Name, Rank, and Social Security Number Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S.
The U.S. Secret Service has estimated that consumers nationwide lose $745 million to identity theft each year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the average victim spends 607 hours and averages $1,000 just to clear their credit records.
Theives who steal Identiies use a number of different methods to retrieve your personal information without you knowing. They may be able to gain your information from businesses or other institutions by stealing it. They may bribe an employee who has access to records. They may get information by hacking into records. Maybe they will end up just plain conning the information out of employees. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may easily use it to commit an act of fraud or theft using your name.
How can you tell if you have become a victim of identity theft?
Some signs include unexplained charges or withdrawals from your financial accounts
Bills or other mail stop arriving because the thief might have submitted a change of address
Perhaps a credit application is denied you for no apparent reason
Debt collectors may begin calling you about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.
Your computer can be a goldmine to anyone who is in the practice of stealing identities. Your computer contains a wealth of personal information for an identity thief to play with.
To protect yourself and your computer against identity theft consider:
Updating virus protection software frequently.
Consider setting your virus protection software to update automatically.
The Windows XP operating system also can be set to check for patches automatically.
Windows XP will also download the patches to your computer automatically.
Do not opening files sent to you by strangers
Do not click on hyperlinks
Do not download programs from people or companies you don’t know.
Use a firewall program, particularly if you are on high speed Internet connections
High Speed cable or DSL leaves your computer attached to the internet 24h a day.
Make sure you firewall against intruders if your machine will be conneted 24h/day
Only provide personal or financial information through secured websites.
While not fool proof, a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for secure), may provide additional security.
Stop storing financial information on your laptop, unless this is absolutely necessary.
Delete all the personal information stored on a computer before disposing of it.
Use a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.
Check with an anti-fraud education organization such as CardCops (www.cardcops.com).
Card Cops runs a web site designed to help consumers determine whether their credit card numbers may have been stolen or not. They monitor Internet "chat rooms" where identity thieves gather. Here, the thieves illicitly trade and sell stolen credit card numbers. CardCops turns pertinent information over to law enforcement authorities. The authorities will also allow consumers to access a database to see whether individual card numbers may have been stolen.
In the first two months of operation, the site identified more than 100,000 stolen credit cards.
As with any crime, you can not completely control whether you will become a victim, but you can take steps to minimize your risk by remaining diligent and by minimizing outside access to your personal information.
Showing posts with label Secure Computer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Secure Computer. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Phishing Not As Great As Fishing
If you've never received a 'phishing' email (and that's NOT an invitation to go 'fishing,' either!), then you're one of the lucky few!
If you have received email from a 'phisher' - asking you to visit a familiar website to verify or update personal information, then you NEED TO STOP - before you even respond or get thinking about your accounts, money, or anything else. DO NOT CLICK on ANYTHING within the email!
A phishing attempt/email might ask you to
* verify information at a common site you may use such as paypal, e-Gold, eBay, etc.
*upgrade for some special DEAL at any common site - an autosurf, traffic exchange, money exchange service, almost ANY KIND OF SITE!
*update your info
*update or provide your banking information
*update or provide your credit card number, social security or social insurance numbers, etc.
Often, you'll think that you recognize the business name mentioned in the email - and you'll think that everything must be okay - since the email mentions a company that you're familiar with.....
DON'T FALL FOR IT!
Don't clik on the 'take me there' link and - especially do NOT provide the information that the email asks you to give!
The link will only lead to a bogus website or other web location (blog, chatsite, forum, etc) that APPEARS TO BE the site you think it is, as described in the email. This site was created by someone whose sole purpose is to steal your personal information! The site may even look JUST LIKE the original...but be assured that it is NOT the site you think it is no matter how professional the site may look - no matter that is looks just like the one you've been led to think it is.
Phishing (pronounced as "fishing") is defined as the act of sending an email that falsely claims to the recipient that you are acting on behalf or that you own an established business. The "Phisher's" intent is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, thus, ultimately stealing the recipient's identity.
It is not alwayss as easy as you might think to spot an email send by a phisher who is phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company.
The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail.
The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.
Many phishers are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic.
Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully.
When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender.
While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving.
Also - keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails.
Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.
How to check the legitimacy of a link:
Hover your mouse over the link - without actually clicking
Look to the bottom left-hand of your computer screen.
The website address to which you are about to be taken will show up in a small viewing area.
Finally, follow these three important rules:
* Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail.
* Always delete such an e-mail immediately.
* Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well.
If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. Then find out through your safe members area if there was, indeed, some kind of request sent out - for you to update your details.
If you have received email from a 'phisher' - asking you to visit a familiar website to verify or update personal information, then you NEED TO STOP - before you even respond or get thinking about your accounts, money, or anything else. DO NOT CLICK on ANYTHING within the email!
A phishing attempt/email might ask you to
* verify information at a common site you may use such as paypal, e-Gold, eBay, etc.
*upgrade for some special DEAL at any common site - an autosurf, traffic exchange, money exchange service, almost ANY KIND OF SITE!
*update your info
*update or provide your banking information
*update or provide your credit card number, social security or social insurance numbers, etc.
Often, you'll think that you recognize the business name mentioned in the email - and you'll think that everything must be okay - since the email mentions a company that you're familiar with.....
DON'T FALL FOR IT!
Don't clik on the 'take me there' link and - especially do NOT provide the information that the email asks you to give!
The link will only lead to a bogus website or other web location (blog, chatsite, forum, etc) that APPEARS TO BE the site you think it is, as described in the email. This site was created by someone whose sole purpose is to steal your personal information! The site may even look JUST LIKE the original...but be assured that it is NOT the site you think it is no matter how professional the site may look - no matter that is looks just like the one you've been led to think it is.
Phishing (pronounced as "fishing") is defined as the act of sending an email that falsely claims to the recipient that you are acting on behalf or that you own an established business. The "Phisher's" intent is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, thus, ultimately stealing the recipient's identity.
It is not alwayss as easy as you might think to spot an email send by a phisher who is phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company.
The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail.
The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.
Many phishers are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic.
Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully.
When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender.
While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving.
Also - keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails.
Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.
How to check the legitimacy of a link:
Hover your mouse over the link - without actually clicking
Look to the bottom left-hand of your computer screen.
The website address to which you are about to be taken will show up in a small viewing area.
Finally, follow these three important rules:
* Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail.
* Always delete such an e-mail immediately.
* Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well.
If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. Then find out through your safe members area if there was, indeed, some kind of request sent out - for you to update your details.
Who Fights AntiViruses?
These are 'The Good Guys' in the Anti-virus battle:
Everyone in the United States has heard of the leading antivirus vendors Symantec, Mcafee, Computer Associates, and Trend Micro.
These companies have market-leading presence, particularly in the United States. Microsoft is also becoming a key player in this market.
Microsoft acquired intellectual property and technology from GeCad software in 2003. The GeCad company's home-base is in Bucharest, Romania.
Microsoft also Pelican Software, which had a behavior based security as well as Giant Company Software for spyware and Sybari Software, which manages virus, spam, and phishing filtering.
A lot of discussion has centered on whether or not Microsoft has come into its own as a dominant factor in the antivirus market - by way of simply bundling its security technologies along with operating systems - at no charge.
This 'bundling' technique applied in other markets - such as word processing and Internet browsers.
Of course there are a number of antivirus vendors who also play in this market.
Becoming well known and establishing a firm market presence are companies like:
GriSoft - out of the Czech Republic
Sophos - in the United Kingdom
Panda Software - from Spain
Kaspersky - in Russia
SoftWin - in Romania
F-Secure - in Finland
Norman - in Norway
Arcabit - in Poland
VirusBuster - out of Hungary
and
AhnLab in South Korea.
It is not clear exactly where the industry is heading, but it is not doubted that everyone within this market faces a rapidly changing landscape. The amount of effort to find and provide fixes for viruses is staggering. Malicious programs are getting more complex and the number of them is increasing at an alarming rate. Many companies quickly find themselves without the resources to match efforts of those truly bent on creating havoc.
Some virus companies are getting of hundreds of new samples a day! Moreover, new viruses are getting "smarter" in that they propagate themselves quickly and they often hide themselves and are smart enough to move around in a system by renaming themselves in an effort to make it hard to remove them.
Everyone in the United States has heard of the leading antivirus vendors Symantec, Mcafee, Computer Associates, and Trend Micro.
These companies have market-leading presence, particularly in the United States. Microsoft is also becoming a key player in this market.
Microsoft acquired intellectual property and technology from GeCad software in 2003. The GeCad company's home-base is in Bucharest, Romania.
Microsoft also Pelican Software, which had a behavior based security as well as Giant Company Software for spyware and Sybari Software, which manages virus, spam, and phishing filtering.
A lot of discussion has centered on whether or not Microsoft has come into its own as a dominant factor in the antivirus market - by way of simply bundling its security technologies along with operating systems - at no charge.
This 'bundling' technique applied in other markets - such as word processing and Internet browsers.
Of course there are a number of antivirus vendors who also play in this market.
Becoming well known and establishing a firm market presence are companies like:
GriSoft - out of the Czech Republic
Sophos - in the United Kingdom
Panda Software - from Spain
Kaspersky - in Russia
SoftWin - in Romania
F-Secure - in Finland
Norman - in Norway
Arcabit - in Poland
VirusBuster - out of Hungary
and
AhnLab in South Korea.
It is not clear exactly where the industry is heading, but it is not doubted that everyone within this market faces a rapidly changing landscape. The amount of effort to find and provide fixes for viruses is staggering. Malicious programs are getting more complex and the number of them is increasing at an alarming rate. Many companies quickly find themselves without the resources to match efforts of those truly bent on creating havoc.
Some virus companies are getting of hundreds of new samples a day! Moreover, new viruses are getting "smarter" in that they propagate themselves quickly and they often hide themselves and are smart enough to move around in a system by renaming themselves in an effort to make it hard to remove them.
Am I Being Watched?
Do you feel like someone is watching you?
It might be true!
You could have Spy-Ware on your computer and, indeed, someone COULD BE watching your every internet move!
Spyware is one of the fastest-growing, most constant internet threats of today. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to engage with your computer, silently bypassing your firewalls and your anti-virus software without the user being aware of their presence.
Once embedded into a user's computer system, a spyware program can cause havoc to the sytem's performance while, at the same time, it gathers your personal information as well as details about your surfing habits.
Fortunately, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate - like viruses and worms do.
Where does spyware come from?
Typically, from three main sources or in three basic ways:
First and most common:
The user installs it unknowingly themselves! Spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user’s knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer, then installs what they think is just the program they downloaded. The spyware installs, as well, during the other program installation.
Once installed, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party.
Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs!!
They are notorious for spreading downloads that posses spyware programs.
The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement.
Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print.
Some agreements may provide special "opt-out" boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.
Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations.
The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove to be deceptive.
For example:
a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but - no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence.
Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway into our computers a more difficult task.
Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the user's Web browser or other common software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.
What can spyware programs do?
They can accomplish a great number of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user - but other functions can be downright aggressive in nature.
Spyware can:
* Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
* Scan files located on your hard drive.
* Snoop through applications on our desktop.
* Install other spyware programs into your computer.
* Read your cookies.
* Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
* Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
* Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
* Cause your computer to run slower.
* Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
* Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. (Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings).
* Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.
Here are some examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use.
CoolWebSearch - a group of programs that install through "holes" found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they’ve altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware.
These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track a user's browsing behaviors, and display advertisements.
How to prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system.
First:
* invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software.
Also:
* you should update your anti virus software frequently. As already mentioned, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality. Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE’s weaknesses. Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration. .
And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete re-install of the operating system.
Not something one wants to think about, for sure, but sometimes it is the only way to get rid of malicious programs.
It might be true!
You could have Spy-Ware on your computer and, indeed, someone COULD BE watching your every internet move!
Spyware is one of the fastest-growing, most constant internet threats of today. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to engage with your computer, silently bypassing your firewalls and your anti-virus software without the user being aware of their presence.
Once embedded into a user's computer system, a spyware program can cause havoc to the sytem's performance while, at the same time, it gathers your personal information as well as details about your surfing habits.
Fortunately, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate - like viruses and worms do.
Where does spyware come from?
Typically, from three main sources or in three basic ways:
First and most common:
The user installs it unknowingly themselves! Spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user’s knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer, then installs what they think is just the program they downloaded. The spyware installs, as well, during the other program installation.
Once installed, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party.
Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs!!
They are notorious for spreading downloads that posses spyware programs.
The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement.
Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print.
Some agreements may provide special "opt-out" boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.
Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations.
The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove to be deceptive.
For example:
a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but - no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence.
Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway into our computers a more difficult task.
Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the user's Web browser or other common software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.
What can spyware programs do?
They can accomplish a great number of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user - but other functions can be downright aggressive in nature.
Spyware can:
* Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
* Scan files located on your hard drive.
* Snoop through applications on our desktop.
* Install other spyware programs into your computer.
* Read your cookies.
* Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
* Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
* Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
* Cause your computer to run slower.
* Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
* Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. (Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings).
* Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.
Here are some examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use.
CoolWebSearch - a group of programs that install through "holes" found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they’ve altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware.
These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track a user's browsing behaviors, and display advertisements.
How to prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system.
First:
* invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software.
Also:
* you should update your anti virus software frequently. As already mentioned, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality. Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE’s weaknesses. Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration. .
And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete re-install of the operating system.
Not something one wants to think about, for sure, but sometimes it is the only way to get rid of malicious programs.
Secure Your PC - Bare Basics
Securing Your Computer System Today is more than a necessity! As more people use their computers for everything from online chatting - to online banking, investing and shopping, sheer number of electronic data being passed to and fro is staggering.
While online interactions and money-transfering, product and service orders become regular activities, hackers, attachers and crackers are never without people - and computers - to practice their skills on.
While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer (your computer's resources and internet connection) as a platform for attacking other unknowing targets.
Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.
Always make backup copies of important information and store these in a safe placel - that means - separate from your computer!
Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.
If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
and run the update wizard.
This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer.
Also, go to
http://www.officeupdate.microsoft.com/
to locate possible patches for your Office programs.
Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.
Review your browser and email settings for optimum security.
Why should you do this?
Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. As a minimum precautions, set your security setting for the "internet zone" to High, and your "trusted sites zone" to Medium Low.
Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates. This way, you'll receive the most current versions.
Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.
Do not run programs from unknown origins.
Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers!!! They contain funny or amusing stories or jokes, but may also contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.
Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to "hide file extensions for known file types". Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.
While online interactions and money-transfering, product and service orders become regular activities, hackers, attachers and crackers are never without people - and computers - to practice their skills on.
While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer (your computer's resources and internet connection) as a platform for attacking other unknowing targets.
Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.
Always make backup copies of important information and store these in a safe placel - that means - separate from your computer!
Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.
If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
and run the update wizard.
This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer.
Also, go to
http://www.officeupdate.microsoft.com/
to locate possible patches for your Office programs.
Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.
Review your browser and email settings for optimum security.
Why should you do this?
Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. As a minimum precautions, set your security setting for the "internet zone" to High, and your "trusted sites zone" to Medium Low.
Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates. This way, you'll receive the most current versions.
Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.
Do not run programs from unknown origins.
Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers!!! They contain funny or amusing stories or jokes, but may also contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.
Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to "hide file extensions for known file types". Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.
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