Has your computer had a visit from Klez yet? If you’ve managed to avoid it, then well done.
Klez is the latest mass-mailing worm doing the rounds.
It uses random subject lines, message bodies, and attachment file names and exploits yet another a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express in an attempt to execute itself when you open or even preview an e-mail.
So don’t forget to turn off that preview panel in Outlook Express, keep up-to-date with Microsoft at https://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/default.htm and if you have been unlucky enough to have this nasty little critter arrive in your inbox, pay a visit to www.symantec.com/techsupp/vURL.cgi/nav117 If you have a domain name, be on the lookout for a new scam.
Notorious Aussie domain name scammer Internet Name Group is back in business under the name of Internet Name Protection Pty Ltd with an old scam targeting a new audience, this time existing .nz customers.
Details of existing .nz names are harvested and the name-holders are sent a letter saying an equivalent name with another extension is available.
The wording is confusing and can lead customers to think this is a renewal demand for their existing domain name.
To find out more, visit New Zealand domain name registration company FreeParking.
CREDIT CARD CHANGES
MasterCard is planning to discontinue using third-party credit card payment systems like PayPal.
PayPal offers the ability to process credit card transactions online without having to work through a financial institution and have a merchant account. Credit card fees and monthly minimums can quickly eat into profits for small businesses and individual users who may only process small numbers of credit card payments, so PayPal has become a popular option.
MasterCard has said its main reason for opting out of third-party services is a lack of information on credit cards processed, which in turn brings higher default and fraud rates.
PayPal is trying to get an exemption from MasterCard’s new rule and its affiliations with large companies like eBay should help.
ELVIS FREEBIE
In keeping with my tradition of writing a column that doesn’t follow any discernable path, here’s something for all the Elvis fans out there, how about a free Elvis screensaver. If you’re not a fan of the late Mr Presley, then take a look at the screensavers on offer at Drawing Hand Creations (www.drawinghand.com), where you will get to see a moving hand creating works of art right before your eyes.