Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
28 August, 2008
Come on. Be realistic. How should I approach security for my computer in the same way as I would approach security for my car or home? The answer is simple, just apply the same principles, not the same mechanisms. Why do I want to protect my car and my home? It prevents people from invading my privacy. What else is it when someone breaks into your car? A thief has no respect for the private assets of someone else, he takes what he wants, and an arsonist has no respect for the private assets of someone, he burns what he wants. Squatters have no respect for any private property, they occupy whatever piece of land they want. That is why we have alarms, security systems and security guards to protect our assets and most important of all our privacy. We don\’t like strangers strolling round on our premises, we take the necessary precautions to keep them off our property by putting fences and walls around our houses.
Your computer is nothing other than your private electronic property. Why would you go to all the trouble to keep unwanted people away from your home if you don\’t mind it when unwanted software crawls through your PC? You make online purchases, do online banking transactions, log into your e-mail, enter several passwords to keep people from gaining unauthorised access your private and critical information. Sure, so why would you want a key-logger or password-grabber to infiltrate your computer and steal all your important and private information? You need an anti-virus program, a spyware and ad-ware scanner and some kind of resident shield to prevent all these malicious programs from accessing your PC. We are talking about millions of home users who dont have the kind of budget to afford all these programs. That is why so many people ignore the threats of malicious software because it is just too expensive and not that important, to them, to battle them. It helps nothing to educate users against these threats if you can\’t empower them.
Many of the big anti-virus companies refuse to distribute free-ware versions of their software to help home users battle these threats. After all, it is home users that are the easiest targets for infections and they are the pawns for Denial Of Service attacks. This is where smaller anti-virus and -spyware companies made the difference when they introduced free, fully functional programs for home users. They even maintain these versions by updating them as new threats make an appearance. It clearly indicates that their main goal is to fight malicious software and not only profit. Companies like these make a positive contribution to the online community by empowering home users to battle the villains of the online world.
Home users no longer have an excuse for not protecting their computers. Not only companies, but also individuals have developed some useful tools to help their fellow man. The biggest problem users may face now is to make the right choice between all the free security software available today. That is why informed members of the online community have to share their knowledge with the uninformed to help them make the right choices and stay clear of fraudulent and malicious software.
Coenraad de Beer was born on 27 February 1982 in small town called Lichtenburg in the North West (Formerly known as Transvaal) province of South Africa. He graduated High school in 2000 and started doing computer programming on his own for 2 years using the C++ programming language. In 2003 he started a career in Accounting and he is currently studying BCompt at the University of South Africa.
Coenraad is a very dedicated person in whatever he takes on in life and believes that success only comes from hard work and believing in your own abilities, the abilities God gave to you.
Coenraad is also the Webmaster of Cyber Top Cops - The Cyber Security Specialists
You can also visit his homepage athttp://myweb.absamail.co.za/coendb/
Beware Of Rogue Spyware Disguised As Security Software
Rogue spyware gets into our lives mainly because human nature is such that we easily get attracted to free things, especially when they appear to be really useful or something that we have always wanted to have.Rogue spyware disguised as security software can cause havoc and great damage to our PCs as well as make all our private and sensitive information vulnerable to theft. Usually you will be enticed by pop up ads that will tell you that the s...
The Saga of the Annoying Adware
When we think of adware, what comes to mind are those annoying and pesky ads that pop up out of nowhere whenever we are surfing the net. Anybody who has surfed through the net has encountered those irritating pop-up adwares advertising everything from computer software down to Viagra. Adwares are some of the most derided objects in the web alongside viruses, spyware and other malicious softwares and programs. Although adwares are alleged to be th...
The One Critical Piece Of Free Software That’s Been Overlooked
Can You Prevent Spyware, Worms, Trojans, Viruses,
... To Work When You Switch Your Pc On ?
I Can And I Do It On A Pro-active Basis.Surfing Means More And More To Stay Invisible, To Be
Clean From The Inside And To Prevent Installment Of
Malicious Software (So Preventing Unwanted Communication
From Inside To Outside And From Outside To Inside).How do you stay invisible while surfing? Of course
by installing a firewall. How do I get one free?
That...
Internet Security - Why It Is So Important
In today's world, the internet is considered to be one of the most useful tools for people to communicate, find information and to buy goods and services.It is also a great tool to start your own online home based business. With the fast and relatively inexpensive data transfer that the internet provides, it makes sense to put it to use and to try and earn an income or just make life easier.However, with all the advantages of the internet, there ...
AntiVirus Software - How to Stop Criminals Wrecking Your Computer
The threats that are posed to your computer from malicious computer programs are ever increasing. Most people are familiar with the term computer virus but there are also trojans, worms and spyware. These could lead to the complete failure of your system or personal details being stolen by criminals. Thankfully the latest antivirus software will help you prevent such an attack happening to you. Here are some of the features you should look fo...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
28 August, 2008
Shopping online can be a very stressful experience. With all of the stories of fraud and identity theft, many people are nervous to shop online. Although online shopping will never be absolutely risk free (but then again, nothing is absolutely risk free!), there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud.
Contact Information - At a minimum, full contact information should be readily available on the website including business address and phone number. If this is not available, this should be a warning to you. Also, it is always a good idea to validate the phone number and address of the online business if possible. You can use online phone directories with reverse lookups (the ability to type in a phone number and be provided an address) to verify the phone number and the address. If all of this matches up, this is a good sign. You may even want to call and speak with a live person before making the purchase.
Also, you should consider where you are purchasing from. Obviously, it would be less risky to purchase in Canada or the United States than it would be from an online store in Nigeria where Internet fraud is extremely high.
SSL 128-Bit Encryption - If you are going to do a transaction over the Internet, you want to make sure your information is protected when it is sent through the Internet to the online website. The standard way of doing this today is for a website to use a SSL certificate with 128-Bit encryption. This encrypts the information between your browser and the website, preventing interception of credit cards and other personal information. If the online business does not use SSL 128-Bit encryption, this should be a warning to you. In fact, even if the business is legitimate, I still would not recommend sending confidential information to their online website because it could be intercepted.
So how can you tell if the online website has the SSL certificate with 128-Bit encryption? Just look for the closed lock in the bottom corner of the latest versions of Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. If the lock is there, it is using SSL. You can double-click the lock and verify that it is using 128-Bit encryption as well.
Policies - Refund Policies and Privacy Policies are must reads before buying from an online store. The Refund Policy should be acceptable to you personally; the Privacy Policy will inform you as to how your personal information will be used and protected. Keep in mind, by law if a business is processing or storing your personal information it is required to have a Privacy Policy.
Finally, use your best judgment. If a site looks professional, has full contact information, has secure SSL 128-Bt encryption, and clear policies, the risk is greatly reduced.
W. Roberts
CanuckShops.ca
http://www.canuckshops.ca
Canadian RVs For Sale
If buying a recreation vehicle in Canada is on your mind, or you are thinking about upgrading your RV, you should go to different dealers in your area. You have the opportunity to contact them directly so that you may find out the different types of tow able RVs, motor homes, or camper vans they have for sale.Dealers in Canada are listed by province, or select dealers for a specific region. However RVs are not just for sale in Canada you can also...
North Of The Border: Hair Restoration In Canada
The hair transplant industry is growing because of the demands placed on us to look our best in modern society. Image, it appears, is everything. We are encouraged to fight the aging process to the best of our ability, even getting into debt if necessary to fund our looks. As a result, hair restoration treatments are available worldwide. There are hundreds of clinics in the united States that pander to this need, but hair restoration is widely av...
Be Cautious While Shop Online
You must be cautious before you use all the Internet offers, be vigilant while purchasing anything from net.At time of online shopping take care of the following to make your net shopping experience quite enjoyable.Always prefer a protected browser: This software facilitates you to steer the Internet. Make sure the browser you are using, meet the terms of industry security values like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This software helps to protect yo...
How To Safely Uninstall Starware and Remove Spyware From Your Computer
Starware comes in the form of a toolbar that resides at the top of your browser. You may notice that the starware toolbar was suddenly there installed at your browser the next time you launch your browser.How does this happen? It could come in bundle with an application or program that you purposely downloaded and when you install the program, the Starware also install itself. Yeah, its a toolbar. As the function of a toolbar like the basic toolb...
RV Trips Up The Alaskan Highway
If you are living the RV lifestyle, taking interesting road trips is paramount. A trip up the legendary Alaskan Highway is certainly one to take your breath away.RV Trips Up The Alaskan HighwayThe Alaskan Highway is legendary for a variety of reasons. When it was first built, it wasnt so much a beautiful drive as a survivor episode. The trip took you through huge remote areas and relatively small problems could quickly become catastrophes in this...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
28 August, 2008
Spyware protection software is the easiest way of removing spyware from your computer and keeping it away. It detects and removes all pieces of spyware and adware automatically. Spyware is extremely difficult to remove manually and should only be removed with spyware protection software.
Spyware protection software is designed to not only get rid of spyware viruses but will shield you and your computer from destructive hackers, data thieves, malicious e-mail attachments, and other emerging Internet threats. It keeps these dangerous viruses from getting into your computer in the first place.
You might be asking if there are free spyware cleaners available why would you want to purchase spyware protection software. The free spyware cleaners are good programs to get rid of spyware viruses you already have on your computer now. But how much of your personal information, passwords and even credit card numbers did these programs send out before they were removed?
Also, many spyware programs automatically reinstall themselves even after they are removed. So you have a false sense of security because the hacker designed the spyware program to start right back up again. Free spyware cleaners should be a warning to you and not a permanent solution to solve spyware and adware problems.
Spyware protection software is designed to find all of these hidden programs and disable them before they have a chance to work. It is the best way of removing spyware and adware from your computer and keeping it away. Whether you take our recommendations or someone else\’s it\’s important that you get spyware protection software installed immediately.
Spyware dangers have become so common, they have now moved ahead of viruses as the number one danger facing computer users today. It\’s worth a little time and a little cost now to invest into quality spyware protection software. Your personal information and computer are at risk until you do.
Copyright 2005 Spyware Information.com All Rights Reserved
This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips and updated articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity. For other informative spyware and adware articles go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html
Beware Of Rogue Spyware Disguised As Security Software
Rogue spyware gets into our lives mainly because human nature is such that we easily get attracted to free things, especially when they appear to be really useful or something that we have always wanted to have.Rogue spyware disguised as security software can cause havoc and great damage to our PCs as well as make all our private and sensitive information vulnerable to theft. Usually you will be enticed by pop up ads that will tell you that the s...
Eliminate Adware and Spyware
Everyone should eliminate spyware and adware from your hard drive for your computer privacy protection. Spyware and adware programs also slow down the speed of your computer by cluttering your hard drive with annoying programs. Once you eliminate adware and spyware, your computer speed will improve immediately.Spyware compromises the security of your personal information because the creators of these hidden programs can get access to your deskt...
Safe Web Surfing Tips
Safe web surfing on the Internet continues to get harder every day. Even though you can't eliminate all of the risks, there are ways you can reduce some of the danger.Anything you download from the Internet is a threat but a few software types are particularly known for including spyware and adware. With these safe web surfing tips and common sense you can avoid a lot of common problems.Any file-sharing program is a big problem because the file...
Spyware Share Ware
If you have ever downloaded anything from the internet, especially if it is one of the free software's, also know as share ware, and then you probably have spyware from share ware. Don't worry, or start to panic, it is really not that big of a deal. With a few simple keystrokes, and about 10 minutes worth of time, you can run a free scan of your computer and see if you have spyware from share ware.First, lets examine what share ware is. Basically...
Free Anti Spyware Programs are Bad - Learn Why and How to Get Better Protection
Looking for a free download for anti spyware? There are many sites out there that will give you an option to download anti spyware for absolutely no cost. This is so you can try the program before you buy it. This is also a great way to see if you'd be interested in purchasing their full version of their program. Most of the time, the version you download will be a trial. To get the full version, you will have to purchase the program. So even tho...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
27 August, 2008
Nobody wants their private information all over the internet. If some hacker gets a hold of some of your personal information, it can ruin your life. Did you know that many websites collect your personal information without your permission and without you even knowing it?
They collect this information for a variety of reasons. They like to get information and send you spam and adware. Sometimes hackers can get this information and use it for identity theft. But I know you are wondering how do they get my private information through the Internet? It is actually quite easy. First of all, every computer has an IP address. When you visit someones website, the website owner can track you through your IP address. All IP addresses are logged into the websites server. You IP address can give away details many private details like, where you live.
It can be quite a scary thought, but there is a solution. The solution is an anonymous proxy server. So, what is an anonymous proxy server? An anonymous proxy server is a machine that is between your computer and the server you are accessing to view the web page you want to look at. They provide the best privacy and hide your IP address so you can surf anonymously and securely. No one will even be able to tell that you are using an anonymous proxy server!
FindProxy.org is one of the best tools for hiding your identity from online scammers. It is your guide to private online surfing. They have a huge list of fresh proxy servers. The best thing about Findproxy.org is that they are 100% free and that they are always up to date. Being updated frequently is very important because eventually all proxies get blocked.
For more on proxies, visit Free Proxy
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The best Webmasters Directory site.
How To Generate Loads Of Free Traffic To Your Website
One of the most popular ways to generate free traffic to your website these days is to use a free traffic exchange service.rnA traffic exhange is website service that enables you to view someones website, and others in turn view yours. You earn credits when you view someones site,and you use those credits to have others view your site.rnInternet marketers would like to know how to bring traffic to theirwebsites quickly, without spending any money...
Protecting Your Computer From Computer Viruses
When it comes to protecting your computer from viruses the only way you will be able to successfully prevent them from infecting your PC is to use virus removal tools which are designed to detect signatures within files on your system and remove them safely. With the internet growing larger each day so has the risk increased of PC users receiving infections while we surf and download files from the internet. Most of us who start to suffer from sy...
So, What IS Spyware?
You've heard all kinds of terrible things about it, but just what IS it - and how does it get on your computer in the first place?Spyware is a real pain in the arse, to put it bluntly. It bogs down your computer's memory, causes you to be spammed to death with pop-up ads, and tracks everywhere you go while you surf the web! Worst of all, 99% of all spyware downloads itself to your computer without your knowledge - or your consent.Can they do that...
Top Tips for Ensuring Security, Confidentiality and Authenticity of Data over a Distributed Network
To ensure confidentiality, security and authenticity for a message over a distributed network crossing the internet many things need to be done with both companies networks. Each network at each company needs to be sure the security of there local network is safe. This is done by a variety of means.A firewall is needed for monitoring and controlling traffic to and from the internet at the transport layer to make sure communications are the type o...
How To Safely Uninstall Starware and Remove Spyware From Your Computer
Starware comes in the form of a toolbar that resides at the top of your browser. You may notice that the starware toolbar was suddenly there installed at your browser the next time you launch your browser.How does this happen? It could come in bundle with an application or program that you purposely downloaded and when you install the program, the Starware also install itself. Yeah, its a toolbar. As the function of a toolbar like the basic toolb...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
27 August, 2008
Phishing is a one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes and costs consumers millions of dollars each year. Pronounced \”fishing\”, is named from spammers using fraudulent email messages to \”fish\” for information in an attempt to get their recipients to divulging personal data like credit card numbers, bank account numbers, social security numbers, and passwords. Phishing is typically carried out by email or instant messaging, and often directs users to give details at a particular website. It is one of the biggest threats on the internet and users need to be made more aware of what it is and what it can do. Phishing is so prevalent on the internet that if you receive an email supposedly from your bank, it\’s likely to be either a criminal attempt to get your login details or a real email warning you to be careful of this scam.
The rapidly growing class of identity theft scams on the internet has caused both short-term and long-term economic damage, faced by millions of people every day. First appearing more than ten years ago, phishing has grown to become the international electronic crime of choice for both amateurs and professionals alike. This scam typically works like this: a scammer sends you an email message making it seem like it is an official message from a company you may have financial or other interests with, like your bank, PayPal, or eBay, and ask for your personal information such as social security number, account number or password. These emails are also becoming more personalized, making them more believable to their victims and has become such a problem on AOL that they added a message on their instant messenger stating: \”no one working at AOL will ask for your password or billing information\”. These types of attacks have outnumbered e-mails infected with viruses and trojans.
Most methods of phishing use some form of deception designed to make a link in an email appear to belong to a legitimate organization, while in fact it sends you to a bogus website. If you get a suspicious email contains a URL link, don\’t click on it, roll your mouse over the link and see if it matches what appears in the email. Learn to recognize spoof emails by checking web addresses and security indicators, such as a locked padlock on the browser frame. As a general rule, never click on emails coming from unknown sources. Spam filters can help by reducing the number of phishing emails that users receive, however spammers often use poor spelling, bad grammar, missing words and logic gaps to get around the filters.
Phishing is the fastest growing crime which everyone on the internet is susceptible to, an old con game taking advantage of new technology. It is so prevalent because it is such a low-cost and low-effort activity. Phishing attacks are likely to grow more sophisticated and our defenses against them must continue to improve to combat them.
AARON H PRATHER owns and operates http://www.whatisphishing101.com providing information regarding phishing attacks and identity theft scams. What is Phishing
Broadband Users Warning About Phishing
Broadband users are being advised to be more cautious when they are online. This is due to phishing scams whereby phishers try to scam people into providing their financial information by posing as a trustworthy organisation such as a bank.The UK's payments industry, Apacs, have warned that they believe there has been a 200 per cent increase in the number of reported cases of phishing incidences in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the sam...
Use Anti-Phishing Programs To Detect, Avoid And Stop Phishing Attacks
Anti-phishing programs seek to detect and attack phishing software. When such software becomes installed in a computer registry, it can go after usernames, passwords, credit card details and other personal information. Those who create and secretly install phishing software generally wear the mask of a trusting contact, one who is the member of a reputable organization.A computer user might get an e-mail from someone who claims to work for e-Bay ...
How To Spot A Phishing Scam
Phishing scams are happening all around us. Sneaky scammers are able to get our personal information without us even knowing it.millions of people lose their identity and a lot of money to these scammers every year. How can you protect yourself? I have outlined some ways to spot a phishing scam and keep yourself safe when you are online.1. If an email is demanding or threatening, dont let it intimidate you. Scammers use this technique to scare yo...
Voice Phishing - A New Type of E-mail Scam
Be on the lookout for an interesting new type of Phishing scam that involves the use of telephone numbers as opposed to email hyperlinks that take you to a bogus website.Two big incidents involving spam emails urging people to call a phone number to verify account information have been discovered within the past two weeks, indicating that voice phishing may soon become a popular new tool for internet criminals.The first of these voice phishing sc...
Phishing - Learn To Identify It
Phishing: (fish'ing) (n.)This is when someone sends you an email falsely claiming to be a legitimate business - like your bank or credit card company - in an attempt to scam you into giving them your personal, private information that they can use to access your accounts.Phishing, also referred to as brand spoofing or carding, is a variation on "fishing", the idea being that bait is thrown out with the hopes that while most will ignore the bait, ...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
27 August, 2008
AVG Free offers one of the most popular free, dependable security solutions available to home users. It is available for immediate download and installation and provides home users with a high level of virus detection capability.
Grisoft, now known as AVG, has been providing personal computer protection since 1991. AVG employs some of the world\’s leading experts in software development, threat detection and prevention and risk analysis in its offices in around the world. Continued research and development is a priority and partnerships are formed with leading universities to provide them with a research and technological edge that has earned them over 70 million active users.
What features does AVG Free offer and what are the restrictions? The free version of antivirus software is only available to home personal computer users. Corporations and businesses will need to purchase any one of AVG\’s other products. Specific features of this software are: automatic updates, real-time protection detecting and isolating viruses as files are opened and programs are run; a \”virus vault\” which holds the virus and keeps it from entering your computer until you can decide what to do with it. This software is intuitive and easy to use. It works in the background protecting your computer from antivirus threats allowing you to still work efficiently on your computer.
With a motto like theirs, \”tough on threats, easy on you,\” it is obvious this company knows that your home personal computer is an important part of your life. Unfortunately with the added benefits of technology, there are also added risks and threat to using this technology. This antivirus software is designed to protect home pc users from the risks with an effective, efficient and easy to use, shield of protection.
Maximum PC has reports, \”It has all the essentials, including a resident memory scanner, an e-mail scanner, and scheduled hard disc scans. But what really amazes us is the frequency of the virus definitions and application updates available from (AVG) GRISOFT.\”
As part of its international reputation, it this software company has been awarded several industry awards including PC Pro\’s Software of the Year Award in 2007 and PC Authority\’s Highly Commended Award Best Software Award.
If the free version of AVG Antivirus is not enough protection, you may want to consider one of their other two free personal computer security products. AVG also offers Anti-Spyware Free and Root Kit Free for immediate download and protection. Their Internet Security software service is available for $54.99 for a one year subscription, and includes antivirus, antispyware, anti root kit protections, protects against phishing, firewalls, email and chat protection as well as web shields against fraudulent or malicious websites.
Free web support is available once you have downloaded any free AVG software. Resources available include online documentation, FAQ, and Forum postings and discussions.
With over 70 million active users, you can feel more secure using AVG Free and other AVG products to protect personal home computer from threats. With free downloads of antivirus, spyware and root-kit protection as well award winning service and technical support, you may wish to look closer at this up and coming antivirus software company for personal computer security that is easy to use and best of all to many, free.
Lisa Carey is a contributing author for Identity Theft Secrets: prevention and protection. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at the Identity Theft Secrets blog.
Free Anti Spyware Programs are Bad - Learn Why and How to Get Better Protection
Looking for a free download for anti spyware? There are many sites out there that will give you an option to download anti spyware for absolutely no cost. This is so you can try the program before you buy it. This is also a great way to see if you'd be interested in purchasing their full version of their program. Most of the time, the version you download will be a trial. To get the full version, you will have to purchase the program. So even tho...
AVG Free Anti Virus Scan
AVG are one of the forerunners in the field of free anti virus software. Despite offering a free version of their product, they have continued to invest in technology and remain at the cutting edge of the fast moving computer security industry.The company behind the range of AVG Anti virus products is AVG Technologies (formerly Grisoft). The name comes from the first product that they brought to the market called Antivirus Guard. The company i...
Internet Security - Important Tips
As the Global Convergence of Information or Internet is increasing its span, so are the security threats related to it. Internet Security is the most important aspect that everyone using the internet should understand. Ill here provide few important tips to keep yourself secure and protect your Information from Security threats.1. Latest Anti-virus software:-Everyday New threats and Viruses are being discovered and to cope with that you need to h...
Watching the Watchers: Detection and Removal of Spyware
If spyware were a person and he set himself up in your
house, you are likely going to do one of two things. You'll
kick him out yourself or you'll call someone (such as the
police) to do it for you.Employing tools that detect and remove spyware from your
PC, whether it's at home or at the office, should be on the
list of top things to do for your complete protection, and
the protection of your children.Spyware is a generic term for insidious prog...
Protecting Your Computer From Computer Viruses
When it comes to protecting your computer from viruses the only way you will be able to successfully prevent them from infecting your PC is to use virus removal tools which are designed to detect signatures within files on your system and remove them safely. With the internet growing larger each day so has the risk increased of PC users receiving infections while we surf and download files from the internet. Most of us who start to suffer from sy...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
27 August, 2008
Trojan-Spy.Win32@mx is an anti-spyware trojan that you would have downloaded by IRC, email attachment. You\’ll encounter symptoms such as false security pop-up warnings and taskbar icons on a compromised computer. Trojan Spy infects all windows systems and its threat level is considered Medium.
Trojan Vundo. This program compromises your computer and whenever you try to surf online. Your Browser will have uncontrollable pop ups displaying advertisements. After you close the popups, they will continue to appear at random. This trojan is more of a harrasment and threat is considered low. It infects all windows, including Vista & XP.
*How To Avoid Getting Infected By Spyware, Trojans, Malware such as Trojan Vundo and Trojan Spy*
1. Be careful opening email attachments
Turn off the feature in your email programs that automatically opens attachments. If you receive an attachment you aren\’t expecting, do not open it. Before you open any email attachment - even if it\’s from someone you trust - scan it using anti-virus software. Yahoo! Mail automatically scans all email attachments for viruses.
2. Don\’t install unfamiliar programs
Always check the file size. If the file size looks too small to be the file you want, then don\’t install it. Malicious software (like viruses and spyware) often masquerade as legitimate and even useful programs. For example, you might be tempted to download a program that claims to keep your computer clock synchronized with an official clock. But if that program contains adware or spyware, it could also display advertising pop-ups whenever you\’re online or keep track of where you go on the Internet.
Get the best spyware & trojan remover to permanently protect your PC at http://spywaretrojanremover.com
The Difference Between an Anti-Spyware Program and a Registry Cleaning Program
First let's determine what both can do for you and the benefits of having them. With these two kinds of programs, your computer will run fast and free from Trojans and Malware.An Anti-spyware program is simply a program that detects and removes any virus, Malware, Spyware and Trojans on your computer. Some common type of problems with spyware are pop ups, home page keeps changing and programs that track where you go and can get sensitive material...
Top Spyware Removers Considerations
Only the top spyware removers are successful at detecting and removing spyware and adware from your computer. You should look for complete protection against these threats: spyware, adware, keyloggers browser hijackers and Remote Access Trojans. These are the infections that slow your computers performance and expose your confidential information to hackers.When you are comparing the top spyware removers here are 4 important points to conside...
Free Anti Spyware Programs are Bad - Learn Why and How to Get Better Protection
Looking for a free download for anti spyware? There are many sites out there that will give you an option to download anti spyware for absolutely no cost. This is so you can try the program before you buy it. This is also a great way to see if you'd be interested in purchasing their full version of their program. Most of the time, the version you download will be a trial. To get the full version, you will have to purchase the program. So even tho...
How Anti Spyware Can Help Us?
In this advanced technology where we are entirely dependent on the computer for everything, whether it's shopping, reservation or education. Working on computer makes you feel irritated and sometimes, it gives you unpleasant experience just because of bombarding unwanted pop-ups adds on the screen of your computer frequently. Activities are tracked on you computer and disturb your privacy because of unwanted guests. Computer gets hang and sometim...
Secure Your Privacy from Spyware and Other Adware Programs
Known by several different names, from spyware to malware or internet parasites, surveillance applications are installed on your system to monitor your internet activities and reveal your surfing patterns and purchasing habits. Spyware also extracts email addresses, hijacks browsers and records credit card numbers, bank accounts and password information.The information gathered by a spyware application is sent back to the intruder who typically ...
Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
27 August, 2008
It seems that nowadays cybercriminals prefer cash to fun. That is why malicious programs of various kinds (viruses, worms, Trojan horses, etc.) are very often aimed at stealing valuable — in a direct sense of this word — private and financial information. When written, these programs are spread all over the Web.
What do means of their distribution have in common? Thinking a bit about it will help us ordinary Web users realize how to behave online and what to avoid.
Let\’s use logic and good old common sense. What do you think are the most suitable (for a criminal)means to spread malicious code? The answer is almost obvious. It is something which, first,ensures his anonymity and, second, offers victims (i.e. us) very little or no protection against malware. Last, but not least — this means should be very cheap or, even better, free.
(I\’ll confine myself to mentioning only those means which endanger EVERY Internet user. Not everyone exchanges files or downloads music and freeware. But is there anybody who doesn\’t send and recieve email or visit websites?)
Well, if you were a cybercriminal who wanted to spread a malicious program quickly and as widely as possible, how would you distribute it?
What first comes to mind? First, sending contaminated emails through spam. It is possible (and not too difficult for, say, a programmer) to enclose virtually anything into the attachment. With more effort, a programmer can create a message without any attachments that will infect a PC anyway.
Though many email service providers offer basic anti-virus protection, they aren\’t obliged to do it. How effective this protection is — that\’s another question.
Besides, spam is very cheap to distribute. Of course, spammers of all stripes don\’t use their own machines. Why should they? They prefer PCs which became remotely controlled after being infected with a special program. Cybercriminals build huge networks of such machines and hire them out to spammers. Using \”bots\” (they are also called \”zombies\” or \”slave computers\”) gives a spammer so valued anonymity — spam messages come to frustrated PC users from IP addresses registered somewhere on the other side of the globe.
What about other possibilities? Websites. Malicious websites are very dangerous.Cybercriminals create them exclusively to execute malicious code on the visitors\’ computers. Sometimes hackers infect legitimate sites with malicious code.
When unsuspecting users visit malicious sites, various nasty applications are downloaded and executed on their computers. Unfortunately, more and more often these applications contain keyloggers–software programs for stealing information.
Keyloggers, as it is clear from the name of the program, log keystrokes –but that\’s not all. They capture everything the user is doing — keystrokes, mouse clicks, files opened and closed, sites visited. A little more sophisticated programs of this kind also capture text from windows and make screenshots (record everything displayed on the screen) — so the information is captured even if the user doesn\’t type anything, just opens the views the file.
Blogs can be contaminated with malware, too. In April experts from Websense Security Labs warned users that they discovered hundreds of these \”toxic\” (contaminated with malcode) blogs set by hackers. Blogs are suitable for them: there are large amounts of free storage space, no identity authentication is required to post, and there is no scan of posted files for viruses, worms, or spyware in most blog hosting services.
Three months passed, and here is the quote from a new Websense report released this Monday, July, 25th : \”hackers are using free personal Web hosting sites provided by nationally- and internationally-known ISPs to store their malicious code\” This July Websense detected that these sites are used for this purpose much more often. The company\’s senior director of security and technology research said that \”in the first two weeks alone we found more instances than in May and June combined.\” By all means it\’s a tendency, and a very disturbing one.
Such sites are free and easy-to-create. With the average lifespan of between two and four days, they are difficult to trace. Free hosting services rarely offer even basic security tools. Short-lived websites,no files scanning for viruses, nothing prevents \”authors\” form uploading executable files isn\’t such a site an ideal tool for distributing malicious code?
Anonymity of the creator — no end user protection — no cost. What else can a cybercriminal wish? That is why there was the outbreak of \”toxic blogs\” in April - and that\’s why infested free websites are multiplying so quickly now.
But how to contaminate as many computers as possible? It is the aim of cybercriminals, isn\’t it? The more traffic, the more programs lands on end users\’ computers. Hackers attract traffic to malicious websites by sending a link through spam or spim (the analog of spam for instant messaging (IM).
They are ingenious in finding new ways to make people open an attachment or click on a link to visit a certain website, though people are constantly told not to follow links in spam.
Just some of their dodges — disguising infected spam emails as CNN news alerts, subject lines with \”breaking news\” like \”Osama bin Laden caught\”, \”Michael Jackson tried to commit suicide\”. How about celebrities in the nude? Just click! And, one of the latest, an \”amateur video\” that ostensibly shows London bombing sights.
These (and similar) tricks are usually called social engineering. Online criminals have become good psychologists — the big bucks which crimes like online bank fraud can bring turned them into earnest students.
However, there is one thing that spoils the mood of those who spread malicious programs.
To hackers\’ deep regret, people become more aware of the risks they face in the Internet. A study by Pew Internet and American Life Project released on July 6th shows that:
91% (!) of respondents (adult Internet users from the U.S.) changed their behavior online one or way another.81 % have become more cautious about e-mail attachments48 % have stopped visiting certain websites which are said to be harboring malicious programs People stop using file-sharing software (25%) and even start using Mozilla, Firefox or other browser instead of Internet Explorer (18%)
Well done! Actually, there is nothing left for us users but to become more conscious of the threats and more cautious in the Web. Every PC user has to care for his information himself, protecting his own computer against numerous data-stealing programs of all sorts.
But don\’t you think that protection against various malicious programs shouldn\’t be only end users\’ private business? It is up to service providers to offer at least basic protection for end users and break this \”triad\” (Anonymity of the creator — little or no end user protection — little or no cost) which enables all this crap to spread so easily.
Alexandra Gamanenko currently works at Raytown Corporation, LLC — an independent software developing company that provides various products and services for information security. Software aimed at making identity theft impossible, services like protected email and protected Web hosting are only small part of what this company offers.
Learn more — visit the company\’s websitehttp://www.anti-keyloggers.com
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Pc Internet Security |
26 August, 2008
Weve been amazed by it since its introduction. Who cant remember the address given by Steve Jobs of Apple when he introduced the revolutionary iPhone? Who wasnt amazed at the device that was capable of surfing the web, taking pictures, listening to music and of course receiving and placing calls?
Nothing new, right?
Just as the iPhone was released, hackers around North America started to dig into what makes this tick. The primary reason was to unlock the phone so that you didnt have to sign-up with AT&T but with any carrier that supported the technology. But could there me more nefarious reasons to hack the iPhone?
Skilled hackers could now take their phone onto any carrier, but more importantly they could create and enable custom ring tones (without having to pay for buying ring tones), enable custom wallpapers and more.
In process of hacking into the iPhone, several tidbits were gleaned - such as the fact that the software on the iPhone runs as \”root\” - in the Unix world this basically gives you full and complete access to the machine. You could bring down entire servers and even chains of servers if you have ROOT access to a Unix machine.
So how does this impact you, the average user of the Apple iPhone that isnt planning on hacking into their phone? Well someone may want to hack into your phone and they now have the blueprint to do it.
While Apple is working hard to try and prevent hacking by playing cat and mouse game, it will always be a cat and mouse game. If you happen to surf into a questionable website that happens to download software to your iPhone you could end up in a whole heap of trouble.
In an article in the New York Times Technology section from July 23, 2007, an iPhone flaw was found to let hackers take over the iPhone. Remember that most people store entire lives on their digital assistants (whether this is a Smart Phone, the iPhone or even a PDA). They keep names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses on them. Not to mention passwords, banking information (such as bank account numbers) and even digital images taken by the built-in camera.
Now imagine if a hacker has access to all this data.
The security firm, Independent Security Advisors found that through common flaws (and without even hacking into the phone) they were able to gain unauthorized access to the contents of the phone through a WiFi connection or by tricking users into visiting websites that insert malicious code onto the phone.
The hack enabled the firm to gain a wealth of personal information that the phone contained.
Dr. Miller, who was a former employee of the National Security Agency also demonstrated the hack by visiting a website of his own design, inserting some malicious code onto the phone and then proceeding to have the phone transmit data to the attacking computer. He went on to say that the attack could be used to program the phone to make calls thereby running up the phone bill of the user not to mention the phone could be used to spy on the individual by turning it into a portable bugging device - remember, it does have a built-in camera.
How can you protect yourself? As with any device, common sense should prevail. Dont open e-mails from people you dont know - if you open them, and there are attachments avoid opening the attachments or visiting the websites in question.
Since the Apple iPhone has automatic updates, always ensure your iPhone has the latest updates by visiting the manufacturers site.
If you are very concerned about threats to your iPhone you may also want to visit the website http://www.exploitingphone.com/, which is run by Independent Security Evaluators to stay on top of hacks and threats to your personal data on the iPhone.
Even doing simple searches in Yahoo, Google, or MSN with \’iPhone hacking threats\’ will give you a wealth of information.
Copyright Mohammed Bhimji
Get more information about adware, spyware, malware and viruses plus information on wireless wifi theft and securing your wireless connection at http://www.free-adware-spyware-virus-removal.com
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Filed in
Pc Internet Security |
25 August, 2008
If you are looking to protect your PC but want to make sure that you are using a good product, why not take advantage of a free antivirus scan? There are two routes that you can take with this. Some companies allow a free scan of your computer but you will need to pay for the full antivirus product to remove any problems found. The second option is to download a free product that will also remove viruses.
The companies that allow a free antivirus scan include Bit Defender and Panda Security. Both of these companies have a good reputation in the field of creating computer security products. The reason they allow you to carry out a free scan is for you to get a feel for how simple their products are to use. The hope is that you then go on to buy the full product.
However, don\’t rely on this free scan for your antivirus protection. Although it is better then doing nothing, carrying out a scan is only the first step in protecting your PC. You really want a full working product available to you as soon as any virus is encountered on your machine. It is also better to have a product that provides \’real-time scanning\’. With this feature, viruses are detected as soon as they try to get on your computer. This is better than waiting to find them on your next manual virus scan.
The second option is to use a totally free antivirus product. These can be downloaded for no charge and will both scan your computer and remove any problems that are found. AVG Antivirus is a program that falls into this category. It also provides some real time scanning ability.
Protecting your PC is a serious business. Using software that will provide a free antivirus scan is a great first step in protecting yourself. You will also need to decide what software to use to remove viruses and provide real time protection for your computer.
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