We are getting the word out that Microsoft has released a security update to help protect Windows PCs against a recently identified security risk (Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067). If your OneCare status is Good (green) then Windows Live OneCare is helping to protect your computer against this threat by automatically applying the latest security patches and virus signature updates. If your OneCare status is At Risk (red or yellow) then your computer is potentially vulnerable. Please follow the OneCare Actions items to help protect your computer.

To verify that you have all the latest Windows security updates, launch Internet Explorer, then click on Tools --> Windows Update.

For more information on this latest security update, check out the Microsoft Threat Research and Response blog.

As this is a blog about OneCare for those interested in OneCare, we will refrain from discussing our viewpoints on the current global economic crisis.  However, in light of such uncertainty, we would be re-missed if we did not acknowledge that in a very fundamental way, everyone’s sense of “security” (as defined as freedom from risk, danger, worries, etc.) is being challenged on a day-to-day basis. For the OneCare team, we focus on a relatively narrow area of “security” – as in how to keep Windows PC users safer, more secure, and more protected in a connected world – using technology services as the means. 

In the midst of all this global turmoil, cyber criminals are still preying on the public with even more vigor, using ever more nefarious ways to trick unsuspecting people into providing their personal information or stealing passwords for financial gain.  At Microsoft, we have made significant investments in hiring world-class researchers to figure out how we can stay on top of cyber criminals, and working on using technology to track them down and protect users out there. 

Recently, there has been a particularly nasty scam that I wanted call to your attention – one that is impacting many unsuspecting people.  It masks itself as a Windows messenger dialog box that warns you that you have spyware detected on your computer and presents an action that supposedly will help you clean up your machine.  However, it is tricking people into downloading additional spyware that actually steal the passwords from the machine.  This scam is vicious because it turns a well-intentioned action of getting safer into an action that increases risks and compromises the security of personal information.   Even more disturbing is that it constantly changes form, making it even more difficult to educate users to be on the lookout for a particular message/dialog box.   For the detailed description of how this malware perpetuates itself and infects machines, check out the Malware Protection Center blog. 

So, if you or your friends and family come across these types of notifications about getting spyware or cleaning it with free AV – don’t click on it!  

To combat these threats, Microsoft is constantly pushing out virus definitions and technology to clean and protect users from this malware, and we’ve also engaged the legal system to file lawsuits against the possible entities that are perpetuating and developing these scams.  At a minimum, if you believe your machine is affected by viruses, spyware and or any other forms of malicious software, we recommend you run our freely available online scanner at http://safety.live.com. 

Lastly, for on-going protection, we have to encourage everyone to stay protected with an antivirus and security service from a reputable company.  OneCare is a great choice (of course we’ll say that!), but if not our service, get one from a trusted company.

Until next time, be well –

Gina

It’s been a while since we updated you on what’s been happening with OneCare, but rest assured, it’s because we’ve been busy working on servicing our customers and developing new features and enhancements for the future.  Going forward, we will be using this blog to give more regular updates on what’s going on, and to really drill deep into some specific features and experiences with the OneCare service.  As much as we can, if it’s related to OneCare, you’ll find about it here first!

Since the last entry, we wanted to highlight that there is now a version of OneCare that works with the Small Business Server 2008 offering– based on the Windows 2008 Server architecture.  Yes, we’ve heard from many small business owners that OneCare really helps to simplify the protection and maintenance of their PCs, but they wanted coverage for their servers AND desktop computers under one subscription. To that end, we worked with the Small Business Server team to come up with an option to provide out-of-the-box protection for the server, and give small business owners the flexibility to continue that coverage for the server or all the PCs in their environment.  To learn more about that service, check out this link to OneCare for Server:

In the future, you’ll see us continually innovate with new enhancements on the core service, but also along with different offers that match the needs of our home and small business customers.

As a reminder, there are a variety of ways to get support for OneCare:

·         OneCare Online Help Center

If you run into any problems or issues using OneCare, this is the best place to start.  In addition to seeing the most common troubleshooting information, you have access to contact the OneCare support team.

·         OneCare Forums

A very active and extremely well-informed set of users that post questions and answers on OneCare - great for the technically inclined and self-helpers

Until next time, be well –

Gina