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

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,

Featured Article

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.
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"?
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.
"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.
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

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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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