Posted by PAW on 11/30/09 2:09pm
Msg #312503

Beware of PDF files.

"Adobe is attracting the unwanted attention of hackers - and security experts are concerned the company isn't doing enough to repel assaults."

This quote is from an article in the November 30th edition of Business Week. To read the full, and maybe enlightening, article, go to http://tinyurl.com/yktv87c

How this may impact our niche in the mortgage industry is anybody's guess. But we all need to be aware of what's happening in the global technology world, especially with our reliance on Adobe Reader.

Reply by Notarysigner on 11/30/09 2:16pm
Msg #312504

Thanks Paul

Reply by jfs/IL on 11/30/09 2:34pm
Msg #312506

The best way to protect your files would be to scan and save as a pdf or regular named file and then burn to CD. Do not label the disk just record on the jacket the file names you have on it. Paper labels, over time, deteriorate the disk.

Reply by Lee/AR on 11/30/09 2:56pm
Msg #312510

I'm not understanding this

as it relates to e-mailed docs. Seems that if you 'go to some site and click on something' it could be malware. But... if docs are e-mailed to us in PDF format, would some hacker even bother? Could they even do it? What have I missed?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/30/09 3:38pm
Msg #312517

Re: I'm not understanding this

As I understand it, (and this is questionable) the problem occurs when you open a pdf file from within the Adobe browser plug in. Even if your computer's malware protection is completely updated, and you could even be using an anti-spyware application such as Spybot or Spyware blaster, the security holes in Adobe could be used to gain access to your computer or download a malware program. It would not have anything to do with the actual pdf file you are receiving. It has to do with allowing access to your computer through the Adobe plug in. The danger would be greatest with computers that are on 24/7 except for maintenance and most if the malware that is written for this is designed to gain access to business networks.

The safe way to do it is to download the document and save it to your computer, close your browsers, then open it in the stand alone version of Adobe.

I could be naive, but to most of us common Joes, who just have their home computer and are not online 24/7 with a browser open, the risk would be small if non-existent. It's a hack for large computer networks.

Reply by Lee/AR on 11/30/09 4:12pm
Msg #312519

Thanks, Glenn

That's 'kinda' what I thought, but appreciate your more knowledgeable comments. I'm sure you're less questionable than I!

Reply by PAW on 11/30/09 5:28pm
Msg #312523

Re: Thanks, Glenn

What Glenn says is basically true. However, PDF files do have the ability to harbor worms, viruses, and other nasty things. Not only is the security breach in the plug-in, but also in can be in unexpected emails with a PDF attachment. Opening the attachment may be enough to launch the malware.

The safe practice is to be alert to opening PDF files just like most of us are with unexpected emails, especially with attachments.

Reply by mwm143 on 11/30/09 7:48pm
Msg #312530

This is what I was talking about recently

with regards to borrowers information. The new Safeguard laws apply to everyone handling this sensitive information....except us. Which again brings up the topic that anyone can sign up as a notary signing agent and it's up to the SS and TC to verify that the information they are sending "us" is being treated with appropriate care and due diligence. Well, guess what? They aren't! The new Safeguard Rules will be the final straw in our business if there isn't some kind of regulation for notary signing agents. DISCLAIMER: Just my honest opinion.

Reply by John Schenk on 11/30/09 9:21pm
Msg #312550

I download mine, print them, and delete them as soon as I'm done with the closing. I delete the .pdf closing doc files off my computer, as I have no need for those docs anymore. I also delete the email with the .pdf attachment. If I have to access them on the SS or Title site and print them from there, it's not my problem. Their security issues are theirs.

Any ideas on how I could do it better?

JJ

Reply by parkerc/ME on 11/30/09 9:57pm
Msg #312558

No security issues with you, John . . good practices. I download my docs and everything relating to the signing, including the confirmation, to a control numbered folder on a flash drive, then I secure the flash drive in my locking cabinet with my notary journal. When I get paid, I delete the entire folder on the flash drive.

Reply by John Schenk on 11/30/09 10:15pm
Msg #312564

That's a good suggestion. Seems like a lot of trouble though. When the docs are signed, why would you want to keep them? I don't want any trace of the docs on my computer, and can't imagine why I would want to keep those on any type of CD or flash drive. I'm being honest...sure there's a reason for keeping them, but I just don't personally know why.

If your name is listed on the HUD, then I usually print that single page out as a part of my record, but still destroy all the rest of it. I want to learn why, honestly.

JJ

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/09 10:00pm
Msg #312560

" as I have no need for those docs anymore"

Until you have collection issues - that HUD can be very useful.

Reply by John Schenk on 11/30/09 10:08pm
Msg #312563

Why? My name is VERY SELDOM listed on the HUD.

JJ

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/09 11:17pm
Msg #312569

because everyone else's name, address is listed, file numbers, loan numbers, etc.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 12/1/09 6:09am
Msg #312572

Had a weird Adobe/PDF problem yesterday

PDF files were being viewed with Adobe Reader 6.0
I hadn't installed v 6.0.....new computer, came with 9.0
Computer couldn't find 9.0, only the older 6.0 version
I deleted 6.0, and had to reconfigure the "open with" to 9.0 to work.
I never installed the 6.0, don't know how it got on there, but avg says I am in good shape.
First thing I thought of was, "wormy".
Ya better watch out.....