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My Computer has been Compromised, Again

That’s a log file.

What it means: there’s something in my laptop, that’s regularly taking screenshots of both my desktop, and login screen.

See the last entry, Saturday at midnight? Wasn’t even home, laptop had been closed for hours. Figure that one out.

Considering how careful I am, well, good to know I attract the best. I guess.

I can pretty much guarantee you will never again see a log like this.

If you want to see what’s happening inside your Mac, go > Applications > Utilities > Console

Logs for everything are found there.

 

 

The Scariest Type of Malware – Ransomware

Of all the types of malware, this one scares me the most.

Ransomware – a type of malicious software that locks, and sometimes encrypts, the victim’s entire computer. The victim is then informed that removal is only possible, when they pay a ransom fee to the creator of the malware. Basically, ALL your files get locked up, and someone else has the key. 

The Attack

On my other computer, I was catching up on celebrity gossip, and streaming TV from a sketchy Eastern European site, when this page overtook my browser.

1 – informs me all my files have been encrypted
2 – shows my IP address, which didn’t pinpoint my exact physical location, but was pretty close
3 – ransomware often uses this popular ‘police-theme’, to give the illusion of authenticity, and heighten fear
4 – a scary countdown timer; I have 24 hours to pay the ransom

The Defence

Ransomware is usually installed from clicking a bad link on social media, in a website or email, opening a malicious email attachment, or sometimes just visiting a malicious site.

A closer investigation reveals this is mostly scareware. The English is poor, I’m on a Mac not a PC, the “Internet Police Department” uh-huh, and child p0rn phft as if, I don’t even really like kids.

Plus, 24 hours have passed, and my computer is fine.

Notice though, I said “my other computer“.

Because never would I visit those sites on my work computer. Which is why, had this actually happened, my solution would be to wipe the entire laptop, wouldn’t matter, there’s nothing on it. Opposite of this computer.

Keep your anti-virus software updated, your firewall on, and be careful what you click.

The Fix 

It’s up to you if you decide to pay the ransom.

F-Secure has removal instructions, as does Norton.  Or take you computer to your trusted IT repair place.

Regularly backup your files.

 

 

Micra Trims and Features

At $9,998, Nissan’s all-new Micra is the lowest-priced car in Canada.

But that’s for the base model only, which means manual everything, and looks like this.

1 – manual transmission *
2 – manual mirror controls
3 – manual windows
4 – no screen
5 – no steering wheel controls

* in the base model trim, add an automatic transmission for $3,300, which also includes A/C, cruise control, and steering wheel controls.

(I’d learn to shift gears for that much, especially because a manual will provide a peppier performance every time, as well as make you a more engaged, and therefore safer, driver (see this Keri on Driving column for how-to instructions)).

As both a minimalist, and one who eye-rolls at all these new features, I think this is great.

See? Nice and simple, no fuss.  It’s a car-car.

Despite being a sub-compact car, it’s interior volume is plentiful, and will easily fit 4 large humans, without their heads scraping the ceiling.

It’s a good-sized trunk, and the seats split 60/40, the key to moving large cargo.

The price escalates when you start adding features, but even after you option up to a higher trim-level, the total cost is still lower than its competitors.

A $13,698, a manual SV model is the best-priced car in the country equipped with USB, Bluetooth and air conditioning.

Below are all the features and trims, and here’s the list on Nissan.ca.

(trims can be confusing, it’s kind’ve like learning a new language. So if you’re stuck email me, and I’ll translate for you.)

If you’d like a screen:

You must buy at a minimum the 2nd trim, SV, then add the Convenience Package +$500.

This adds a 4.3″ colour screen, a rearview camera, and USB connectivity.

The difference looks like this.

Oh Micra, how are you so well priced…

This was taken back in February, at Nissan’s dinner and announcement of the Micra’s price. That’s Didier, Nissan’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications.

I asked him how they’re able to do it:

Keri: Are you guys wizards?
Didier: Nope. It’s because we buy in such large bulk for both Nissan and Renault, that we can pass on the savings to the consumer.

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Blog tag = Micra