Internet technology is great but it is not without its pitfalls. There are some basics, tips, and tricks you can use to utilize information technology to avoid harmful malware. One item to avoid is the new “zero-day bug” that has been popping up for Windows users. Attacks from this bug will ultimately leave your computer open to attacks, resulting in a compromised system. Your machine could be stripped of existing passwords and codes, and you could even be a victim of identity theft where your name is used for criminal activity.
So just where is this bug residing? It actually exists as a thumbnail viewer and can be unleashed when opening documents in Windows or just by viewing attachments. Microsoft has acknowledged the existence of the bug and it can be found in their most popular versions including Vista, Server 2008, Server 2003, and Windows XP.
Be suspicious of any attempts to get you to read unfamiliar thumbnails and attachments. Attackers will use tricks like PowerPoint presentations and helpful looking Word documents which contain malware in the thumbnails. As a result, one of these hackers could potentially take over your entire operating system, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft and years of paperwork to straighten your life out again.
What can you do if your computer becomes infected? Microsoft is recommending a temporary workaround until they can release a patch for the bug. The key is to place restrictions on what the “shimgvw.dll” file is capable of, as this is the program responsible for thumbnail viewing. The patch in place is a series of characters you would enter when you receive the command prompt. While this also means a potential improper display of images, it’s certainly better than digging yourself out of an identity theft nightmare or buying a new computer when you can’t access the operating system of your PC. Know the signs of a harmed computer and take precautions to avoid the malware.