10 ALERTS - ADVISORIES - RECALLS

#1. Hackers seize files--hold for ransom.
#2. Recall to Repair Children’s Folding Chairs.
#3. Be Wary of Pre-Paid Heating Fuel Contracts.
#4. FDA Warns Against abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM).
#5. Medical Aid Scam.
#6. spread of 'toxic' MRSA.
#7. ZoneAlarm - vulnerability in ZoneAlarm Security Suite and ZoneAlarm Antivirus.
#8. Recall for '03 and '04 General Motors and Isuzu pickups and sport-utility vehicles.
#9. '03 Chrysler and Dodge minivans recall.
#10. '04 and '05 Honda FourTrax all-terrain vehicles recall.

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#1. Hackers seize files--hold for ransom.

In a new type of online attack, extortionists remotely encrypt user files and then demand money for the key to decode the information.

Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP

To view this ALERT online, use the following links: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5718678.html?tag=nl.e589 or http://www.websensesecuritylabs.com/alerts/alert.php?AlertID=194 or http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.pgpcoder.html
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#2. Recall to Repair Children’s Folding Chairs.

This same type of RECALL ALERT was also posted on April 30, 2005 at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05163.html and in our archive at: http://alh1.blogdrive.com/archive/101.html

Name of Product: Children’s Folding Chairs

Units Sold: 2 million

Distributor: Summit Marketing International LLC, of Dublin, Ohio

Hazard: The chair’s safety lock can fail, allowing the chair to collapse or fold unexpectedly. Children’s fingers can become caught or entrapped in the hinge and slot areas of the chair, posing a pinch or cut hazard. This can cause severe lacerations and finger tip amputations to children’s fingers.

Sold At: Hardware, discount department, toy, grocery and drug stores nationwide from September 2002 through May 2005 for about $10 individually and for about $45 for a set.

To view this RECALL ALERT online, use the following links: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05181.html or http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2005/folding_chairs.html
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#3. Be Wary of Pre-Paid Heating Fuel Contracts.

"Unfortunately, we have seen several cases in recent years where consumers have eagerly signed on to pre-paid plans that promised lower fuel costs, only to be disappointed and sometimes left out in the cold by companies that were unable to meet the terms of the agreements," Rodriguez said.

To view this ALERT online, use the following link: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ct_heating_fuel.html
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#4. FDA Warns Against abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM).

The Food and Drug Administration is concerned about the abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM), a synthetically produced ingredient found in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. The concern was ramped up following five recently reported deaths of teenagers that may be associated with the consumption of powdered DXM sold in capsules.

DXM abuse, though not a new phenomenon, has developed into a disturbing new trend which involves the sale of pure DXM in powdered form. This pure DXM is often encapsulated by the "dealer" and offered for street use.

To view this ALERT online, use the following link: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/fda_dxm.html
Aditional information can be found by clicking the following links: http://store.health.org/catalog/mediaDetails.aspx?ID=371 and http://store.health.org/catalog/mediaDetails.aspx?ID=371
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#5. Medical Aid Scam.

MyFreeMedicine.com aired television advertisements in Arkansas that encouraged viewers to call a toll-free number to obtain help in getting medications at little or no cost. The company claimed to be acting in conjunction with pharmaceutical companies in helping people who qualified for the service.

According to Beebe, prescription-assistance forms are usually available in doctors' offices and can be filled out by patients for free. Some non-profit groups, including Area Agencies on Aging and the Prescription Assistance Line for Seniors (PALS), also offer these programs for free or for small processing fees ($5 or less), which often include assistance in completing the necessary paperwork.

To view this ADVISORY online, use the following link: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ar_medical_aid.html
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#6. spread of 'toxic' MRSA.

Toxin-producing MRSA [methicillin-resistant _Staphylococcus aureus_] strains similar to the one that killed Richard Campbell-Smith, an 18-year-old Royal Marine trainee, are already a widespread medical problem in the United States and account for the majority of Staphylococcus aureus infections in some areas.

Campbell-Smith, a fit, young recruit, developed necrotising pneumonia and died two days after a cut on his leg that he sustained in training became infected with an MRSA [methicillin-resistant _Staphylococcus aureus_] strain that produces the Panton-Valentine toxin, an inquest heard this week.

To view this ADVISORY online, use the following link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1625713_1,00.html
Aditional information can be found by clicking the following link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1625253,00.html or http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1625254,00.html
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#7. ZoneAlarm - vulnerability in ZoneAlarm Security Suite and ZoneAlarm Antivirus.

Alex Wheeler has reported a vulnerability in ZoneAlarm Security Suite and ZoneAlarm Antivirus, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a vulnerable system.

To view this ALERT online, use the following links: http://secunia.com/advisories/15479/ and http://secunia.com/product/4271/ and http://secunia.com/product/4272/
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#8. Recall for '03 and '04 General Motors and Isuzu pickups and sport-utility vehicles.

Turn-signal-indicator lights might blink like warning flashers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Models: 286,478 vehicles, including '04 Buick Ranier and '03 and '04 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Oldsmobile Bravada.

To view this RECALL online, use the following link: http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?WebLogicSession=QpSjqHIvaraxyZ0r8BG1EOQwXsuXXiJrwUyiA3jtxeu1UsVY2gHX|-3136150446261410194/169937912/6/7005/7005/7002/7002/7005/-1|-7639190704729720664/169937904/6/7005/7005/7002/7002/7005/-1&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=601849&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=10895&bmUID=1117037480173
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)
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#9. '03 Chrysler and Dodge minivans recall.

Rear power liftgate could open suddenly and unexpectedly, possibly causing unbelted passengers to be ejected from the vehicle in a crash.

Models: 70,235 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans. Hazard exists because the power-liftgate latch might not properly engage the striker.

To view this RECALL online, use the following link: http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=601851&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=10895&bmUID=1117037718545
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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#10. '04 and '05 Honda FourTrax all-terrain vehicles recall.

Steering rods could separate, causing the driver to lose control and crash.

Models: 200,000 ATVs sold from 8/03 to 2/05 at Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide ...

To view this RECALL online, use the following link: http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=601853&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=10895&bmUID=1117037930706
(You may need to copy and paste this link if you're using hotmail, msn, aol or some other mail services.)

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