Security
The newest worm to hit computers doesn't even use email to get into your system. You must use a firewall, an updated virus scanner and install all critical updates to be safe.
You need to keep your Windows updated and be constantly on guard against security threats. Keep your Windows updated on a regular basis.
The internet is growing every day and not everyone there is friendly. Never give your name, phone number & address to anyone on the internet until you have checked that site's privacy policy. Even then it may not be safe! Create and use an 'Internet Profile' to use on sites that require registration. Get a junk email address on one of the free email account sites. And never, ever put confidential information in an email!
Everyone hates spam and you could be sending it! Your computer could be an Internet 'Zombie'. If your computer is running too slow, it could be you are infected with virus and/or spyware that is sending out spam or even other virus laden emails. It could also cost you your Internet connection as well, just read this article 'ISP Gets Tough With 'Zombie' Customers' by Colin C. Haley.
If you use dialup to connect to the Internet, read this article on PC Mag's site and make sure you've protected yourself by following the instructions for disabling ActiveX.
Hijacked!
Definition of hijacked: The dictionary says it is to steal, commandeer, rob or subject to extortion or swindling. That pretty much explains what browser hijacking does to your Home page. No matter how many times you change it back to where you want it, it goes right back to where the hijacker wants it.
Now, that is not nice! Not funny, either. So what can you do about it? You can get the fix and then install a little program to ensure that doesn't happen again. Go to SpywareInfo to see what you can do to get your home page back and prevent it from being hijacked again. If your home page hasn't been hijacked, find out from SpywareInfo how to prevent hijacking in the first place.
- CoolWebSearch, NOT cool! Allentech has a lot of information here about this baddie.
- AuditMyPC Check your browser for security
- Identity theft is a growing problem. Read Mike's article on how to prevent it.
- Internet marketing or spam? A friend's viewpoint
- Protecting Your Privacy & Security
- Ten steps everyone should take to protect their privacy on-line. See what they are at ImakeNews. This is compulsory stuff!
- This is a really neat site, named Safety on the Internet. A lot of other good stuff there as well!
- A good site for Internet security stuff is Tomcat Internet Solutions. The site is sometimes slow to load, but worth the effort.
- The Parasite Fight A very good site and it has a lot of other information as well.
- Read this article, Trojan Horse Christmas!
- FBI Being Used to Spread Computer Virus
- Malware Help.org Great security site! Keeps up with the latest security articles and has a lot of great information about keeping your computer safe.
The battle against malware of all types is an ongoing process. Just when we think we have the latest and greatest of security programs, the bad guys on the Internet come up with a new way to inflict their ugly stuff on unsuspecting computer users. The need for updating and patching Windows and programs never goes away.
But the biggest way to protect your computer (and you!) is to follow safe practices with email and web surfing. If you open attachments, click on email links from people you don't know or know casually and download programs from unsafe sites, you are inviting the bad stuff in to your computer. Never click on links to a website and then input your personal information on the site. Never send confidential information using email. And please, for your sake and others, stop sending attachments without explaining what the attachment contains and stop opening them unless you know for certain who they are from and the sender has told you about the attachment!
