👍 #892 – How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware

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👍 #892 - How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware
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Newsletter FAQ & administration

Log 4 what?

You've probably heard of something called "Log4j" this week. A vulnerability in Log4j was apparently widespread, and being exploited before a fix was available. The fix is rolling out as we speak.

The good news is that unless you're someone responsible for online servers or services, it's not something you need to worry about. This isn't a vulnerability on your computer, but rather a component more commonly used in server software.

Unfortunately, however, it does point out one of the weaknesses of open-source software: it's maintained mostly by unpaid volunteers.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know Log4j is a headline you can safely ignore.

Speaking of hacking

Probably the single most common cause of malicious software making it onto machines these days is the lowly email attachment.

Powerful, convenient, and yet easy to weaponize if you can convince someone to download and open something they shouldn't.

It's worth understanding How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware.

Also this week: why your computer might be slow, what to do if Windows 11 isn't supported on your machine, and fixing "limited connectivity".

TEH Podcast

My television dilemma. Apple's "Universal Control" delay. Man of the year. And, as always, randomness.

TEH 150: Unmagic numbers, Televisions, Universal controls, Unused innovations, Elon love/hate.

Merry Christmas!

May you have a wonderful, safe, and healthy Christmas and holiday season.

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware

How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware
Combined with unpatched software, it's a recipe for disaster.

Another day, another report of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities. Here's how you stay safe.

https://askleo.com/138735

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

Why Your Computer Might Be Slow
Four characteristics of computer speed.

Why Your Computer Might Be Slow
A friend's slow computer provided me an opportunity to review the four primary characteristics of computer slowdowns to help you diagnose issues in the future.
https://askleo.com/29551

-

Windows 11 is Not Supported on My Newer PC -- What Can I Do?
The Windows 11 "death sentence"?

Windows 11 is Not Supported on My Newer PC -- What Can I Do?
If Windows 11 is not supported on your computer, there are several options. The best option is to wait.
https://askleo.com/138750

-

What is "Limited Connectivity" and How Do I Fix it?
Obscure network connection problems.

What is "Limited Connectivity" and How Do I Fix it?
"Limited connectivity" displays when your computer is having problems completing its network configuration. It might as well mean no connectivity.
https://askleo.com/14964

-

My Machine's Full of Malware; Should I Get a New Computer?
Something you never need to do.

My Machine
For some reason, many people's gut reaction to a malware infestation is to consider getting a new computer. That's unnecessary.
https://askleo.com/17067

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Subscribe to Ask Leo! on YouTube to get the latest on YouTube.com. Your subscription (and "Likes") help others find Ask Leo!, and the the answers they're looking for.

My Machine's Full of Malware; Should I Get a New Computer?

For some reason, many people's gut reaction to a computer full of malware is to consider getting a new computer. That's unnecessary.
https://youtu.be/kwToxLBTjSc

-

What is Limited Connectivity and How Do I Fix it?

Limited connectivity displays when your computer is having problems completing its network configuration. It might as well mean no connectivity.
https://youtu.be/fs6_o704GTQ

-

Windows 11 is Not Supported on My Newer PC ' What Can I Do?

There are several reasons not to panic if Windows 11 is not supported on your computer.
https://youtu.be/tTk46CRSG0U

-

How Hackers Use Malicious Attachments to Give You Malware

Another day, another report of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities. Here's how you stay safe.
https://youtu.be/Y-L4bBagwS4

-

Why Your Computer Might Be Slow

A friend's slow computer provided me an opportunity to review the four primary characteristics of computer slowdowns to help you diagnose issues in the future.
https://youtu.be/LHo1KhHZGoI

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Newsletter contents Copyright © 2021,
Leo A. Notenboom & Puget Sound Software, LLC.
Ask Leo! is a registered trademark ® of Puget Sound Software, LLC

Posted: December 21, 2021 in: 2021
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/8694
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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.