • <1 min read

Free virus protection for your small biz

Microsoft Security Essentials (free antivirus and antispyware software) is now available for small businesses. Small business owners can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials for no cost. For more information, see Microsoft Security Essentials available to Small Businesses on October 7. Note: If you operate a business running more than 10 computers, we recommend that you use…