Flashes of Panic

The SANS Internet Storm Center handler Tom Liston has been writing a series in the Handler’s Diary which he calls “Follow the Bouncing Malware.” He’s essentially watching, step by step, what happens when a spyware/adware infestation begins on an unpatched Windows system.

By the end of the third stage, the system has downloaded fifteen files weighing in over 2 MB total, and has installed twenty files weighing in at over 3 MB. The user gave permission for none of it. “With over 2 MB of software downloaded, installed, and executed without his permission, I would say that there is little doubt that [this user] isn’t the guy running the show.”

If you’re not already well aware of the perils of Internet Explorer, this should be required reading. Start with Part 1, then hit Part 2 and Part 3.

Now Playing: Time Machine from Going Blank Again by Ride