Next Generation Firewalls for Dummies: Free PDF eBook from Palo Alto Networks

For Dummies books are famous for presenting different topics in a easier fashion. Whether that means directions on how to hook up a home network, carve a turkey, knit your first scarf, or load your new iPod, you can trust Dummies.com to tell it like it is, without all the technical jargon.

Enterprise suffers from new risks everyday from its applications. Hacker attempt is the main source of nightmare all the time. Traditional firewalls serves as a boundary between the Internet and an organization’s private network and protects based on controlling specific protocols and ports, and restricting traffic to and from specific IP addresses. These firewalls ignores ports 80 & 443 which are used for http and https respectively. Hence, modern day attacks are mostly web based and targets those ports. Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFW for short) go beyond the conventional firewall functions by adding security capabilities such as intrusion prevention. The concept of NGFW was brought about by Palo Alto Networks who introduced the first of these type of devices.

Palo Alto Networks recently have taken an initiative to literate common peoples and enterprise personnel with the new type of web based threats and the indispensability of the NGFW and are distributing a free eBook Next-Gen Firewalls for Dummies. written by Lawrence. C. Miller.

SSuite Office - Backup Master: A Simple Portable Backup Software for Windows

Computers made our life simpler and better by storing, processing and computing things in a faster pace. We store, process loads of valuable data everyday for various needs. But the digital life is so uncertain. You can loose everything withing a few seconds. Be it a hacker attack or a computer hardware crash - your data consisting of years of work and sweat family memories are so fragile... Therefore its always a useful idea to make copies or backups. This may require you to buy more hard disk or online drive space but you will never have to regret for that.

Copying files and folder from one location to another location is the basic way to create copies or backups, but its always useful and time-saving to make that job automatic. Backup softwares are coded for this purpose. With these you can update your backup once you made changes in the source location. Most of the time the options in Backup softwares are way too lengthy which common users tend to avoid. SSuite Office - Backup Master is  a lifesaver software that makes the task of automating backup jobs easier and faster. The software is portable and offers easy options to create uncompressed backups from any number of folders and files to an external hard disk or to another PC in your network.

Modern Malware For Dummies: Free PDF eBook from Palo Alto Networks

With our more and more involvement and dependence on digital life, cyber threat has also gone on increasing. Cyber criminals are applying malicious softwares to spy on computers and also taking control on it. The consequence could be anything worst. So, awareness for cyber security is a must and a number of security companies are taking initiatives now-a-days by creating documentary, info-graphics, comics, online series and by giving away free copies of awareness documents or eBooks. Palo Alto Networks has taken an initiative to aware people with the in-depth analysis on today's malware, and how it has evolved beyond traditional approaches to security by giving away free copies of Modern Malware For Dummies. This book uncovers modern malware strategies and even outlines specific actions and technologies needed to regain control over today's malware.

Twister Antivirus 8 is Released: Better GUI, 64 Bit Support

Antivirus industry is a very competitive one. To get success, one needs a good group of experts and connections for providing fast response against zero day malwares. China based Filseclab® Corporation is not a huge company like Norton, Kaspersky. Still they have been around for more than 10 years. They have a great group of talented coders who have brought many new things to the cyber security: The first open source personal firewall software (2001), the first virus immunity software (2002), the first cloud antivirus system and proactive defence system (2006), the first malware virtual machine created (2007). Twister Antivirus, formerly Twister Anti-TrojanVirus is an excellent software based on great behavioral protection, heuristic and generic technology. Their response to submitted malware is fast and also they offer great customer support. The only problem with the software was that the 64 bit compatible version was not there while almost all companies had released such versions. Better late than never, Twister Antivirus version 8 finally had released on 29th September, 2012 with better GUI, 64 bit support and any other unspecified improvements.

PC Tools Password Generator Helps to make Strong and Secure Passwords

Internet and computers made our life easier but it also made it easier for hackers to loot your account online. They use a variety of methods to do this like by spreading spywares, hacking you PC, via Brut-force attack to reveal account passwords etc. In addition to using a layered computer security system, there is no alternative of making a strong and secure password. Only these can make the life of hackers tougher. Earlier I wrote about Password Generator which can create passwords based on the options you choose. PC Tools Password Generator is a nice online service that does similar thing. It is available both as a normal and a SSL secured version.

Zemana Antilogger Free Version Released: A Quick Review

Keylogging means monitoring keyboard inputs. Keylogger softwares, are legal and are normally used to spy on the PC usage habits of kids, employees etc. As obvious from the nature of the phenomenon, keylogging is mostly of interest for illegal activities. With a keylogger installed in a PC, one can easily know what the passwords and bank details the current user is entering. As such, most cyber-crimes are involved with the distribution of malicious softwares (malwares) that has keylogging ability. Malwares get installed in a PC commonly without users concern and logs everything he enters with a keyboard and even more with the advanced variety of the phenomenon. like screen logging, clipboard logging, Webcam & Microphone hijacking etc. You can't even imagine what the worst consequences may be. Your bank account will be looted, your email accounts will be used for illegal activities, your online reputation will be destroyed and many more...

Most anti-malwares currently uses preventive measures against keylogging and keyloggers either via signature updates or by behavior based detections. The later method is more effective and at the same time normally produces false detections. So, usually antimalware products still rely more on signature updates than on behavior based heuristic and generic detections. Standalone antikeyloggers are also available which focuses on this aspect more efficiently. Zemana Antilogger is an efficient antikeylogger application, that has been offering quality protection for quite a number of years. It has been extensively tested by many organizations with all common and rare variety of logging techniques, which it effective blocks. It is really getting better day by day with each updates. Zemana Antilogger used to be a paid only product worth $34.95. Very recently, Zemana has released (8th Oct) a free version with limited features.

Incinerate Files with Kakasoft Super File Shredder

Normal File deletion in Windows (Shift + Delete) deletes only its metadata. Actually, the files hides on your hard disk somewhere and Windows only removes the entry from the FAT (file allocation table) so that the system does not see the file. These files can be found and recovered again as long as they haven't been overwritten by new data yet. As such the entire file can be recovered with the use of special data recovery softwares. To avoid privacy and security issues resulting from insecure file deletion, you need a software that will delete every trace of the existing file. Kakasoft Super File Shredder is such a software. It is distributed as Free under GNU public license. The software can quickly shred files by overwriting random bits, 15 times using advanced algorithms, making recovery literally impossible. According to the website:

Kakasoft Super File Shredder is simple but powerful program that surpasses manu commercial file shredders out there. The Author believes that such a utility should be available to anyone for free and that permanent and safe removal of confidential documents is a matter of basic right to privacy.

Anvi Browser Repair Tool Fixes Common Browser Problems

Browser is the most common infection vendor in Microsoft Windows. Malicious software hijack browsers, adds toolbar, change search engine, changes registry settings and makes internet browsing a hell-like experience with frequent pop-ups, redirection, crash etc. Among all browsers for Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer still rocks the market share since it comes pre-installed in Windows. Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome comes after that, Opera, Safari, Maxthon etc has only a little market share according to reports. As obvious the browser hijacking incidents follow the order of browser market share. To fix the problems resulting from common browser hijacking incidents Anvisoft recently has released a new portable application known as Anvi Browser Repair Tool. According to Anvisoft

Many users may troubled by those problem such as default homepage changed, numerous annoying ads pop out, being redirected to other malicious websites or browser crash down without exact reason, especially if windows system had been unfortunately infected with viruses when using Internet Explorer surfing online. Anvi Browser Repair Tool is a free tool created to help you conveniently repair browser settings and networking settings such as homepage, safe startup items, DNS settings, Title Bar, BHO plug-in, etc, changed by malware to return smooth browser use. While antivirus, antimalware tool helps detect and remove malware infections from computer, this program will practically assist normalizing safe browser searching. Anvi Browser Repair Tool is designed to help fix browser, network settings altered due to rogueware/malware infections and even facilitate malware removal with one-click solution.

Windows 8 Compatible Firewall Emsisoft Online Armor 6 is Released

After releasing Emsisoft Antimalware 7 recently, they have released today version 6 of their Firewall software Emsisoft Online Armor. Emsisoft Online Armor 6.0 comes with Easier Installation, Optimized performance, Fewer alerts & Windows 8 Support. According to Emsisoft

Emsisoft Online Armor is a firewall for demanding users who would like to have full control of all security-related processes in their OS. The improvements are mainly technical: The new version 6.0 contains many refinements and optimizations which you will see during installation in particular and also during every day use.
According to Christian Mairoll, CEO, Emsisoft: "With Online Armor we offer a top notch HIPS that has now been greatly improved and enhanced by us. With version 6 we have again resolved some minor bugs and furthermore improved compatibility with Chrome and Sandboxie. Particularly when used together with Emsisoft Anti-Malware as the Internet Security Pack, the user has a powerful suite that is basically able to control or block all attack vectors and vulnerabilities.“

Remove Ads Filters Common Advertisement from Websites

I have previously wrote about a few advertisement filtering software namely Ad Fender, GT-Soft Ad Blocker and Anvi Ad Blocker. Today, I will write about Remove Ads from Major Share, which does the same as the other software for Free. Likewise GT-Soft Ad Blocker and Anvi Ad Blocker this software too adds its database to the hosts file. You will also be able to add your own list. But before using any such software please be informed one more time that most Online Publishers earn only from the advertisements and so its a duty for you not to take their earnings from them.
According to the developer of this software

Remove Ads is a powerful program that filters and blocks commercial banners and all other kind of Ads. Even an inexperienced user can get rid of the ads, since Remove Ads starts working right after the installation and doesn't need any additional settings. The program supports all popular browsers: Internet Explorer, FireFox, Mozilla, Opera and Netscape - regardless of their version. You can also block ads in any program you want like ICQ, ICQ Lite, MSN Messenger, Kazaa, Morpheus, Grokster, PalTalk, iMesh, Bearshare, LimeWire, MetaCafe and so on. The product works right after the installation - there is no need to customize any addition settings in the program or browser.

System mechanic 11 Standard Brings Full Power to your PC: Review & Giveaway

Few days ago, I wrote about System Mechanic 11 Free Version. Actually, I was offered to wrote about the paid version some time ago and since the software does have many features, I had split that to two reviews by first writing about the free version. As mentioned there the powerful Free version still lacks a number of useful features that the full standard version have. All those features make System Mechanic a suite that one can hardly complain about.

Undelete360 can Recover deleted Files and Shred Files & Free space: A Review

Normal delete function in Windows can only delete files metadata but keeps all the information, with which entire file can be recovered by file recovery software. Undelete360 is a Free software that can help you with recovering accidentally deleted files and also assist you to delete your sensitive files with precision to make it unrecoverable with any file recovery software.

Emsisoft Antimalware 7 comes with Bitdefender Engine

Emsisoft, the Austrian anti-malware vendor has recently released v7 of their flag-ship product Emsisoft Antimalware. I have previously wrote a few articles on Emsisoft Anti-malware and Emsisoft Emergency Kit previously and so I won't again be writing on the same topic. I will just highlight the major changes in the software in the latest version.

Emsisoft has been the winner of many malware detection tests and according to them this is due to the use of three different security layers:

1) File guard consisting of a dual engine scanner.
2) Behavior blocker that is developed since 2003.
3) Surf protection which prevents users from accessing malicious websites.

Panda Cloud Cleaner Scans and Removes Rogue Softwares

Computer malware can cause several types of hard to the computer and its users. It also adepts latest technologies to make itself stealth to avoid detection of anti-malware. The worst variety of malware is rogueware. These were designed to scare computer users with false alerts and asks  them to spend money to purchase their bogus softwares. Antimalware companies are striving to improve their technologies every moment to stay in the race with malware. Panda Security, a Spain based antimalware company has been offering powerful technologies since 1990. It offers free Online Scanner (Active Scan) and the best Free Cloud Based Antivirus (Panda Cloud Antivirus) to support the people who don't have the necessary money to get professional anti-malware protection. Recently, Panda Security have released a new product Panda Cloud Cleaner, that is designed to scan and remove rogueware traces in a system on on-demand scans. This tool isn't designed to provide protection in real-time. You need to scan you system at regular interval to find any installed malicious software. The software uses collective intelligence from the cloud. It is much like Remove Fake Antivirus, McAfee Stringer & ESET Rogue Applications Remover.

Anvi Ad Blocker is a portable Advertisement Remover

Advertisements are the source of revenue for any web publishers but it could be annoying for the internet users. I have wrote about AdFender and GT-Soft Ad Blocker previously that does the same. Today I will tell you about Anvi Ad Blocker which is a relatively new product in the market. According to the developer,

Anvi Ad Blocker is a free tool that integrates several Ads blocking database, mainly designed to block pop-up ads, flash ads, advertising banners, malicious ads, phishing ads and some other unwanted ads. Besides antivirus program, to protect your PC security, you need a program that protects your PC from annoying advertisements since some malicious ads loads might infect your system with spyware or adware. Anvi Ad Blocker is designed to block all new forms of advertising with frequently database update.

Create Strong Passwords with Password Generator

Today everything is digitized and sensitive items are protected by digital lock i.e. a password. Creating a strong password is the easy way to make the job of hackers tough. But its not easy to create strong passwords. So, without scratching your head for a enough strong password you make seek help from the Free software Password Generator or its Online version. With this software you can create password with length upto 99 characters and quantity upto 100K at one mouse click. The software has been around for the last 12 years and so I can say its reliable enough.

Secure My Screen: An Ideal Alternative to Lock Windows PC

For most of us, personal computer is a place where we live our own world. Here, we do our office work, watch movies, listen to songs, play games etc. So, privacy is an utmost requirement to restrict unwanted interruptions. Microsoft understands this and that's why there is are options to create multiple user accounts, lock you account and switch to other. But there are some disadvantages in using multiple user accounts. Suppose you have an important job opened in your account and another user using his user account shuts down the PC. Windows does alert in such situation but how often common users respond properly to alerts in a PC! So, if the computer you are using is really 'Personal' and not for public usage, it is always recommended to use accounts that are under your control only (password protected). You may give its access to some reliable users by providing them the password.

Windows default account locking has a few disadvantages: To provide someone its access, you need to giveaway your password and he/she may change your password (for joking!) and under that situation there is almost no easy way to recover your password. Secure My Screen developed by Benchtech Software, is an alternative to Windows default account locking that has all its usefulness minus its disadvantages. According to the developer,

Secure My Screen is a revolutionary third party screen locker that is designed to keep your computer safe and secure whilst you are away from it. Secure My Screen employs advanced technology to make sure that your screen stays locked no matter what. Task manager cannot be used to close Secure My Screen and key combinations such as Alt + F4 and the close button will not work. Meaning that your screen really does stay locked. There is a great deal more to Secure My Screen than just screen locking however. Features such as multiple unlock passwords for trusted friends and family, and the ability to turn your screen onto standby when your system is idle make Secure My Screen one of the best screen lockers around.

Piriform CCleaner Adds Full support for Windows 8

CCleaner has always been my number 1 choice for cleaning junk files, privacy items & junk registry entries. In fact it is the first software of this kind I used after Windows default utilities. There are a number of positive sides of the application. It is open-source, regularly updated & supported by a large, helpful community, that makes it as perfect as possible. Moreover, you may add your custom programs for CCleaner to clean.

Today, Piriform, the developer of CCleaner have released yet another version of the leading software, with a complete support of the upcoming Windows 8.

Microsoft have released the final build of Windows 8 to developers, so we've spent the last week finalizing changes to CCleaner to allow us to fully support this next generation OS.

Kryptelite Encrypts Sensitive Files & Folders with ZIP and BZIP2 Data Compression & Shreds Original

Protecting sensitive data by encrypting it and then shredding the original is a must need set of job every professional needs to do. I have wrote about a few software that can do those jobs separately but only few are present that can do both jobs but none integrated both jobs at one go. Kryptelite is a free software Encrypts Sensitive Files & Folders using industry-standard AES cipher & with ZIP and BZIP2 Data Compression and then shreds the original so that it couldn't be recovered. Kryptelite is an excellent choice for those users who use encryption only occasionally. While it lacks bells and whistles of the more advanced editions, it still does the job perfectly and provides the same highest level of security.

Review: System Mechanic 11 Free - An Outstanding System Maintenance Suite

Although an Operating System acts like a Robot and just responds to sensory input, it does have some feature like a live species. It ages out like human or like any other live species with time. There are lots of sources of such aging like fragmentation in disk and registry, lots of junk files, invalid and junk registry entries, lots of unnecessary service and start-up items. Unlike a living system it is possible to repair and regenerate the youth of operating systems through proper maintenance.
Experts hold various different opinions regarding the mode of maintenance of an Operating systems. To be on the safe side it is preferable to try each and every mode and see its outcome. In this connection, it is worthy to mention that some operating system problems may originate from faulty hardware components like Hard Disk, Sata Cable, Motherboard, SMPS etc.
I usually perform maintenance of the operating system only when I see noticeable slowdown or system issues. Personally, I prefer to manually edit, clean things or with the help of minimum automation (software), because that gives me more pleasure and command over the changes to be performed. But those who are not so technically inclined and just want to have everything done with a few clicks of mouse, there are a number of system maintenance suites, free and paid. From my experience with those suites, most of those are either unable to cover up the entire maintenance protocols or just make false claims. There are only a few trustworthy suites available and System Mechanic from Iolo Technologies is one of such kind. This suite has both free and paid versions available and in this post I will be discussing about the Free product. The US based company recently has launched System Mechanic 11.