Malware Analysis Video Explains Drive-by Downloads

If you wanted to learn some network security tips and had a choice between reading an article or viewing a video, which would you prefer? Now you can choose.

The first-ever LiveSecurity article in video format

There's nothing quite like seeing a hack happen before your eyes, so today, instead of sending you our normal text article, we're inviting you to get the latest LiveSecurity advice in a 12-minute video, "Malware Analysis: Drive-by Downloads." The video is available at no charge, exclusively to LiveSecurity Service subscribers.

In this pilot episode, Corey Nachreiner, CISSP and a WatchGuard Network Security Analyst, shows you exactly what happens when a typical Windows XP computer encounters a malicious Web site and suffers a "drive-by download" -- the type of attack that takes over your PC the instant you browse the wrong site. The Web site is real, found in the wild, and booby-trapped with multiple exploits, including the notorious Windows Metafile image vulnerability. You might be surprised at how much the attacker accomplishes, within seconds. Get the blow-by-blow, shown through utilities such as Ethereal and various spyware detectors. Plus, you'll pick up some tips on how to counter the threat -- all in upbeat, understandable LiveSecurity style.

Your preference guides our next steps

Any IT pro knows that keeping abreast of the latest threats requires constant self-education. But after more than 1200 LiveSecurity email broadcasts, here in the age of podcasts and video on demand, we're wondering whether email is still the most effective format for helping you punch up your security knowledge.

Making a video takes more time than writing an article. To justify the extra effort, we seek a mandate from our subscribers. If enough LiveSecurity subscribers tell us they prefer to learn by using educational videos, we'll add video as a regular part of your LiveSecurity support. If enough subscribers approve, today's video will be the first in a series of malware analysis "cubecasts" showing the inner workings of rootkits, bot nets, keyloggers, and more. No hidden strings attached. We simply want to ensure that LiveSecurity content truly helps you.

How to get what you want

Download and view the video in your choice of format:

Windows Media Player (WMV): 47 Mbs
Quicktime (MOV): 58 Mbs (Note: If you experience difficulty viewing the movie in Quicktime Player, download the latest version of Quicktime.)

Then, please let us know what you think. Feel free to mention what you liked, what you didn't like, or -- if you're pressed for time -- simply tell us whether you want more video, or prefer our current "email only" approach. Write to us at:

Your.opinion.matters@watchguard.com .

We look forward to hearing from you!