Top Technology News WSTM-TV,?NY?- 8 hours ago ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) _ A computer virus that has been spreading across the country has struck hard at an area outside of Washington DC. …

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Use Daylight Saving Time Switch to Check Computer Security, Sophos SDA India Magazine,?Singapore?- 7 hours ago This weekend would be the ideal time to check whether all of the available operating system updates have been installed on your computer. “Most virus …

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By Paul McGillivary

One of my favorite things to do is to sit down at a wireless hotspot and cruise the internet. Another one of my favorite things is computer security. Put them together and what do you have? Well, you have a really fun time that will scare most people. I am hoping that this article does scare you into thinking more critically about how and where you use your computer.

Hotspots (wireless access points) are great for convenience. You can drive down to the local Panera and connect to the internet while you eat. For business travelers this is a great service. But let me show you another side of those hotspots that you might not have thought about. These hotspots allow all types of people to share a wireless connection. Now, most people don’t mind that. The problem, however, is that there is going to be some people on that connection that aren’t so nice.

You see, it’s one thing to share a network connection with someone you know and trust. It is a totally different thing to share a network connection, especially a wireless connection, with someone you don’t know. Most people assume that because they have an active firewall on their laptop, they are safe while cruising these types of hotspots. That is true to some degree. Surely, a firewall will keep some malicious folks from cruising through your hard drive. But most people miss a simple truth about wireless connections. Let me explain.

A castle has many wonderful defenses. It has a moat and a high wall. It also allows for a high defense position on the walls. This gives the defenders an advantage over attackers. Computers that have a firewall on a network connection are sort of like this. If they include intrusion detectors and the like, they add yet another layer of security. But what if they send a messenger outside the walls with their defense and attack strategies? What if that same messenger also had the keys to the front door or maybe a key to vault nearby? Do you see where I am going with this?

Wireless connections allow other people to see that traffic as it travels to and from the access point. This is where things get very interesting and scary. I can walk into a local internet cafe. I can connect to the network. I can scan all computers on that network and see if they are patched or not. I am referring to known vulnerabilities to Windows machines. I can very quickly assess whether or not that person would be vulnerable to certain attacks. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

I can also sniff internet messaging that is going on. I can watch AIM and MSN Messenger conversations in real time. I can reconstruct web pages on the fly as people look at them. I can sniff for ftp user names and passwords. Then I can hook up my bluetooth antenna and start scanning that. I can find all bluetooth enabled devices within the cafe and adjoining stores. Then I can look for open comms and see if I can find known exploits for different devices. And that’s just the beginning.

Now, having said that, let me say a few things. If you are establishing a secure session with an email provider or a store, then my job becomes much harder. That traffic is encrypted. Most malicious folks are going to go after the “low-hanging” fruit. This is a mantra of security and hacking. This means that the easiest folks to exploit are the ones that will be exploited.

Do yourself a big favor. Never send identifying information via AIM or MSN Messenger. This is especially true at hotspots. Never set up a non-secure FTP session at a hotspot. I’m assuming that if you’re doing FTP that you are a little tech savvy. Also, make sure you have a firewall if you are going to be hanging out. And know that the websites you frequent can be easily snooped. Do not share a connection with folks you don’t know or trust without a firewall. You are begging for trouble. Hotspots can be a great convenience, but it comes with a price. Take some precautions or you might become a victim of a digital pick pocket.

Paul McGillivary has been a technologist for 15 years. In that time, Paul has experienced thousands of technology problems, challenges, and products. He brings this experience to bear in the articles that he presents.

Visit my tech blog for more great articles about computer security

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_McGillivary

Technorati Tags: firewall, Hotspots

by Alexandra Gamanenko

There is no doubt that “how-to articles” have become a separate genre. One can find such an article about almost anything; there are even some entitled “How to Write a How-To Article”. And, of course, the Web is swarming with the ones like “10 Steps to Protect Your PC from Spyware”(if not 10, any number will do; odd ones like 5,7,9 are most popular) or “How to Forget About Spyware For Good”. Please don’t accuse me of being sarcastic — I am not; all these articles by all means are informative and so very useful. They all include really handy tips to protect you from this recently emerged plague called spyware. But?

A typical how-to article is short and snappy, with all unnecessary particulars carefully avoided. An ideal one is a clear scheme of what to do and how (because it is a how-to article). Some essential facts will surely be omitted just for the sake of brevity. Let’s look into the author’s “trash bin” for info ruthlessly (and maybe baselessly) thrown away.

Hint one: What on earth is spyware?

When you decide to apply “anti-spyware protection”, you’d better realize what you want to be protected against. Unfortunately, there is not such thing as complete security. And?

“There is no such thing as spyware in itself”– you are perplexed, aren’t you? I bet you are; what’s more, it was Kaspersky who recently expressed this opinion. “The term spyware is basically a marketing gimmick,” wrote Kaspersky in the company weblog on March 03, 2005. “Just to separate new ersatz-security products from traditional ones, just to push almost zero-value products to the security market.”

This quote (extremely curtailed and out of the context) have already spread all over the Internet, but it is very useful to read the whole posting to see the whole picture, so visit http://www.viruslist.com/en/Weblog?Weblogid=156679222

Few definitions caused so much controversy and confusion as did “spyware”. Eugeny Kaspersky blames marketers for having coined this term–and partially he is right. But only partially.

As a professional, he classified various malicious programs according to their structure and characteristics; in this classification there is indeed no place for “spyware”, which is too vague term to exactly denote anything with a particular structure.

On the other hand, marketers and journalists needed an expressive, easy-to-remember word to name existing (!) information-stealing programs to tell users (who may be not so versed in software as its developers) how to protect their computers.

What is “spyware” then? Spyware is a commonly used general term for any type of software that gathers personal information about the user without his or her knowledge and transmits it to a destination specified by the author of the program. Spyware applications are frequently bundled in other programs–often freeware or shareware–that can be downloaded from the Internet.

So, the term is very general and doesn’t reflect either structure or characteristics of such software. After all, it is only a conventional word for programs that steal information.

According to Kaspersky, programs which are now called spyware, have existed for years. It’s true. Who disagrees? Password-stealing Trojans were actually known as far back as in 1996. But it’s also true that most dangerous information-stealing programs are on the rise. Spy Audit survey made by ISP Earthlink and Webroot Software (the survey lasted for a whole year 2004) showed–16.48% of all scanned consumer PCs in 2004 had a system-monitor, 16.69% had a Trojan.

Another bitter truth is that some unscrupulous producers now are jumping at the chance of making quick money. There are lots of suspicious, low-performing, or adware-installing products. See, for example, the list at http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm But saying that all the dedicated anti-spyware solutions are like that?To put it mildly, it’s a bit too much.

Hint Two: Too Many Promises Made — Is it Possible to Keep them?

There are loads of software programs nowadays created for fighting spyware. An ordinary consumer tends to get lost in plenty of information and lots of products, which are supposed to help him get rid of spyware. If all the advertising claims were true, it would have been easy. In reality it isn’t.

Anti- spyware and anti-viruses work almost the same way. The efficiency of most anti-spyware programs is determined (and restricted, too) by signature bases. The more code clips (i.e. signatures) there are in the base, the more effectively the program works - it means the more spyware programs it can identify. Only programs from the signature base are recognized as spyware; all other spy programs will be running unnoticed and unstopped.

So, absolutely all the signature- basis- containing programs are pretty much the same, whatever their ads say. They all rely on the same “match pattern”; the difference is only how many signatures each of them contains.

What conclusion we can make here? The bigger the signature base, the more reliable the product is, no matter whether it is anti-spyware or an anti-virus. If the software applies signature base, it’s better to choose a product from a big company, which can afford spending plenty of money on research and updates.

Another conclusion we can make is that all such software without constant updating pretty quickly becomes useless and even dangerous, because users still expect it to protect their PCs. New spyware is constantly being developed, and anti-spyware developers have to catch up with it all the time. This race started when very first malicious programs appeared, and it is impossible to say whether it will ever end.

Alexandra Gamanenko currently works at Raytown Corporation, LLC–an independent software developing company. Software, developed by this company, does not rely on signature bases. Its innovative technology is capable of disabling the very processes of stealing information,such as keylogging, screenshoting, etc.Learn more — visit the company’s website: http://www.anti-keyloggers.com

Technorati Tags: spyware, Trojan

by Priva Shah

A couple of days ago, I was searching for a popular eBook online.

Now I’m not going to tell you the name of this eBook for reasons you’ll understand in the next few minutes.

Okay, so here I was, opening Google, entering the name of the eBook - clicking search, and checking through the first few pages of search results.

-> Forward to Page 5 of Google

I saw a link that looked like a PDF document.

Right click -> open in new window

There, in full glory, was the eBook I was searching for!

The complete eBook, mind you, not a trial or demo - sitting there for the world to download.

And this is a product that sells for over $25 online!!

Obviously I’m not going to tell you the name of the eBook because it would not be fair to the reseller.

But it just made me realise that one of the reasons digital theft is so prevalent is simply because… its so EASY!

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t condone theft of any kind - digital or otherwise.

But would YOU shell out $25 for a product that everyone can ‘legally’ download off the 5th page of Google?

Most people would just shrug their shoulders, hit the save button and thank their lucky stars.

Result: The opposite of $ KA-CHING $ for the sellers

One of the problems with selling digital products online is that it is so SIMPLE to do. So now everyone and their grandmother wants to do it.

But most newbies have no idea that it requires only a few simple steps to ensure a moderate degree of security for your downloads.

So here I’ve outlined the five most BASIC security steps That anyone selling digital products online must take.

These will take you only a few minutes to do, and you do not need any special software or programming knowledge.

1. ZIP THAT FILE

The biggest problem arises when sellers store their downloads as PDF documents, as in my experience above.

Now you should know that Google, Altavista and many other search engines can read and list PDF files.

While this may not be a problem for those adding content to their sites in the form of PDF newsletters and reports, it also means that you must never store a product you want to SELL as a PDF file (unless it is in a password- protected folder).

It gets worse. Google also converts your PDF files into HTML documents. So ordinary browsers not only have access to your PDF file, but - horror of horrors - they can download your SOURCE FILE as well!!

The next logical step is for them to customize it with their own links, compile it and sell it or give it away.

Result: The opposite of $ KA-CHING $ for the sellers …AND the author.

A simple way of keeping your files out of the reach of spiders is to upload them as a zip file. Search engines cannot look inside zip files (yet) and list their contents.

1. CREATE AN INDEX.HTML FILE

You MUST have an index.html file in EVERY folder. It acts like a curtain that keeps your files away from prying eyes.

A folder without an index file is like a house without walls. Everyone can enter and help themselves to the valuables.

The ‘index.htm’ file is the default file that opens when you click on the link here -

http://ebizwhiz-publishing.com/

If you don’t create an index.htm or index.html file, you’d be allowing everyone to directly access the root directory of the folder where you store your downloads.

Here is a folder I uploaded to show you what happens when you DON’T have an index file.

http://ebizwhiz-publishing.com/test/

As you can see, all the files stored in it are clearly visible and ready to download.

And yes, feel free to help yourself - I won’t accuse you of stealing

1. SHOW PEEPING TOMS THE EXIT

You can use a simple script to redirect peeping Toms back to your home page.

Here’s the easiest way to do it using what it called a “meta refresh tag.” Add it between the Header tags like this.

Replace < with <

with > ” with “

Just replace my URL with your own in the example above and paste it into the head of your document (before your text).

You can see how it works by clicking on the test folder here.

http://ebizwhiz-publishing.com/redirect/

Now even though you click on the folder URL, you will be sent to my home page.

1. SPIDER-PROOF YOUR DOWNLOAD PAGES

To prevent search engine spiders from reading and listing the download pages that link to your eBooks add the tag below in the head of the document.

This “Robot” tag tells the spider that this page is not to be spidered or indexed. As a result it should never show up on a search.

1. CHANGE YOUR DOWNLOAD LINKS OFTEN

To prevent unscrupulous people from posting your download links on forums or message boards, change the folder or file name where you store them from time to time, even if it means having to change the download links in your merchant account.

Using these methods will give you a good degree of satisfaction, knowing that you have taken the most basic steps to protect your digital valuables - and at absolutely no cost to you.

If you want greater security and more information on plugging the security loopholes in your website, check out a selection of digital download protection tools.

Copyright © 2003 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the author of the search engine optimization guide, Number One In Your Niche and edits the newsletters Be a Whiz at eBiz! and The Glutathione Report

Technorati Tags: eBook, Google, digital, PDF

by Mike Pulli

Do you sometimes notice your computer running slower. Is your computer acting strange almost like its possessed? Well, it just may be plagued with Spyware. Spyware is a common term for files that are installed on your system without your knowledge. It allows companies to monitor your Internet activity. Believe it or not, Spyware is now the leading threat to our computers, and our online privacy. It’s ahead of viruses.

Spyware programs work behind the scenes, collecting and sending information about your browsing habits; and interfering with the normal operation of your machine. They can add toolbars that you didn’t request, run programs, and even alter your system settings.

Aware, or advertising-supported software, is any software application in which advertisements are displayed while a program is running. It is commonly know as pop ups. System Monitors can keep track of every keystroke that you make on your computer. Yep! Credit card numbers, bank account information, and everything else that you don’t want to share with thieves.

Adware is not a virus and may not be detected by anti-virus scanning programs. It does not spread the same way as most viruses spread. Many users do not know they are downloading a free program along with adware onto their computer. Some spyware is clever enough to hide in your hard drive. For those who haven’t yet had an encounter with spyware, count your blessings and hope your time never comes. Be careful. Don’t just download programs that are free, or sound too good to be true. We all know that anything that’s sounds too good to be true, usually is.!!

What is Adware?

Adware is any software application that has the ability to display advertisements on your computer. Some adware may track your surfing habits. These ads may be displayed in many forms, including pop-up, pop-under and banner ads. Remember, adware that tracks your movements and generates a profile of your habits should be regarded as a threat or risk to your online security. Using your information without your knowledge is an invasion of privacy.

How Does it Work?

Adware watches as you surf the internet and disrupts visits by popping up context-related promotions right on top of the screen, causing you to second guess your next online move. Stay on one website, or click on the pop-up and go to a new site. Adware is “a form of spyware that collects information about the user in order to display advertisements in the Web browser based on the information it collects from the user’s browsing patterns.”

There are scores of Antivirus programs readily available today. They can sometimes catch spyware and for the most part do a fair job. The best two products in my opinion for detecting spyware are Spybot and Ad-aware and are both available as free download. Both are dedicated anti-spyware products.

How Spyware Gets Into Your System

Spyware files are often combined together with other software downloads so users don’t even know they’re getting these programs. Or you unwittingly invite them into your systems, believing you are getting something else. So sad, but oh so true! With just one innocent click of the mouse you can unleash a vicious program masquerading as anti-spyware, but is actually an unwanted program. Spyware can make your life miserable. It can and will make everything you try to do possible to prevent its removal. It can block the downloading of genuine real anti-spyware software. It can substitute one of its own advertising pop-up pages every time you open your browser. It can prevent the download of pop-up blocking software; and the list goes on. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unknowingly install the product when they install something else.

Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. However, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses, and even passwords and credit card numbers. Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer’s memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware’s home base via the user’s Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.

Pop-up Ads

Pop-up ads turn up when you launch a web site, and as you browse the internet. Pop-ups come in different forms, but they generally want to sell you something. By clicking anywhere in this type of pop-up window, you may trigger a spyware install off your radar in the background. Illegitimate pop-ups can perform programs and are downloaded without your knowledge or consent. A similar pop-up ploy asks you to accept a download, and then won’t stop popping up until you do what they want. Many users have low internet security settings and these low settings allow the operating system to perform various activities on your computer without letting you know beforehand. Don’t be fooled. Pop-ups could install spyware on your PC to capture and transmit your personal data across the internet. Or it could be adware, another form of spyware.

Common sense tips for avoiding spyware:

If a program looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Practice safe surfing

Beware of cookies, be cautious

Secure your browser

Delete all spam

Beware of peer-to-peer file sharing services

Run anti-spyware software daily

Be extremely cautious when considering a download of any kind. It’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys today. Many legitimate free programs include spyware in their downloads.

Important - Read the license agreement carefully before proceeding. Established spy software companies usually ask purchasers to agree through a EULA (End User License Agreement) not to monitor users without their knowledge and consent. READ - READ - READ.

Common Terms Used in the Article:

Adware tracking cookies trigger the most common form of pop-up ads. Cookies that reside on your PC serve up pop-up ads related to the site you are visiting and expose your personal information or online activities. The more cookies you have on your PC, the more pop-ups you’ll see.

Spyware applications often install a new search toolbar on a system with the intention of hijacking searches for search terms. Works behind the scene collecting personal data.

Dialers can initiate outgoing calls from your PC to 900 numbers with the sole intention of generating large phone bills charged to that phone line. Dialers can also change your dial-up settings to an international or 900 number, instead of your local Internet dial-up number Spies intentionally ‘misuse’ monitoring software. Here’s an excellent article on Auto- Dialers. Established spy software companies usually ask purchasers to agree through a EULA (End User License Agreement) not to monitor users without their knowledge and consent. You guessed it- most spies have absolutely no intention of letting users know they are under surveillance. Unidentified toll charges will appear on your phone bill.

Trojan horses are a malicious, security breaking programs disguised as something benign. Deleting history and computer use logs does nothing against true spyware. While erasing usage history is useful to protect your privacy, this type of protection is useless if your activity is being logged or snapshots are being taken of your computer use. Deleting history, files, cache and cookies cannot, and will not, protect you against the prying eyes of active spies on your machine.

Anti-Spyware Software Programs - Free Downloads

There are numerous free programs that can be downloaded. Get some good anti-spyware software as soon as possible. Run them frequently. Check the list below for some Free downloads.

Online guide to Spy & Anti-Spy Software www.spywareguide.com

Eliminate an insidious pest that Spybot and Ad-aware can’t stop. http://tinyurl.com/6rnzy

Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta http://tinyurl.com/59lgo

Block Web bug elements in email messages without having to turn off HTML. http://tinyurl.com/4e56e

Spy Ware Doctor http://tinyurl.com/3r373

Additional resources and downloads www.pcworld.com

One Final Note

Be suspicious if you are offered a free demo version that requires you to pay for the full version before it will remove any spyware it finds on your system. The best anti-spyware software is totally free and you get the full working version. Only use anti-spyware that has been recommended by a trusted source. There are many scammers out there doing a convincing job of representing themselves as legit.

Don’t be tricked by similar, look a like products. Here is one I ran across some time ago: At first you would think its Ad-ware, but after a second look it’s Ada-ware instead of the excellent anti-spyware product Ad-aware. They are every so clever and are constantly finding ways to infect are systems. The spread of spyware has become much more than a nuisance. It has now reached the level of an epidemic. Some spyware is relatively harmless. However, a good deal of spyware can be very dangerous, leaking your very private and confidential information to scammers and other people. Knowing how spyware works and which programs to fight spyware with are both important.

The safest way to remain free from spyware is to use one or more anti-spy programs that actively scan your system for intrusion and utilities that help inoculate your system from penetration. Good anti-spy programs will use a variety of methods for detection including registry scanning, signatures, windows titles and other that spyware leaves on your machine.

Even with anti-spy software programs active, do not develop a false sense of security. The battle to contain these programs rages on a daily basis. One lapse in security can lead to unwanted infection. So above all- use common sense. Don’t download files or open e-mail attachments from sites you don’t know or trust. Be sure you have good anti-virus and firewall software running at all times

Always make sure that any website that you make purchases on uses a secure server. The Web address should start with https:// rather than just http:// and there should be a padlock visible on the bottom of your browser window. Spyware may be sold under legitimate pretenses. Because of this legitimacy these programs are often missed by anti-virus software designed to target viruses and Trojan horses.

Blogs If you are a blogger the information should be of interest to you.

Hackers are using blogs to infect computers with spyware, exposing serious security flaws in self-publishing tools used by millions of people on the Web. I would explain what a blog is.

Blogs Carry Spyware Infections This is just too icky.

“Hackers are using blogs to infect computers with spyware, exposing serious security flaws in self-publishing tools used by millions of people on the Web.

The problem involves the use of JavaScript and ActiveX, two common methods used to launch programs on a Web page. Security experts said malicious programmers can use JavaScript and ActiveX to automatically deliver spyware from a blog to people who visit the site with a vulnerable Web browser.

Spyware tools also have been hidden inside JavaScript programs that are offered freely on the Web for bloggers to enhance their sites with features such as music. As a result, bloggers who use infected tools could unwittingly turn their sites into a delivery platform for spyware.”

Reference URL: Is your blog a carrier?

References:

http://www.pcworld.com/

http://www.lavasoft.com/

http://www.spywareguide.com/

http://www.Spybot-Search-Destroy.com

http://www.defendingthenet.com/

http://news.com

http://www.devshed.com/

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Copyright © 2005 - Mike Pulli http://www.foolishtimes.com All rights reserved. E-mail notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: mail to: mike@foolishtimes.com

Copyright © 2005 - Mike Pulli. All rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mike Pulli is the owner of http://www.foolishtimes.com and invites you to take alook at the services and download free helpful information e-books, articles, and more.Sign up for the Free newsletter

Technorati Tags: Spyware, Adware, virus, Antivirus

by Titus Hoskins

Spyware and adware are becoming major problems for onlinesurfers and PC owners. Some highly respected sources such as AOL, Earthlink and Webroot place the rate of infection at 80-90% of all computers. Granted, some of this percentage is taken up by relatively benign tracking cookies, but other types like keyword logging, system monitors, worms and Trojans present a major threat to your privacy and may even do serious damage to your computer.

With the occurrences of Spyware increasing daily, chances are high that you will be going into battle against Spyware very soon — so if you need a battle plan — Try these 5 Tips:

1. Go on the offensive. Fight spyware before it even arrives onyour computer. Make sure you have a good ‘anti-virus software’ program running on your PC. Many ISPs (Internet Service Providers)now offer anti-virus programs or even purchasing a commercial productis to your advantage. Get a program or product that is regularlyupdated to fend off the latest viruses, adware, worms, trojans andspyware.

2. Put up a Firewall. A Firewall should be one of your first lines of defense against spyware. A Firewall is simply a system or gateway designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer or network. Check out www.zonealarm.com, they provide a free Firewall for individual users. Download their program and place it on your PC.

3. Don’t open Emails and Attachments from people you don’t know. Use common sense, DON’T open any emails from people you don’t know. Especially, do not open any Attachments until they are scanned for spyware andviruses. Many mail servers will do these scans for free.

4. Keep Your Operating System Up to Date. Be aware of what’s on your system — do regular spyware and adware scans to see exactly what’s on your computer. Know your machine! You may be horrified to learn someone may be monitoring your every ‘keystroke’ and every ‘image’ you’ve viewed on your computer. So scan regularly and also make sure you download the newest updates from your Operating System; these often contain patches or fixes for serious breaches of security on your PC.

5. Back-up Your System. If all the above steps fail, nothing is foolproof, any computer that uses the Internet can be hacked, so you need to back-up your important data. You can use floppy disks, CDs or use a second computer that’s not connected to the net just for storage or back-up of your sensitive data/programs. An inexpensive notebook computer can be used to make daily/weekly back-ups of your vital data and programs.

In conclusion, the best defense against any spyware is a strong offense. Be prepared, be aware, but most of all, be battle-ready: have a system in place that will nuke these spyware agents before they even reach your computer. Choose your weapons carefully, be merciless, be thorough and take no prisoners! This is a battle you can’t afford to lose.

Implement and Use these 5 helpful ‘Spyware Fighting’ tips and the Victory is yours!

To learn more Spyware and Adware, read our Spyware Removal Guide

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of http://www.bizwaremagic.com.

Technorati Tags: spyware

by David Dorrough

What is spyware? Simply put, if you have ever downloaded any of the following onto your computer, there is over a 90% chance that your computer has been infected.

They are as follows: Screensavers, Music, Games, Movies, and Pictures.

Spyware programs are files that hide on your PC’s hard drive without your knowledge. These programs can allow advertising companies to track your every move. It also allows hackers to hijack your computer and use it for various illegal activities, without your knowledge. Even worse, they could get access to sensitive files that are stored on your computer, such as banking information, passwords, and credit card information. Identity theft can occur when these events take place. If your PC has been used for any kind of illegal activity without your knowledge, it will be up to you to prove your innocence.

Your computer can also crash as a result of spyware and adware programs. If you have ever noticed any of the following symptoms, it is most likely the result of spyware on your PC. Excessive pop-ups that start suddenly. Your PC starts to function very slowly. Strange icons that suddenly appear on your desktop or start up menu. Your homepage being switched for another. When at rest, your mouse cursor starts to float across the page. Your PC freezes up frequently and displays a lot of error codes.

These symptoms are just the beginning. They will get worse, and eventually your PC will crash.

Obtaining a good spyware removal program is a must. Don’t think that programs like Mcaffee and Norton are enough, as they aren’t. Those programs are excellent for protecting yourself from viruses and spam, but are lacking in the spyware and adware arena. I personally use Mcaffee Security Suite and thought I was well protected until I did a free scan from a spyware program. I was shocked to find that I had over 300 files embedded into my hard drive from spyware and adware. I immediately purchased the product, did a complete scan, and found even more unwanted programs on my PC.

With the push of a button, I was able to delete these files forever. I now have it set up on a schedule to do a full scan every day at 4 am, plus it’s always running in the background while I am using my computer and will pick up any unwanted programs and inform me as they occur, in real time, before they are installed on my PC. This is very important. Most of the spyware removal software does an excellent job on other malicious codes from being installed on your PC. Things like adware, malware, worms, trojans, and viruses will also be picked up by your software and will work well with your Mcaffee , Norton, or other software programs you are currently using.

With the right software in place, you can prevent any harm from coming to your PC. If your surfing habits include any of the activities previously mentioned, it is imperative that you obtain a good spyware and adware removal program and use it frequently. If you surf the Internet a lot, I would recommend that you run a scan every few days, or put it on a daily schedule to perform as scan as you are sleeping. Doing so will ensure that your PC will continue to function properly for a long time. Protect your investment and obtain a high quality spyware removal program soon.

About this Article Author:

David Dorrough is a retired educator, having taught at several leading universities. Today, he is active as a free lance writer and is also a Google Adsense Publisher. For more information on spyware, visit the following sites: www.what-spyware.com and also www.security.consumers-choice.net

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by Angela Saul

From the “Ask Booster” column in the June 17, 2005 issue of Booster’s Auction News, a free ezine for online auction sellers and enthusiasts.

Dear Booster,

How can someone get private information from my computer?

Thank you,

Evan S. Minnesota U.S.A.

Dear Evan,

Hackers can get your private information from your computer in a number of ways. Here are the top ways they do it:

• Computer viruses, spyware and adware from e-mails you’ve received and/or websites you’ve visited.

• Hacker programs that find unprotected IP addresses are subject to attack. An IP address is a series of several numbers (ex. 65.129.37.84) that identifies your location on the internet. It’s like your “internet” telephone number.

• Entering your financial information (i.e., credit card info) into a website that does not offer secure order processing. Your internet browser should show you that you’ve entered a secure site.

• Having your financial information “intercepted” by a hacker while shopping online at a legitimate website. This is called “pharming” and is becoming a more worrisome threat.

• You downloaded software from that contained a malicious program.

• You fall victim to a “phishing” or “spoof” scam, whereby you GIVE your personal information away.

• Phishing and spoof e-mails appear as if they are coming from a legitimate website. The e-mail generally alarms the recipient with a message such as “your account has been suspended” or telling you that you need to “verify your account.” Most eBay and PayPal users have received at least one (if not several more) spoof e-mails appearing to come from either eBay or PayPal.

eBay has information showing you how to spot spoof. I highly recommend your take a few moments and visit http://pages.ebay.com/education/spooftutorial/index.html for this brief tutorial.

• Another growing threat is called “malware” which is a spyware. Malware is a malicious software which logs your keystrokes and forwards the information to a hacker. This type of software can come through viruses and is often included in downloaded applications.

Knowing how to protect yourself can greatly reduce your risk of identity theft. Following are some suggestions to help you protect yourself. The programs listed below are just a few of the many options available.

• Use an anti-virus software such as Norton AntiVirus (www.norton.com) or McAfee AntiVirus (www.mcafee.com) and regularly UPDATE it. Updating is absolutely CRITICAL if you want the software to protect you. For thorough spyware and adware scanning, popular software choices are Spy Sweeper (http://www.webroot.com) and SpyCop (http://www.spycop.com).

• Using a firewall software such as Zone Alarm (www.zonelabs.com), Norton Personal Firewall (www.norton.com) or McAfee Firewall (www.mcafee.com).

This is a good option for dial-up modem users. Why? Dial-up modems are slower, so a firewall software will often see the attack coming and prevent it. Most hackers don’t like the slowness of a dial-up because they can’t easily get in and out of your computer without being detected. It is also critical that your firewall software be REGULARLY UPDATED!

• Those accessing the internet with broadband (i.e., DSL, cable modem, etc.) need the added protection of a firewall hardware such as a Linksys Router (www.linksys.com), NetGear Router (www.netgear.com) or DLink Router (www.dlink.com). The reason why is because the speed is higher on broadband which allows the hacker quicker access into your computer without being detected. The router is what will be “on the internet” versus your computer. Since the router is not a computer, there is nothing for the hackers to attack (i.e., no hard drive, no processor, etc.). The router simply acts as a “bodyguard” that only allows those with permission to come in.

• In the event that you unintentionally “bring in” a hacker (as explained above) or you had the misfortune of being the victim of a very clever hacker, it’s still smart to have a firewall software (in addition to firewall hardware) to make it difficult for the hacker to “exit” with your data.

If you want to check the vulnerability of your machine for free, visit the well-respected GRC’s Shields Up website at https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2. This website will attempt to break into your computer in order to expose vulnerabilities. Click on the individual options (i.e., file sharing, common ports, etc.) for a vulnerability analysis.

Keeping up-to-date with internet scams is also helpful in keeping your private information safe. Here are just a few reference websites you may want to bookmark for future reference:

• Scam Busters: http://www.scambusters.org

• Anti-Spam Help & Advice Website: http://www.spamhelp.co.uk

• AuctionBytes Online Fraud Discussion Forum: http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=28

• Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp

• Anti-Phishing Working Group: http://www.antiphishing.org

• Microsoft - Help Safeguard Your Personal Information Online: http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/spoof.mspx.

Lastly, check out the Better Business Bureau & Javelin Strategy’s ID Quiz to see how safe you are from identity theft: http://www.javelinstrategy.com/IDSAFETYQUIZ.htm.

Great question, Evan. Thanks!

Wet kisses & tail wags,

Booster

BoostYourBids.com is a free information website for online auction sellers and enthusiasts. BoostYourBids.com publishes a free opt-in ezine called “Booster’s Auction News” every Friday. Subscribers of this newsletter are automatically entered each month in Booster’s Monthly Prize Drawing featuring valuable prizes geared towards online auction sellers.

Booster’s Auction News is written by Angela Saul, webmaster of BoostYourBids.com. Angela has been selling on eBay and other online auction sites for more than five years.

http://www.BoostYourBids.com - The FUN Internet Destination for Online Auction Sellers & Enthusiasts!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Saul

by Tim Fisher

In addition to being an afternoon of great fun, PC repair can save you loads of time and money. No amount of fun, money or time is enough, though, to compromise your safety.

Keep these important tips in mind as you work inside your computer: Remember to Flip the Switch Always, always, always remember to turn the power off before servicing anything. This should always be your first step. Do not even open the computer case unless the power is turned off. Many computers have a number of lights inside to serve certain functions so check to see that no lights are on. If any are still on then the power is probably not completely off.

Unplug for Extra Safety As a second precaution, it is wise to unplug the computer from the wall or power strip. If there was any doubt as to whether the computer was off before, it’s settled now.

Avoid Capacitors Capacitors are miniature electronic components contained in many of the parts inside a PC. Capacitors can store electric charge for a short while after the power is turned off so it’s a wise decision to wait a few minutes after pulling the plug before working on your PC.

Never Service the Non-Serviceable When you come across labels that say “No serviceable components inside” don’t take it as a challenge. Some parts of a computer are just not meant to be repaired, even by most professional computer repair persons. You will usually see this warning on power supply units but you may also see them on monitors, hard drives, optical drives and other dangerous or highly sensitive components.

Tim Fisher is a computer systems support specialist for a Fortune 50 company and co-owner of a technology services company for small businesses. Fisher can be contacted at pcsupport.guide@about.com.

Technorati Tags: computer repair, safe