Microsoft has made available a new version of “Defender” to ride infected computers of malware, including rootkits which highjack your boot process and corrupt your computer.

The “Defender Offline Beta” is available from Microsoft for free [here] and does require updates as virus definitions are always changing.

Definitions are files that provide an encyclopedia of potential software threats. Because new threats appear daily, it’s important to always have the most up-to-date definitions installed in Windows Defender Offline Beta. Armed with definition files, Windows Defender Offline Beta can detect malicious and potentially unwanted software, and then notify you of the risks.

The Redmond company suggests you make a USB drive with the Defender Offline Beta software from a PC which is not infected.  Doing so on a corrupted computer could interfere with the USB and yield the Microsoft tool useless.

To use Windows Defender Offline Beta, you need to follow four basic steps:

In a mad rush, I’ve logged off my computer, shut down the PC and ran out the door.  All the while with my USB stick still connected.  The USB stick with all my photo’s, portable applications and the exe file I promised to give my neighbor.  Getting home, I reach for my flash drive in pocket, and oh Sh1t it isn’t there.

Or some of you may be using USB’s to boot from so there is boot strap code on the device.  If the USB is connected during bootup of your PC, you can get an error message…and for a non-tech person [wife or girlfriend] they may think their computer has crashed.

The only way around all this stuff is making sure to pull the USB out of your computer.

With USB Guard this is exactly what it does, reminds you a USB flashdrive is connected before you log off, or power down the PC.

You can also flag USB hard drives so they too are never forgotten.

IronKey has long been known as the ultimate in data storage and security for content loaded on a flash drive.  With hardware encryption, self destruct safety protocols for incorrect passwords and AES 256 data encryption it’s no wonder those who need the ultimate in data security go to IronKey.  Well no longer says Imation.

Under the agreement, Imation will receive exclusive license rights from IronKey for the secure storage management software and service along with licensing to use the IronKey brand for its secure storage products.

While Imation is bringing the IronKey brand to a global distribution channel, IronKey will accelerate their focus on cloud-based security tools and features.  IronKey will support

Press Release

Lucas Distribution, LLC a worldwide distributor of office equipment and security hardware, announces Dongle Lockbox to secure USB dongle keys.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) June 09, 2011

Lucas Distribution, LLC, an Atlanta-based worldwide distributor of office products and equipment, recently launched the Dongle Lockbox to keep USB dongle keys secure.

“Dongle keys are used by software developers to protect their software from piracy. Today, virtually all dongle keys are USB type and must be plugged into an available USB port on your PC or Laptop computer to run the software program,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Dave Lucas. “If you misplace your dongle key or if it is stolen, your software is now unusable. At the very least you will have to purchase a new dongle key and worst case you will have to purchase the software again.”

In addition to the cost of replacing software, areas of business that need this software cannot function until the replacement package is received and reinstalled on the computer.

Now there is a solution available to alleviate concerns and mitigate risks – the USB Dongle Lockbox.

The Dongle Lockbox Kit consists of a secure ABS plastic enclosure, 6 foot USB Extender, combination lock with steel locking cable, and Flex Foot & Cable Nut to use as an anchor point.

Dongle Lockboxes are available in 2 styles:

• Single lockbox – secures 1 dongle key
• Double lockbox – secures 2 dongle keys

The combination lock is user-changeable and as an added free service, Lucas Distribution will maintain a record of new combinations when USB Dongle Lockboxes are registered with them. If a combination is misplaced or forgotten, Lucas Distribution will provide the registered combination after verifying proper identity.

USB Autorun is a favorite among USB promotional companies as it will autorun their website, PDF files or movies.  USB Autorun also gives the pirates and hackers an open door to reak havoc on your system.

Last year one of the worst virus’ spread via USB and it’s most important attribute for success was the USB autorun function.

This should all change if millions of users update the latest patch from Microsoft which address the autorun problem.  The update is for all versions of Windows other than Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 to adapt to the behavior in those new versions. After the patch update (KB971029), users who insert a USB device will no longer see a menu option to execute programs on the device itself. The standard menu options, to view files on the device or play media, will remain, and behavior for CD and DVD media also remains unchanged.

Microsoft feels the autorun function was such a big problem for malware jumping onto your system they had to do something.  Users should note that USB with CD ROM emulation will still trigger the USB autorun function.  If interested, there are some ways of getting a CD-ROM partition onto a USB stick.

The update from Microsoft is not considered urgent enough for a security update, but they do consider it an “important” update, so we recommend you use the link in this post and get the update.  Or approve the next Microsoft update you get from your OS.

With USB flash drives becoming a big threat to companies for spreading viruses and data slerping it’s smart to take some precautions about how employees use USB ports. I think NZXT Bunker understands that.

NZXT introduced the Bunker which is a 5.25 inch bay with 4 USB ports neatly placed behind a locking front door. Now you’ve got physical security against USB abuse. Granted it still wont stop those with access to spread a virus, intentionally or not, or perform some IP data slerping, but at least it’s a strong deturant.

EverythingUSB made a great quote about this:

As anyone who has ever gone to a LAN party knows, you need to watch your stuff or else something is just as likely to go missing! It really is a sad state of affairs, but the truth of the matter is you don’t bring any expensive peripherals to a LAN party unless you are willing to keep them on your person at ALL times.

Too funny.

The NZXT Bunker sells for $25 and can be purchased right off their site.

How many times have you registered for a service or product on the web, only to be required to enter a user name and password?  How many times has that website required some 6 or 8 character password which includes numbers, capital letter and lower case letters – basically some abstract combination of characters?  Or you enter a user name only to find it’s already been used or you’re required to enter your email address as your user name.  With most people having mulitple email address its difficult to remember which one, the password or combination there of.  You need a system.

That system could very well be the SplashID from SplashData.

Consider some of the following – would they help you?

• Never forget a username or password again – ever
• Secure and backup your passwords, credit card numbers, registration codes, PINs, and more
• Generate truly random passwords hackers cannot guess
• Protect yourself from identity theft, keyloggers, and phishing

The SplashID uses a autorun function which automatically opens up the SplashID user interface upon connection to a PC or Mac computer.  Pull the key out, and not a trace of SplashID stays on the system or any of your sensitive data you just gone done using.  So clearly a big value add for passwords, data base of private content and  password generator.

Currently you get the SplashID for $30 with free shipping…although the free shipping is for a limited time.  Here is the link for more info.