Now is the time to uninstall QuickTime from Windows

Apple QuickTime is a media player that can be downloaded and installed for free on your Windows computer, not unlike Windows Media Player.

Last week, Apple ended support for QuickTime on Windows due to critical security flaws. Apple will no longer support or provide security updates for this software and recommends that it be removed. I have uninstalled it from my computer, and you should too.

For more information, see US-CERT for more information at https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA16-105A, or read the TrendMicro article at http://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-deprecates-quicktime-for-windows-with-two-security-holes-unpatched-trend-micro/.

Instructions for removing QuickTime for Windows can be found on the Apple Uninstall QuickTime page.

Do it today!

Phishing alert: They use your home address in this one

Beware a new email phishing campaign that is targeting people by using your home address and claiming you are overdue payment on an invoice. 

The message in this one uses good grammar and is fairly well worded but is quite dangerous. If you fall victim by clicking the link, it executes a new variant of ransomware that doesn’t require a network connection to function. As we all know from previous posts on this blog, ransomware is designed to encrypt all of your files and hold the decryption key for ransom. Pay up, or lose all your files that have not been backed up to a separate system.

Folks, don't fall for this. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of a phishing attack is simple: Do not click links in email unless you've validated the sender, and don't open attachments to emails unless you are 100% certain they are safe. 

See Tripwire’s coverage here, which contains a snapshot of a sample phishing message: http://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/latest-security-news/phishing-campaign-sends-out-scam-emails-containing-recipients-home-address/.

Have you backed up your files yet? Better safe than sorry!

Previous posts are:

• Beware big uptick in ransomware this week! (March 2016)
• What is ransomware? (July 2015)