AVG (AU\/NZ) shows how business and home users can secure Adobe Reader<\/p>\n
Melbourne and Amsterdam, 13 August 2010 – It should go without saying that the best way to deal with malware is, of course, not to get infected in the first place.<\/p>\n
Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist for AVG (AU\/NZ) says, \u201cBeing aware of what products are being targeted by the bad guys may help you as well, so it may be useful to know that at the moment Adobe products are virtually the number one target across the world with millions of PCs being hit by infected Adobe PDFs. Others are being pwned via Adobe Flash ads via Facebook and other social media web sites.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attackers send a file that has malicious code embedded in it. Once the file is opened, the computer is infected, typically with some form of identity theft malware that then steals data.<\/p>\n
The Adobe PDF and Adobe Flash browser plug-ins are also used in \u201cdrive-by download\u201d attacks where malware is downloaded onto the PC while the user is surfing the web.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdobe products, just like Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, have near universal use on home and business computers making these applications prime targets for the bad guys,\u201d Borrett continues. \u201cUnfortunately, since the bad guys realised this and turned their attention to finding security holes in them, they have been very successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, the easiest way to avoid the risk of being compromised via these Adobe products is not to install them! However, this is virtually impossible for most home and business Internet users.<\/p>\n
So if you must use Adobe Reader, then please take the time to secure it.<\/p>\n
How to secure Adobe Reader<\/p>\n
Open the Adobe Reader application and choose \u2018Edit\u2019 and then \u2018Preferences\u2019.<\/p>\n
On the left you will see several different categories of options to modify.<\/p>\n
Under the \u2018JavaScript\u2019 category there is a checkbox \u2018Enable Acrobat JavaScript\u2019. Make sure this checkbox is not ticked\/selected so that you disable Adobe Reader\u2019s ability to run dangerous JavaScript from a PDF.<\/p>\n
Under the \u2018Security\u2019 category, to specify that digital signatures are handled securely make sure the \u2018Verify signatures when the document is opened\u2019 checkbox is ticked\/selected.<\/p>\n
Under the \u2018Security (Enhanced)\u2019 category, make sure the \u2018Enable Enhanced Security\u2019 checkbox is selected to help with data protection and privacy.<\/p>\n
Under the \u2018Trust Manager\u2019 category we\u2019d recommend you disable Acrobat\u2019s ability to call external applications to handle non-PDF file attachments. So, after the \u2018PDF File Attachments\u2019 heading, make sure the \u2018Allow opening of non-PDF file attachments with external applications\u2019 checkbox is not ticked\/selected.<\/p>\n
Then click on \u2018OK\u2019 to exit changing the preferences.<\/p>\n
Adobe is working to address the security vulnerabilities in its products, so it\u2019s vital to make sure you regularly check for updates to Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash and other Adobe applications. Turn on the automatic updates so that your Adobe software stays up-to-date.<\/p>\n
Borrett adds, \u201cAnd also don’t forget to install a complete security suite solution like AVG Internet Security that will provide you with total protection as you work, shop, bank and play games online.\u201d<\/p>\n
AVG (AU\/NZ) has a comprehensive range of security tips for home and business users on its web site at www.avg.com.au\/resources\/security-tips\/.<\/p>\n
About AVG (AU\/NZ) Pty Ltd \u2014 www.avg.com.au<\/p>\n
Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU\/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers \u2014 documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more \u2014 all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety.<\/p>\n
AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AVG (AU\/NZ) shows how business and home users can secure Adobe Reader Melbourne and Amsterdam, 13 August 2010 – It should go without saying that the best way to deal with malware is, of course, not to get infected in the first place. Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist for AVG (AU\/NZ) says, \u201cBeing aware of what<\/p>\n