Common Virus Definitions

Add-On

Software that adds additional benefits or features to an existing program. For example, adding a particular search engine interface to your browser.

Adware

A type of malware that bombards the user with advertisements. This may include pop-up or in-browser ads.

Drive By (drive by exploit, drive by vulnerability)

An exploit or malware that can infect the users system without any interaction from the user. The user is not required to "click" anywhere, open anything, or respond to any dialogue box.

Exploit

Any trick or combination of actions that can take advantage of a vulnerability to install some type of malware.

Malware

Any collection of programs and/or configuration changes that alters the operation of the users system in a negative way. Includes: viruses, worms, PUPs, and others.

Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)

A type of malware that alters the operation of the user's system, but also provides a useful feature. Some users are willing to live with the negative aspects of the program in order to gain the benefits. Typically, PUPs are distributed as "free" games, shopping incentives (sales, coupons), or web browsing enhancements.

Ransomware

A type of malware encrypts or locks the user's system or data (files, pictures, other important info). Typically, the user is presented with an option to pay a ransom of about $500 to regain access.

Virus

A type of malware that alters the operation of the users system for evil.

Vulnerability (bug, flaw)

A previously undetected problem with your operating system or installed software that exposes a weakness that can be exploited by a malware author.

Zero Day (zero day exploit)

A vulnerability so new that a fix has not been discovered. The term is used most often to refer to specific malware that already exploits the new vulnerability and was named because the developers had "zero" days to find and fix the problem.

New Web Email Client

On Saturday October, 11 we will be replacing our current web-based email client with a new version.  If you use Outlook, Thunderbird or similar programs to read and send your email, this change will not affect you.

However, if you use our web client (https://webmail.scomage.com/webmail) for your email, you will notice significant changes beginning at the login page below:

Current Webmail Login

New Webmail Login

The basic features remain the same, but the look and feel are very different.  This new version has been optimized for touchscreens and has a more modern look.  For example (below), the main inbox page has much more whitespace (to make it easier when using a finger) and all of the right-click actions have been replaced with buttons.

Current Inbox

New Inbox

Notice that the small Microsoft-style icons to select Contacts and Calendar have been replaced with a row of large icons on the left edge that select all types of records.  Also, the tiny Logout button has disappeared. To logout, change preferences or update your profile, click on your picture (or the generic picture) where the logout button used to be.

If the new version seems too confusing, don't worry. You can switch back and forth between the new and old versions.  Click on your picture (or the generic picture) and select Switch to Old Interface.

For a quick video tour:

For complete documentation:  The Icewarp WebClient Guide

All of our hosting plans include free phone support, so if you need help navigating the new interface, please don't hesitate to call us at: 908-458-9200.

Android Browser Privacy Flaw

A vulnerability in the default browser app on all  Android devices may expose private data from one website to another.  This could allow an attack in one browser window to steal sensitive and private information from another window.

The flaw, known as CVE-2014-6041, affects about 75 percent of Android systems and nearly 100 percent of the low-end prepaid phones (according to researchers at Rapid7's Metasploit research team.) The vulnerability is only present in the default browser app on Android versions prior to 4.4 (KitKat).  In Android, 4.4 and later, Google replaced the default browser with Chrome.

You can test your device for free on our website at: http://www.scomage.com/AndroidTest.asp.

Chrome and other third-party browsers do not seem to have the flaw.  However, some standard and third-party applications use the same code as the default browser and may be susceptible as well.

Google no longer supports the default Android browser and older phones are not likely to have support from their provider, so it appears that users of older versions are apparently out of luck.  The only helpful recommendation is to stop using the default browser. Chrome and other major browsers are suitable replacements.

If you have questions or additional concerns, please call our office at 908-458-9200.