Computer safety

January 12, 2009 Computer Safety Tip

Antivirus Software
Your computer should always have the up-to-date antivirus software. New viruses are continually being programmed and released. This vital software has definitions for the more Slow pc than 100,000 viruses, worms and trojans that have been identified. It actively scans your files and downloads for these and similar viruses.

Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Phishing and Pop-ups
Some of the most upsetting computer problems in today`s world are caused by software that you didn`t purchase or install and may not even know exists. The problems can be limited as crashing systems, displaying annoying messages and handfuls of unwanted email. They can also reach as far as crippling networks, shutting down business and personal financial ruin. By viewing the wrong web page, responding to the wrong email can put you at risk.
Know Your Enemies – Viruses, Worms, and Trojans
Viruses are programs designed purposely to interfere with the normal operation of your computer. They can do anything from display messages, turn documents into templates andÂ delete all the contents of your hard drive. They can spread by opening infected documents, using an infected floppy disk, running an infected application or viewing a webpage that has the virus built into its code.
Worms are virusesÂ use the internet to spread themselves.Â This scanning of other computers also results in serious performance decreases of web surfing, email (Webmail, Eudora, etc.), and any other on-line activities.
Trojans (or Trojan Horse applications) are programs that appear to be harmless, but that actually infect your system with a virus when you run them.
The “payload” (what happens as a result of infection) of newer viruses and worms can go far beyond your computer many are written to spy on your computer and internet activities, and to steal account numbers and passwords. These kinds of viruses and worms enable identity theft. Many of the worms that have made headlines recently also have the potential, just by their methods of spreading, to crash entire networks, thereby shutting down business and potentially wreaking havoc with the economy.

Adware, Spyware, and Hijackware
Adware are programs that pop-up various advertisements and offers, often based on the websites you visit.
Spyware are programs designed to track all of your computer activities, from which applications you use to which websites you visit. They often work in conjunction with viruses to record your keystrokes, i.e. account numbers, usernames and passwords and transmit them back to a host who can then use or sell the information obtained.
Hijackware is software designed to allow someone else to control or hijack your computer.

Spam and Phishing
Spam is unwanted electronic mail. Mass emailers get your electronic address from on-line companies with which you do business. The result is millions of unsolicited messages sent out on a regular basis.
Phishing is malicious spam designed to lure people into providing confidential personal and financial information, i.e. credit card numbers, bank account numbers, PINs, Social Security numbers, etc. This information is then used to empty accounts and for identity theft. Some of these messages are made to appear legitimate, looking as though they are coming from banks or credit card issuers and ask to “verify” account information.

Get Your Shots
Just as you get immunizations and vaccinations against certain infectious diseases, , you can take steps to protect your computer, and yourself, against the malicious element on-line. While there is no guarantee that you won’t ever get a computer virus and you can never completely eliminate spam, you can greatly reduce the risk and irritation.

Keep Software Up-to-Date
Keep your programs especially your operating system and anti-virus software up to date. You can usually download patches and updates from the manufacturer’s website and many programs have built-in features that you can configure to automatically download and install updates at regular intervals. Many of these updates fix problems with the software’s original code, such as bugs and security holes. A large percentage of recent viruses take advantage of such flaws and millions ofÂ infections have occurred because patches that had been available for months were never applied.

Attachment Caution
Never open an e-mail attachment if you’re not sure what it is. Even email attachments coming from friends and colleagues may not actually be safe. Some viruses will send themselves to everyone in an email address book, while others will make it look like the message is coming from a random address book entry. While any attachment can potentially contain a virus, you should be especially cautious of attachments that end in “.exe,” “.pif,” and “.scr.”.

Firewall
Another way to protect your computer from intruders is through the use of a firewall, which will limit “back-door” access to your computer by other computers on the network. Some computer operating systems come equipped with firewall protection, but you may need to enable it manually. There are also software companies that offer firewall protection bundled with their anti-virus products. You can also purchase stand-alone (not built into or bundled with something else) firewall software.

Passwords
Passwords help protect your computer from unauthorized useÂ and your various accounts from unauthorized access, which in turn help protect your confidential documents and information. The longer the password is, the harder it is to figure out. Your passwords should be changed on a regular basis. Email passwords should be changed at least once every six months.
Anti-Spyware/Adware Software
Anti-Spyware/Adware software removes a significant number of spyware/adware items, and will therefore reduce the number of pop-up ads you get and will help eliminate those programs designed to spy on your computing and internet activities. Beware of some of these programs because they might actually make the problems worse will then offer to fix them if you purchase their products. It is recommended thatÂ Spybot Search & Destroy and Adaware, both of which are free for personal use be utilized.

Spam Filters
Many online and computer-based email readers have built-in spam filters. While they are pre-programmed with known spammer addresses and subjects, they are not perfect. AnyÂ change to an address or a subject line can cause spam to be missed. You will need to help train the feature to more accurately recognize the junk mail you receive and reduce the “false positives” that may be labeling some of your legitimate messages as spam. Be careful when manually creating filters that send certain messages to the Trash, as you may accidently end up sending ALL their messages to the Trash, not just the unwanted ones.
You may want to consider keeping a separate email account for your online activities. Most ISPs offer multiple email addresses per account, so you could have one set up for regular messages, and another one to use for your on-line purchases, site registrations, etc. While creating a separate account for internet use would not necessarily eliminate spam received to your general account, it should help reduce it.

Surf Smart
Regularly empty cache, cookies, and history folders. The cache stores copies of the pages you visit, and all files associated with them and should periodically be emptied. If a virus is embedded into the coding of a web page you visit, that virus will be downloaded to your computer.
Many websites place cookies on your computer to keep track of your activities on that particular site, while other cookies can track your overall web activities. Cookies can also contain username and password information for certain sites . These cookies should also be regularly cleared. You may need to re-enter your account names or numbers for certain sites after deleting the cookies.
Your internet browser keeps track of all the websites you visit and stores them in the history file. That’s how it’s able to auto-complete sites when you type them in. Adware will often use your history file in determining which ads to display, so it’s important to remove all those entries regularly.

Safer Online Shopping
Shop only on sites that offer secure check-out (look for the closed lock on your browser window), check out the company’s reviews from other customers, and even consider paying a little more from a better known and more trusted site.
You may also want to consider keeping a credit card to use exclusively with on-line purchases. Check the activity regularly, and report any unauthorized use to the issuer immediately.
Some credit card issuers offer the ability to create single-use account numbers for use on-line. A unique card number can be generated for a purchase, and can only be used by the originating vendor. If the number happens to be stolen, it’s useless.

Don’t Fall for it
Any reputable company will NEVER send you a generic (“Dear member”…) email asking you to confirm your account information by providing them with your name, account number, and PIN or password. At most they may send a request asking you to log into their site to update your address or email information. Why would they need your PIN/password when they already have access to all of your account information? You should NEVER give any of your PINs or passwords to anyone.

Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless connections offer about the same security as cell phones, so if someone is out there “listening” they could capture the information you transmit, even if your wireless connection is password protected and encryped. For basic surfing, wireless is fine, but for maximum protection, you should connect to a standard/wired network.