internet security

Internet Banking Security Now More Enhanced

2008-09-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Guarantees against online fraud are what most consumers look for in internet banking services. As money is a major consideration here, they just want the best protection for their savings and investments. Regardless of whether they're banking in a brick and mortar institution that has gone online or an online-only bank, consumers demand security.

Banks are working hard to convince customers to try internet banking. Security features of internet banking services are now more advanced giving customers every reason to bank through the internet for added convenience and a lot more benefits. With the ever improving internet technology, anybody today can perform all sorts of financial transactions online in the comforts of their home or office. Apart from the security and convenience, internet banking is also cost effective with less or sometimes no fees at all.

Research experts say that while some consumers see no benefit in eliminating paper when doing transactions, going paperless is actually protection in itself. As an example, a bank's website can now allow you to view your bills and statements online in an instant instead of waiting for several weeks. This means that there's no chance that your credit card and telephone statements will be taken from your mailbox or your trash can.

The encryption technology is the most commonly used to secure websites. As data pass through shared systems or networks wherein a large number of people have access to the information, this tool plays a vital role. It is in this light then that confidential information notably passwords needs to be encrypted to prevent them from leaking to other people and from being changed. The use of a digital signature is another security technique that also involves encryption.

While encryption remains to be used, several large banks now use the latest web-based security system known as SiteKey. The tool uses a new kind of authentication process with the main goal of avoiding phishing, an online fraudulent activity. However, only a few are using this technique because of the system's weaknesses.

The use of usernames and passwords as well as personal identification numbers or PINs is among the standard security features provided by most banks. It is, therefore, highly recommended that the confidential information should not be shared with anyone to avoid the so-called identity theft.

Email alert is another safeguard that banks use. With this feature, customers are alerted via email or text message whenever suspicious transactions occur on their account such as withdrawal of large sums, when they get emails from phishers or when someone attempts to access an account with an incorrect password.

Many major banks also provide scanned images of canceled checks. The check's image not only shows the front side but the back side as well. This will help a customer in verifying the check number, amount and the payee in case he or she forgets the information.

Banks are committed to providing their clients with the best online security in an effort to protect their hard-earned money. It is not surprising then that internet banking customers are now growing in number.

How to Find Safe Web Proxies

2008-09-16T07:41:00.002-07:00

We're all concerned with keeping not only our computers, but also our personal information safe as we surf the web these days. While email viruses are less of a threat than they were even a few years ago, identity theft is on the rise and identity thieves take advantage of every new technological development; adapting almost as fast as the technologies meant to thwart them. For this reason, keeping yourself protected from prying eyes as you go about your business online is important. One way that people sometimes (and should more often) use is proxy servers - but what are these servers and how do they keep you safer on the web?

Basically, a proxy server is just an ordinary web server, albeit one with a special function. This server lies between the web user and the sites they are visiting; with requests for web pages and files being relayed via this server. This relay means that it is the servers IP address which is reported to the site being visited rather than the IP address of the web user. Why is this important? IP addresses, particularly static IP addresses, which are more and more common with the expansion of broadband service, can be used to identify specific users. Just think about the implications of that for a moment.

It should be noted that not all proxy servers will hide this information which can be used to uniquely identify you from the sites you visit - there are anonymous proxy servers as well; these provide a higher degree of anonymity to you on the web. However, how can you tell which proxies are really protecting your identity? Read on for a few tips on how to find safe web proxies.

First, you can use the "whois" command if you are running any variant of Unix or Linux on your computer. There are also web-based interfaces for this program available, including the ones available at domaintools.com which can tell you if the owner of the proxy has hidden their contact information or not.

You can also use Google or another search engine to look up the proxy and see if anyone has had any experiences of malfeasance with the proxy and what, if anything people are saying about it. Another good source of information is available from the homepage of the proxy server itself; there should be a terms and conditions of use policy posted on the site which will tell you exactly what the proxy does and does not report to other sites in terms of information about users.

Using a web proxy can be a good way to protect your personal information and your privacy in general from those who may have bad intentions on the internet. However, while any proxy server provides you with more protection than no proxy at all, you should look into any web proxy before you use it to make sure that it is giving you all of the protection you are looking for. There are safe and anonymous web proxies out there, but finding one which will perform well for you may take just a little bit of investigation. Have fun out there and remember; safety first!

Remove MS Antivirus With Top Antispyware Software

2008-09-16T07:41:00.001-07:00

If you've fallen victim to the MS Antivirus spyware prank, but have realized that you made an error and are now looking for the quickest and most effective method to remove it, then you really only have one choice - get yourself the very best spyware remover on the market and get it installed and working right away.

While most people may tell you that you can get away with using a completely free spyware remover (free to scan for and remove spyware) to get rid of MS Antivirus, the reality is that they will not do the job. Their method of finding spyware is too simplistic and because of the fact that they are free, the vendors that make them do not put much resources into keeping them updated and ensuring they are truly effective.

Another method to remove this pesky spyware application, but is not very effective either and can be more dangerous, is to attempt to manually delete the associated files. This is not only just a bad idea, but it also dangerous because unless you are a computer professional and know exactly what you are doing, you run a high risk of deleting legitimate files from your computer and then face the prospect of completely reloading it from scratch.

The only tried and true method for removing MS Antivirus, and any other spyware application for that matter, is to install trusted and highly effective antispyware software, which means you will need to invest about $30 to do so.

In doing so, you'll not only be making a wise decision for cleaning all current malware infections from your computer, but you'll also be making a sound decision for keeping your computer clean as most spyware removers include the use of a real time protection agent which actually stops spyware before it has a chance to infect your computer and do damage.

Braviax.exe - Information About Braviax.exe

2008-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Braviax.exe is a malicious file installed as a virus, and causes a lot of trouble once it has infected your computer. It has a number of features that make it particularly nasty. These include:

1: It blocks the Windows Security Center from working.

2: It changes the home page of your Internet Explorer

3: It blocks the Windows Firewall.

4: It deletes other processes that are running.

5: It communicates with other, remote computers, receiving instructions and sending data.

6: It will modify your windows installation.

7: It prevents various security and anti virus software from operating, such as Windows Defender, Hijack This, KillboxExe. etc.

8: Switching to safe mode does not help.

9: It can copy itself into the memory of other programs and processes that are running, allowing it to escape from deletion in memory and re-infect your computer.

All of these are causes for concern, and will play havoc with your computer. Worse yet, they also leave all your security settings virtually neutralised, allowing your system to be further infected. Without a functioning firewall, your computer will not block unauthorised access from outside your computer.

Against this seemingly endless onslaught of viruses and dangerous software, it can seem like reinstalling windows and kissing goodbye to all your files is the only option. Luckily, there is another option.

To prevent infection, and delete this malicious software once it has infected your computer, you need security software that can stand up to Braviax.exe and beat it.

How to Prevent Phishing Scams

2008-09-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Phishing scams are situations created by identity thieves where they pretend to already know some information about you in order to gain access to your personal information. For example, you might receive an email or instant message that appears to be from your bank or lender. This individual will ask you to confirm your bank account number or other sensitive information - sometimes threatening negative consequences if you don't do so immediately. Even though refusing to give out this information is your best defense, millions of people get fooled every year by these scams.

Keep Your Email and Instant Message Addresses Private

The best way to keep yourself from being tempted to respond to a phishing scam is to prevent them from landing in your email box in the first place. You may find it useful to have a separate email address for financial institutions, one for trusted friends and family, and one for general or public use. Many email providers will allow you to redirect emails from each of these different addresses to one account to minimize the inconvenience of checking each account. Do everything possible to keep the address you use for financial transactions as private as possible.

Immediately Report Suspected Phishing Contacts

If you do receive a message you suspect to be a phishing scam, call the customer service phone number right away to confirm whether you've received an actual message or not. In addition, almost every bank and credit card lender has a website where you can report suspicious emails and instant messages. Typically, they will ask you to fill out a simple form that will give them enough information to trace the origin of the perpetrator.

Limit Your Dialogue

As you might expect, there are many people that have had their identity stolen that are very angry about it. Some of these people have formed watch groups and offer a wide variety of support services - some good and some bad. They might also encourage you to communicate with the perpetrator and attempt to play mind games with him or her. However, some phishing perpetrators are violent criminals - the best thing you can do is simply report their activities and move on with your life.

Getting involved with phishers can be more trouble than it's worth. In some cases, you may receive repeated emails from them. In many cases, almost all of these messages are automated - so attempting to play mind games only leads to more frustration on your part. Just keep reporting them to your bank and the FBI, if necessary. While you may be tempted to send along a nasty letter to the perpetrator, it is better to simply set up a spam blocker and try to ignore them.

For the most part, phishing will not interfere with your life if you do not allow yourself to fall for it. Unfortunately, when you are threatened with the loss of access to a bank account, it may be very easy to justify giving up sensitive information. In every case of phishing, one simple phone call to the bank or lender would have made the situation very clear to the victim and prevented the crime entirely. The best thing you can do is report anything you suspect as phishing and let the bank and the authorities manage it from there.

Unified Communications Creates New Threats

2008-09-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Any time you introduce new features or products into your network, you must be aware of the fact that you may also be introducing new security threats. Technology is meant to be as an asset to the business that is to increase productivity. Unification is all the buzz lately and many applications on the network have become "unified". This means that applications and resources on the network are integrating and seemlessly providing access through one interface.

Many businesses have seen the benefits that can be provided by a VoIP phone system and have migrated their older generation system to this new technology. But, because VoIP is over the data network, there have been new security risks associated with it. Because of this, many IT departments have chosen to segregate their voice networks from their data networks as much as possible.

But now many VoIP applications offer unified communications. This integrates many data applications on the network with your voice communications. This is introducing many new ways for attackers to gain access to confidential information. Unified communications (UC) opens up your infrastructure so that users can collaborate and share ideas easier. All this opens up the VoIP network to the data network and vice versa. VoIP now integrates with applications such as LDAP, email, and instant message communications. This means that now network credentials can be stolen through the VoIP network and once those credentials are compromised, a much broader range of access can be accomplished. Softphone clients are common in UC implementations and that provides just one more point of access for attackers to take advantage of.

Still though, while some of the more complicated attacks against UC in the application layer garner more attention, the more prevalent attacks are the lower network layer attacks that can deny service to VoIP networks. Protecting your network at the lower network layer can have a greater impact on your overall network security. When it comes to UC implemtations, including security planning early in the development cycle can make it much easier to create a secure environment.

Cyber War and SEO Defense

2008-08-20T22:25:00.001-07:00

The web Georgian Internet nation was target of a coordinated cyber attack by Russian server, which compromised several government sites with defacement and denial of service attacks, and stop the nation's ability to disseminate information. Good lesson for the future cyber attack.The Ministry of Defense website was unavailable for viewing from the U.K. The Web sites for both the Georgian presidential office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia were available, but was due to Georgian redirection work. Denial of service attacks are conducted when a coordinated network of computers sends multiple requests to a given server or computer at exactly the same time, which subsequently shuts down the targeted computer under the barrage of incoming requests.

The cyber attacks ultimately prompted the Georgian governmental sites to switch to U.S. based hosts, while Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved to a blogspot account. Cyber war has extended to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti was offline by DDos attack (DDoS attacks consist of overloading websites with so many online requests that systems crash) for 10 hours over Sunday night and Monday morning. Russian based servers AS12389 ROSTELECOM, AS8342 RTCOMM, AS8359 COMSTAR and with the more recent addition of AS8631 Routing Arbiter for Moscow Internet Exchange, are still in a commanding position. AS9121 TTNet of Turkey still remains routed through the Russian servers, not directly to Georgia. But alternative links have been made to AS35805 UTG AS United Telecom of Georgia and other servers based in Georgia.

We don't know the real sources of the attacks but the first coordinated cyber attacks against Georgia was detected in July, around one weeks before Russia launched its military intervention. Experts say that attacks launched in tandem with military conflict will likely increase as more global infrastructure is controlled by the Internet.

In 2007, disruptions of Internet service in Estonia like Georgia, formerly a political division of the Russia dominated Soviet Union prompted talk of those events as possibly the first ever cyberwar, but n this case Georgian cybersiege wasmore coordinated, professional and sophisticated. Anyway in this website we combat against to the cyberwar and cybercriminal, we assisting all the organizations or private company to the SEO defence and internet promotion.

How to Erase Your Search History Completely

2008-08-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

It may sound a bit scary but every stroke of my keyboard is recorded by the computer memory. Mostly when I use my internet, I know that the information regarding the web sites and links that I have been browsing is stored in the memory of my computer.

Windows as well as other operating systems stores the history of our browsing on the hard disk. The "Clear history" option does not do any good and it never erases the search history fully. I know that my search history is very easy to retrieve. Now this is a severe threat to my as well as any one's privacy. Moreover, I use my computer to pay my bills through my credit cards as well as make transactions through my bank account, thus I find a dire need of something that can erase search history completely.

There is a number of Internet history erasing software available in the market. With the increasing number of cyber crimes, I prefer using this software to erase search history so that my private data is not available for anyone's use. With the use of this history erasing software I need not remember to erase search history every time I have finished accessing my browser.

The history eraser removing software will automatically erase sensitive data once I set it to do so, every time I finish using my web browser. I also have an option to manually erase internet history if for some reason I do not want the history erasing software to work on its own. I am really satisfied as I can now permanently erase search history; erase the cache as well as every track of the web pages I have visited through my browser.

It is important to make a judicious choice for the software for erasing my internet history. The software should be user friendly as well as have all the options that make our Internet usage safe. My choice of software to erase search history is Winclear. Using this software actually makes my browsing safe and secure. It is very easy to use as all that I need is use a short cut key and erase any sensitive data in the back ground while I can continue working. I can also schedule to erase any sensitive data on my computer from time to time. The most important aspect of Winclear is that it is compatible with all Internet browsers.

So, I have the freedom to use any web browser I like. One of the most popular functions that come with Winclear is the shredder function. This function gets all my unwanted files deleted forever, files that I can not afford to be seen by my employer, spouse or my children instantly. With shredder function, I can erase the search history as well as other unwanted files which are almost impossible for any one to retrieve by any means. Erasing my internet history and using the shredder function improves the speed of my PC too.

Hence, if you do not want your sensitive data to be known to others and you want to ensure complete privacy, go for the standard software to erase your search history like me. And believe me, Winclear is one of the best choice you can make.

Phishermen Use IRS As Bait to Catch Victims

2008-08-20T22:23:00.002-07:00

It is that time of year that people's thoughts begin to turn toward Year-End and taxes. (Well, some people's thoughts anyway.) It is also that time of year that fraudsters begin to ramp up efforts to snare victims using 'phishing' techniques, i.e. using spam emails to lure victims into giving up sensitive information in the hopes for an extra portion of their refund or in exchange for answering a survey getting $80 credited to their credit card or bank account. In this article, we are going to discuss this pervasive problem and how to avoid getting suckered in by these schemes.

Below is the text of an actual spam email that has been sent to millions of US Taxpayers, we are going to take it step by step to explain how to tell if you are receiving a genuine message from the IRS or if it's a Phisherman.

"From: Internal Revenue Service [mail to:security@irs.gov]
Sent: Friday August 8, 2008 10:00AM
Subject: IRS Survey: $80 to your account - Just for your time!
Importance: High

Congratulations!

Dear Customer,

You've been selected to take part in our quick and easy 8 questions survey. In return, we will credit $80.00 to your account - Just for your time!

Please spare two minutes of your time and take part in our online survey so we can improve our services. Don't miss this chance to change something.

To continue click on the link below:

http://www.irs.gov/login.asp=survey

Copyright 2007 Internal Revenue Service U.S.A."

While the reason for asking for information from you may differ, whether it is a survey or a mistake that entitles you to more of a refund than you claimed, the result is the same. Your information and shortly later your bank account are gone. A lot of these phishermen are offshore companies that use a method known as 'hopping points' to hide the origin of their operations. A phisherman in Germany will use a 'hopping point' in South Korea; these crooks have gotten very creative and will often use several 'hopping points' to cover their tracks. But let's look at this email step by step to see what we are dealing with here.

One, any email sent to security@irs.gov is going to get rejected as this is not a valid email address, try verifying this yourself as the email address, while likely is a false one can sometimes actually lead to the IRS which will fill their inboxes with tons of requests for information on this 'survey'.
Two, when has the government EVER sent you a letter that has said, 'Congratulations', either paper or email? Chances are, the answer is never. Let's face it, the government isn't in the business of 'congratulating' anyone. One person mentioned that he got a draft notice that said, "Congratulations!" but the rest of the letter was all bad news.

Three, the IRS will never refer to you as a 'customer'. Taxpayer, yes; Citizen, sometimes, but never ever as a customer. And, even though this is a little facetious when has the IRS ever created anything that is quick and easy? This is the same government institution that sent three extra sheets of paper with each return in 2000 to explain the Paperwork Reduction Act!

Four, inevitably on these emails there will be a grammar or spelling error. Since these emails are often generated by people whose first language is not English, 99% of the time there will be an error. The English that the IRS uses might not be very clear, but its spelling and grammar are impeccable. '8 questions survey' should be '8 question survey'.

Five, about clicking on these links, remember that these links can be disguised, so while the link may say it's sending you to the IRS site, in reality, it's sending you to a cloned site, which in many instances actually looks better than the real thing. NEVER click on these links, NEVER cut and paste these links, if you want to verify the site, manually type in the site into your browser. Cutting and pasting will paste the hidden site, not the intended site into your browser!

Six, the IRS does not have to copyright itself every year, so there would be no copyright in the corner, it DOES make it look official and that is of course why the phishermen will use this tactic. And finally, number seven, and remember this one, THE IRS WILL NOT INITIATE CONTACT WITH A TAXPAYER VIA EMAIL OR FAX. So why are people caught by this scam? Simply because people are always looking for free money and those that are looking for free money are the ones who keep getting caught up in these types of scams.

Let's assume that you have already seen the email and clicked on the link (NEVER DO THIS) in addition to taking you to the wrong site, some links can put a Trojan horse or create a backdoor to your operating system that cannot be detected by Norton, AVG etc, because these backdoors are created by the people who are real familiar with how these programs work. If you have clicked on this link, you are taken either to the survey, (and in many cases, the survey is entirely skipped but regardless of whether it is there or not, this page will ask for your name, Social Security number, the card number you want 'credited', the expiration date and the CSV number on the reverse of the card.

While the IRS will request your SS #, and the amount of your refund, the IRS will NEVER ASK FOR YOUR CARD NUMBER, BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER, ETC, EVER! Why? Because they already KNOW it! When you opened your account, you had to use your SS number as an identifying number to do so.
In addition to using SPAM emails, these fraudsters will also use automated faxes. These faxes will often claim that you have won a vacation, or that you need to fill out IRS form W-8 for Foreign People Earning US Income. This is a completely fictitious form, do NOT return this form to the sender!

Okay let's say that you have become a victim of this fraud and you have compromised your personal information. What do you do? First, send the email to phishing@irs.gov and contact all the major credit bureaus. If this email claims to be from the IRS you may also call the TIGTA hotline at 1-800-366-4484. Fraud affects everyone, don't be a victim, learn what you can do to prevent it! And if it has affected you, fight back! There are many services you can use to repair your credit rating after your identity has been stolen.

Cyber Crimes - The Call For Fast Lucre

2008-08-20T22:23:00.001-07:00

I gasp at the mere thought of imagining to be a multimillion dollar magnate, if my e-mail inbox is any indication. My inbox is inundated with messages assuring me of millions of pounds as prize money. I am told to just divulge a few personal information for easy access to the huge fortune that waits to be tapped at the click of a mouse. How nice it would be if it really happened! But we have to hold our breath for a minute. Many such spam mails from addresses 'Irish Lottery Board', 'From the desk of XXX', 'Congratulations. You have won 15,000,00000£' etc. somehow manage to creep into my inbox with audacity.

Such enticing e-mails check our resistance to avarice and if only we have a frail mind to reveal our personal information to these guys, we are sure to have long lasting problem leaving our bank balance high and dry. It all started with a mail from Nigeria, which stated that I have been chosen for several millions of pounds of prize money that actually belonged to some political bigwig who died leaving behind a deed.

There were cases, where gullible public had reacted immediately to the mail and given their details. A few cases as explained by victims in India suggest that they were asked to deposit several lakhs of rupees as administration charges and bank charges to transfer the amount. Even without a basic thought that why a stranger should offer several millions of pounds, people have deposited the amount to the fraudster's bank account. And rest need not be deliberated. Had I opted to fall in the vicious trap, I would have faced similar tribulations of terrible financial loss.

Worst things happen in the internet, where cyber crimes like 'phishing',' identity thefts' and 'hacking' our e-mail accounts, virus downloads to cripple PCs happen with gay abandon. Clarion calls for online MLM (Multi Level Marketing) notwithstanding; it only helps a top few in the top of the pyramid and gives the majority a raw deal. Advertisers of products and novel launches of software that project fast bucks in the business fasten their grip on fickle minds.

Dr. Atul Prakash, Prof of Dept. of Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan and his team has some alarming news to offer. Their study on 214 financial institutions in 2006 found that nearly 75% of the websites of the institutions had at least one design flaw. Majority of bank websites had design related flaws, which allowed hackers to gain access to personal information and accounts. They found login boxes on insecure pages that allow hackers to reroute data of create a spoof copy to steal information.

Consider the following shocking fact. According to a recent Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Technology report, banks listed 536 cases of computer intrusion with an average loss of per incident of $30,000 and total losses in 2007 was close to a staggering $ US 16 million.

Not everybody is cyber savvy when it comes to technicalities of computer. This fact serves to spreading of awareness to remain alert regarding proxy usage of one's e-mail addresses for ignoble motives. To prove that I am innocent of the happening becomes my responsibility in case somebody misuses my e-mail accounts. However, a basic understanding of the physical aspect of the computer comes to our rescue in such an unpleasant situation.

A recent article in an Indian Daily suggested that we need to be aware of our MAC (Media Access Control) number, which is the address of the tangible computer which we use in our home. Though somebody might have 'phished' our e-mail ID for some anti-social mailing, we can still prove that it was not sent from our machine, and some unscrupulous element has sent it from some remote corner of the globe using our e-mail ID. This stems from the fact that the MAC number is unique for a system, though our IP address may be reflected in the mails sent by the hacker.

A basic understanding of computer systems, firewall protections, virus controls and other updated information of cyberspace seems to be the need of the hour and last but not the least, let's not fall into the evil designs of alluring calls over the internet in the scramble for making fast lucre. No Midas touch can ever prevail in reality.

Gifting Clubs - Unwrapping the Scam

2008-08-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

You're at your friends house for coffee or receive an email from an acquaintance. They are really excited about this new club they have joined and have to tell you about it. It could change your life. They explain it's a "gifting" club. You put in money, often between $500.00 and $2000.00, and the money is used to help women. Then after, you gain back up to $40,000.00 for your "gift". The friend assures you it is completely legal, after all the money is a gift, not an investment. Wrong.

Gifting clubs are not legal. They are pyramid schemes. These "clubs" are bound to fall at some point and leave many people at the bottom out of thousands of hard earned dollars. Don't be fooled by the term "gift" making it different than a pyramid scheme. A gift is given with no expectation of getting anything in return. In these clubs, gifts are given with high expectations of returned money plus some. The term "gift" does not make the scheme legal or legitimate.

Often clubs operate within social circles. The people who know each other well. They trust each other. Some of the people in this type of club do not know that they are party to an illegal pyramid scheme. When they get others involved, they honestly believe it is a good opportunity to help people and make a substantial amount of money as well. They may even tell you that it is condoned by the authorities. It, of course, is not condoned by authorities. Anyone participating in a gifting club scheme may be charged or prosecuted for their part in the scam.

The people involved that do know it is illegal use justifications to make them feel it is okay. They think that if it keeps going, a lot of people will make money and prosper. Like a chain letter, they put responsibility on the next one in line to recruit their own members to perpetuate the incoming money. Like all chains and pyramids, there is always a point when people stop joining in. Then all but the top of the pyramid lose their money.

So if you hear of a gifting club, often called names such as; "Circle of Friends", "Women For Women" or "Helping Hands Club", remember it is illegal. The only way it will change your life is to add a criminal record to your name.

Crime: The Real Internet Security Problem

2008-06-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Five Ways Your Online Privacy is at Risk - And How to Protect Yourself

2008-06-27T05:32:00.001-07:00

Here are a few ways your online activities can be watched-and here are some steps you can take to maintain your privacy.

Websites collect personal information. Some websites will ask you to register, and others place small files called "cookies" on your hard drive when you visit. These are tiny files that record personal information and share it with advertisers. Use a dummy email address and set your computer to be selective about the cookies it accepts. Delete the cookies on your computer regularly.

Your writing is saved. When you post anything online, never post personal information. Use a pseudonym and avoid posting anything you wouldn't want everyone you know to see.

Watch for misleading emails. Never send personal information to a company over email and don't click on links in spam.

Employers and recruiters search for your name. It's not unusual for employers to fire workers because of blogs, MySpace and Facebook profiles.

You download spyware by mistake. Spyware is software that tracks every move you make and sends information about you to a third party. Spyware may be bundled with other software you download-or it might download automatically when you visit a certain site. Some spyware programs come packaged as anti-spyware programs.

Your privacy is at risk whenever you log on to the Internet-but you can take steps to protect it. Follow these steps, and your online browsing will be safer and more private.

Ok that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any ideas or suggestions for content you'd like us to present on this topic please feel free to contact us via email or via the website listed below.

65535 Doors to Protect Without Locksmith

2008-06-27T05:31:00.001-07:00

Internet is a very nice world. You can visit all kind of places, find all the information you need, play games, order products to your home, and read all there is you like. But you are not alone, and not everybody on the internet has good intentions.

Internet is just like the real world If you like to walk or drive the busy streets of your city, or visit the desert of the Middle-East or the jungle of Africa You would not go unprepared, you need rules, how to cross streets, where to drive, get your vaccinations to visit the jungle etc.

If you compare the real world with the virtual world called Internet you will find many similarities.

Most people lives in a home and of course those homes have doors, a front door, and sometimes also a back door.

Nobody will be surprised to hear that those doors are locked, and that you as a stranger have to knock on the door, if you want to enter their home.

In the early days of home computing it was the habit, that if you had to connect some service outside your home you would use your Modem and dial a special phone number and after ending your transaction this one to one connection disconnected and that was it.

Now a days we are almost full-time connected to everybody else in the world via the World Wide Web. Millions and Millions computers and we have no clue who they are.

Most of these connected computers are trustworthy but a few are not, their owners have wrong intentions and would like to get behind your walls and take ownership of your computer.

Most people do not realize that we have in our homes not one or two doors that need to be locked, but that we have more than 65 thousand doors (also called Ports) consisting of a few little thin copper wires we call our Internet connection, and that all those doors need to be protected against unwelcome guests.

And that is not all, many families have more than one computer, father has one, mother has one, and if the kids are old enough they have one too and they all have an extra 65 thousand doors that need to be protected.

Well the Internet intruders won't steal your new Television set, or your new painting from the wall, or your new car but they are capable of stealing other valuables like your privacy, or your passwords, or your credit card details, and that could cost you a lot of money and troubles.

So you really need protection. Maybe you think hey, what are the odds, that they break-in in to my computer, there are so many of them. But the fact is that those bad people are able to scan and test many computer connections almost at the same time automatically. They don't need a hammer or other physical tools to hack in to your computer, and if they do, you would not notice it at all, it makes no sounds, no breaking glass.

The Internet is a dangerous world to be connected to if you are not protected. Dangers do come in many ways, there are Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Spyware, and even sometimes e-mails let people believe that they have to do some actions on their computer that has the same effect as a virus. Or they use your computer to send other people spam e-mails that originates from your computer.

Of course there are solutions, you do not have to go to a Locksmith, there are many software packages that can help you to minimize the risks.

Your Privacy in the Cyber World - How to Protect It?

2008-06-27T05:30:00.002-07:00

The Internet - a huge collection of computers, connected to share information within each other. That means it is a network of terminals where each of them resembles a portal for a user to connect to this vast community of information sharing, commercial trading, entertainment, and much more.

While you are so obsessed with your involvement in the internet busy sharing data between each portal, the unexpected arise - you found that your PayPal account has a less amount that you used to have, your usual private email was accessed by someone else opening all your unread emails, worse come to worst your kinky picture of you with your girlfriend started to show up in online forums.

This all relates to your personal stuffs you are trying to keep from the public in the internet. Stuffs that you will only hope to let you or a very small or particular group of people to know. Yet, hackers either by monetary benefit or just plain old fun are still out there to try to prove that the virtual security is still breakable, easily.

So how can we protect our personal information from leaking into the virtual public? The answer is - not easy. An example is, for every click or keyboard entry, there is a chance that your input to the webpage is logged by a keyboard logger, for every freeware or shareware you've downloaded, there is a chance to have the keyboard logger installed secretly to your computer. True to us that this is a common tactic used by hackers around, but small precautions from us will avoid getting more information leaked around.

Websites collect information when a user visits them via cookies. This information stays in your hard drive to allow stored data if you have downloaded anything large in size, the cookies will be used to provide faster page opening time. Filling an online payment form will also trigger the cookies to keep a copy of what you've typed. So with your credit card information and home address easily accessible by hackers, you can stop it by just disabling cookies in your web browser, or even let it run as a Read Only file, so that they can't get hold of any personal information.

Also be aware of what queries you have encountered in the net. Emails from people whom you do not know is better to be left in the SPAM box or trash box. Sometimes they might be trying to lure you in with catchy labels and kept asking you for your details - Don't reply to them. This also happens to unknown contacts popping from MSN Messenger trying to ask you out for a dinner whom you assume it's a hot date, but coming to the end when you sensed that it is weird for asking your credit card number and your actual name to make a reservation for a table, you'd better not giving it to someone whom you know barely for 15 minutes!

Protecting Your Online Security - Blogging

2008-06-27T05:30:00.001-07:00

Blogging is now part of many people's lives. People blog day and night without being bound by time or space. However blogging is also considered as a high risk to personal security while online.

The only reason to this is user profile. Nearly all blogs contain valid personal data uploaded by the user including phone number, e-mail address, as well as a picture of themselves. These kinds of information are gold to stalkers who may send threatening e-mails to the user.

Sometimes too much information is given to a stranger randomly met online. This information may be used against the supplier personally. In some instances blogging is used as a tool to defame someone. This is particularly dangerous when the victim finds out, as you can expect anything to happen including death.

The problem with blogging is that there is absolutely no control over what is posted.

Bloggers can freely post whatever comments they want, no matter how ruthless. Moreover you can never be sure whether the information posted is true. Bloggers' personal information may also be false, and this is dangerous because bloggers often like mimicking other people, and this is the perfect platform to defame or exploit the victim's profile or reputation, the victim being the person being mimicked.

As a blogger, especially the frequent ones, there are certain responsibilities that must be handled. Never ever try to defame someone, even if you are using a profile containing fake information. You are not only putting yourself at risk but also other people.

Avoid posting too much information about yourself on your blog. Limit the number of your pictures posted as it can be the subject of wrong use if it falls into the wrong hands. Also avoid posting information of your daily life. Some people like posting various events of their life on blogs, like a journal. This is the prime source of information for stalkers. Blogging is not actually a dangerous activity, but it does become dangerous once you decide to make it. Blogging is done at your own risk; do not expect online rules to save you.

Protecting Your Online Security-Internet Scams

2008-06-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Internet scams or fraud usually refer to any fraud schemes that utilizes single or multiple online services which may include e-mails, chat rooms, or Web sites. They are designed to commit deceitful solicitations, transactions, or transmission of fraud to financial institutions or related schemes.

The most popular type of internet scam surrounds small and valuable which have broad appeal products such as laptops, hand phones, cameras, and jewelry. These products are sold at low prices to perceive people so that they classify these as low risk items in accordance with the cost.

These types of scams are usually done on electronic marketplaces, most notably E-Bay. Customers become victims when they bid or purchase an item that never really exists, as bank and credit card information is given blindly. There have also been incidents where crackers managed to obtain huge amounts of information of credit cards from companies' database, thanks to the company's employees who sold this information.

Another form of popular internet scams are internet investment scams. This occurs when users are sent an e-mail or given a message stating that they have won an amount of money, but at the same time they will request for a payment to cover the advertising fees or simply your bank information. Truth is it's a scam and they will run away with the money should you decide to pay it.

There are several ways to avoid these scams. One way is to know who you are dealing with. If you find that the seller is unfamiliar, verify with the organization the seller claims to be working with. Do not trust in easy money-making schemes advertised. These are most definitely scams, especially when they claim you do not need work, credit, etc. Also think twice when entering a contest organized by mysterious companies, as they can steal info from entry forms.

Unless you really have to pay for something, never give out your credit card or bank details. Though you won't realize it, you may never know if it may fall to a third party. There are a load of other internet scams on the web today. You can only hope that you trust the right parties whenever you are online.

Protecting Your Online Security - Spyware

2008-06-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

One of the many security hazards you should look out for on the internet is Spyware. Spyware is computer software that is secretly installed on your computer system. This process is done under the user's nose, thus without his/her authority. The reason why Spyware is considered harmful is because when installed it takes over partial control of the user's interaction with the computer. Once installed it is able to collects various personal information stored including what websites were visited.

It can also install additional software, access website without checking with the filters, or even divert advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware also messes with the computer's settings, which may result in lowered connection speeds, changing browser settings, as well as deleting files downloaded from the internet. There are four ways to avoid spyware. Firstly, keep your windows software updated. It addresses security fixes Microsoft frequently updates preventing your computer from being vulnerable. Secondly use computer Firewall Protection. When enabled it monitors everything going in and out of your computer, thus being able to block bad data and malicious programs including spyware.

The third way is by being cautious while downloading content from the Internet. Among the programs that run a high risk of infecting Spyware are file sharing programs as well as any product that is free. These programs will pop-up windows and sometimes hijack your browser to take you to websites you never requested. Also when closing a window online, always click on the 'X' located on the upper-right side of the window instead of clicking on the 'OK' or 'Agree' option in the dialog box. They usually trick you into agreeing to download software you have never seen.

The last method is to install products designed to remove or block Spyware as well as to reduce the chances of getting infected by it. Most anti-virus software have anti-spyware function added to it. Others are mostly stand-alone products, like Ad Aware Pro. These programs find all hidden programs and disable them before they can operate. Once the spyware is removed your computer system will run faster and your personal information will be more confidential. It is advised you install anti-spyware software as soon as possible. Avoid installing free anti-spyware software because many spy-ware programs removed by free anti-spyware software reinstall themselves on the computer. Thus install anti-spyware software that are licensed, to keep your computer safe from these malicious programs.

5 Protection Tips for DSL Users

2007-10-12T04:22:00.001-07:00

The World Wide Web is useful and dangerous too! What most people may not know is that by connecting their computers to the internet they are setting themselves up as targets for thieves and unscrupulous people. The US government is taking steps towards inculcating an understanding of the importance of cyber security among citizens especially home computer users. Similarly DSL connection providers like Verizon are also making great efforts to provide secure connections.
DLS users like others need to protect their computer systems and private information stored on computers from cyber thieves and malicious hackers. Recent exercises such as the “Honeymoon Project” found that most computer systems can be hacked into between 3-5 days.
While DSL providers will have security systems in place it is best you take steps to protect yourself and your family and business. It is simple:
1. Install a firewall. It is software that recognizes unauthorized access and blocks it. What is more it prevents unauthorized movement of files from your computer too! This is important as a DSL connection means your computer is always connected to the internet and is susceptible to attack. A firewall must always be the latest version and configured properly to scan your system continuously.
2. Ensure that your anti virus software is functional and updated regularly. Never leave your computer system open to virus attacks. Not only are you putting your files and private information in jeopardy but also that of others who are in your address book and system. Cyber criminals steal credit card and bank information for personal financial gain. Ensure that your computer has the latest virus protection system in place. Be sure to renew the antivirus software license.
3. Configure your computer properly. If you don’t know how to do this seek the help of a trustworthy family member or friend. Use secure and original passwords. Its important to regularly change your password and create unique passwords that are a mix of words and numbers.
4. Always used authentic operating systems and software. Pay the licensing fees and update your computer regularly with the latest vendor security patches. This will protect your computer system to the highest possible extent.
5. Always use safe e-mail practices. Most “bugs” attack your system through attachments. So never open emails with attachments from unknown sources. All attachments must be scanned before opening. Avoid opening attachments with file extensions like “.vbs.” P2P networks are dangerous as also downloading executable programs. Learn all you can about dangers termed as “Trojan horses.”

Protecting Your Child from Internet Predators

2007-10-12T04:21:00.002-07:00

Now that you have a computer for your child or you are allowing him/her to use yours, the question comes up, "Should we allow him/her to access the Internet?" There are tons of great educational and fun resources for kids on the Internet, but as we all know from the daily news, there is a lot of danger out there, so let's discuss some of our options.
Not allowing access at all
If you have enough software to keep your little brainiac interested, you may want to choose to not let them access the Internet at all. This is, of course, the safest method of keeping predators away from your little angel, but will limit their access to some really cool stuff. If your child has his/her own computer, simply deactivate their wireless connection or do not plug the PC into the Internet.
If, however you share your computer with your child, you may want to set up separate profiles to limit Internet access to only your account. You can do this in Windows by selecting Control Panel, Users. Select add user and enter your child's name as the user name. You may also want to set them up as a limited access user account so they cannot install programs or change settings without your knowing. While you're here, add a password to your own account if you haven't already. My son was smart enough to change users on my wife's un-password protected computer and was able to wreak havoc on her laptop.
For an easy way to limit access to the Internet, open Control Panel and select Internet Options while signed in on your child's account, Find the connections tab and click the LAN Settings button. Check the box next to where it says "Use a proxy server for your LAN" and type anything in the address box (something like "No Internet for You" will do.) This will prevent access to the Internet while anyone is signed on to your child's account.
Allowing access to only specific sites
Internet Explorer has a little known feature that will allow you to restrict access to only certain sites. Back in the Internet options screen, you can set Internet Explorer to only grant access to trusted specific sites or sites with ratings determined by an outside party.
To enable this feature, open Internet Options in Control Panel or in Internet Explorer (Tools, Internet Options.) Select the Content tab. Under Content Advisor, Select Enable. At this point, you can determine what can and cannot be seen in Internet Explorer.
The first tab is the ratings tab. The default is to disallow all sites no matter what their rating. Select each category of sites that you want to allow. Categories include alcohol, gambling, language, nudity, etc. Adjust the slider to modify the settings for each category from None to Limited to Some to Unrestricted. If you want to allow access only to specific sites, leave all these categories as none.
The second tab is "Approved Sites." Enter each site that is allowed and press the "Always" button to add it to the list of approved sites. If you want to specifically restrict a site, enter it here and click "Never." Select the General and Advanced tabs to set passwords to override the security controls or to make changes to the default ratings system you want to use.
If you are using a Windows Vista-based computer, Microsoft added a new Parental Controls feature for you. It can also be found in the "Content" tab in Internet Options. There are a multitude of new features and is out of scope for this article. Look for an entire article on these options soon.
Using a Parental Control Filter
There are two types of parental control filters: hardware based and software based. With a software based method, you will have to install the parental control software on each PC that you want to monitor and restrict access. You will also want to periodically check each computer to make sure that updates are being installed and the settings are still properly in place. There are several software based programs available including Sentry Remote - Parental Control Software, CA PC Protection Bundle 2007 and Net Nanny 5.5 Web Filtering Parental Control Software. If you only want to monitor one PC, the software solution may be the best for you.
The hardware based parental control takes a little more knowledge of home networking, but once up and running, it is easier to maintain and harder for your little devil to circumvent. This method is what large corporations use to restrict access to unsavory sites by their employees. It is a device that sits between your modem and your PC or your wired or wireless router. The device I use is the D-Link SecureSpot Internet Security Adapter. Once the device is in place, you can connect to it through a web based interface to set rules and options.
What I like about the SecureSpot is that i can set specific rules for individual users. I set user-names on all shared PCs in the house for each member of my family. That means that if my son signs in with his user-name on my computer, the Internet access restrictions follow him wherever he goes. I can also view logs of his browsing history and see what is being blocked. There is also an option that shuts off Internet access at certain times. For instance, if my son's bed time is eight thirty on weekdays and nine thirty on weekends, i can shut off Internet access at eight o'clock and nine o'clock respectively. That also prevents him from getting up in the middle of the night to surf the Internet while the rest of us are sleeping.

Anonymous Proxies - What Is An Anonymous Proxy?

2007-10-12T04:21:00.001-07:00

Being a computer nerd and active in the IT field for 20 plus years I am constantly asked about anonymous proxies, what they are and why they are needed.
An anonymous proxy is another computer located somewhere else (usually in a foreign country) acting as a server to pass your http requests. In easy to understand terms this means you type in google into your web browser, and your browser has been configured to use a proxy. Instead of fetching the page directly from Google, your web browser will go to the anonymous proxy and then the proxy will fetch the Google page and send it back to you. OK so now you ask "Why would I want to do that?". When you visit the Google (or any other site for that matter) directly, your web browser passes on information to the website you are visiting. Such information may include your IP address. This is a numerical value assigned to your computer by your ISP and is quite literally the "doorway" to your computer. Armed with your IP address, a hacker could start port scanning your PC looking for weaknesses to take advantage of without you knowing it.
If you visit websites under a proxy, the sites you visit will not see your real IP address but instead the IP address of the proxy. It is very easy to configure your browser to use a proxy by simply changing your settings. Now you ask, "Where can I find a proxy at?". I see lists all the time that show free "open" proxies. This may not be a good idea as you never know exactly who is behind the proxy. It may well be a honey pot set up by some three letter agency therefore, staying away from the free lists is probably a good idea.
There are commercial services available and one I personally use is Ultimate Anonymity which has been around for over ten years now. They provide proxies as well as a nifty tool to switch proxies on the fly without having to ever touch your web browsers settings to make it really simple.

Hacking and Threats to Your Security and Privacy

2007-10-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

We are all now well aware of the threats facing computers, such as DDos attacks against servers, what exactly a zombie computer is and some hacks which have hit the newspapers – like the story of a man in Tampa Bay who was caught “stealing” someone else’s broadband connection. The individual hacked into a wireless internet network. While this may seem innocent enough consider that the person who gains entry into the network could be using your connection to surf for porn – or worse it could be child porn, with the trail leading to your connection.
While the law is catching up and some experts in the police and other law enforcement agencies have the skills to determine whether “you” actually did the downloading of illegal material or if your computer and connection was unwittingly compromised – not everyone has these skills and it’s far easier (and less costly) to prosecute than to do the investigation required to clear the individual.
In fact you may need to have your own experts helping you prove your innocence!
Another similar story of broadband/wireless signal theft from out of the UK, where several individuals have been charged using someone else’s broadband connection.
While the fines have been hefty, it is a clear indication that while the justice system is working towards protecting individuals they are in uncharted territory.
Wifi theft is becoming an national and international issue – there have been warnings issued in Canada. In an extreme case in 2003, Toronto Police stopped a man who was naked from the waist down. He had a laptop computer in his car and was driving down a residential neighborhoods downloading child pornography.
Another story of a Michigan man who in 2007 used a coffee shops unsecured internet connection to download and check his e-mail. Luckily he was not charged, otherwise he could have spent up to 5 years in jail. Piggybacking – or using someone else’s WIFI connection without their permission is a felony. In the end the individual paid only a $400 fine and will do 40 hours of community service. However if he had gone into the coffee shop, it would have been fine.
If you have ever borrowed someone else’s wireless connection – you should think twice. If the letter of the law is followed, you could end up with serious fines, jail time – and worse, a record that will follow you for life.
If you have a wireless internet connection in your home, or office – secure it! Not only are you protecting yourself, your business and its assets – but you could be preventing someone from launching devastating attacks against commercial systems, or allowing terrorists from using open systems to communicate with others and even stopping the flow of child pornography.
Forget about what could be done using your wireless connection – consider that many of us store our entire lives on our computers: digital images, movies, banking information, and even e-bills. If someone gets unauthorized access to your computer, you risk having your identity stolen. You need to ensure your computers are sufficiently secured to prevent unauthorized access to its contents.

Data Protection Act Registration

2007-10-12T04:19:00.000-07:00

In the UK if a company stores details of any of their clients or customers on a database within their company confines they may by law register this particular activity. They need to do this in order to conform to the Data Protection Act which was brought into effect back in 1998.
The actual Data Protection Act registration is very simple and easy to complete and will only cost about £35.00 and will cover the company in question for a period of 2 years. Today any reputable solicitor in the UK who advises companies and businesses when first setting up will recommend that they complete this registration.
The Data Protection Act 1998 UK was brought into being in order to ensure that all personal information is handled properly to ensure that a person’s rights to privacy are protected. This particular applies to all businesses and companies that will hold personal information about those individuals who are alive whether it be in paper or electronic format. But in order to conform to this particular act each company must follow a set of guidelines relating to them handling such information.
However as with any online service there are some agencies that will fraudulently ask you to make payment to them in order to complete your registration. So if any agency requests you to make a payment to them of more than £35.00 to complete your Data Protection Act registration then avoid these services altogether. In fact what you should immediately do is contact your Local Trading Standards Office and inform them of the situation.
Finally it is important to remember that if a business fails to register or renew this particular document then they are committing a criminal offence. Therefore by law the Information Commissioner to who this information must be provided has the right to take action to enforce and ensure that business or company is in line with the guidelines that need to be followed. Further more if a business or company chooses not to comply with this notice then this can seriously effect not only a businesses reputation but also its profits. So it is important that all businesses take data protection act registration very seriously indeed.

Policy And Guidelines For Securing Your Remote Access

2007-10-12T04:18:00.001-07:00

If you are a network or IT administrator of a company and you provide remote access to your internal infrastructure, then you must consider this as one of your biggest security threats and give extreme consideration on how to protect your network. Remote Access is sometimes mandatory and can be used for a variety of reasons. Maybe you are outsourcing some of your business to an external partner, maybe you require external technical support, or you may have employees on the road or tele-workers that require access to internal data and resources in your company. In any case, you must take measures to protect your data and network, but still keep the operation of your remote access service as functional as possible. Some of the most important guidelines to follow in order to protect your remote access service are the following:
Communicate with everyone that the remote access service shall be treated with the same consideration as the on-site connection.
Try to use IPSEC-VPN for your remote access method, using the highest encryption AES.
Install an Authentication Server (RADIUS server) in order to better manage the password credentials of the remote access users.
Enforce a strong password policy for remote access, with at least 10 characters including alphanumeric and special characters.
Try to use OTP (One Time Passwords) where possible.
Terminate all remote access to a centralized infrastructure (Firewall, VPN concentrator, router with IPSEC etc) in order to have better control and monitoring.
Limit the access of the remote users to only what is required. For example limit the access to only the internal mail server and prohibit access to other internal resources.
For employees that take their laptop to work from home, the employee is responsible to prohibit other family members from using the remote access connection or even the business laptop for any reason.
Disable 'Split Tunnelling' on the VPN access. Split Tunnelling is when the remote user can freely browse the internet while connected to the corporate office. The threat with this is that if you catch a virus while browsing, this can spread out to the corporate network through the remote access tunnel.
The laptop used for remote access must have antivirus and antispyware with the latest updates installed.
Limit the remote access hours to only what is necessary. Do not have remote access enabled 24 hours.

Internet Insecurity

2007-09-27T04:52:00.004-07:00

Over the last couple of years hackers have shifted their focus from large targets to small business and individuals. Unfortunately, neither have the financial resources to protect against the hard-hitting hackers. Even more challenging, experts say the over-the-counter antivirus solutions aren’t keeping up with these ever changing threats.
· Have you heard U.S. businesses lost over $67 billion to cyber crime in 2006 according to the FBI?
· Did you know that 87% of businesses suffered from some sort of cyber crime last year according to the same report?
· Approximately 15 million U.S. citizens will lose their identity this year according to the FTC
I could add that cyber crime out grew the illegal drugs business in 2006 according to the U.S. Department of Treasury, too. Needless to say we are looking at a huge problem. Many are calling the Internet security issue a pandemic.
Over the last couple of years hackers have shifted their focus from large targets to small business and individuals.
I’ll tell you why…
Small business and individuals don’t have the large sums of money needed to pay for the kind of Internet security protection used by large corporations. This makes both easier targets.
What are these two groups using to protect themselves? Generally, you find small business and individuals using over-the-counter and freeware (shareware) to protect their computers.
Over the last year, antivirus companies have attempted to counter the spyware problem, however, the fact is their code and signature files were not built to effectively remove spyware. How does this impact how well your home or business is protected? The rule for viruses is to keep them out. When it comes to spyware much more sophisticated code and scanning mechanisms are required.
Several September 2005 product reviews state that many antivirus applications have obvious deficiencies in antispyware cleaning and blocking routines. This makes it difficult to recommend these software products to individuals and businesses protecting themselves against the spyware problem. At this time, antivirus companies haven’t arrived at a solid solution.
So what are these anitvirus companies doing? Some are including some type of antispyware functionality into their products. Some vendors are selling patching and spyware combined into one. Others have mixed their spyware solution with their antivirus Bundled together, these solutions aren’t cost effective and probably deliver a lower level antispyware.
Several independent tests have shown that stand-alone antispyware products have been proven to be the most effective.
Today’s over-the-counter anti-virus Internet security products protect against specific code or signature files. Each virus has it’s own code. When the anti-virus software identifies the code it kicks it out or alerts the owner of the computer. Many anti-virus companies try to keep up with this, however consider this:
Professional hackers have developed spy ware that, once it enters a computer and steals your email addresses and other information, changes its code or signature file. The spy ware continues to invade new computers stealing information and changing its signature file automatically from computer to computer virtually making traditional over-the-counter anti-virus Internet security protection useless.
To be safe, small business and individuals need to find a proven Internet security solution that can fight against this type of cyber crime. This solution not only needs to aggressively keep up with the changing cyber crime landscape, but also anticipate what might be coming in the future. This is what the major corporations are using and it’s what you should have on your computer(s), too.
You may find it surprising that many vendors have downgraded or “delisted” known spyware and adware. This can jeopardize the security of your personal or business information.
Unfortunately, most Internet security software available to small business and individuals don’t have the ability to keep up with the growing cyber crime pandemic creating Internet insecurity.

Internet Security Suites

2007-09-27T04:52:00.003-07:00

Installing the best Internet security software on one’s PC is an unwritten rule that many of us follow. We’ve heard countless horror stories of computer viruses and stolen identity; some making us swear we’ll never use the Internet again. But, let’s face it, the Web is essential to all of our lives and despite the risks, the benefits sure outweigh those detrimental aspects.
In order to fully protect your PC and find an Internet security software program you can stand hosting on your OS, it’s important to consider the following:
• Features-While most Internet security providers claim to ‘have it all,’ make sure you choose a software program with anti-virus and spyware protection, rootkit and spam protection, a firewall, and parental control functions, such as Security Shield 2008.
• Pricing-Everyone wants to save money and when choosing an Internet security software program, it’s vital to choose a great product with an affordable price tag. Security Shield 2008, for example, will run you $39.99 after mailing in their rebate.
• Ease of Use-Opt for a software program that is easy to install and doesn’t drain your system resources. CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008, for example, provides an In-Product Tutorial if you run into any problems along your virus-scanning way.
• Customer Support-Make sure the Internet Security provider you go with has comprehensive customer support. Security Shield 2008 is covered by free technical support via email, phone and live chat. Many companies charge per-incident or by allotted time, so it’s wise to compare costs.
Most Internet security software programs run automatic updates and have real-time scanning capabilities, which are a must. Technology and Web-based threats aren’t static and in order to completely protect your PC, it’s crucial to choose a product that is both versatile and continuously updates itself.

How To Protect a Computer From Virus And Spywares - Step By Step Guide

2007-09-27T04:52:00.001-07:00

If you are like me you migt be wondering on how to protect your computer from virus and spyware, torjans etc. In short, with any intrusion. With new viruses bombarding our computer everyday, and hackers using spyware programs eager to penetrate our computer to do identity theft it has really become essential to keep our computer with layers of protection. Let me tell easy steps on how to protect your computer from virus and spyware.
1. Install Anti-Virus Software - You might be surprised to hear that 90% of all computers are infected by some kind of virus such as Trojan. Basic function of virus is to harm your computer in such a way that it may become non functional. To learn more on virus, and find out what are the best anti virus available both free and not so free, I have added a link on the resource.
2. Install a Firewall - Once your computer is disinfected against any viruses, it is recommended to install Firewall. Firewall acts as a vanguard against any potential threat coming to you while you are on internet. Everyday, Hackers are trying to penetrate our computer, and the Firewall is the best guard against them. To learn more on Firewall, I have added a link, that link will also tell you about the best firewall available for free.
3. Install Anti Spyware - Spywares, are the number one tool that hackers use to penetrate our computer. Firewall, can only go as far as protecting your computer from Hackers manual threat, but once Hackers uses any sort of Spyware it really become difficult for the Firewall to protect our computer. Spywares are employed best for identity theft, getting your passwords, your banking account etc... You can see how important it is to have some spyware. I have list down best spywares available on the bottom.
4. Run Anti Virus and Spywares Periodically - Most of the anti virus and anti virus especially the ones that I've listed comes with a scheduler. I recommend strongly, to schedule them weekly if not daily.
If you follow all the steps mentioned above your computer will remain intrusion free from hackers, spwares and viruses. Hope this article on "How to Protect your computer against virus, spyware" helps.

Computer Safety Tips - Six Tips You Should Know Before Downloading Any Files From The Internet

2007-09-27T04:51:00.003-07:00

The Internet contains vast amount of information and information such as ebooks and software can easily be obtained by downloading it into your computer. This will save time and effort and everything can also be automated. You can download the files even though you’re on a different time zone.
However, even though downloading files from the Internet have many advantages, there are some disadvantages because the files that you’ve downloaded maybe are malicious threats. Before downloading any files to your computer, I have six tips you should know so you can be more secure when downloading files from the Internet.
1. File Size
First of all, look at the file size of the files that you want to download. For example, you want to download freeware software from a web site and you know that the software file size should be around 12 or 13 MB. But on that web site, it says 234 kB. You need to be very careful with this as it might be a virus or trojan because the size is just not right.
Many people have been tricked to download this type of file and the files turn out to be malicious software.
2. Firewall
Use a firewall before downloading any files. If the files you’ve downloaded are trying to send privacy information to the hackers, it will not be able to do so because the firewall will block its outgoing traffic.
3. File Extension
File extensions is very important when downloading files from the Internet. File extension with .exe and have a small file size might be malicious software. It would be better you have an antivirus that will terminate the connection every time you tried to download any malicious software.
I have this one time when I was trying to download a files with .exe extension from the Internet without knowing it’s a trojan. My antivirus (I used Avast! at that time) terminate the connection immediately because it recognizes the file as a trojan. So, when you want to download any files, watch the extension. Files with double extension such as FILENAME.img.exe are mostly malicious software because it tries to trick you to think that it’s not malicious software.
4. Antivirus
As I told you from my story, I was saved from downloading malicious software by my antivirus and therefore, I strongly advise you to find an antivirus right now. If you don’t have any antivirus or anti-spyware programs on your computer, your computer might be infected.
5. Feedback
Websites such as download.com provide comment section or feedback for the download. Always read the download feedbacks before downloading because it will help you to know if the files are malicious software.
6. Internet Explorer Add-On
Use Internet Explorer Add-On that will tell you if the website you’re visiting contains threats that can affect your computer. Use add-on such as McAffe Site Advisor that you can download for free because this add-on will advise you which websites are safe to visit.
As I mentioned in the first tip, you need to know the file size before downloading. If you don’t know the file size, google it and visit the website which the site advisor add-on consider as safe.
There is no complete solution to computer security. The only way you can be sure your computer will be safe from any threats is by turning it off and sealed it in a sealed box. But what we can do is arm ourselves with essential security knowledge as it will help us in many ways.

Solutions for Anonymous Surfing

2007-09-27T04:51:00.001-07:00

There is a free market solution to the growing issue of government intrusion into private affairs, both personal and economic. It's called "VPN" or, Virtual Private Network, and this is what one provider says about VPN and Anonymous Surfing.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Anonymous VPN Service
Key Benefits of anonymous VPN:
* Fast speed.* No need to check regularly (as proxy).VPN servers are available all the time.* Absolute anonymity.* No provider logs.* Anonymous Surfing* 100% content encryption.
VPN is the most secure kind of protection that provides you extreme anonymity and VPN is one of the best solutions for Anonymous Surfing
I should add that it's not about the access to porn or whether you log onto Second Life as the opposite gender that you really wish to keep secret. It's your economic life and career future that can be protected with this one simple step. A VPN account will keep your public identity and your online life separate - and that online life will be untracable to you. And if you think surfing for porn is a bad idea, even from home, consider what happens when your boss knows your home IP address and does a search for your online postings and activities by IP.
Or worse yet, your boss's competitor. Or your competitor. Yeah, owning your own business means you are a primary target for industrial espionage - and most small businesses never think twice about their communications security.
And yet, the vast majority of espionage, worldwide, is for economic and business data; trade secrets, buying patterns, economic and financial patterns. One ill-advised email that can be traced back to you could sink your company.
So a little insurance seems like a good idea, and the happy side effect is that you can surf for porn with a good deal more security. That would be worth fifteen bucks to quite a few people ... but aside from being it's own reward, there is nothing like a large, predictable flow of questionable materials to conceal your real worries. The best place to hide a needle is not in a haystack - it's in a pile of needles. So the best place to hide something you are concerned about being discovered having seen or written is within a pile of plausibly embarrassing materials.

Securing Your Wireless Network

2007-09-27T04:50:00.001-07:00

Working from home while using a wireless local area network (WLAN) may lead to theft of sensitive information and hacker or virus infiltration unless proper measures are taken.
As WLANs send information over radio waves, someone with a receiver in your area could be picking up the transmission, therefore gaining access to your computer. They could load viruses on to your computer which could be transferred to other computers on your network.
Up to 75 per cent of WLAN users do not have basic security features installed, while 20 per cent are left completely open with the default configurations.
It is recommended that wireless router/access point setup be always done though a wired client.
You can setup your security by follow these steps:
Change default admin password on wireless router/access point to a secured password.
Change your WEP keys periodically.
Change the channel your router uses to transmit and receive data on a regularly basis.
Use encryption such as WEP and WPA. If equipment does not support at least 128-bit WEP encryption, consider replacing it.
Change the default SSID on your router/access point to a hard to guess name. Setup your computer device to connect to this SSID by default.
Setup router/access point not to broadcast the SSID. The same SSID needs to be setup on the client side manually. This feature may not be available on all equipment.
On each computer having a wireless network card, network connection properties should be configured to allow connection to Access Point Networks Only.

Phishing Email Scams Increasingly Target the IRS

2007-09-03T03:03:00.002-07:00

Several phishing schemes use fake emails supposedly from the IRS to lure their victims. Phishing is a scam where Internet criminals send fraudulent messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal and financial information which they use to steal the victim’s identity.
The newest IRS phishing scam promises taxpayers they will get more money back from their refund.
The body of the email contains text similar to this:
“After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $109.30,”
This recent phishing attack claims to be from the Internal Revenue Service, United States Department of Treasury and even includes the agency’s official logo.
David Stewart, an agency spokesman for the Philadelphia IRS office warns computer users, “The IRS will never send an email out to you—EVER”.
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Some other recent IRS phishing scams include the following:
May 31, 2007-
The IRS warns taxpayers about an email intended to fool people into believing they were under investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigation division. This email is actually a Trojan Horse virus. So, if you receive on of these unsolicited IRS emails, do not open it or any attachments included and never give out personal financial information in an email from any unsolicited source.
April 2, 2007-
Internet criminals used fake emails to direct consumers to a Web link that requested personal and financial information. These types of emails are used to steal the taxpayer’s identity and then their financial assets. The criminals use this data for everything from running up charges to obtaining IRS refunds belonging to the unsuspecting victim.
July 19, 2006-
The IRS reports on a phishing email claiming to come from the “IRS Antifraud Commission” claiming someone has enrolled the taxpayer’s credit card in the IRS’ (EFTPS) Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. This email says there have been fraud attempts involved in the taxpayer’s bank account and asks recipients to click on a link to recover the funds. This link goes to a site requesting personal information these thieves then use to steal the taxpayer’s identity.
The Treasury Department has fielded more than 23,000 complaints about IRS phishing campaigns since they started tracking these scams in 2005. Congressional investigators recently estimated that phishing costs consumers approximately $1 billion a year.
If you receive what you believe to be a fake email from the IRS forward it to phishing@irs.gov. This will help the IRS inform consumers of the newest threats.
The number of these type of attacks on the Internet are increasing at an alarming rate and if computer users weren’t falling for these schemes, the criminals would cease making money and stop using these tactics.
Some ways to help protect your computer from phishing schemes, spyware and Internet fraud are:
1. At the very least you need to have a fully updated, comprehensive antivirus and antispyware program including firewall protection, email protection, instant message scanning, virus removal and detection, and spyware removal and detection, as well as fast and friendly technical support. StopSign’s Internet Security Suite includes all of this and more and can be found at stopsign.com.2. It is also very important to never click on any links or open any emails or attachments from unknown sources.3. You should never give out private information over the Internet unless you are entirely certain you are dealing with a legitimate business enterprise. It is usually safest to avoid unsolicited materials all together.4. Be careful what you download onto your machine. Always make sure you read the company’s EULA (End User License Agreement) sometimes also called (Terms of Service) and if they don’t have one at all, be very suspicious. Many EULAS contain fine print explaining a company’s information sharing practices. If it sounds like an invasion of your privacy, do not download the software.
The IRS is only one of countless legitimate institutions being used to target phishing campaigns to computer users. Protect yourself and your family’s personal information by practicing safe Internet habits. Don’t let the phishers reel you in too.

How And Why You Should Protect Your Internet Privacy

2007-09-03T03:03:00.001-07:00

As the internet has developed over the last few years, it has become even more important for users to protect their internet privacy.
Not only is it useful for protecting your browsing habits from family and loved ones, but protecting your internet privacy also means you’re less at risk from identity thieves and internet hackers.
You see, your web browser has many built-in features designed to help you – but if you don’t know how to use them correctly, then they may actually do more harm than good.
Most web browsers have the capability of storing your passwords and user ID’s. While this can be useful if you have several passwords to remember, or need to do a lot of logging in and out of websites – it also means identity thieves have an easy opportunity if they ever find a way to access your computer.
Fortunately, if you’re a computer wizard then you already know all the places on your computer which store personal information such as passwords and internet history.
But what if you don’t know how to find and delete this sensitive information? Thankfully there are now plenty of high quality software programs which can find and delete all this information for you. At the click of a button you can have this information found, and deleted securely so it is no longer recoverable by any means.
In conclusion, protecting your internet privacy, such as passwords, login details, and internet history has never been more important. Identity theft is on the increase – and the internet has made it much easier.
Also, if you ever visit websites which contain material you wouldn’t wish your family or loved ones to see, then protecting your internet history is equally important – and so is securely deleting it, so none of your family members can track your history.

Bandwidth Theft and You

2007-09-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges webmasters face is bandwidth theft and the problem is that many internet users are unaware what hotlinking is.
Hotlinking, also known as bandwidth theft is direct linking to a web site's files. When you link to an image on someone else’s server instead of saving the image to your computer and uploading it to your blog you are stealing that websites bandwidth.
Most websites have a limited amount of data transfer (or bandwidth) allowed. If they go over this limit, it costs them extra. Stealing bandwidth therefore unnecessarily increases the cost of hosting. Also, with many hosts limiting the amount of bandwidth a site can use monthly, their site could be shut down for exceeding bandwidth quota.
Though it is the webmaster's responsibility to prevent the unauthorized remote loading of images from their site by uploading an .htaccess file to their server, anyone hotlinking is doing something that truly is unethical. As a webmaster, hotlinking is certainly not something that I appreciate.
If you wish to republish an image, the proper thing to do is to save the image to your computer and upload it to your blog or a free image host. Make sure that you obtain permission from the original author before you upload it and before publication to your blog takes place.
The solution for webmasters dealing with hotlinking is to use an .htaccess file. It’s very simple to implement and it works beautifully!
If you are using Wordpress, there is a hotlink protection plugin that you can install which fights bandwidth theft.
A word to the wise, please don't hotlink. Hotlinking is definitely not proper Internet etiquette.

Top Tips to Secure Your Wireless Signal

2007-09-03T03:01:00.002-07:00

Five top tips for securing your wireless network:
1. Am I secured?
If you haven’t set up security passwords yourself then it’s not likely that you will be secured. To find out, simply go to ‘My Network Places’ on your PC and scan for your wireless network. In the list that appears, there should be a picture of a padlock next to the name of your network. If there is no padlock, then you need some security.
2. Use WPA
Most new routers now offer WiFi Protected Access (WPA) passwords as well as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA offers increased security, and if your computer and other hardware is compatible, you should always use WPA as it is far harder to hack into than previous encryption methods.
3. Added security
You should also always have comprehensive anti-virus software such as Norton or McAfee installed on your computer to protect you from viruses that can open your PC up to hackers. Make sure that these are always kept up to date by regularly checking for updates on the provider’s website. You should also use a firewall - many routers have one built-in but you should run one on your PC too.
4. Isolate your wireless signal
Wireless isolation works to make your signal invisible to anyone searching for WiFi in your area. Wireless Broadband UK is built-in to some routers but must be physically enabled by the user

Government Emails and Identity Theft Issues

2007-09-03T03:01:00.001-07:00

Identity thieves, or thieves who focus on identity theft issues, send out thousands of fake emails almost on a regular basis any more, saying they're representing government entities. So heads up if you receive emails saying they're from the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service or other government agency or department. These emails may be trying to trick you.
What happens is that these emails are part of phishing schemes. Phishing generally means that someone sends you fake or bogus emails with bad links in them. These links invite you to click on their bogus sites (i.e. not government sites at all) and submit some of your personal (confidential) information: maybe your complete name, social security number, etc. Some emails even have spyware attachments on them.
One government department alone, the Treasury Department, reported receiving over 23,000 complaints about IRS-related phishing schemes since November 2005. Most involve hoax emails telling recipients that they have a pending tax refund and are under investigation.
Email Safety Tips
Get and stay safe with better email practices using these helpful tips:
1) Do not click on links inside emails from government agencies. Government agencies rarely communicate via email, and if they do, it’s in response to something you initiated most often. They communicate via postal mail.
2) Do not click on or save attachments that come with government emails. Delete these files.
3) If you receive communications that you are unsure of, call the agency first to see if the emails are legitimate. Most agencies are list on the web nowadays with contact information readily available.
4) Protect your computer and keep your safety software and tools updated regularly:
- Windows posts updates regularly, especially security patches. Make sure you download these or at least check monthly for updates. Mark your Outlook or other calendar and check regularly.
- ZoneAlarm, by Check Point, offers a free firewall download for personal use, a paid version for commercial use. Check out their products at: zonealarm.com and get a firewall set up to protect form intrusions into your computer and via our email.
- Get Anti-Virus software up and running now. AVG by Grisoft at: free.grisoft.com offers a free personal version and paid commercial version.
- You also need anti-spyware on our computer. Ad-Aware by Lavasoft offers a free version and a couple of upgrades for payment at: lavasoftusa.com.
So arm yourself: your computer and email for identity theft protection. Better safe then sorry!

How to Prevent Hackers From Entering Your eGold Account

2007-09-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

If your account was compromised while AccSent was enabled, there is a high probability that you either have a security hole in your computer, which allowed hackers to take control of your computer or you have a Trojan virus, spyware or keylogger software installed on your computer because someone not only had access to your e-gold passphrase, they also had access to your email address password.
AccSent monitors account access attempts and issues a one-time PIN challenge to those coming from IP address ranges or browsers that differ from the last authorized account access. Your account was accessed from remoteip '202.74.73.70' and a pin was sent to the email address on the account. The person logged into your email account and retrieved the pin, accessed your e-gold account and made an unauthorized spend from the account.
Until you remove the malicious software from your computer, your account is still vulnerable. Your email account has also been compromised so it is important that you change the password for your account after your computer is cleaned. If the malicious software is still on your computer, someone is able to read your emails, delete your emails or send emails from your account.
The only other way your account could have been compromised is if you received a phishing email with a link for you to click on to access your account. If you clicked on the link and went to a fake e-gold site and entered your e-gold account information along with your email account information, your account could have been compromised without malicious software being installed on your computer.
Have you received any emails within the past few weeks, which appeared to come from e-gold requesting that you log into your account? Did the email contain a link or an attachment? Did you attempt to open the attachment?
Did you click on the link or attempt to access your account from a link in this email?
Have you run a complete virus scan of all computers used to access your account with updated anti-virus software? You should also check your computer for Spyware and Trojan keyloggers. Some people mistakenly assume that anti-virus software protects them from keyloggers and Spyware. Most anti-virus software does not adequately check for keyloggers and Spyware.
If you have checked all the computers used to access your account with only an anti virus software, we strongly recommend you use a software that specifically checks for Spyware and keyloggers.
There are Trojans keyloggers that monitors Internet Explorer windows until a user visits the e-gold login page: e-gold.com/acct/login.html. Once the user is logged in, the Trojan opens a hidden Internet Explorer window in which it accesses the user's account balance: e-gold.com/acct/balance.asp.
After ascertaining the value of the user's account it attempts to transfer their funds to another account using the hidden window.
Most viruses are conveyed by spammed e-mail in the form of HTML messages.
The scripts run on viewing, no clicking on attachments is necessary. They may also arrive as image attachments. Once the image is viewed, the program is executed. Either way, the system is now infected and is just waiting for you to check your e-gold account balance.
You can protect yourself by:
* Using another browser instead of Internet Explorer (IE). Firefox by Mozilla is an excellent choice. You can visit www.mozilla.org for more information.
* Do Not auto-preview incoming e-mail.
* Do Not open obvious spam.
* Do run a full virus scan regularly.
As of today we know specifically of 10 viruses that could cause a problem similar to the one you are having.
1. Win32/Goldun.ia (One customer said he did not find anything when he ran Norton and McAfee anti-virus software, but he found the Win32/Goldun.ia Trojan when he used a software called 'Kaspersky')
2. T SPY_HAXDORY (A customer who was receiving the fake login confirmation page located a virus with Trend Micro Housecall identified as T SPY_HAXDORY. Removing this seemed to solve the problem without having to reinstall windows.)
3. TROJ_GOLDUN.DO which has a file named CPU.EXE found in the c:windows directory. This was found with Trend Micro's PC-cillin.
4. cpu.exe (Aladinz.l Trojan) more information regarding this virus can be found at http://www.auditmypc.com/process/cpu.asp
5. GDIWXP.DLL
6. pwsteal.trojan
7. Win32.Grams.I which monitors Internet Explorer windows until the user visits the e-gold login page: e-gold.com/acct/login.html. Once the user is logged in Grams opens a hidden Internet Explorer window in which it accesses the user's account balance: e-gold.com/acct/balance.asp
8. Trojan.LdPinch.L
9. Trojan.PWS.GoldSpy e.exe in Directory D:Documents and Settings
10. mssync20.exe copies in the windowssystem32 directory. This is a root kit who is only detectable by its activity with antivirus programs. You can use the Kaspersky antivirus. It is called rootkit in the internet, this detects it with some antirootkits, Once customer said, the best for me was Iceword. You have to remove it manually in secure mode in windows and search the registry keys (more then 15).

Which Is The Most Efficient Way To Stop Spyware?

2007-06-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

A common question many folks ask themselves is what is the best most efficient way to stop spyware?
In actual fact there are various ways that have been created of dealing with the menace. There is software that is designed to block spyware and there are others that remove it. So the question is, which is the better option?
Most experts find detection and removal the better more efficient option than trying to block spyware. Actually this system or way of doing things is much more efficient than others. The way most detection software works is that it inspects the contents of the Windows registry that includes both installed programs as well as operating system files. All the time the software will be searching for files and entries, which match a list of known spyware components. Once the tell=tale signs of spyware are detected the files are removed.
Like any other software in this category it is important that it is constantly updated to stay ahead and identify the very latest pests in the market. This is certainly not the sort of software that you can afford to forget to update because the consequences can be devastating.
Neglecting to take any chance can result in the unfortunate situation where you find that there are too many pieces of spyware that have invaded a Windows PC. Usually in this kind of situation there is no option other than to back up the user data and then delete everything and full reinstall all your programs afresh. This can be both a time consuming and costly exercise and that is why it is advisable to take action early

Does Your Anti-Spyware Protection Shield You Against Every Danger?

2007-06-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

What kind of anti-spyware protection do you have at the moment? Is it the sort that gives you complete protection from all the major spyware threats without exception?
That means that the anti-spyware protection that you have should be able to deal with all forms of spyware. That also means, adware, keyloggers, browse hijackers, RATs (Remote Access Trojans) and so on. Please note that this long list has not been placed here to scare you or make you feel overwhelmed. It is actually supposed to get you serious about dealing with all the possible dangers and online security threats bar none.
But that's not all. Your anti-spyware software must be the type that can easily be updated, in fact automatically updated. That means automatic online updates all the time as they are released. This is important because the threats out there are evolving, changing and coming out in new ways all the time. So it is not enough to be fully protected from all the possible dangers, you must also stay pretty much up to date, otherwise you will still be in danger.
Finally for you to feel really protected against the dangers of spyware in all its' forms, it is imperative that whatever protection software you are using has good technical support and excellent after sales service to quickly sort out any problems that emerge and to iron out any bugs.
Once you understand that ever danger does not just means types of spyware but also includes the other loopholes we have mentioned here like being out of date or lack of technical support, then you will be well on the road to being fully protected and shielded from the menace of spyware.

Avoid Headaches Down the Road With Your Internet Security

2007-06-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

A working model of an initial setup of a company conducting business in the internet is a fast and consistent internet link and an organized computer network. For this company, a sizable investment is not a requirement. Just like any real world business, you need to identify your product and sell it effectively on the internet.
Let’s say you have done that. You already have a business plan. You are implementing marketing techniques and sales of your product has been picking up. You hope that everything should be fine since you are a small firm having small fixed cost. You may have chosen to give less priority to the security of your small computer network.
It is a mistake. Thinking that your company is small exempts it from the hazards of being connected to the internet is wrong. You are risking too much to have a small operating cost. It may end up into your company losing data and business hours. The web is home to a network of hackers, and malicious individuals. For fun or profit, they hijack control and data from different companies whether small or large. Some famous internet disruptions will include the ‘I love you’ email virus and the My Doom worm. A virus infects other files. A worm destroys network operating systems.
Data gathered by Internet Security groups seems to suggest that half of all small and medium sized businesses on the internet have failed to adopt security measures for their computer networks. Moreover, the number of breached and abused business networks is still very high. One such research company is AMI-Partners. It conducted a survey to verify how security conscious business companies on the web.
The Internet Security Alliance, ISA, a non-profit group that focuses on information security problems has found out that even small online businesses are more susceptible electronic interference and data pilferage. Some of the bad elements on the internet can even monitor communication whether email or voice over the net methods.
Common sense dictates that it is a waste of time and capital assets if your computer is left unsecured against these threats. Your business will fail if your reputation is damaged by your failure to safeguard data from your customers as well as your company resources.
A solution to these problems is found by surfing the internet. You should get all the information on internet security and the products that provide for it. There are several reputable and reliable companies. They have been providing excellent internet security products for years. Don't you think that it is about time that you minimize the risks of losing your reputation and resources to these bad elements?

What Firewall Will Do For You In Your Fight Against Spyware

2007-06-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Firewall is a great defense against Spyware mainly because apart from the other features it has, this is one software that has done more than any other to bring webmasters quickly back to their senses.
In fact one of the really effective aspects of firewall will really surprise you at first glance. It is the fact that some programs display the number of attempted hacks into your computer. This more than anything else has always helped site owners to quickly wake up to the great potential danger of spyware that they are facing trying to carry on without adequate protection and defenses.
This protection software is especially effective in showing attempted hacks because those site owners still trying to understand and come to terms with Spyware are able to see that in a particular day, it is quite normal to have literally hundreds of attempts to hack into your computer. No other feature I know is as effectives as this particular Firewall one in bringing webmasters and computer owners to their senses.
The effectiveness of Firewall does not stop there. Firewall has also proved that it can eliminate and destroy incoming spyware and adware, which is usually attached to data that we are trying to download from the World Wide Web.
However Firewall on its' own is not enough and you will usually require other types of security software to seal all loopholes and possible entry points into your PC. Still most people will quite often have firewall as part of their protection and security system.

Tell Tale Signs To Help You Spot A Spyware Invasion

2007-06-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

Every disease and ailment has its' symptoms and so do viruses and spyware. There are certain things that you should look out for that will immediately tell you if you are in serious trouble.
Probably the most common is finding that your computer has all of a sudden slowed down considerably. This is usually caused by the illegal installations that have happened as your computer security has been compromised. If you know how to check the software currently running on your PC you will find some strange names that you probably do not recognize. This is a sure sign that you have been invaded.
At times you will find that moments after visiting a certain website or doing a search online, you end up receiving an email spam message with an offer on that very subject. This is usually a sign that some form of adware is in operation on your computer. This is a fairly common occurrence because you should not forget the origins of spyware—it started out as useful software to help advertisers monitor the surfing habits of prospects so that they send them only relevant offers.
There is also the fact that due to the illegal installation of spyware software in your computer, you will find that some of your software is affected in the way it runs. This is yet another tell tale sign that you are no longer alone and are vulnerable to many dangers as somebody else has virtually full access to your PC. This is the time to pull all stops and take emergency measures to protect yourself.

Mac Users Are Immune From Spyware: Myth Or Fact?

2007-06-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

There are many Mac users who have no time to listen to Spyware stories. They believe that they are totally immune to any Spyware danger. But is this true? Is this fact or just a myth?
Admittedly the Mac structure is very different from that of the PC which means that a PC spyware strain will not be as effective with Macs. Meaning that somebody has to create a spyware program targeted exclusively at Macs. But even then there would be another problem. It is estimated that less than 3 per cent of the computers linked to the World Wide Web are Macs which would ordinarily use the Mac Operating System (Mac OS). What this means is that every time the spyware virus tries to spread it wil find that more than 97 per cent of the computers they come across would be PC or non-Mac computers.
This is one of the reasons why Mac spyware tends to spread at such a low rate. But the truth is that Mac owners too need to protect themselves against spyware and indeed we have plenty of decent Mac-based anti-spyware software in the market these days.
Then Mac users need to consider another terrifying possibility that will sooner or later hit the web. And that is spyware software capable of adapting to affect both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Actually security experts have been warning about this possibility for a long time now.
If you are a Mac user reading this, it is advisable that you get out of your false sense of security as quickly as possible so as to avoid disaster in the future.

Is The Alexa Toolbar Spyware?

2007-05-28T21:17:00.004-07:00

Amazon.com is a very reputable online organization and so is it's Internet explorer plug-in the Alexa Toolbar which millions of people have come to trust as the best way of gauging the popularity of a site.
But experts say that Alexa is a form of spyware and that has sent shock waves and plenty of confusion amongst those who still do not quite understand what spyware is.
Taking a peek into the history of spyware will help you understand more quickly exactly what is going on here. Spyware started off as some pretty useful software for monitoring consumer actions and habits so that advertising would be more targeted and relevant. In other words it started as a powerful tool in the hands of good people. It was only later that it landed in the hands of fraudsters and nasty people who naturally wanted to exploit the power of the tool.
The big danger here is that this information causes lots of confusion in people as they wonder just how damaging some mere advertising software can be. Be warned, you should never underestimate the potential damage the spyware you continue to ignore is capable of causing.
Remember that spyware gives your private information out and if you suspect that you may have it on your PC or Mac, remember that each day that you do not take action raises the stakes and it is only a matter of time before you join the rowing statistics of people who have been hit by spyware in one way or another.

What Are The Objectives Of Spyware And Adware?

2007-05-28T21:17:00.003-07:00

What's the whole purpose of Spyware? What's the objective?
These are some of the questions many of those who are still not too familiar with what spyware is keep on asking.
Firstly one need to understand what spyware is. Spyware is simply computer software that secretly collects personal information about users without them being aware of what's going on.
Quite often gathering and recording this information in a number of ways accomplishes this. This includes monitoring logging keystrokes, which enables somebody to easily tell your password. It also includes monitoring web browsing history and scanning documents and data on the PC hard drive.
Now moving to the objectives, they quite often vary a lot. The most obvious is theft and fraud. This is easily achieved by obtaining passwords and financial information using spyware software.
This next purpose will surprise many. Believe it or not spyware is still very widely used for marketing purposes. In this case the victim's web search history is carefully recorded and what follows is a flood of unsolicited offers, and other times annoying pop ups and pop under ads based on your browsing history. Many spyware programs will usually carefully track the web sites a use visits and then sends the data to an online advertising agency.
Spyware is a term that was first used in 1995 and is these days used alongside words like Malware and Adware which also mean more or less the same thing.
You will have noted from this article that whatever the objective of the spyware in your PC it is not for your good and can in fact be quite damaging.

Internet Security Away From Home Or The Office - Beware Of That Dangerous Public Computer

2007-05-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

Computers linked to the Internet and links to the net are everywhere these days but remember that security and the possibility of spyware should always be on your mind at all times and when using public computers, you should know that you are in greater danger.
This should be obvious to you because the truth is that you will no longer be using that well protected PC at home or in the office but you will be using some computer in a library, cyber café or airport that is used by everybody usually to do the sort of things that they would never dream of doing on their own computers at home. We are of course referring to the sort of stunts that make a person extremely vulnerable to spyware.
Now just imagine for a moment that a person forgets themselves and in their effort to quickly access sensitive data or a financial account of sorts, they use the public PC.
Accessing your banking and credit card accounts on a strange computer is a big "NO, NO". It is just too risky. In fact it is much more dangerous than counting your money in some dangerous part of town. The risks are just too high.
There are in fact certain precautions that you can take before leaving home when going on a trip that will help protect you from the many spyware dangers out there lurking in public computers and waiting to strike. These are simple precautions like changing your password the first time you use a computer away from home and forwarding your emails to a special email address set up for use during your trip only.

Computer Security Precautions To Take When You Are Away

2007-05-28T21:16:00.002-07:00

A strange computer or a public computer away from the office or your home, automatically makes you very vulnerable to any deadly attack and the spyware menace as well.
For starters you must never access your bank account or use credit cards with public computers. The risks are just too high. Usually most public computers found in libraries, airports and cyberf cafes have an extremely high likelihood of containing a kind of spyware/Trojan called a "keylogger". As the name suggests, this kind of spyware software records every keystroke you make on the PC. This in turn gives easy access of your accounts and sensitive data to online thieves and fraudsters.
One useful tip to bear in mind when going on trips is to set up a special email account for the trip only and forward all your emails to that account. This action can end up saving you a lot of grief because whatever happens you will only be exposing your temporary email address.
Another option would be for you to change your password the first time you use a computer away from home or the office. Here it is extremely important that you do not forget t change your password again once you get back from your trip.
You should also be careful to use only secure browsers like Firefox and Opera and you should get into the habit of doing so when you are both in the secure environment of your home or office and when you are also venturing into the deadly environment of using a public computer.

How Do I Know If My PC Is Infected With Spyware?

2007-05-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

Spyware in my PC? Well,
Do you download movies from torrents?
Download free wallpaper?
Download free software?
Visit adult sites?
Use P2P sites?If you do any of the above, your PC may have been infected with spyware or viruses of some sort. Generally speaking if you are an active online surfer, the chances that your privacy is hack are high. In fact, there is no way you can avoid that unless you do not use the internet.
Well, the most dangerous threat the internet could impose to you is when spyware or adware hiding in your PC collecting your personal data and password to spread it across with advertisers. And all of a sudden you are getting emails about Viagra, Lottery winning notification, Free $$$ in your account from xxx casino, all crushing your mail box like thunderstorm. Where did they get your email address? You are being spied everytime you are online.
That is an example of what spyware could do to you. Other symptoms that your PC may be infected with spyware are when:
Your web browser takes you to another page than the address you key in
Your homepage been altered to another site
Annoying pop ups coming from nowhere when your are surfing
Your PC shut down and restarted suddenly
Your browser shows a 404 error page (this may not due to your internet connection, it could be spyware working behind the scene)
There is missing shortcut pop up everytime you start your computer
Or a pop up saying that a certain path is invalid
Or probably a pop up message telling you that there is an illegal action while starting your browser or other Microsoft application.Some spyware removal tool will scan and quarantine the infected files from further damaging your PC. But I found them useless as the whole program that uses the file will not work anymore. And if that particular file being held (quarantined) by your spyware tool is a shared file of a few programs, then all those programs will not function properly.
If that happens to you, formatting and reinstalling the windows is the best option unless you have used a reliable spyware removal tools in the first place. Therefore, be extra careful to ensure that your PC is protected with a reliable spyware removal tool to allow a safer and stress free surfing experience.

Making Net-surfing as Easy as Pie

2007-05-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Internet is truly a near-miracle. It connects us to people all over the world. It allows us to view information that we would otherwise have no access to. Using it is probably easier than "easy as pie". And one of the things that helps us access the Internet, is the proxy server.
A proxy server is something like an intermediary between the computer you are using and the server that you are trying to access. This concept becomes easier to understand once you think about how it works. Suppose there is a website that is accessed frequently from a particular computer. This site gets saved in the cache of the proxy server. So the next time that somebody tries to view that website, the page is pulled up from this cache.
The advantage of this style of functioning is that the process is speeded up. This is because the proxy server does not need to go to the real server of that website to view it. The site has already been placed in the proxy server's cache.
Web proxies are proxy servers that limit their job to the Internet. Sometimes web proxies are used to block websites that are provocative or offensive. They also serve another, perhaps more important, function of blocking viruses that may be present on the webpages that are being viewed. In fact, a number of organizations make use of proxy servers to perform these very functions. A company could even block its employees from viewing a particular website by making use of a proxy server. Notably, the user himself is usually unaware of the work being done by the proxy server.
There are many other kinds of proxy servers that are found on the Internet. These include transparent proxies, split proxies and reverse proxies. Open proxies are proxy servers that are popular with spammers and Internet Relay Chat users.
There is also something called an anonymous proxy server. This helps provide anonymity, and hence, privacy, to the user. It does this by hiding the IP address of the user. As a result, the number of junk mails and spam that one would otherwise get flooded with are considerably reduced. It is good to use an anonymous proxy server because it keeps you protected from hackers.
There is a lot more to proxy servers than this. But the next time you are able to quickly access your favorite webpage, I'm sure you'll be blessing your proxy server even while the page loads!

Antispyware Host File - Protect Your Computer Now With This Simple Fix

2007-05-25T03:17:00.004-07:00

An antispyware host file is a simple defence mechanism against rogue sites that are out to get you and compromise your computer.
Spyware, also known as adware, are a variety of malicious websites and programs that seek to gain at your expense. Ways that spyware will try to do this include installing rogue programs on your machine called trojans that will log your confidential personal data and send it back to criminals or simply use your PC as a bot from which to launch coordinated attacks on other websites. Spyware can also be used to bombard you with useless and unwanted advertising programs that you have no interest in. Lastly, they will typically slow down your PC.
An antispyware host file is one of many tools in your armory. It is basically a way for your PC to know what sites are "bad". Often, this may be referred to as a "blacklist". When your PC knows this blacklist, it will refuse to make connections with these sites and thus your PC cannot load any dodgy ads or programs from these sites.
The beauty of an antispyware host file is its simplicity. It is a text file that is easily edited using Notepad or some other text file editor. Although it is present on many operating systems, most of you will be using Windows XP.
On Windows XP, the antispyware host file can be found in the folder: "C:WINDOWSsystem32driversetc". There, you will find a file called "hosts". If you open this in Notepad, you can see that it is freely edited.
Actually, what your host file does it to override your internet provider in giving the address details for websites. By using the special "loopback address", 127.0.0.1, you can tell your PC to "stay at home" instead of going to a spyware site. For example, if you put "cnn.com" after the line "127.0.0.1", your PC will not access the internet if you want to visit that site. You will no longer be able to go to cnn.com -- please don't trick your friends using this!
Many a ready-made antispyware host file can be found on the internet with hundreds of bad sites listed so that your PC will never contact them.
Unfortunately, there is also a drawback to an antispyware host file including:
- needs to be update regularly
- some malicious software may be able to edit the file
- will not protect you from all viruses, trojans and spyware
For this reason, although I highly recommend an antispyware host file, it is simply not enough to protect your PC and spyware needs only one open route to infect your computer. Would you lock your front door but keep the windows open?
For full security from criminals, you need to look at a much better spyware/adware package, as well as possible virus scanning and software or hardware firewalls.

Password Management and Keeping Login Details Secure Part I

2007-05-25T03:17:00.003-07:00

Everybody who is involved in internet marketing, or even provides registration details for anything requiring the provision of a user name and password, will eventually need some way of remembering them. Security is another problem that people have to think about, but their major problem is remembering the password.
It is not so much a problem when you start out in internet marketing and only have a dozen or so to remember! However, once you are established and are registered with a large number of newsletters, membership sites and other websites that require passwords and login details, then you will have to remember them all. If you are involved in article marketing, you have to register with each directory, and unless you use the same password for them all, you will have a lot of details to remember. Internet banking and credit card management especially have to be secure and require more details for you to remember than is normally required.
There are a number of ways in which you can do this. The obvious way is to put them all into an excel file and give it password protection, and this is what many people do. Most people also believe that nobody is really interested in most of your passwords and logins – it is your internet banking details that people will be more interested in, and a password database system will be of more use to you in that case than in any other. It will be worth it to you to obtain one

Password Management and Keeping Login Details Secure Part II

2007-05-25T03:17:00.001-07:00

A lot of people who use very weak passwords for most of what they consider non-critical logins are under the impression that all they have to lose is that somebody else will have free access to the membership site that they paid for. All they will lose is their login name and password for that site and all the hacker will get is a free newsletter!
Do they really think that hackers want their details to get a free newsletter that they could register for themselves? Or even to get access to your Private Label Membership site for some free software or ebooks? Get Real!
Hackers can get a lot of information about you from finding out your password and login details, and then using these details to log on to the particular site to which they relate. Once there using your name they can access your personal details. You will normally have provided details such a telephone number, address, full name and other details that others could use to set up a bank account or credit card in your name.
Don’t think that the fact that that new credit cards have to posted to your address stops them. What if the person doing it works for the postal company or even delivers your post? Stranger things have happened. What if there is a communal post box and that somebody using it has set you up or even stolen your details themselves? They could also arrange to have the credit card in your name sent to their place of work. All they do is look for your name in the mail. Company registered or special delivery mail is signed for by whoever is present at the time. Never make assumptions. Make it difficult.

Password Management and Keeping Login Details Secure Part III

2007-05-25T03:16:00.003-07:00

You should not use the same user name too often. Perhaps you have a favourite name you use with a number behind. That’s easy to crack: just get your name and then add successive numbers until it works. In fact, there is a lot of software available that will help people to do that. It does not take long for it to find user names, especially if it can access your computer cache. The same is true of frequently used passwords, so you must use a strong password that provides no clue, even to its theme. Do not use birthdays, names or pop bands, all of which are common.
However, if you don’t use weak passwords that you can easily remember, you will need a means of remembering them, and an excel file is not the secure way to do it. There is only one way to keep as many login details and passwords as secure as you can, and that is to have a different login and different password for every need.
There are several password management software packages available online that you can use to store your details. Go for paid software, not freeware since you can never be use of the level of encryption with free software. Those that you pay for are more secure, and while the various options work in different ways, they all provide a similar service.
Your login details and passwords are encrypted and stored for each membership in which it is used. When you click on the login button, the software automatically logs you in without showing any details, except perhaps your login name. This type of software allows you to edit and change details as required, and can provide several logins for each membership.
Password management systems are far preferable to memory, pieces of paper or even Excel files for storage and security of login details. There are several available on the internet, and there is not a lot to choose between them. Make it hard for hackers!

Protect Your E-mail by Obfuscatoin

2007-05-25T03:16:00.001-07:00

E-mail harvesting is the process of obtaining lists of e-mail addresses from the internet. This is usually done for use in bulk e-mail and for various other purposes that can generally be described as 'spam' (ie the mass sending of unsolicited e-mails).
Spammers can generate e-mail lists in several ways: the purchase of e-mail lists from other spammers or the use of special web spiders known as 'harvesting bots' or 'harvesters' that crawl Web pages, Usenet postings, mailing list archives or Blogs in the search for e-mail addresses. Another method used to harvest bulk emails is to used a method called a 'dictionary attack'. For this method the spammer takes the common email domains 'yahoo.com', 'hotmail.com', 'btinternet.com' etc. A dictionary of personal names is then used to prepend those names to domains such as the ones above. These messages are sent and any messages that are delivered rather than being bounced back 'undeliverable' can then be added to the spammer's sending list.
Another e-mail harvesting scam is to use a popup or web page that promises a free product or service if the user provides a valid e-mail address to sign-in with. The addresses can then be collected as potential spam targets.
If you use the internet for your business and if you have a website or participate in forums then you will probably be publishing your emails on the web. This makes your email address vulnerable to harvesting spiders. Most of these email harvesters know that they have encountered an e-mail address by looking for mailto: links or @ signs within your web pages.
Just remember that you should never publish a non-encoded or non-protected e-mail address anywhere on the internet. If you run your own site and can run perl applications then you can use a form-mail application to allow users to contact you which completely hides your email address.
Relatively low-tech methods for protecting your email address would include the following:
example at domain dot com: which can be transliterated to example@domain.com. Using the word forms of at (@) and dot (.) effectively obfuscates the mail address.
e x a m p l e @ d o m a i n . c o m: here the spaces obfuscates the mail address but it can easily be read by a human.
example@domain.com: here the UTF-8 values for @ and . are used to obfuscate the web address. moc.niamod@elpmaxe: a simple but effective technique which is simply to invert the entire email address.
elpmaex@moc.niamod: a variant on the example above where the name and domains of the email are separately inverted.
example@domainNOSPAM.con.invalid. The invalid is a special top-level domain which is added to ensure that a valid email address is not accidentally created. Simply remove the uppercase characters and the .invalid domain to give and active e-mail address.
Unfortunately few of the techniques above are 100% certain to work as spammers can now clean-up many such addresses and will send e-mail to the cleaned address. You could, however, post your e-mail address as an image, which is guaranteed to protect it.
There are also more comprehensive ways of hiding your email address, such as encoding the entire email address as unicode UTF-8 and using JavaScript to publish it. You can also encode the e-mail address as jumbled HTML and use CSS code to display it.

Anti-Spyware Software - Is There A Way You Can Do Without It?

2007-05-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

You may be one of those people who keep on wondering what all the fuss about getting anti-spyware software is all about. What’s more you may even have managed to survive for quite a long time without seeing any spyware trouble.
Now that is the most dangerous position to be in because it makes you very vulnerable because at any moment you can fall victim of credit card fraud or identify theft and as those who have been through it will tell you, it certainly is not fun at all.
But what exactly is spyware software and what is the truth about the sort of damage that it is capable of causing? How can you get anti-spyware and how can you be sure that it is genuine stuff?
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information and data about every web site you visit as well as every secret password you use to access every sensitive and non-sensitive account that you operate from the computer that has been secretly infested with the spyware software. This information is then automatically sent to the remote location where the spyware originated.
You can imagine what kind of damage can be caused when a nasty guy gets hold of the sort of information that I have just described. Huge amounts of funds can be transferred from your accounts and in fact you identity can be stolen meaning that somebody takes over access to all your online accounts.
Spyware is for real and you should take the threat very seriously indeed before it is too late. A good idea is to use an established website that deals in anti-spyware software.

What Is Anti Spyware?

2007-05-23T02:23:00.001-07:00

Anti Spyware prevent the installation of spyware software on our computer systems. This kind of spyware protection works almost like an anti-virus protection as all incoming network data is checked for spyware software and the threats are effectively blocked. In case, spyware has already found its way to your computer, Anti-spyware software programs can be used exclusively for its detection and removal.
Usually, Spyware is not clearly defined and often confused with adware. Any software that slyly gathers user information without his/her knowledge mainly for advertising purposes is called spyware. They are generally installed without the user’s knowledge. In contrast, most types of adware, are installed with the user's knowledge.
Steps to control spyware across the United States:
Consumer and privacy advocates have been requesting congressional action for providing consumers with greater details about the programs that report back Internet Browsing patterns to advertisers and generate unnecessary pop-ups. Spyware software can also bog down the computer or network's performance or even cause it to crash.
The first legislation concerns spyware such are phishing, index page hijacking, keystroke logging and advertisements that can be closed only by shutting down a computer. People violating any rules and regulations associated with these nefarious activities could end up facing civil penalties to the tune of $3 million.
This legislation comprises of the first anti-spyware measure placed in the House. Soon another bill will be approved, which will provide for criminal penalties the majority of the civil violations in the Spy Act.
Some rules permit the computer software providers to interact with users’ computer without their knowledge or assent for determining whether the computer user is authorized to software on initialization or an update of the software.
Some activities like Network monitoring are exempted from the provisions of the bill to the extent that the monitoring is for security purposes, technical support/repair, diagnostics, or the detection or prevention of fraudulent activities. As long as Cookies are only used to allow the user to access a website, they are also exempted.
This legislation will put a check on many of the deceptive practices related to spyware and it will give the Federal Trade Commission, enforcement authority, according to Rep. John Dingell, the ranking Democrat on the Energy and commerce Committee. Additional protection is also provided to consumers by enforcing legitimate companies distributing spyware to get permission before installing it on a computer.
The Internet Spyware Prevention Act of 2004, recognizes the intentionally access of a computer without authorization as a serious crime.
If an unauthorized intrusion is further escalated by committing a federal crime such as clandestinely accessing personal data, the penalty can go up to five years in prison. A prison term of two years is awarded for intentionally harming or defrauding a person or damaging a computer via unauthorized installation of spyware.
The legislation also authorizes $10 million for the Justice Department to fight spyware and phishing scams, even if the bill does not explicitly state phishing a crime.

Free Spyware Removal Online

2007-05-23T02:22:00.002-07:00

Spyware are basically software programs which spy on computer users, and send back their personal and other details to the owner of the Spyware program. Once your computer becomes infected with Spyware, it seizes control of various parts of your computer without your knowledge or assent.
The information collected about you can contain very sensitive information concerning online purchases, credit card details, and browser activities. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your self from such net based intrusions of your privacy.
There are plenty of Free Spyware Removal Programs available online. Just download any one of them from a reputable site and safeguard your computer against the onslaught of all kinds of spyware. Bear in mind that all Free Spyware Removal Programs, as well as the ones charging a fee, require regular updates to acquire knowledge of the new types of Spyware which are being created continuously.
Irrespective of whether you choose a free Spyware Removal Program or one that costs money, you should ensure that the providing company offers an easy method of updating what you choose. Almost all Free Spyware Removal Programs provide the facility of accessing the necessary updates free of cost. The Free Spyware Removal Programs can be preset to automatically download updates as soon as they are available.
While selecting Free Spyware Removal Programs, try to choose one that does more than just hunt down and eradicate any spyware from your computer. Ideally, choose effective and reputed software that alerts you the instant a spyware program attempts to install itself into your computer.
The perfect spyware removal program should also offer you the facility of resisting all attempts of spyware trying to infiltrate you computer system without disturbing you while you work.
If you use good quality Free Spyware Removal Programs, you will be protecting your self from all kinds of hazards of surfing the Internet. It will be wise to note that Spyware is not just used for sending you seemingly irrelevant commercial e-mails or irritating pop-ups. It has been involved in various cases of online credit card frauds and identity theft and they can also bog down the performance of you computer in terms of speed. The majority of Spyware programs will try not to be obtrusive.
Unlike most computer viruses, Spyware will not always delete information from your hard drive. Instead, the Spyware will try to remain undetected in your computer system for as long as possible. So, it can keep on sending out information about you regularly for month’s altogether. Why not take advantage of the Free Spyware Removal Programs that are available online to protect your interests. Free Spyware Removal Programs are tailor made for detecting and removing Spyware programs, and will keep your computer free of such dangerous software. Nowadays, downloading and installing a Free Spyware Removal Programs is something which needs no sweat.
Every day, new kinds of malicious Spyware and Adware are created and you must choose a high-quality program which is regularly updated for protecting yourself.

Detecting If You Have Spyware

2007-05-23T02:22:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed anything strange in your browser behavior lately? Every time you activate your Internet Browser, a small program called a Browser Helper Object starts to execute. This BHO is installed by another program or utility in your computer system. The BHO tracks/monitors all the advertisements and sites that you observe while surfing the net. Most BHOs are also known as “adware” or “spyware”. They track/monitor all kinds of sensitive information about you and send all this data to the people who developed them in the first place.
You will find many companies offering free spyware detection facilities using a variety of spyware detection software. Spyware is a general term used for software program that performs certain nefarious activities such as collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer without your consent or knowledge. The appellation - spy ware or adware is usually associated with software that displays ads or software that collate personal information which may be of a sensitive nature.
A Dialer is software is one that gets installed in your computer and has the ability to make phone calls from your computer without your knowledge in case you have a modem connected. A dialer will connect you to another computer via your phone line and you will be charged for the span of time your computer is connected to the net.
The Signs of InfectionSpyware, adware or hijackers and dialers basically affect your computer system in a very destructive way. The most common way to get infected is by overlooking to install proper security settings in your browser. Therefore, every computer system should be installed with a spyware detection/removal software. The common symptoms of being infected with spyware are -
The Browser Home Page is changedThe home page is the page which the browser displays the minute you open it. Some Internet Service Providers also offer to redirect their customer’s first web access to their own portal. This unwanted software has the expertise to alter or snatch your web page or search page to an alternate page, something that you don’t require. Such programs also make it extremely difficult to revert back to the original home page.
Browser RedirectsThis is a tool that allows the creation of a page which detects the visitor’s browser and accordingly loads a page depending on the browser used. To be more precise, the browser redirect will be asked to redirect a file, folder, a network share, or a program in Internet information service. As and when a browser requests a page on a web site, the web server will find the page that is identified by the URL, and then will return to the browser. The Internet Information Service is used to redirect the client computer request to a new location even if the user does not wish it that way.

Spyware Software Explained

2007-05-23T02:21:00.002-07:00

There is so much confusion amongst most people regarding the type and the number of Spyware software (removal and prevention) to use that this topic merits a detailed discussion.
One anti adware and spyware software is essential. Having more than one protection software is really not important for many reasons. The most important point is that things can backfire, if you are unaware of the usage of different kinds of anti spyware. If you own more than one software of the same kind like two antispyware and adware software, this may cause certain kind of backups to be deleted.
When you scan your computer with software A, certain backups are created and some of the backups are very crucial especially if an infection is found. Scanning with software B will also create backups. While doing so, software B will encounter the back up files created by software A. Next, you will start deleting infections but the fact is, that the important backups made by software A will be deleted.
The backups generally contain infected files or quarantined files. These should not be deleted because the computer may need these files to function properly. One has to be prudent before deleting such files and the decision to do so warrants proper analysis.
A multitude of software running simultaneously will slow down your computer. Worse still, the software might not work properly when another one is operating at the same time, usually the case with software that has real time protection.
It is not a question of which software to use. Basically, Software provides you with a cure in case your computer gets infected. Protection or prevention is always better than cure. You protect your computer systems by following certain guidelines and also by avoiding certain type of websites.
Try to avoid surfing porn sites and the most of the badly designed sites. Such sites usually use more than one popup. Most creditable companies do not make use of more than one popup and they have professional websites. The cardinal rule is to use popular services while surfing the Internet. Use the well known services like google, and msn and surf the popular sites generally chosen by most people. The best way is to look at recommendations/feedbacks about various sites from the new, popular and free service known as Yahoo Answers instead of fumbling.
Since protection automatically removes 90% of the risk, the anti spyware and adware software come into the picture in case you accidentally get infected.
Some anti spyware also provides real time protection which means they work when you are working on your computer. Some software does not offer real time protection and are only useful for removing infections. The real time variety of anti spyware provides preventive action by protecting and warding off the infection before your computer is afflicted. While the offline varieties of anti spyware have all the other features as well, they do not offer indispensable protection due to the absence of real time scanning.

Using Spyware Scans

2007-05-23T02:21:00.001-07:00

The basic function of a free spyware scan is to warn you if your computer is infected with some type of malicious program which can cause a great deal of havoc to your system.
When should you go in for a spyware scan?
Unwanted pop-ups: These are a cause for so much irritation. Your visits to some sites may cause rogue software to be installed on you computer (without you being aware of it) and this will result in pop ups to appear. This is one of the most common warning signs of spyware infection.
Slow computer: When your computer is infected with too many spyware, the overall performance will affected, causing your system to get bogged down. Do take note of the fact that these programs are taking up space on your hard disk as well as using up processing power. Make it a weekly practice to scan your computer for such mischievous programs and eradicate them.
Downloading music or other programs: Since we do this quite often, we are often unaware that this is the most common method of infecting our computer systems. Each time you download something from the net, you are running a major risk. While downloading music, do you really know who you are downloading it from? Moreover, if you are downloading software which is illegal, and searching for key generating software afterwards, be forewarned! These programs will disable all the existing set ups/configurations of your computer system and cause it to crash.
Your homepage is different: Some spyware have the ability to alter your homepage settings without your awareness. Therefore, it allows them to augment the number of visitors to their site, thus slyly inflating their website statistics.
If you have found the above irregularities in your computer system, you are in urgent need of a free adware /spyware scan to scrutinize your computer for locating spyware and removing it. Many good internet security companies offer free online spyware scans that will help detect any traces of spyware/adware on your computer. Free spyware removal is also offered by most of these companies. As the scanning process has to look into the crevices and every nook and cranny of your computer system, a spyware scan is very incisive and probing in manner. Therefore, always trust only legitimate, popular and reputed websites while doing any type of computer scan.
The additional benefits are that a free spyware scan can also be an effective check in case you are already using anti-spyware software. As spyware is very devious and also very dynamic (daily, new versions of spyware are created and let loose onto the internet), it is practical to “double-check” on your anti-spyware software’s effectiveness by scanning your computer with another vendor’s product at various intervals.
Be extra careful while downloading free software on the web, because this is another means for cyber thieves who to infect your PC with deadly “identity-stealing” spyware.
You can breathe easy, as there are quite a few legitimate places to get a free spyware scan. Such legitimate websites are the “official” websites of the leading internet security providers.

Identity Theft: The Rest of the Story

2007-05-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Assume your name is Larry Smith. You could become rich by assuming another persons name. All you have to do is go and get their total identity. Not just banking information, but there SSN or S.I.N. if you live in Canada. From that information you can find out their address, birthdates, work history, credit history...
Now I have never done that. But you can discover much more than that information. That is what society is calling Identity Theft. Really I thought society is suggesting Identity Theft as someone robbing your money; a phishing scheme; a false report from a bank on innocent looking emails.
No it is far more than that. For Larry Smith is was a convulted mess. It robbed him of his person. Someone actually took his name and ran up expenses and a new reputation for him.
How did we as western, progressive, societies fall into this crime. As a society, who prides itself on being the best in the world; how did we ever fall prey to our devices.
We are not at war with some nation whose number one machine gun is an internet toting phishing scheme.
No.
We are war with ourselves. More and more we are a money-driven society that looks out for number one. Criminals are at home, enjoying a latte sitting in front of their little white boxes, with wires, and telephone plugs, and memory banks, and a keyboard. The imagination is satisfied by replacing-cloning-if you will another person to occupy your expense account.
Identity Theft. The fastest growing crime of the 21st century and its just getting started. For Larry Smiths' total story, write to burbible@hotmail.com and in the subject line, write Larry Smith

What is Spyware?

2007-05-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

Spyware is a term used to define a software application that is installed without the user’s knowledge. Once installed, it performs certain activities such as changing the configuration of the computer, gathering/monitoring sensitive personal information, tracking user’s browsing habits and advertising- generally without obtaining the user’s consent. We generally associate it with software that displays advertisements (called ad ware).
Broadly defined, it is a software application operating without the user’s consent, which ultimately benefits a 3rd party. Some of the benefits to the third party are:
Adding new homepages, icons and favorite links Adding affiliate links to shopping portals Monitoring internet activity Installing other 3rd party applications Identifying Theft Making the PC sluggish
Despite all this, please note that all software applications displaying ads or tracking your online activities pose a threat to your data. Supposing, you sign up for a free music service, you "pay" for the service by consenting to receive targeted ads. If you comprehend the terms and consent to them, perhaps you may think it to be a fair bargain. You may also agree to let the company track/monitor your browsing activities to determine the kind of ads to show you.
The other kinds of spyware can make drastic changes to your computer and can cause your computer to either slow down its speed considerably or crash. Such programs can add additional components to your browser which are not needed or can change your Web browser's home page or search page. It then becomes increasingly difficult to revert back to the original settings. Most systems are infected with Spyware/Adware without your realization and the subsequent removal of the spyware is often difficult for the average user.
Microsoft Windows and the Internet Explorer browser, being the choice of the majority of people, are the primary targets for Spyware. By using a substitute operating system or browser the risk of spyware can be reduced drastically, but only because it is less common (and not necessarily because it is more secure option). Downloading and running applications from the internet is another possible route of infection. Companies that distribute Spyware software often feign innocence by claiming that the user agreed to this kind of monitoring during the installation of a certain software application (usually browser toolbars and extensions). Nevertheless, large and complex user agreements misrepresent the real actions of the spyware.
Although this malicious use of spyware is frowned upon, it is an extremely profitable business for a select few. Website owners are paid as much as $0.50 per installation of special kind of Spyware, which makes this a feasible option for sites that have low shelf life but experience high traffic such as pornographic websites and other illegal websites.
Once forewarned, all computer users must take sensible precautions when using the internet and downloading software. With the correct tools, it is easy enough to remove the Spyware threat. The current trend is that some Spyware products distribute themselves as Spyware Removal Tools ! - which of course can be extremely harmful for the non suspecting user. Therefore it will be wise to combine effective Anti-Spyware tools with other Anti-Virus and Firewall applications for complete PC protection as a single application will not defend you from all 3 threats.

How To Remove Spyware

2007-05-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Spyware fraudulently take up space on your hard drive to carry out their nefarious activities. The entire information that you enter on the web can be intercepted/tracked/monitored. Unauthorized sites can get installed onto your desktop as icons or your Internet favorites. All kinds of unnecessary toolbars, search bars and software can attach themselves to your browser without your approval or knowledge.
Interested parties can offer to pay for your personal information and all your personal details will be sold without your knowledge or consent. All your default homepage and settings can be hijacked in such a manner that you will not be able to alter them.
Your browsing activity can be tracked and monitored also known as keylogging.
Since there are so many kinds of spyware threats, spyware removal is a complicated process. We recommend that you use an anti-spyware software product/spyware cleaner (plenty of free versions are available for downloading). An anti spyware software basically carries a database of all-known threats, so that a system scan will detect all traces and take the optimum steps to remove them. Free applications are plentiful and they will do a great job of keeping your system clean, if the internal database is kept up to date.
You are welcome to install more than one anti-spyware solution (as long as they are not running simultaneously), so it is worthwhile to download a few more of the more sought after applications to ensure that your PC is protected from all angles. If you are simply carrying out a weekly checkup or you suspect that you have an infection, just run each anti-spyware package, update the internal database and perform a complete scan. Automatic removal is pretty uncomplicated in most cases.
If for some reason, you are unable to eradicate the spyware using the automatic removal method, consult the spyware directory of manual removal instructions and look up the name of the spyware that is causing you problems. It is strongly recommended that you take a backup of your system data before you implement any changes. This is so because some spyware removals involve modifications in the registry of your operating system. These registry modifications can cause problems if executed inefficiently. The need for a total computer format in case of spyware infections is very rare, but some more resilient infections may necessitate this type of a manual removal.
How Spyware Removal software applications help you
1. They provide real time protection against the installation of spyware software on your computer. This type of spyware protection works in a similar manner as an anti-virus protection as all incoming network data is scanned for spyware software and the threats are blocked.
2. Anti-spyware software programs can be used solely for the detection and removal of spyware software that has already found its way onto your computer. This spyware protection software allows you to schedule weekly, daily, or monthly scans of your computer to detect and remove any spyware software that has been installed on your computer.
3 Golden Rules for Effective Spyware Protection and Removal.
1) Always install one software of each type - An anti adware/spyware software, anti virus software and firewall protection software.
2) Consult and read carefully all the articles and documentation provided and know the facts.
3) Please use the software strictly as per instructions and do not forget the three important functions- Scanning, ensuring real time protection and updating software.

Protecting Yourself From Spyware

2007-05-21T20:52:00.002-07:00

Spyware is a software application that performs activities such as advertising, gathering personal information, or altering the configuration of your computer, usually without obtaining your consent. The term Spyware represents the whole gamut of software applications that displays advertisements (called adware) or that tracks personal or sensitive information. Other kinds of spyware make changes to your computer that can be troublesome and can cause your computer to either slow down or crash.
There are a number of ways in which spyware or other unwanted software can get to your computer. The most common trap is to stealthily gain access to your computer during the installation of another software application of your choice.
The decisive factor in all cases is whether or not you (or the person using your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer after careful scrutiny and thorough study.
Each time you install a software application on your computer, do read carefully all disclosures, license agreement and privacy statement. At times, the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is mentioned, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement so you miss it out altogether.
Spyware protection can be achieved in two distinct steps-
Ensure that spyware is not getting installed on your computer. In the unfortunate case that a spyware DOES get installed, take immediate steps to protect you data and the computer’s configuration by using an effective spyware cleaner which should be bought after careful analysis.
An important and vital element of spyware protection is the ability to retrieve information that has been lost due to various reasons. Data recovery solutions save a great amount of time, money and hassle. Loss of data occurs from time to time, and can be really troublesome when it does. Taking backups is the simplest and the most efficient way of ensuring that your data is never permanently lost.
In case you have not made any data backups and the situation demands data recovery solutions; there are many companies and firms who specialize in this field. There are professionals who can locate and retrieve information that has been accidentally wiped out or deleted. Also, any papers or stores lost due to a breakdown in wireless security or mainframe security can be recovered. A check can also be made for spyware, and the necessary precautions can be taken so that your data is never lost again.
If your data has been lost because of faulty computer security, you should fix the problem immediately. Hackers are becoming more and more crafty and sophisticated with their programs, worms and viruses so you have to be one step ahead of them. It is cumbersome when you lose your data because of spyware, viruses, or faulty mainframe security or wireless security.
Spyware protection is not a destination- it is more of an ongoing journey. Make certain your computer is always confined from viruses, spam and spyware.
a) Always remember to install one software of each of the following type- An anti adware/spyware software, anti virus software and firewall protection software.
b) Read all the documented information carefully and understand the facts completely.
c) Never compromise on the 3 vital functions- Scanning, opening software for real time protection and updating software.

When To Use Spyware Cleaners

2007-05-21T20:52:00.001-07:00

A spyware cleaner protects your computer against all kinds of adware, malware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, tracking cookies, viruses, active X control, browser hijacks and toolbars.
Please note that some malicious programmers have released several fake anti-spyware cleaner which can cause havoc in your computer system. These widely distributed Web banner ads mislead the users by warning them that their computers have spyware, urging them to use spyware cleaners that do not actually clean the computer of spyware. As a matter of fact, they may infect the system with some additional spyware.
Ideally, shopping for spyware cleaners should not be done in the same way as shopping for groceries. A little care and research will go a long way to help you buy the ideal spyware cleaner. Most people follow a simple rule for shopping which is based on the presumption that higher the price of a product, better the quality. Unfortunately, things do not always turn out that way.
Most crafty marketers generally package the same crappy product into two different categories, namely up market and mass market. Supposing you choose the up market version, you will pay dearly for the "up market version" for the more effective remedy and many will be deceived into believing that they are getting better quality.
With spyware cleaners, one should not compromise on the quality as it can have a bearing on the efficacy of the product. Remember that spywares record and transmit sensitive and private information like your passwords and credit card numbers through out the World Wide Web. This can cause irreparable damage to you unless you take care.
To ensure that you have the appropriate and effective spyware cleaner to do the job, please do your home work carefully before buying it.
How Spyware cleaners protect you
They provide real time protection so that spyware is not installed on your computer. They function in a similar manner as an anti virus software by scanning all incoming data via the network for any threats. In the event that a spyware has already been installed in your computer systems, there are spyware cleaners which are designed solely to detect and remove them by scanning the hard disk and weeding out all spyware infected files.
Some of the popular spyware cleaners available in the market today:
Adware Away AntiSpyware, Aluria Spyware Eliminator, Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal, McAfee AntiSpyware, Intermute SpySubtract & Microsoft.
How to choose the right software:
Careful consideration should be taken to make the right choice for your particular problem as spywares are a serious threat to your computer system. You can keep in mind the criteria given below to make certain you find the right solution for your spyware problems.
What to look for:
Features – effectiveness, ease of use, customer support
Technical support – descriptions of software, block cookies, real time protection, judges severity of infection, auto updates, control startup applications
Detection and removal – Spyware, adware, keyloggers, active x controls, tool bars, tracking cookies, spyware in registry, browser hijack, malware.
The operating system supported – Windows Vista, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000.

Spyware Prevention - Simple Steps

2007-05-21T20:51:00.002-07:00

The ideal way to protect yourself from spyware is to prevent it from installing itself in your computer system in the first place. As the new age adage goes – ‘Spyware prevention is better than spyware cure”.
A few practical tips:
Ensure that you use a good functional firewall, as this will keep track of and detect any malicious internet activity.
Make sure that Windows or the operating system that you are using is always updated using the build in Windows/OS Update tool.
It will be a good idea to check for updates on a regular basis to repair any security breaches in case they arise.
Please be careful to only download from sites you trust - don't download from just anywhere without scrutiny as spyware may be installed without your even realizing it.
Avoid Peer2Peer applications! Such applications can jeopardize your computer systems as hazardous spyware is often incorporated with this software.
There are a numerous ways in which spyware or other unwanted software can gain access to your computer. The typical trick is to install the software in a furtive manner during the installation of the software of your choice. The key to spyware prevention is to bypass all traps that lead to installation of spyware applications.
Please note that the key in these cases is whether or not you (or the other person using your computer) understand what the software will do and have accordingly agreed to install the software on your computer.
Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you that carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. At times, the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement. The key to spyware prevention is a knowledgeable user.
A few easy Steps Towards Increasing Computer Security And Protection
1) First install an anti adware and spyware software.
2) Install an anti virus software.
3) People using Windows XP can turn on windows firewall. Just click on Start, Settings, Control Panel and double click on "Windows Firewall" and select On (recommended) option. If you do not have Windows XP then install other well know firewalls like Zone Alarm.
4) Windows XP users can turn on automatic updates. Just Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double click on "Security Center", click on Automatic settings and Turn it ON. (So that’s extra protection for XP users)
5) Install one software of each of the following type- An anti adware/spyware software, anti virus software and firewall protection software.
6) Always read all the suggested articles and understand the facts completely.
7) Never forget the 3 most important functions- Scanning, opening software for real time protection and updating software.

What Is Anti Spyware?

2007-05-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

Free Spyware Removal Online

2007-05-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Virus and Spyware Hackers Target Legitimate Websites

2007-05-16T02:36:00.002-07:00

Malicious software on the Internet has more than doubled in the last year and it’s expected to continue to increase as hackers become more and more sophisticated in the techniques they use to deliver viruses, spyware, worms, Trojans and adware to the Internet.
According to a recent report by Sophos, this growth in malware on the web is due to a new movement whereby hackers place malware on websites rather than using email attachments. Sophos estimates an average of 5,000 new infected web pages are unleashed onto the Internet everyday.
These are not hacker websites. The majority of them, 70% or more are legitimate sites that have been hacked and infected by cybercriminals. Three recent examples of this trend show how popular sites can become powerful spyware targets for hackers:
1. In November of 2006, hackers uploaded an article to the German edition of Wikipedia including a link to fix what the hackers called a new version of the “Blaster worm”. However, this fix was actually malicious code. Wikipedia removed the page as soon as they discovered the security issue. But, the hackers used this code to send spam pointing to the archived Wikipedia page and continued infecting users’ computers.2. In December of 2006, hackers used the Myspace social networking site to infect hundreds of user profiles with a worm. This malware replaced legitimate links in the users’ profiles with links to phishing sites, where Myspace users were asked to submit their usernames and passwords. The phishing worm also embedded itself into the Myspace victims’ user profiles.3. The most recent and famous incident occurred in February before the Super Bowl this year, when hackers connected the Dolphin Stadium website to a server in China to gain access codes to the popular online role-playing game, “World of Warcraft”.
Even websites using privacy certificates are no longer safe. A recent study by Internet Security expert, Ben Edelman alleges that cites featuring the TRUSTe security certificate are actually twice as likely to contain viruses, spyware, and adware as non-certified sites.
Many adware providers, like Direct-revenue and Webhancer are even using these certificates in an attempt to seem more trustworthy than they actually are, according to Edelman.
There is a transition in the Internet community toward a new web platform called Web 2.0. This term refers to a second-generation of Web based communities and hosted services (like Myspace, Facebook and Yahoo 360) that facilitate collaboration and sharing between users. The transition to Web 2.0 make websites an even easier target for hackers, as users of these social networking sites tend to be young people less concerned with computer security than with swapping and trading files with their friends. The term Web 2.0 was first coined by the O’reilly Media Group.
Hackers will undoubtedly continue to target websites for delivering their virus, spyware, adware, Trojans and other malware. With this new development, any website on the Internet has the potential to be infected. Therefore, protecting your computer is essential.
To protect your computer, it is vital that you use a powerful antivirus and antispyware scanner like StopSign, update your virus definitions daily, scan your computer once a day for infections and keep all of your software patched and up-to-date.

How To Protect Yourself Against Holiday Identity Theft Traps

2007-05-16T02:36:00.001-07:00

Holidays are a dangerous time in terms of identity theft – whether because of people using their credit cards more often, or because they are less careful during these times. It is therefore important that you take particular care to protect yourself from holiday identity theft traps. In this article we are going to give you some pointers on how you can protect yourself during the holiday season and all year round from identity theft.
The first thing you can do to protect yourself against holiday identity theft traps is to be aware of high risk areas and to be extra cautious in these areas. High risk areas include states and cities where there is a high incidence of identity theft (e.g. Arizona), as well as in high risk areas within a specific city (e.g. busy malls).
The second step in protecting yourself from holiday identity theft traps is to be extra careful with your receipts and other paperwork which may be used in identity theft cases. Shred all unneeded receipts, bills and other paperwork before putting it into the trash. Unfortunately trash is one of the methods that identity thieves can get hold of your information and so you should ensure that all paperwork is thoroughly shredded before placing in the trash.
The holiday season is also a perfect time for identity theft using the phone. In order to protect yourself from these types of holiday identity theft traps, you should try to never give out personal information over the telephone, especially not to people who contact you first. If you have contacted someone first and feel confident in the company and that it is not a fraud then possibly give out your details if necessary but try to find an alternative.

Element of a Corporate Internet Use Policy

2007-05-16T02:35:00.001-07:00

In my earlier article ‘Corporate Internet Use Policy', I had stressed upon the importance of CIUP. This article defines the elements that should be considered, and step-by-step process of building a CIUP.
1. Map the Users / Networks / Departments who will be allowed Internet Access
Basic Set(s) of Universally Allowed or Denied Internet Access
Keywords; Users, IPs; MiMe types; Web-site Categories, Domains, pages; time-schedule2. Define the profiles of every purpose that requires Internet Access -
The purpose of the Internet Access for each User / Network / Department
Allowed / Denied Website Categories & Data Types for - Business Research
Allowed / Denied Website Categories & Data Types for - Leisure Surfing
Allowed / Denied Website Categories & Data Types for - Personal Emails3. Allocate Internet access resource for each purpose
Hourly / Daily / Weekly Data Transfer Quota per user for each purpose
Speed Limits / Quality of Service per user for each purpose
Time-schedule per user for each purpose.4. Map the permissible mechanisms of Internet Access for each connection resource.
For each user, IPs, Protocol, Purpose5. Map the unforeseen -
What will be the effective guiding principle?
How will such purposes be handled
Whom to request?
How to request?
How will the request be fulfilled?
Plan of priority / escalation for such requests.6. Define the implementation plan for the CIUP
Identification of the external and internal members of the implementation team.
Modus of information exchange and progress charting of the team.
The set of procured technologies / products / services.
Analyze the constraints of each procured technology / product / service.
Review the synergetic effect of each procured technology / product / service
Evaluate the financial proposition of each procured technology / product / service.
Define methods for verifying the reliability of implementation.
Review the reports to independently verify precision of implementation vs. CIUP
Review the reports to fine-tune the CIUP.7. Define the parameters for policy review -
Schedule of the CIUP review.
People responsible to review.
Documentation of review

Where to Get Spyware and How to Use It

2007-05-16T02:34:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered what spyware and adware are? Have you then wondered where you can get them? We'll answer both those questions.
What is Spyware?
Spyware applications are programs that hide on your computer without your direct knowledge. Spyware programs allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both on-line and even when you work off-line. They can track the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, and your Instant Message dialog. Perhaps worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. It even gets worse... if you use dial-up to connect to the internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill. This is just a short list of the harm that spyware can cause.
What is Adware?
Adware applications are installed onto your computer by internet advertising companies. Adware allows them to bury you with pop-up ad after pop-up ad all day long. Have you ever noticed a strange icon on your desktop or start menu and wondered where it came from? Have you ever logged on to the Internet and found that your home page has been switched? Are there strange search bars on every page you visit? These are all adware programs. Adware programs can place icons almost anywhere on your computer. Adware programs can change your home page whenever they wish, and Adware can control your Google search results so you see the results that they want you to see.

Nsauditor - Network Security Audit and Remote Network Monitoring

2007-05-16T02:34:00.001-07:00

We live in an ever changing world. One constant has been the increasing threat of viruses and other forms of Malicious Software both created and propagated over the Internet. Email, for example, has become an indispensable tool for most of today's businesses but it's use can open your computing infrastructure up to an unlimited number of threats on a daily basis.
Email and hacking attempts are just the tip of the iceberg. The Computer Security Institute (CSI) in San Francisco estimates that between 60 and 80 percent of network misuse comes from inside the enterprises network. Computing security is not just a set of locked doors and passwords. A truly secure environment is an ever changing entity which requires constant care and monitoring.
Conducting a network security audit isn't very easy the first time you do it. You've got to either purchase a commercial audit package and learn how it works or assemble your own adhoc toolkit from open source offerings. Either way, you're looking at hours of effort to get even a quick look at the security condition of your network.
Now you can conduct an initial audit in just minutes, with a total cash investment of only $49, thanks to Nsasoft's Nsauditor.
Nsauditor Network Security Auditor is a network security scanner that allows to audit and monitor remote network computers for possible vulnerabilities, checks your network for all potential methods that a hacker might use to attack it.
Nsauditor is a complete networking utilities package that includes a wide range of tools for network auditing, scanning, monitoring and more. You can discover network services and check them for vulnerabilities, list all TCP and UDP endpoints with their associated process, discover NetBios names, audit MS SQL servers, scan for common Adware traces and more. The program also includes real-time network packet filtering and analyzing, remote network performance monitoring, network status monitoring, web proxy scanning, password auditing, intrusion detection system based on security events log analyzer, IP address lookup and more than 45 network tools for scanning, sniffing, enumerating and gaining access to machines, DNS and WHOIS lookups, e-mail validation, HTTP traffic generator and intrusion detection based on security events log analyzer.
The product contains a built-in database of known network security vulnerabilities, which allows you to select the items for scanning and add custom entries. Nsauditor can reveal and catalog a variety of information, including installed software, shares, users, drives, hotfixes, NetBios, RPC, SQL and SNMP information, open ports. It can also audit password and security policies as well as make a variety of network attack probes, such as stealth port scans, HTTP / CGI server auditing, registry auditing. The program can sniff and use brute-force and dictionary attacks on LM and NTLM password hashes and expose the insecure ones. Nsauditor does OS detection and automatically creates OS fingerprints which are not included in database. Reports can be generated in HTML and XML format.

Browsing For Spyware Protection

2007-05-07T21:34:00.001-07:00

Internet Explorer is the internet browser that is prone to spyware and adware because Microsoft products are usually bundled when you upload any Microsoft program into your personal computer then there is increased likelihood that along with it comes the spyware and adware you are dreading to get.
It is for this logic that Mac addicts swear to the detail that Macintosh is so wholly better than their counterpart. Mac computers are almost forever virus limitless and even still they thwart some programs to run, you would not psyche because it usually is because those programs or sites are hazardous to your laptops or computers.
So what can Microsoft Users do to revive themselves from imminent jeopardy? One of the most familiar suggestions is to knob internet or web browsers to prophesy or Mozilla Firefox. Switching browsers will wholly shrink the odds of adware and spyware form invading your most precious recall of your computers.
There are also limitlessware programs unfilled in the internet for limitless downloading. Downloading the rectify limitlessware program will also help the PC addict in fighting spyware and adware. Ask around from internet experts or read testimonials from actual addicts on what is the best catalog of limitlessware to download. Beware because some of those unfilled in the internet are just pseudo limitlessware and are actually spyware and adware carriers as well.
One such program that is favorably recommended for Microsoft Windows addicts is Spyware Blaster. It is an defiant spyware and adware program that blocks the installation of hopeless programs from the computer where it is downloaded. Such programs enter browser hijackers, ActiveX-based spyware, dialers and adware.
Spyware also has a different practice because while other limitlessware defiant spyware programs leave their work after installation claiming to check the recall of your personal computer after installation and then removing those in the jeopardy roll from your recall Spyware facility before by thwarting these vicious malware programs from even pending close to the recall of your computer.
What Spyware Blaster does is to blackroll the CLSID of the malware programs and then these programs will not be able to diffuse your computer recall at all. This is the flawless one because more than a emulsion to an unfilled glitch, it is a thwartive tool that will keep you from having the glitch in the first place.

Criticle Issues with Spyware

2007-05-07T21:33:00.004-07:00

If your computer becomes infected with spyware, it's critical that you take quick action and get rid of the problem immediately. Not only can spyware lead to poor system performance but the effects it causes can become worse over time. In addition, certain spyware programs might leave your system vulnerable to other types of spyware programs, further complicating the issue. Finally, since spyware can leave your personal information or business data at risk, an immediate solution should be made priority #1.
liberated plans:
There are numerous open spyware eradicaters existing. The good ones do a sufficient job, but don't typically come with as many skin as their rewarded counterparts. typically the open plans are maintained with the hottest data on new spyware threats and can check/eradicate spyware from your system. However you have to renew these plans manually and will have to consider to check your system periodically. Also, open plans might be more prone to be bogus or worn as means for departing on more spyware or other damaging annals since it's more prone that the median computer client will opt for the open variety as their first (if not only) solution.
salaried plans:
Just like their open counterparts, there are tons of rewarded defiant-spyware plans out there as well. In statement, some are just upgraded varietys of the open software. With rewarded spyware eradicaters, you get all the skin typically found in the open software--check and eradicate spyware, adware, etc good an renewd folder of new spyware plans as they're found. However, the best rewarded varietys involve skin that automate a lot of these errands. So you don't have to consider to keep the plan renewd or consider when your last spyware check was. In addition, if you pay for a spyware eradicater, it should come with truly-time protection. Having this introduce means that the plan will check plans as they invest or run on your system and will stopover spyware before it has a risk to do any hurt or compromise your system.
One other thing to keep in intellect is that most of the rewarded software also offers a open misery variety or a open check of your system. That way, you can try it out or do a quick check of your system. Then, if you like the software or find a lot of spyware on your computer, you can elect to pay for it. Software makers understand that there's no purpose in paying for software only to find out that you don't have any spyware on your computer. This way, you get to try before you buy.

Corporate Internet Use Policy

2007-05-07T21:33:00.003-07:00

The speed, reliability and economy at which businesses can access and distribute information, creates their competitive edge. Internet enables businesses to access and distribute huge variety of information.
The last few years saw an exponential decline in the cost of Internet connectivity and the great improvements in quality and reliability of service. Arguably Internet is now, a very efficient force-multiplier for business.
Internet, if correctly harnessed, can yield rich dividends:
Improved productivity;
Employee efficiency;
Overall knowledge quotient;
Quick & economical assimilation of -
Business intelligence,
Distribution of commercial information.Like any other wonderful facility or tool, employees, and other unknown entities can misuse Internet too.
Various software are now available to distribute, restrict, define and filter the content that appears on your computers from the Internet. A large variety of such software is distributed commercially or even freely. There are software, that need to be installed on every computer; but they are very difficult to implement and manage in environments that have a large number of computers. In such environments, the software that enforces the Internet Use Policy across the enterprise must be implemented on the Internet Gateway. A variety of such software is available too, and one can always find something suitable.
Building a realistic Corporate Internet Use Policy (CIUP) is however, far more important, before any such software is implemented
The technicians implementing any Internet Access or Content Filtering software or even trying to present a proof-of-concept to an organization will achieve "precious little", without a CIUP. The uniqueness of each enterprise, make a universal CIUP quite ineffective. The CIUP should be as holistic and comprehensive as possible and specifically designed for each enterprise.
A corporate CIUP essentially strives to map the purpose of every user, computer or application that requires access to the Internet.
Such maps minutely profile -
The purpose for which employees or the other infrastructure applications like emails, automatic software updates will be allowed Internet Access.
The amount of Internet connectivity resources that will be used for each of such purposes; the time-schedules during which Internet Use will be permitted for them, is also profiled. This helps the management to judge, the benefits to the organization.A corporate CIUP also must be micro-documented. This is very important, since the management should be aware of what policies have been set, their need, effective results It is also a guideline to future modulations, roll-backs of any portion of the policy. The documentation must start before the implementation of any such policies, and must be appended as the implementation proceeds, and considered an on-going process.

PCI Requirements for Programmers

2007-05-07T21:33:00.001-07:00

What are PCI requirements? The PCI (Payment Card Industry) requirements are a set of rules designed to prevent unauthorized computer users from obtaining credit card data. Unauthorized users include you, the network administrators, the database administrator, and most everyone except the credit card authorization company. The first question that you might have is, "How do I prevent myself from seeing something I programmed?" This and all other questions should be answered by the end of this article.
What PCI Requirements Do I Need to Worry About? Very good questions as there are many requirements and not many apply to programmers. There are only three that directly apply to programmers, but a few others will affect us. First we have "Protect stored data" then "Encrypt transmission of cardholder data and sensitive information across public networks," and finally we have "Restrict access to data by business need-to-know."
First I will explain each of these topics to a limited degree and explain how to best implement them.
Protect Stored Data This refers to the encryption of data “at rest,” meaning any data which is written to a file (yes, this includes databases) must be encrypted. Encryption of this data can happen before it is written (pre-encrypting) or as it is written (streaming) either by your code or by a third party program.
Encrypt Transmission of Cardholder Data and Sensitive Information Across Public Networks Sending your data to a client, vendor, or just to another site over a public network? In this case it will need to be encrypted. It is best practice to never send sensitive data unencrypted though, so let’s just say in any case data is transmitted it will be sent over some sort of secure connection having been already encrypted. For simplicity’s sake you need to you a public-private key pair. It’s acceptable to use a symmetric algorithm (password protected) but make sure you’re using a nice algorithm like say, AES-256.
Restrict Access by Business Need-to-Know What does this mean? It means you, simply. Computer programmers have no need to know credit card data; neither does the CEO or anyone else honestly. In best practice, the data should never be unencrypted unless it needs to be verified by the customer (last four digits only) or it is being transmitted to a company for authorization and credit/debit.

Web Content Filtering - The Need

2007-05-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

The markets are growing more open and competitive ever before. Businesses need a smart work force to quickly assess the changes in the markets and the strategies of the competition. The counter-strategies have to be set into action within hours. Businesses can no more survive with just - 'trained work-force'. They need a 'smart work-force'.
Self-inspired quest to learn and self-teach, is the hallmark of the smart work force. The knowledge-quotient of our smart work force alone can secure our competitive edge. Internet is an important tool, to increase the knowledge-quotient of the smart work force.
The safeguards to our Internet and Information Resources are necessary to prevent crippling productivity, financial and collateral damages. The smart work force needs its computer systems to be highly available, as more and more of our operations and their processes are managed via computers on large networks. Any employee who loses the use of his computers, or misuses the available system resources, will affect the entire process-chain and cause serious productivity losses. System or network down-times can incur productivity losses upon every department.
Though assessing the productivity losses due to abuse or misuse of Internet access, is so much more difficult to compute. But if we computed the cascading effect of all such productivity losses, on the entire process-chain, the figures would be more revealing and frightening. Many organizations prefer to turn a blind-eye to this, since they believe, that this loss cannot be prevented. So they believe, that the exercise of identifying the same is simply futile, and continue to suffer in silence.
We have to harness the power of this Information Highway, but we have to safeguard against its inherent threats, of security and misuse. It can indeed be, a difficult problem - trying to ensure that we cleanly distribute the Internet access to our users, while ensuring that it is not misused or abused, intentionally or otherwise.
Let us quickly review some of the cause-and-effects of such losses -
Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Spy ware, Ad-Ware, Browser Exploits:
The rapid changes in recent technologies have made malicious software so much easier to be propagated. Even producing such software, is now becoming an established industry of - Spy Ware. So many innocent-looking web-sites now host applications, that steal data from your computers, like the email addresses of your important contacts, and then send SPAM from your computers to them, completely without your knowledge, or even Spam-emails to you, while using their names! This can at times cause serious prestige losses. There have been thousands of incidences of email spoofing by worms. So many employees have felt the embarrassment of receiving emails with pornographic content, supposedly from a colleague!
There are so many browser-based security exploits, which get revealed only after a major disaster happens. The developers of the original software work hard to produce the security patches and plug these holes. But is it possible for you to implement all the necessary patches on all the systems in your network? And it sure does not help the situation if your users want to try newer browsers like Firefox etc. By the time the security patches are applied, so many of our computers get affected and we lose so much time, money and efforts, in making them usable again. All this while, the usual business operations remain affected and losses keep mounting.
Downloading of unwanted software:
Various web-sites tempt our users to install, so many innocent looking software, like - browser toolbars, software down loaders, games, etc. Some may contain a known virus and therefore may be detected by simply virus scanning everything passing through our HTTP gateway. But the newer generations of such software, have no content that virus scanners would identify as malware. And yet, they cause immense damages, because once they get installed in our computers they cannot be removed. Some such software simply keep downloading images, or advertisements from the Internet and display them on our computers.
Quite a few such software may be even installed quite intentionally by our own users, because they automatically crawl the internet to fetch pornographic material, or music! None of them may contain things like viruses, and thus their presence would therefore remain undetected for long periods.
The results would be however, very bad - productivity losses, because - the employees are now enjoying these downloaded materials, when they were supposed to work! And by consuming all the Internet resources, they could make work difficult - for those who were more sincere.
Attending to personal affairs and leisurely surfing, during business hours:
So many times we have important business tasks getting delayed because people were wasting the business hours for emails, to exchange notes with their friends and relatives, or something more serious like searching for a new job or uploading their resumes, to apply for one!
At times haven't we all seen people indulging in frivolous activities as catching up on sports scoreboards, or drooling over some pornographic web sites?
The worst part about such activities, is that, while these people were delaying their own work, they were hindering others too. These activities not only choke the bandwidth, but also cause practically unlimited nuisance and distractions.

Wireless Lan Under Attack Of "Evil Twin"

2007-05-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

This attack is not a new attack for who works in the internet security, but it's diffusing day after day. It's name is "evil twin attack" and it's target is our wireless lan and our private informations. How this evil twin attack works? Well, is very simple but at the same time very dangerous for our privacy.
One of the most important security's expert - Phil Cracknell, president of UK’s Information Systems Security Association, claims that “evil twin” attacks are more easy and quick to perpetrate than a traditional phishing schemes. This means that an attacker could discover a lot of information about not only one victim but a lot of victmis in very few time.
Two steps are required by an attacker in order to execute this evil twin attack. They are: 1) Setting your wi-fi lan open ( = no password). 2) Start a packet sniffing (sniffer) software like Pcap, ettercap, ethereal, Ngrep etc…
Setting wifi open allows people to connect to your lan free but... you could examine through a packet sniffer tool their traffics and at the same time you could discover a lot of private information about all the people that are connected with your wi-fi lan.
With Ruby and it's libraries for libpcap, everybody could create a software that logs specific kind of infos in a very easy way.
The question is: How to protect our privacy from this attack? Big enterprises could uses VPN (virtual private network) but the rest of us have to take care about free hotspots.

Registry Spys

2007-05-02T22:05:00.001-07:00

It is important to protect your system with Spyware removal software. Not many computer users know that that Spyware has a direct impact on their computer registry. In fact, not many of them know that there is a registry at all. A few may have heard of Spyware but not know what it exactly is or what it does.
In the next few paragraphs, we will explore new ideas and thoughts that may help you achieve your goal and decide what is best for you.
The equivocal idea most people have about Spyware is that it captures your delicate information and letterss it to somebody on the Internet. To understand the dangers that Spyware poses to the system it is important to understand how Spyware facility and why it is important to subtract it with expressly intended released Spyware removal tools when Spyware is detected. Just removing the Spyware with unwilling-virus is not enough.
What Is Spyware?
Spyware can be described as any software or list that installs itself on your system unannounced and begins to hear information about the use of the computer. This information is then lettersed automatically to the someone or someones who located it on the Internet in the first place. So, what do these people do with your delicate information?
Before we go an further, lets take a moment to review what we have learned so far about this amazing subject.
Depending on the information they may push it to marketing agencies, advertisers or any partaker that is interested in the information. The information may restrain the class of system you use, the kind of positions you frequently stopover or inferior your abusernames and passwords as well as your prestige license information.
How Does Spyware Get against The order?
Spyware downloads itself to the computer when a abuser clicks on a download, accesses letters or browses positions with the unseen Spyware prepare to download once the position is accessed. Spyware operates in the back ground while the computer is on. Once the computer is coupled to the Internet the Spyware transmits the information to an eletters address.
All this slows down the system because the lists have to be slowed in order for the Spyware to get its job done. The registry also gets packed with Spyware relatives and entries as well. The Spyware can be subtractd with opposing virus software but the traces are stored in the registry and have to be completely subtractd with a Spyware subtractr such as Yahoo Spyware subtractr software or Kazaa Spyware subtractr advantage.
This released Spyware subtractr software can be downloaded and run on the system released of rate. Removing surplus information from the registry will vacation a slighter list for the registry to search when a list desires for information. This speeds up the system a great agreement. The end effect of operation opposing Spyware will be an effective computer that is a joy to work on.
Try searching for a particular keyword from the title of this article on your search engine and you are sure to find a wealth of knowledge.

Fight Identity Theft With Computer Security

2007-04-27T05:15:00.001-07:00

Identity theft is a fast growing crime around the world and a large part of this is online identity theft. In this article we are going to look at some measures you can take in order to protect yourself and fight identity theft online.
The first step you can taking to fight identity theft online is to have a good anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Computer viruses and spyware are extremely dangerous and can be used by criminals to steal your identity. A good anti-virus program is your first line of defense not only in terms of protecting yourself against identity theft but also to protect your computer from harmful programs that may cause irreparable damage to your computer.
Secondly, fight identity theft by not opening any email attachments if you do not know what they contain or who they are from. Many viruses are hidden in seemingly innocent looking email attachments.
Fight identity theft by never giving out personal information in response to an email. There are many phishing schemes out there that ask you to reveal personal information such as passwords to bank accounts, bank account numbers, and other personal information. These look like they come from someone you trust, such as your bank, but are really hidden ways for criminals to get hold of your personal details in order to use them for their own personal gain.
Apart from a good anti-virus and anti-spyware program you should also use products such as a firewall, products which protect you from spam, and other malware. It is also important that you regularly update these programs in order to best fight identity theft.

Discover What Adware Is Really All About And How It Effects You

2007-04-27T05:14:00.003-07:00

Adware is a problem for most internet users. Tired of Spyware? Tired of Popups? They could be due to annoying Adware on your PC.
Do you need an adware removal tool? If you computer has been running slow, you are seeing new toolbars in your browser, your home page has changed, your internet favorites list has new unwanted entries or strange software loads when you start up your computer then your computer has probably been infected by adware.
If your computer takes longer to load programs, or freezes and shuts down randomly, then chances are it is infected with adware.
Adware is another potential threat to your computer if you access the internet. Adware is free software that is installed onto your computer with your permission and can be in the form of software that is used to automatically fill in web forms. In exchange for carrying out this task the installed adware will track your internet activity and show you targeted advertisements.
Adware in the purest sense of the word is not a dangerous thing, designed only to display targeted advertising to you while browsing the internet. It was originally developed by marketers to be non intrusive and use very little system resources. You can easily recognize adware by the display of pop up advertisements on your computer screen, often appearing when you perform searches or land on different websites. Adware is software that is downloaded to your computer without your realizing it.
The results displayed by a spyware or adware removal program can be disheartening. There are people from all over the world that have experienced adware.
Adware is all over the Internet. From websites, to downloads, it seems there is no escaping its presence. Certain type of spyware and adware removal tool detects and removes 1000's of security threats such as spyware, adware, keyloggers, browser hijackers, tracking cookies, and trojans.
If you have been using the internet for awhile, you know all about adware. If you are new to the internet you will soon discover the horror of adware!
Adware or Spyware as it is also known by is a malicious program or should I say programs that infect your computer with adware. As currently there are thousands of variations of adware and spyware waiting to attack your PC.
Do not get yourself caught by spyware! Make sure you install good spyware or adware removal program into your system. Any computer connected to the Internet needs some sort of protection against unscrupulous companies and persons who use the Internet to spread malicious software. About 5 years ago most of us would have shrugged at the term adware or spyware. Its mostly due to the popularity of adware and spyware that we are now aware about it. Unfortunately, as time has progressed, adware has been changing for the worse.
If you want to have lasting pleasure online then you should have some kind of adware spyware removal tool protecting your computer against adware, spyware, trojans, dialers and worms. Be wary though do not download just any adware spyware program there have been reported cases of programs being advertised as removal tools that have actually installed spyware onto your computer, rather than scanning and removing spyware.
Completing an Adware download is a good thing to do when you want to speed up your computer and also help your antivirus system in fighting the viruses.
But only a fraction of computer users are running any kind of adware and spyware blockers software. It is believed that 90% of today's PCs are infected with some form of adware and spyware.

Get Safe Online

2007-04-27T05:14:00.001-07:00

WARNING Millions of UK Internet users are putting themselves at risk of attack from Internet criminals because they don’t understand threats to their computer or the ways to protect against them - These are the findings of a new campaign called Get Safe Online launched in London to tackle this serious problem.
As a relative newcomer to online marketing I think it is really important to do as much research as possible and to talk with more experienced marketers before making avoidable stupid mistakes.
It's also imperative to look at Government sites and campaigns which at first seem daunting but will undoutedly save you much time, trouble and frustration. The easiest way to do this is to research online.
I found information about a campaign which has been endorsed by Richard Hammond. Yes, I know it is basic common sense and glaringly obvious but when learning a new discipline all sense seems to fly out if the window at the speed of one of Top Gear's favourite cars.
The campaign is a joint initiative between HM Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, part of the National Crime Squad and private sector sponsors from the worlds of technology, retail and finance.
Top Gear presenter Richard explained the simple steps everyone should learn: “We wouldn’t leave our front door open or our cars unlocked, but we regularly use the net without taking basic precautions.

If You Do Not Already Know Exactly What A Proxy Server Is

2007-04-27T05:13:00.002-07:00

If you do not already know exactly what a proxy server is, then you should know that it can be simply defined as a computer that offers you a networking service so that you can make indirect connections to whatever web sites you would like to visit. So, you would be able to connect to a proxy server, such as Xoxy, which will then allow you to connect to a web site. You may be wondering why you would want to do this, well if you are at work, or at school, where you are not suppose to be visiting web sites, then you can still visit these web sites without anyone ever knowing. That is the magic and beauty of using a proxy server.
With this in mind, you should know that a anonymous proxy service that will allow you to surf the Internet in privacy. So, now whenever you get bored at work or at school you can surf such web sites as MySpace.com. Besides the fact that you can do this anonymously, you should know that this is also free for you to do. With this in mind, you can relax thanks to this proxy web site. You no longer need to live in fear that what you are doing on your computer is about to be discovered.
While there are a lot of free proxy web sites out on the Internet today. This actually manages to set it apart from any other proxy web service that you could possibly use. With this in mind, you can also open yourself up to visiting those web sites that you may have previously been restricted from visiting whenever you are at work or at school. You can even use this to be able to get around the system that your local public library has in place for what they may be considering a “safety net.” Now, you will no longer be restricted by anything, as the proxies will open up the entire Internet to you for your enjoyment. Furthermore, if your IP was blocked for some reason from visiting a web site, you can now create a new IP for yourself to use so that you can access this web site once again.
For those of you who have never used a proxy server before... Relax! The proxies makes it very easy for you to do. You will be able to move quickly through this easy process and on to surfing anything that you want to surf on the World Wide Web today.
A lot of people are simply amazed by just how great this proxy server really is. Even people who have never used a proxy web server in the past are singing their praises of Xoxy. It really is no wonder though. The layout of this site is so simple. You will not even have to worry about anyone looking over your shoulder while you are using it because you will be on and off of this site so fast that nobody will know what you have been up to. This is just another of the numerous different reasons why this proxy server is so highly recommended. So, if you have not taken some time to check this web site out before now, you really should take the time to do so now. You will see that this proxy server really is this good and that you really can visit the web sites that you truly enjoy, regardless of where you are located at the time.

Stay Clear of Online Scammers

2007-04-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

The Internet is filled with cold-blooded conmen trying to scam people, and unfortunately a lot of them succeed and earn vast amounts of money from their ruthless swindles. Interestingly enough, the Internet is simultaneously becoming one of the sharpest tools in the struggle against fraudulent people – online as well as offline. It is now possible to go to a website and warn others of potential scammers.
Crime Forums is a forum where people congregate to discus crime and crime prevention. Their Fraud section covers subjects such as online casino scams, illegal enterprises, money laundering schemes, and lottery frauds. By learning more about the schemers out there we can protect ourselves and our families from falling pray to con artists.
A very common online fraud that is going on right now is the so call “luxury car bluff”. A fraudulent person will post a car for sale on an online sales forum. It is typically a really desirable car, such as a luxury car, sports car or rare collector’s car. To lure in plenty of interested buyers, the car is offered for a really low price. Sometimes there will be a short explanation for the low price to prevent suspicion. There is also plenty of photos and detailed descriptions to make the add look reputable. (Photos and information is often taken directly from another, true car that is being offered at another car sale site. If you do an online search for the information, you may actually find the car that the information has been taken from.) The aim of this scam is to get interested buyers to contact the conman. When an interested buyer makes contact, the conman will tell him that the car is still available, but located overseas. He will then ask the buyer to make a deposit. Most buyers find this perfectly reasonable, because who would want to start shipping a car overseas without at least getting a deposit first. A deposit is sent via wire transfer, but no car will ever appear. When the buyer starts investigating the subject, the “seller” will have vanished from the face of the earth.
By sharing stories such as this one, we can help each other to stay clear of online scammers. Remember, knowledge is power!

Discover How To Buy Online Safe And Secure

2007-04-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

People are skeptic when it comes to paying online. That is a very good thing otherwise we become victims to fraud.
There are both dangerous places but on the other hand there are also secure and safe websites. You will learn how to identify safe sites and dangerous sites so you purchase only from safe sites.
Look out for these three signs that are a must for a site to be safe.
When you are on the order page the website url in the address bar should start with https:// and not http:// Also when the address bar starts with https:// the address bar color changes from white to yellow.
There should be an icon at the bottom of the browser. It is a yellow lock bar.
Is the process of buying easy and painless with no popups that deliver advertisements? It should be that way. The order form should not have any popups that deliver advertisements.
That is how to play it safe. Now some extra tips you can also do after verifying they are safe:
If they have a Live Chat Service contact them first so you verify they are real and honest.. Ask them something about the product guarantee or support service just to see if they reply.
If you are an eBay member you should never use money transfers like Western Union when paying at eBay. Instead use paypal or credit card.
Paying online is safe when you understand the risks and avoid them. You must also make sure you do not reveal your credit card numbers inside emails, instant messengers, phone, live chat. The safe methods to pay online are:
Payment on a secure website via credit card or online cheque.
Payment via paypal, bank wire and cheque.
A word about paypal:
Paypal allows you to send or receive money from different countries world wide. There are several others like Paypal but no all of them are safe and secure.
It is free to open an account. There are other similar services (if you are not allowed in Paypal) that are safe and work similar to Paypal.
A word about bank wire:
A bank wire is a very fast method to send money. It takes very little time for money to arrive in destination. You contact your bank for a bank wire transfer to another bank in a different country worldwide.
However make sure you know to whom you are sending money. Not everyone is honest, so they can quickly ran away with your money if you do not play safe. Know who you are dealing with.
A word about cheque
Like bank wires, play it safe.
Now you understood how to pay online safety, how to understand if a site is secure or not and what methods you need to use to pay for maximum security.

How To Recognize Online Scams

2007-04-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

The Internet is the place where you can go to find anything that you want or need. It’s a big place that’s filled with people from all over the world, but in this global market and community, you don’t always know who you’re speaking with or if they’re someone that is reputable. Much like standing in a marketplace with a crowd of tourists, pickpockets always look for those that aren’t paying attention – here’s how to keep your guard up on the Internet.
The key to most online scams is an appeal to your emotions. People as a whole don’t want to feel uncomfortable and they generally want to help others. When you read offers or emails from people that you don’t know, asking for your help with something, you might want to be wary. While they might seem desperate or genuine, unsolicited emails are a common way that scammers begin to infiltrate your life and your bank account. The best advice is to avoid these kinds of emails altogether, but if you’re really concerned for the person, alert the local authorities to handle the situation.
Another way that online scams will try to lure people in is through the offering of unrealistic promises. When you find out what you can earn $1000 an hour for stuffing envelopes, it sounds too good to be true – because it is. Think for a moment about what you are doing and reading. If someone else told you about this kind of deal, would you encourage them to take it, or would you warn them that it’s not true? Money is an attractive offer, but work is called work for a reason.
But maybe you find a job or a deal online that you’re really interested in, what do you do then? What you want to do is look on the website to see what kinds of credentials they have – and then check them if you can. Do they have clear contact information? Try to contact them directly. Talk with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any old or pending complaints for the company. The point is that you want to look at every business opportunity carefully.
Websites without contact information, clear instructions or guidelines, and extraordinary promises are often those that are run by scammers. While it seems too simple, the best advice is to follow your instincts and never give out personal information until you completely trust your instincts.

Spy Ware Detection

2007-04-26T06:10:00.003-07:00

They have to be saved from the problems like viruses and spy wares. Spy ware detection is something very important. Actually first we should discuss what spy ware detection is and what is the technology which is called as spy ware. Spy wares are basically soft wares. These soft wares are written by people and are complete programs. These soft wares are produced by people who want to spy on others. This software is capable of noting the behavior of a person when he or she uses the internet. The history is recorded by this soft ware and is communicated. This is some thing people who use internet frequently do not like. No body likes to be checked upon all the time. This is the reason that people generally try to keep their computer systems safe from spy wares.
Spy wares are irritating as they keep a track of what you are doing while you are searching the internet. This is a big problem for many. Above all, the privacy of your life is dear to every one. Spy wares intrude in one’s personal life. Thus spy ware detection becomes important. There are many companies which are producing spy ware detection techniques and soft wares. Some of the spy ware detection soft wares are good while others are not very effective.
Detecting a spy ware is not very easy. Spy ware detection can only be done if you have special soft wares which are made for the sole purpose of spy ware detection in the computer systems. If the spy ware detection soft wares are not there it may be very difficult for people to judge if there is any spy ware installed in your computer ort not. It may be a bit technical and difficult but spy ware detection is very important. If the spy ware detection is not done properly it can be a big problem. Those who use internet may not want to share all they are doing with the rest of the world. Spy ware detection can help one to protect the privacy. In the light of above mentioned facts spy ware detection becomes very important. It can be a big trouble for many if spy ware is not removed.
There are certain companies in the market which can provide you the stuff to remove the spy ware technology from the computer systems. The spy ware programs may be very annoying for many. Thus every one wants to keep a check and to remove the spy ware soft wares in case some body has installed it on their system. Special techniques are used to remove spy wares from the computer systems. It is unethical and illegal to cross the limits of privacy of other people. Every one should learn to respect that limit.

Resolving the Antivirus Issue

2007-04-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

The use of information technology has resulted in lots of innovation in the recent past. Due to these innovations the pace of life has become much faster. There are many companies in this world which are producing the soft ware stuff to support an efficient working environment not only for offices but also for individuals. These companies are producing soft wares which make working in an office easier. These soft wares are the specially written programs which can improve the efficiency of your work a whole lot. The soft wares are a very intelligent creation. These are some of the benefits of science and technology. But as there are benefits of using scientific techniques, there are many disadvantages as well. The evil genius minds create viruses which may be very damaging for the other soft wares in a computer. The viruses are the programs which are written and spread for the purpose of affecting the performance of the soft wares and the computer systems in general. The presence of such viruses may reduce the speed with which a computer works. It may also reduce the efficiency. Viruses are a major problem and antivirus is the solution to this problem.
Antivirus are those programs which are created with the sole purpose of detecting viruses present in a system and to block them. These antivirus programs are installed in a system to deny the viruses to access and enter the systems. There are many kinds of viruses. These viruses enter the computer systems and damage them. Antivirus technology can help the people to save their computer systems from the virus attacks. Antivirus solutions are made by many companies which are working in the field of producing soft wares and programs. This technology is capable enough to stop the viruses from attacking the computers. Many viruses enter a system from the internet. To tackle such viruses an antivirus technology is used which can keep the computer safe from such viruses. Similarly, these companies produce antivirus programs for all types of viruses. The antivirus not only detects the already existing viruses but they are also made to inform the user about any other possible virus attack. In today’s world of computer and technology antivirus is some thing very important.
In this scenario the use of computers and information technology related stuff is on a rise. Viruses are being made and released on the internet and the soft ware companies are producing antivirus programs which are being installed in the systems to protect them from viruses. There are many companies which are competing in this field. All of these companies produce antivirus which most often are good. Some antivirus programs are better than the other. If you want to save your computer form viruses, you must choose and use an appropriate antivirus. An antivirus can protect your computer.

The Internet serves as an incredible tool for educators and students to communicate, research information, and learn. The widespread availability of c

2007-04-26T06:09:00.001-07:00

These companies have developed many programs which are very effective in helping those people who use those programs to work. Many of the offices are dependent on such soft wares. Normally these soft wares are developed with the intention of creating a program which can be helpful for people to work by improving the efficiency. But human mind is a genius and when people start using their minds towards the negative side, the problem becomes serious. Ransom Virus is one such problem. The viruses are actually those programs which are created by the people to create problems in the use of computers. Virus may be of many different types. Some of the viruses are so strong that the whole computer system may crash if any such virus enters your system. Some of them simply effect by reducing the speed of your system. Ransom virus is a virus which creates a lot of trouble for those in whose computer this virus enters.
Ransom virus is usually sent by along with a spam e-mails. Till now this virus has been detected in Russia most commonly. The e-mail which actually is a spam is sent to the people with a subject line which is very interesting and due to this people may open the e-mail. Now if the e-mail is opened the ransom virus will enter your computer system. Ransom virus is attached to such e-mails which have higher open rate. The statement in the subject line may be an attractive job offer or something like that which forces the people to open rate e-mail. In this way ransom virus enters your computer.
It is very important that you protect your computer from ransom virus. The ransom virus will affect the performance of your system. It will not let your computer to work at its normal pace. Its accuracy and efficiency may also be affected. Protecting your computer from ransom virus is very important. There are many small steps you should take to protect your system form ransom virus. You must install the virus firewalls to protect it from ransom virus. Other such techniques as suggested by the software experts should also be used to protect the computer from ransom virus. You must also be choosy about the e-mails you open. The spam e-mails are the major tool used by the people to spread viruses like ransom virus. Normally the open rate of the spam e-mails is not very high. People do not open spam e-mails as every one is tired of receiving lots of such e-mails on daily basis. To avoid getting ransom virus or any other virus you must be careful about the spam e-mails.

Proven Security Tips, Tools, and Tactics To Stay Safe Online (Part 1 of 2)

2007-04-26T06:08:00.002-07:00

The Internet serves as an incredible tool for educators and students to communicate, research information, and learn. The widespread availability of computers and connections to the Internet provides everyone around-the-clock access to information, credit and financial services, and shopping.
Unfortunately, there exist individuals who exploit the Internet through their criminal activities and other harmful acts. Cybercriminals use creative measures to gain unauthorized access to your computer and then use that access to steal your identity, commit fraud, or even launch cyber attacks against others.
Staying safe online is no longer a given, but a necessary extracurricular activity. Here are nine security measures you can employ immediate to protect yourself, your family, and your business. By following the recommended cyber security measures outlined here, you can limit the harm cyber criminals can do not only to your computer, but to everyone's computer. However, keep in mind that there is no single cyber security measure or technological solution that will prevent their cybercrime. These recommended cyber security measures highlight that using a set of common-sense precautions that include Internet habits as well as technology solutions can make a difference.
The National Cyber Security Alliance recommends eight measures. To that, I have added an additional. They are practical steps, in no particular order, you can take to stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim of fraud, identity theft, or cyber crime.
1. Protect your children online. Implement parental control tools that are provided by some Internet Service Provider (ISPs) and available for purchase as separate software packages. Remember: No program is a substitute for parental supervision. Also check your browser to see if it would allow you to set some parental controls. (Internet Explorer allows you to restrict or allow certain web sites to be viewed on your computer, and you can protect these settings with a password. To find those options, click Tools on your menu bar, select Internet Options, choose the Content tab, and click the Enable button under Content Advisor.)
2. Back up important files regularly. No system is completely secure. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and store them in a secure place in a different building than your computer. If a different location isn't practical, consider encryption software. Encryption software scrambles a message or a file in a way that can be reversed only with a specific password. Also, make sure you keep your original software start-up disks handy and accessible for use in the event of a system crash.
3. Protect your valuable personal and financial information. Don't open unsolicited or unknown email messages. If you do get an email or pop-up message asking for personal information, don't reply or click on the link in the message. To avoid opening such messages, you can turn off the "Preview Pane" functionality in email programs, and you can set your default options to view opened emails as plain text to avoid active links or pop-ups in the messages. Most importantly, do not respond to solicitations for your personal or financial information.
If you believe there may be a need for such information by a company with whom you have an account or placed an order, contact that company directly in a way you know to be genuine. Never send your personal information via email because email is not a secure transmission method.
4. Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information. To further increase the security of your online identity and to help protect you from account hi-jacking, take advantage of stronger authentication tools wherever available. This may take the form of two-factor authentication – the combination of a password or PIN number (something you know) with a token, smart card, or even a biometric device (something you have).
Stronger authentication can also come from a behind-the-scenes identity-verification process, which uses various data to establish whether or not a user is genuine. Ask your bank, your regular online retailers, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if they offer stronger authentication tools for more secure transactions.
5. Know who you're dealing with online. Every day, millions of computer users share files online, either as email, documents, or photos. File-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information, including music, games, and software. You download special software that connects your computer to an informal network of other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. Often the software is free and easily accessible, but file-sharing can have a number of risks.
(a) If you don't check the proper settings, you could allow access not just to the files you intend to share, but also to other information on your hard drive, like your tax returns, email messages, medical records, photos, or other personal documents.
(b)In addition, you may unwittingly download pornography labeled as something else. Or you may download material that is protected by the copyright laws, which would mean you could be breaking the law.
Therefore, downloading file-sharing software is not advisable and could place your personal information and computer at risk. If you do decide to use file-sharing software, set it up very carefully. Take the time to read the End User License Agreement to be sure that you're sharing files legally and that you understand the potentially high risk of any free downloads. For example, some license agreements include an agreement to allow spyware to be installed on your machine.
Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.
On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.
I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.

Proven Security Tips, Tools, and Tactics To Stay Safe Online (Part 2 of 2)

2007-04-26T06:08:00.001-07:00

6. Learn what to do if something goes wrong.
(a) If a scammer takes advantage of you through an Internet auction, when you're shopping online, or in any other way, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
(b) If you get deceptive spam, including email pishing for your information, forward it to "spam at uce.gov" (replace "at" with the @ sign).
Be sure to include the full Internet header of the email. In many email programs, the full "Internet header" is not automatically included in forwarded email messages, so you may need to take additional measures to include the full information needed to detect deceptive pam.
(c) If you believe you have mistakenly given your information to a fraudster, file a complaint at the FTC's website and then visit their Identity Theft website to learn how to minimize your risk of damage from a potential theft of your identity.
7. Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure. Don't be put off by the word "firewall." It's not necessary to fully understand how it works; it's enough to know what it does and why you need it. Firewalls help keep hackers from using your computer to send out your personal information without your permission. While anti-virus software scans incoming email and files, a firewall is like a guard, watching for outside attempts to access your system and blocking communications from and to sources you don't permit. Some spammers search the Internet for unprotected computers they can control and use anonymously to send unwanted spam emails. They refer to these as "zombie computers".
If you don't have up-to-date anti-virus protection and a firewall, spammers may try to install software that lets them route email through your computer, often to thousands of recipients, so that it appears to have come from your account. If this happens, you may receive an overwhelming number of complaints from recipients, and your email account could be shut down by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Some operating systems and hardware devices come with a built-in firewall that may be shipped in the "off" mode. Make sure you turn it on. For your firewall to be effective, it needs to be set up properly and updated regularly. Check your online "Help" feature for specific instructions.
8. Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly. Hackers also take advantage of unsecured Web browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) and operating system software (like Windows or Linux). Lessen your risk by changing the settings in your browser or operating system and increasing your online security. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. If you need help understanding your choices, use your "Help" function.
Your operating system also may offer free software patches that close holes in the system that hackers could exploit. In fact, some common operating systems can be set to automatically retrieve and install patches for you. If your system does not do this, bookmark the website for your system's manufacturer so you can regularly visit and update your system with defenses against the latest attacks. Updating can be as simple as one click. Your email software may help you avoid viruses by giving you the ability to filter certain types of spam. It's up to you to activate the filter. In addition, consider using operating systems that allow automatic updates.
9. Subscribe to a managed security services. As the best form of protection available today, you get much more than just software. You get professional grade technology coupled with having a team of security experts available to help with any security problem. This level of protection has never been available for homes and small businesses until now, and, because of the increase in online security threats, risks, and attacks, it is becoming the future of Internet security.
Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.
On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.
I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.

How to Protect Your Network Using these Network Security Procedures and Tips

2007-04-26T06:07:00.001-07:00

Network security is the new buzz word around town. Most people think a network firewall that is setup with the default will protect their network. The simple fact is no it will not. Not until you are hack will you know this fact. Of course this comes a little too late. All operating systems need ports open in order to communicate information regarding active directory, DNS, DHCP, booting of a computer and more. Some applications need ports open to work. So where do you reach a safe point where your applications work and they are secure. The following will address the working ports and what to be concerned about. Later I will address how to secure it.
Ports to be concerned about are 3389 which is terminal services ports. If you do not have a firewall in place blocking public IP address from forwarding to private IP address using this port then you will want to call a security professional right away. Other ports to be concerned about are 139 which gives access to network shares.
Another area of concern is the SMB or the (Server Message Block) protocol. This protocol is used among other things for file sharing in Windows NT/2000/XP. In Windows NT it ran on top of NetBT (NetBIOS over TCP/IP), which used the famous ports 137, 138 (UDP) and 139 (TCP). In Windows 2000/XP/2003, Microsoft added the possibility to run SMB directly over TCP/IP, without the extra layer of NetBT. For this they use TCP port 445. Again all these ports should remain in the private network and your firewall should block access.
Note: The NETSTAT command will show you whatever ports are open or in use, but it is NOT a port scanning tool! If you want to have your computer scanned for open ports see this page instead (link will follow shortly).
C:>netstat -an find /i "listening"TCP 0.0.0.0:135 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 0.0.0.0:445 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 0.0.0.0:1723 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 0.0.0.0:3389 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 127.0.0.1:1026 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 127.0.0.1:4664 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 192.168.50.127:139 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENINGTCP 192.168.100.193:139 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
The netstat command will also show you who is active on your computer. This will show you what spyware or trojan horses that may have installed on your machine.
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address StateTCP argonas:epmap argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:microsoft-ds argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:pptp argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:3389 argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:1026 argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:2617 localhost:2618 ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:2618 localhost:2617 ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:2619 localhost:2620 ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:2620 localhost:2619 ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:4664 argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:netbios-ssn argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:2958 an-in-f104.google.com:http ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:3011 va-in-f104.google.com:http TIME_WAITTCP argonas:3014 eo-in-f147.google.com:http ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:3081 unknown.xeex.net:http TIME_WAITTCP argonas:3104 unknown.xeex.net:http ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:3903 web1.allaboutsingles.com:http CLOSE_WAITTCP argonas:4449 static-71-116-207-166.lsanca.dsl-w.verizon.net:pptp ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:4762 va-in-f104.google.com:http CLOSE_WAITTCP argonas:netbios-ssn argonas:0 LISTENINGTCP argonas:2939 192.168.100.202:1025 ESTABLISHEDTCP argonas:2957 exchange01.intercore.local:1419 ESTABLISHED
Once you have locked down all ports then you must be concerned with internal security. No one in your organization will be allowed to talk to anyone about any secure information. Even giving out there email address. Next use devices like honey pots, barracuda spam appliance, Symantec anti-virus hardware and software. A properly configured network can allow your workers to work and disallow hackers to work.

Fight Identity Theft With Computer Security

2007-04-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Discover What Adware Is Really All About And How It Effects You

2007-04-26T06:05:00.002-07:00

Get Safe Online

2007-04-26T06:05:00.001-07:00

If You Do Not Already Know Exactly What A Proxy Server Is

2007-04-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Stay Clear of Online Scammers

2007-04-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

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The Internet is filled with cold-blooded conmen trying to scam people, and unfortunately a lot of them succeed and earn vast amounts of money from their ruthless swindles. Interestingly enough, the Internet is simultaneously becoming one of the sharpest tools in the struggle against fraudulent people – online as well as offline. It is now possible to go to a website and warn others of potential scammers.
Crime Forums is a forum where people congregate to discus crime and crime prevention. Their Fraud section covers subjects such as online casino scams, illegal enterprises, money laundering schemes, and lottery frauds. By learning more about the schemers out there we can protect ourselves and our families from falling pray to con artists.
A very common online fraud that is going on right now is the so call “luxury car bluff”. A fraudulent person will post a car for sale on an online sales forum. It is typically a really desirable car, such as a luxury car, sports car or rare collector’s car. To lure in plenty of interested buyers, the car is offered for a really low price. Sometimes there will be a short explanation for the low price to prevent suspicion. There is also plenty of photos and detailed descriptions to make the add look reputable. (Photos and information is often taken directly from another, true car that is being offered at another car sale site. If you do an online search for the information, you may actually find the car that the information has been taken from.) The aim of this scam is to get interested buyers to contact the conman. When an interested buyer makes contact, the conman will tell him that the car is still available, but located overseas. He will then ask the buyer to make a deposit. Most buyers find this perfectly reasonable, because who would want to start shipping a car overseas without at least getting a deposit first. A deposit is sent via wire transfer, but no car will ever appear. When the buyer starts investigating the subject, the “seller” will have vanished from the face of the earth.
By sharing stories such as this one, we can help each other to stay clear of online scammers. Remember, knowledge is power!

Identity Theft Menace: Over 12 Million Cases In 2006 Alone

2007-04-20T06:06:00.004-07:00

The shocking figures are not only the estimated number of computers suspected to be infested by Spyware but even more shocking is the estimated number of identity thefts that took place last year.
Get ready to hear it! It is believed that in 2006 alone over 12 million cases of identity theft took place. This is in a backdrop where over 26 million computer users in the United States have some form of Spyware fraudulently installed in their computers.
The word to describe such numbers is not scary. Actually the word panic comes a lot closer.
Identity theft is not only a very serious problem, but it is clearly affecting millions of people. And the bad news is that based on the conservative estimates of computers already infected in the country, clearly the numbers have a long way to go upwards.
Luckily there is plenty you can do to avoid being part of the statistics. An excellent way to start is by assuming that your computer has already been invaded by spyware. The odds clearly tells you that the chances are very that it is infected. You can then seek effective spyware removers even as you build up adequate defenses against future attacks.
This is very serious business because spyware is the favorite tool in the hands of those involved in identity thefts and the fraud that goes with it. Key loggers for instance quietly record your password to your sensitive accounts and transmit the information over the World Wide Web to those waiting to use it against you.

Spyware Fears: Research Shows 30 Per Cent Will Use Internet Less

2007-04-20T06:06:00.003-07:00

It seems that the spyware threat has finally started sinking in for many computer users and according to a recent survey undertaken by Consumer Reports WebWatch, 30 per cent of computer users plan to use the Internet less as a result of the threats posed by Spyware.
But is this the correct response? Should people deal with Spyware by panicking and fleeing from the World Wide Web as they vow to use the Internet less? The question arises what quantity of use of the Internet will be safe? Two hours a day? One hour?
It is important to bear in mind that once spyware has lodged into your computer hard drive, only minutes are required for the damage to be done. So one might as well stay away completely from the web, which is hardly possible in this day and age. There is of course the argument that the less a computer is linked to the web, the less the chances of a serious spyware invasion. This is especially true with those using the old dial up link to connect to the Internet.
However the question arises, just how inconvenient will this be to you and your work? Why not take the easy solution and deal with spyware by removing all forms of malware from your PC and then putting up strong defenses against future possible attacks.
Actually there is no need to fear spyware, if one is adequately protected against possible attacks and infestations. You really do not need to abandon or reduce the use of the net—even if that were practical—just because of spyware, deadly as it is.

Identity Theft Menace: Over 12 Million Cases In 2006 Alone

2007-04-20T06:06:00.001-07:00