A new virus is doing the round now. The virus called 'Shellshock' or Bash Bug has put the internet security professional under quite some pressure. In fact, the threat is fairly serious one, arising from out of a basically new programming flaw known as 'Bash Bug'. Interestingly enough, Bash - a command shell - is around for about a quarter of century, and is used for a variety of Unix based systems, including Linux and Mac OSX. The devices using Unix in some form or the other are as varied as servers, routers, Mac, Android phones, medical equipment, etc.
Bash Bug is reported to be a serious threat which could affect millions of computers world wide. The experts say that the virus is likely to not only influence computers but will also be a threat to routers and systems - even those used to run power plants.
Bash Bug allows third party to take control of your device and install program or run command that would compromise with your security.
Bash Bug allows third party to take control of your device and install program or run command that would compromise with your security.
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Some of the professionals are of the opinion that the threat is not serious enough, although it could prove to be some sort of a nuisance, while others believe that it could get access to the passwords and other vital data that you have stored in your data bank. Nonetheless, the threat has to be taken in all seriousness in the interest of your device and the data stored therein. Incidentally, Bash Bug makes it easier for hackers to take control of devices run on public Wi-Fi net work. If the hackers could lay their hands on or take control of home-routers, they can consume the bandwidth so much that those with cap on their internet usage will find their data-limits exhausted.
‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a well-known maxim, and as such the focus is to be on prevention against such viruses. First of all, do not operate your computer without installing a good anti-virus package. The anti-virus protection should also be updated at regular intervals and be kept enabled throughout. The next step is to ensure that uncalled for, unsolicited mails from unknown persons with attachments are treated with extreme caution. Those with above mentioned captions must not only be deleted without any delay but even the relative files should be erased from the Recycle Bin. Lastly, wait for the fixes from the respective manufacturers, and get them installed whenever these are available. Despite all these efforts, if your computer still catches infection through some unintended action on your part, do not panic but do get your machine disinfected through technically competent hands without losing anytime. This may spare you the trauma of handling this virus at critical moments. Needless to say, viruses and threats are omnipresent, and the device user has to be extra careful to ensure that he is not made a victim of any of such viruses - be it Bash Bug or anything else. Good luck.
‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a well-known maxim, and as such the focus is to be on prevention against such viruses. First of all, do not operate your computer without installing a good anti-virus package. The anti-virus protection should also be updated at regular intervals and be kept enabled throughout. The next step is to ensure that uncalled for, unsolicited mails from unknown persons with attachments are treated with extreme caution. Those with above mentioned captions must not only be deleted without any delay but even the relative files should be erased from the Recycle Bin. Lastly, wait for the fixes from the respective manufacturers, and get them installed whenever these are available. Despite all these efforts, if your computer still catches infection through some unintended action on your part, do not panic but do get your machine disinfected through technically competent hands without losing anytime. This may spare you the trauma of handling this virus at critical moments. Needless to say, viruses and threats are omnipresent, and the device user has to be extra careful to ensure that he is not made a victim of any of such viruses - be it Bash Bug or anything else. Good luck.
Author : Syed Zafar Ahmad
Designation: Executive Director
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
