If you aren’t a hosting nerd, maybe you are wondering why you should bother changing file permissions. The answer is easy – because when your files can be modified (i.e. when you have enabled the Write permission for them), this is a security risk.
Not all files in your cpanel hosting account are subject to the same risk level and this why you need to know which files are to be modified. There are files, which are more important than others and which are easier to modify to include malicious code in them. When a hacker gets hold of such a file, he or she can add a virus code. Later on, when somebody loads your page in his or her browser, his or her computer will get infected – this is the way viruses are distributed all over the Net.

Which Files Need a Special Protection?

There isn’t a universal prescription which files need to be protected but generally the list includes host’s file, or a file with access permissions, such as the .htaccess file in your cpanel account. Files with hardcoded usernames and passwords for database access are also very vulnerable.

In addition to them, database files (i.e. those files with an .mdb extension) and .txt files are also a lucrative target for a hacker. Finally, one more group of files in need of special protection are .config files. .config files store different kinds of configuration settings and if such a file is hacked, this could cause a lot of problems for you. This is why you need to make .config files read-only as well.

How to Make Files Read-only

The exact way in which you can change a file from Read and Write to Read-only varies depending on the operating system your website hosting provider uses. Basically, if your website hosting uses cpanel hosting, you need to log in first and then you can make any changes.

If the operating system of your hosting provider is UNIX, you can change permissions with the chmod command. You can change permissions only for files you are the owner of. 777 permissions are to be avoided for any file with important data.

If your website hosting provider uses Windows and IIS, then you can change permissions to Read-only from File Manager and Explorer. You need to know that when you set permissions for a folder with subfolders, the permissions are automatically inherited – i.e. all the subfolders and the files in them inherit the permissions for the parent folder but if you need to set specific permissions for an individual files, you can do it.

Irrespective to paid or free solutions, if you don’t have a fast machine, these softwares can really slow down your computer by using too many system resources. However, there is one out of the box solution that is not only free but will also take less system resources making it easier to work on slower machines.

Cloud-Based Antivirus introduces new protection model with Thin-Client Protection and real time scanning from the cloud. It took Panda labs three year to develop Cloud based Anti-virus.

In layman terms this technology uses less system resources due to its thin-client agent and server architecture which processes and blocks malware more efficiently than locally installed signature-based products.

Currently the version is in its beta stages, however, you can still download for free once the final version hits the market. [Credit]

Download Panda Cloud Antivirus

If you are a company owner or maintain a network irrespective of it size and want to get control over USB ports, then USB Blocker is just the application for you.

As the name implies; USB Blocker is a nifty, light-weight app that blocks USB Ports on a computer or in large networks. Using this tool you have full control over who connects the USB to which port; you can either block all the ports in the network or customize it to allow access to different computers in the network.

The interface of USB Blocker is very simple and easy to use, in just a few clicks you can either block or unblock any port that you want to give access. USB blocker is a free product of NetWrix (Microsoft Gold Certified Partner) corporation and can’t get any simpler than this. So if you are cautious about the unauthorized access of USB devices to your computer then that’s just the app you need! (Image Credit: IntoWindows)

Download USB Blocker

For all those who like using NOD32 or have already installed it on their machines as an alternative to Kaspersky can now get a free license key of NOD32 for 3 months! By following the procedure mentioned below you will not only get a 90 days genuine license key for NOD32 Anti-virus, but also a license key of the latest ESET Smart Security v4 and ESET Mobile Antivirus v1. All in one! Its a great offer that you don’t wanna miss. Here is what you have to do;

1. Simply visit the page; and type in a valid email address, (as shown below) and hit the Submit button,

2. You will receive an email from NOD32, on the address that you have typed. Keep the email in a safe place as this contains the Registration Code,

3. Now go to this page, and enter Registration code that you got via email, your Name, Email ID you used in step #1 and hit submit button when finished. Reference screenshot below;

4. A new page will display the user name & password for ESET, write it down and keep it safe.

Use the username and password for ESET NOD32 Antivirus, Smart Security and also for Mobile Antivirus. Enjoy 90 days free security! [Via]

CoverDisk has once again come up with a new Exclusive 100 days Kaspersky offer. Don’t worry you won’t have to spend any money on this one. Unfortunately, this offer is only valid for CoverDisk customers, however by using a simple trick you too will be able to get a free copy of Kaspersky Internet Security 2009.

Grab a free copy KIS 2009 License for 100 Days

Simply hover to this page and fill in the required fields. Tick the check box if you are above 18. You may un-check the boxes below if you don’t want to get information about other offers and services. Click the ‘Submit’ button once you are done.

A new page will now open, asking you to enter a special number that is in issue 256 of Computer Shopper. Like we said, this offer is for Computer Shopper magazine’s customers only, but by following the method mentioned below you can also avail it. Here’s what you have to do;

Step #1. Against an empty field box, read the line as shown below:

Step #2. Now match the line from the list below and enter the code (shown in RED) into the filed;

Please enter the first world of the first step – GO
Please enter the first word of the third step -THE
Please enter the first word of the fourth step -YOU
Please enter the third word of the second step – PERSONAL
Please enter the third word of the third step – SCREEN
Please enter the third word of fifth step -JOB
Please enter the fourth word of the fifth step – IS
Please enter the fifth word of the third step – YOU
Please enter the fifth word of the sixth step – ACCOUNT

As you can see in the above figure, the line was ‘first word of the fourth step‘ therefore the code would be YOU. In case you don’t find the line, keep on refreshing the page until the right line appears. Hit the ‘Submit‘ button and the license key will be delivered at your mailing ID. Write it down and keep it in a safe place.

So, hurry up and rush to avail this offer before it ends!

The best option that I would suggest users is to set a password on Windows. This will not only prevent your family members from accessing your private files, but it will also prevent your friends from sneaking into your computer/laptop while you are away. However, if you are among those users who are hesitant of creating a password just because you’ll forget it in the near future here’s a how you can recover lost passwords in Windows.

Regardless to that, if you still want to block your friends from accessing some application, Applocker is just the right tool that will do wonders! Basically, Applocker is a free, lightweight utility that prevents unauthorized access to certain applications that comes by default in Windows. For instance, you have the leverage to block apps including, Notepad, Calculator, MS Office programs, Internet Explorer, etc.

All of these and other similar options are available on the main window of Applocker. All you have to do it to check those applications that you want to block/lock and then hit the ‘Save’ button when finished. In addition to that, you can add as many application that you want to block/lock. For this click on the Configure button from the main window. Add any application by typing its caption and .exe file name. For example, if you want to block FireFox, simply name the caption ‘Mozilla Firefox‘ and then type the firefox.exe file name. Click the add button when finished.

So when ever any one would click on the application, a message will be displayed prompting the user to contact the admin. AppLocker works with Windows 2K, XP, Server 2003 and Server 2008.

The only downside to this application is that Applocker does not provide any security mechanism to prevent users from accessing the application itself. Any one can easily open Applocker and simply uncheck the applications from the list to use it. Not so clever after all!  [Via]

Download Applocker for Windows

In one of our previous post, we offered a free three months license key for Avira Antivirus premium. For those who are interested can grab their free copy from here. But what if you go to your friends house and plug your USB in his system and to make the matters worse, he hasn’t got any anti-virus program installed on his system. So how can you protect your USB and make his system virus free?

The first this that pops into mind is to get a portable version of an anti-virus program, so that it not only protects your Pen Drive, but also cleans up viruses and other malicious programs from another person’s computer. The good new is that Avira Antiviurs is already offering such service.

Avira Portable Antivirus Removal Tool is just the thing you need to protect viruses, malwares, spywares and other malicious programs. Not only it gives you full fledged protection but also gives you the freedom to take where ever you go and plug-in to any computer without worrying to get infected by viruses etc.

This can be extremely useful in places, such as offices and college/university networks where normal USBs are more susceptible to virus attacks. In addition to that it supports and protects a wide range of common day to day viruses. More about the list can be read from here.

Above all you won’t have to worry about spending any money on this program as it comes free of charge. So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy of free Avira Potable Antirus Removal Tool today!

Download Avira Potable Antivirus Removal Tool

Despite, it usefulness these portable storage devices could easily be affected with harmful viruses, such as Torjan, Spywares, Malwares, etc and even worse is that whenever you plug them back in to your system, the auto run feature will boot up the pen drive automatically, thus infecting your computer by those viruses.

Likewise, Auto run feature in Windows could also prove very annoying. A small window will pop up each time you insert the pen drive into the computer, asking what you would like to do with those files. However, there’s a simpler solution to these problems.

In order to get rid of the Autorun feature in Windows XP, you will have to follow the procedure mentioned below;

1. Go to Start Menu, click on Run;

2. Type “gpedit.msc” (without quotes), and hit Enter,

3. A window will pop up, titled ‘Group Policy‘,

4. Click on ‘Administrative Templates‘ and then inside it, click ‘System‘,

5. On the right side of the pane, you will find an item labeled, ‘Turn off Autoplay‘

6. Double click on that item. A new window will pop out,

7. Under the settings tab, click the ‘Enabled‘ radio button and save changes.

Now you won’t have to worry about either the annoying pop up nor the viruses infecting your computer on USB insertion. This trick will not only help you prevent viruses entering your system, but if you are suspicious you can format your USB pen drive also.

If you have any other quires don’t hasitate to comment.

Although you will find dozens of anti virus claiming that they could handle virus attacks, but I doubt that they are telling the truth. Today, I am sharing with you a 3 months free premium copy of Avira AntiVir.

Why bother with Avira AntiVir? Avira AntiVir gives protection against viruses, worms, torjans, its AntiRootkit protects you against hidden rootkits. Its AntiSpyware protects against spyware and adware, while AntiDrive-by stops malware downloads while surfing the web. In addition to that it has an incredibly fast scanning system with easy to use interface.

How do I get a 3 months free copy of Avira AntiVir premium? Here’s what you have to follow in order to claim your copy;

1. Simply Visit their Promotion Campaign Page

2. Fill-in the form with all the necessary details that they have asked for; for instance, Salutation, First name, Last name etc.

3. Hit the “Request License Button“.

4. A link will be sent on the address that you have provided. Click on it and grab your free license key.

5. Download Avira Premium Security Suite.

6. Enter the license key that you acquired from step #4 while installation.

Enjoy virus free computer for 3 months! Don’t forget to share your views on their promotional campaign.

ESET Antivirus

ESET Labs has now released their anti-virus protection services for Mobile phones especially smartphone along with pocket PC’s. It is faster than any other available anti-virus application and being widely used for smartphones.

ESET Mobile Antivirus is truely made for your smartphones, as it utilizes very less memory and works efficiently by protecting emails, email attachments, plus it guards any other type of connectivity of cellphones including bluetooth sharing. Virus definitions are updated almost as soon as they are available from ESET servers, with the compact mode (low consumption of bandwidth).

ESET Mobile Antivirus Features:

• Proactive Protection: Detect and clean mobile malware
• Light Footprint: Installation and Ugradation of new definition are light on the mobile system, as about 400 KB installed and 1 MB of RAM is used while scanning.
• Fast Scanning Speeds: Works at lightening speed by detecting more and more files simultaneously.
• SMS Anti-Spam: With simple rules it filters out all malware/unwanted sms messages as spam.

Its compatible with Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 2005 and Pocket PC’s. Full manual about ESET’s mobile protection can be read on their website.

Download ESET Mobile Antivirus

McAfee VirusScan Plus provides system security to prevent malicious attacks, while you are surfing, searching, and downloading files online with confidence. It will also protect your mobile phones with its state of the art security solutions.

Normally, it will cost you around 39.95 bucks, but now you can get MacAfee Virus Scan Plus 2008, with a one year subscription license, all for free.

How to get a free McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 license Key?

1. To get your free McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 license, visit the promotion page.

2. Check on certify box. Then select any department and click Sign-Up Now button.

3. Type your first name, last name, email address, password and click I Agree button. Remember; Your password must contain at least one letter and one number.

4. After creating your account, click “Go to My Account” button.

5. You should see that you have McAfee VirusScan Plus 1 year subscription at My Protection Products. Click the Download button.

6. One downloaded and installed, reboot your computer. Your done.

Please note that this is a limited time offer, so hurry up and get your Free McAfee VirusScan Plus License key, today!

What if I offer you a free license key of Kaspersky Internet Security 2009? That’s right you won’t have to spend any bucks on that one. Its not the first time Kaspersky is giving such an opportunity to its users.

Free Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 License for 100 Days

Unfortunately, this offer could only be availed by the readers of Computer Shopper magazine. Don’t be sad, if you are not a member of Computer Shopper magazine, you can still avail this offer for free by using the following tweak.

• Visit the promotion page.
• Enter your details and click Submit.
• It will ask you to enter the fifth word of the sixth step from issue 249. Enter “also” (without quotes) in the box and Submit.

You will receive an email containing your Free Kaspersky 2009 license key. Enjoy!

They have also made the application lighter and alot faster, taking far fewer PC resources than ever before. On installation, users can also observe that the new interface and the installation process has been simplified. The latest version has also has improved its security features and performances.

The following is a summary of some key features in this release:

• Proven fastest security suite available
• Silent mode that suspends nagging alerts and updates
• Blocks online identity theft
• Secure network connections
• Blocks threats and hackers
• Norton Insight – Scans newer files but not the previously scanned files
• Blocks browser exploits
• Pulse updates for up-to-the-minute protection

Norton Internet Security 2009 costs around costs $69.99, but you can always try the trial version.

Download Trial Version

McAfee Avert Stinger comes with its latest scanning Engine technology, including scan digitally signed DAT files, perform process scanning, and scan performance optimizations. In fact, this particular release comes with detection and repair for W32/Polip.

The interface is simple to use. Just select the drive, which you want to scan and click a button. You always have the option to choose to perform an action if a virus has been detected.

Did I mention that its free of cost? Thats right, you won’t be charged for this. If you are interested to view the detection for all known variants, visit, or else follow the link to download it.

But there is a better solution. KeePass is a free password manager which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key. he databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known, namely AES and Twofish.

Some of its features are mentioned below:

• Advanced option to drop to the background when copying data to the clipboard.
• Field references in indirect auto-type sequence paths.
• Entries in the auto-type entry selection window are now sorted.
• Secure edit controls in the master key and entry dialogs now accept text drops.
• Field references are dereferenced when copying data to the clipboard.
• The default auto-type sequence can now be configured in the Auto-Type configuration dialog.
• In case the file fails to download, displays an explicit file corruption warning message.
• Group names in the entry details view are now clickable; click it to jump to the group of the entry
• Compatible with Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista

The best thing about KeePass is that it free, and more than that: it is open-source (OSI certified)

Download KeePass Password Safe (1.3Mb)