Internet Security
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The Internet is full of information and data, we can use it at work and at home, for increased productivity or for a great source of fun. Unfortunately, the Internet has also many dangers inside. I’ll try to explain the basic things that can be done to keep away those dangers from your computer.
To keep you from troubles if you are connected to the internet you need: the latest service pack for the operating system and all hotfixes that were released, one antivirus that must has the latest database for virus signatures, one firewall to protect for brute force attacks or various exploits and one antispyware and antitrojan program. There are some programs that combine the antivirus, firewall and antispyware capability. Also, if you work a lot with emails, you might need a powerful email client who can provide anti-spam protection, because even if most of the spam mails don’t contain viruses, you might get them in such a large numbers that sorting them might become very difficult.
Of course, the most important thing is that no antivirus or firewall can protect you better than you can. What I’m trying to say here is that by watching what programs you run, what websites you visit and what emails you open, you can prevent most of the dangers. Another thing that can very helpful is doing periodic backup of your important files, because if a virus infects or deletes your files, you will need those files back. And by backing up your files, you can recover quickly in case that you need to reinstall your operating system, or, even worse, in case of hard drive crash.
In the end, I hope that this short guide gave some information that will prevent a few viruses and trojans from spreading. Because, that’s what most of viruses and trojans do : they spread, and if one of you gets away from such a virus, this means that many more were saved, because the virus could not get any further to others, maybe other one, but, much more likely, other thousands or even more. So, keep yourself away from viruses and help others do the same thing.
For more information on security related topics visit our website: http://www.securitysoftwarezone.com/
Eugen Blaga – Security Consultant at Security Software Zone
About the Author
Security Software Zone, comprehensive source for Free Downloads, Experts Reviews and Latest Security News
Written by mellow on November 30th, 2006 with no comments.
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Are you aware that behind the scenes a depraved snake is watching, slithering through Internet security loopholes, ready to strike at any moment? Despicable, swindling crooks prey on unsuspecting victims every second of the day via our wonderful Internet.
Ahh, the Internet! What would we do without it? Need a quick answer to a question or a solution to a problem? Look it up on the Internet. Have some shopping to do and don?t want to hassle the crowds or search from store to store? No problem. Order off the Internet. Need to relax and unwind? Browse the Internet. No doubt about it, the Internet has impacted the lives of almost everyone.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Did you know when you log into the Internet, a fraudster can gather enough personal data on you to conduct monetary transfers from your banking account in a matter of seconds? You don?t even need to be browsing.
The keylogger computer virus has become one of the most serious and dangerous attacks on the Internet. It silently sits in your computer illegally recording key strokes of user names and passwords. While bank and credit card information is transmitted to the hacker, you may not even be aware you have a virus.
Computer virus attacks are increasing in frequency and complexity. Everyone who uses a computer, whether at home or at work, is exposed to more security risks than you can imagine. According to an FBI report, 90% of companies have detected Internet security incidents in the last year. Online attacks have become so widespread that unless we know how to protect ourselves, we are most certainly vulnerable to some type of personal destruction.
How to Defend Yourself
If you seriously want to be in command of your security and privacy, you need to follow these steps:
1. Get rid of any malware (virus, Trojans, worms) that lives in your PC now.
2. Protect yourself against future attacks.
3. Be aware of the tricks these hackers, scammers and snoops play.
4. Keep your personal information away from prying eyes.
It is imperative that you take some time to educate yourself. Putting it off is putting yourself at a high risk. Take advantage of our almighty worldwide Internet. You will find tons of information about spyware protection and even free downloads to see if your computer is infected. What you learn could save you from upsetting losses.
Clean up and secure your computer now. Don?t become a victim!
About the Author:
Please visit http://www.travelwebbase.com/internet-security.html for additional information.
Written by mellow on November 26th, 2006 with no comments.
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Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security is the best Internet Security software in its market. This release combines award-winning antivirus security and a personal firewall for comprehensive protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers. It also detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. It even guards against identity theft by blocking phishing and pharming attacks. PC-cillin also protects your wireless network with Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection, an innovative security feature that alerts you when an intruder uses your Wi-Fi connection.
Major Features That Make TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2006 so effective include:
Comprehensive Antivirus Security that detects and removes viruses from emails, Internet downloads, removable media, and your personal computer’s hard drive. The improved Outbreak Warning System sends alerts to warn you of new threats. Security updates automatically execute as soon as they are available.
Powerful Spyware Protection is assured using Trend Micro’s leading anti-spyware technology that blocks spyware and grayware in real time. Manual and scheduled scans detect and remove spyware that may already be installed on your personal computer. New Exception Lists and improved Quarantine Management give you more control to keep, delete or restore programs.
Phishing Fraud Defense allows URL filtering, anti-spam, and patent-pending technologies to work together to block fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and pharming attack. These scams are designed to attack financial data, user names, and passwords. The Anti-Fraud Wizard makes it easy to configure and the new Anti-Fraud Toolbar helps you avoid future scams by displaying a credibility rating of Web sites in real time.
Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection is the industry’s first alert system for wireless home networks and is now faster and better at sending rapid alerts as soon as an unauthorized user intrudes your wireless network.
Improved Spam Filtering employs advanced spam-filtering technology that blocks spam from flooding your inbox and new integration with Microsoft Outlook makes it easy to set preferences. New user-friendly tools and more reports make it very easy to view and manage.
Enhanced Personal Firewall is your personal firewall that prevents intrusion from hackers, and blocks network viruses like the well-known ZOTOB worm that targets network vulnerabilities.
Home Network Control is a centralized management console makes it easy to configure, update, and manage all aspects of security for every computer on your home network or wherever PC-cillin 2006 is installed.
Vulnerability Assessment is provided via PC-cillin as it performs regular scans of your computer, alerts you to operating system/browser vulnerabilities, and provides one-click access to Windows Update.
System Requirements for TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2006:
Hardware – Microsoft Windows XP/2000: Intel Pentium 300MHz or above; Microsoft Windows Me/98/98 SE; Intel Pentium 233MHz or above; Microsoft Windows XP: 128MB or above; Microsoft Windows 2000/Me/98/98SE:128MB or above. Requires 120MB available hard disk space
Software – Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition/Professional SP 2 or above; Windows 2000 Professional SP 4 or above; Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 98/98 Second Edition; Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 SP 2 or above; Netscape 7.1; AOL 7.0 and Firefox 1.0; Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0; Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002, or 2003; Netscape 7.1; Eudora Pro 6J; AOL Mail; Yahoo! Mail; MSN Hotmail and Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0; Windows Messenger 4.7, 5.0 and MSN Messenger 6.2; ICQ 5; ICQ Lite; AOL 5.1; Windows XP SP 2 or above; Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002, or 2003; Microsoft Outlook Express 6, SP 2
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 with an MSRP of $49.95 offers a broad range of protection for your PC. It is a feature rich, powerful choice in Internet Security protection your PC.
About the Author
Joel Smith recommends reading the TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security review at Identity Theft Spy.
Written by mellow on November 23rd, 2006 with no comments.
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The original PC-Cillin was an antivirus application. In 2006 it’s grown into a full Internet security suite with firewall, spam filter and parental controls.
Computer security is essential to prevent PC performance loss and identity theft. Spyware clogs system resources, taking up disk space and slowing down the PC. Some may also be capable of stealing personal information. Fake sites to gather information are also plentiful and many emails try to fool the reader into visiting one of these sites to enter credit card numbers or logins to other legitimate sites.
TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security suite is the perfect companion for the home and small office computer, providing a range of benefits in a single, affordable package to protect against these dangers:
* comprehensive antivirus protection: automatically updated to provide constant, efficient protection of emails, browsing and removable media.
* spyware protection: real time and scheduled scans plus quarantine management feature for files which cannot be immediately removed
* phishing defense: patent-pending technology for detecting fake websites designed to steal personal information
* wi-fi intrusion alerts: for when an unauthorized user taps into a wireless connection
* improved spam filtering: now with Microsoft Outlook integration and advanced reporting
* personal firewall: for protection from hackers and network viruses
* network control: to mange protection across any PC in the home or small network
* vulnerability scanning: regular scans to alert when vulnerabilities are found plus access to Windows Update
* advanced parental control: block inappropriate websites and content from the children
* simple, clear interface: easy to understand and control for PC novices and experts alike
* email antivirus protection compatible with Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0, Microsoft Outlook 2000/2002/2003, Netscape 7.1, Eudora Pro 6J, AOL, Yahoo!, Hotmail, Thunderbird 1.0
* instant messaging shield works with Windows Messenger 4.7/5.0, MSN Messenger 6.2, ICQ 5 and ICQ Lite, AOL 5.1
* 30 day trial: download and assess PC-Cillin before purchasing
For any questionable files which arise and are not confirmed by PC-Cillin as an Internet parasite, they can be submitted to Trend Micro’s EDoctor Lab for analysis and a response can be expected within 48 hours. This system ensures if there is a malicious file which has not gotten into the database yet, it surely will do soon once it has been discovered on the loose. Public input into research is invaluable in keeping security applications up to date.
TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security is available as a single license home package, or in multiple license packages for the small office. It is fully customizable to provide relevant protection for different machines, or even different environments, for example, on a laptop which travels between work, office and on the road.
PC-Cillin is currently only available for Windows computers, running the following specifications:
* Pentium 233MHz or above with Windows98/98 SE/Me
* Pentium 300MHz or above with Windows 2000/XP (Home or Professional)
* 128MB RAM and 120MB hard disk space
* Internet access is required for upgrades: Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape 7.1, AOL 7.0 or Firefox 1.0 and higher
About the Author
Ben Sikes recommends reading the full product review of TrendMicro PC-Cillin Internet Security at Identity Theft Spy.
Written by mellow on November 20th, 2006 with no comments.
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Online Courses Bring Advantages and Security Threats
A college education is mandatory in today’s job market. Because of this, many workers find themselves pursuing a higher education while they are employed. One way colleges are making access to education more convenient for workers is by offering a wide range of their curriculum via online courses. This growing trend brings with it all the advantages and disadvantages associated with Internet connectivity.
One of the main advantages to students is easy access to their coursework at all hours of the day and night. In fact, online classes can usually accommodate any work schedule. The ease of communication with the instructor is another reason online courses are so popular. Still another important advantage is that online courses can be accessed easily from any public commuter with an Internet connection, like those you might find at universities or in public libraries.
Colleges and universities support this trend toward online classes because they can attract more students and increase revenue without incurring the overhead associated with a classroom full of students.
However, as with any trend, there is a downside to this rapid increase in online education. Chief among the challenges institutions face is the need to defend against Internet-based threats. These threats are inherent in Web access and include instant messaging and peer-to-peer file sharing, spyware and phishing attacks, a wide-range of objectionable Web content and human nature itself.
MySpace.com
Examples of human corruption as a source of Internet-based threats are everywhere. The Internet is rife with everything from the criminality of hacking and phishing attacks to the irritation of surreptitious spyware agents. The most dangerous threat is from predators who often target young people, the very ones who are likely using computers at schools and libraries. In a recent scandal involving MySpace.com, a predator was tracking the movements of teenaged girls via their myspace.com postings. Predators on the Internet have been present since the beginning of Internet technology. They fish in chat rooms, message boards and e-mail. Even if the unsuspecting public is aware of the dangers posed by predators, the need for Internet security is essential in any strategy for defending against Web-based threats. This becomes even more critical when an educational site is vulnerable to attack.
Colleges provide their own websites, message boards, blogs and email addresses. When a phisher or hacker or a predator with hacking skills is able to breach the unsecured network of a college, it leaves more than just intellectual property open for perusal. And if external threats to the students and the network were not enough, a system administrator at a college also has to deal with the actions of the students as well.
The Hazards of Downloading
Computer access in the college library is very common even on the smallest of community college campuses. Students unaware of security threats can easily surf a number of questionable websites, downloading objectionable material and leaving a network vulnerable by visiting a chat room or opening an instant message with a skillful hacker on the other end.
Through any of these means an unprotected network can be at risk for backdoor programs, viruses and hackers. Defending against these threats is important for network security, student safety and the college’s reputation. An unsecured network is easy prey for an experienced hacker and the last thing a college can afford is to have a student’s personal information or worse, financial information compromised.
Reputation and Integrity
Colleges rely on their reputations and integrity to distinguish their institutions in a crowded field. Their reputation is comprised of many elements including student success rates and faculty expertise. The integrity of a college’s network security can directly impact student enrollment because any decline in a school’s good reputation can spread like wildfire. Schools with diminished reputations can see enrollment fall off as parents and students alike find other schools with better reputations.
This situation doesn’t just affect colleges, it also applies to local schools and school districts where networks, computers in classroom and wireless connections are becoming more common. Even more compelling, protecting young children is more critical for schools than even their reputations.
Utilizing proper filtering hardware and software can protect the integrity of the educational institution as well as their security and by extension, the security of the students. Filtering hardware can prevent students from accessing unsafe websites or questionable ones. It can prevent downloading of materials, backdoor programs and worms.
The Obvious Solution
With the use of filtering hardware, schools can protect ports into their network exploited by instant messaging programs and more. When it comes right down to it, educational institutions are negligent if they do not employ the right network security. With so many potential problems waiting to prey on the unsuspecting and unsecured network, filtering hardware is the obvious answer.
About the Author
iPrism internet filters and web filters provide internet monitoring and network security. http://internet-filters.stbernard.com
Written by mellow on November 16th, 2006 with no comments.
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The quest for convenience is a two edged sword. In our quest for speed, efficiency and walking as little as possible, we strive to make life as simple as possible. It was not so log ago that business was done face to face; meetings and paper letters were how we communicated. When we shopped we walked or drove to a store, loaded a trolley or basket and checked out.
Now, we can sit in the comfort of our own home and have face to face meetings through video conferencing, send a letter in less than a second and most importantly, shift our hard earned cash from one bank to another.
But there is a price some pay and it goes beyond the fees and any appropriate software. The more convenient we make life, the more potential avenues for theft and fraud we create.
Internet security is of paramount importance. When you live in a city, you lock your house door, lock the car, engage the alarm and leave lights on when you go out.
We speak of a ‘global village’, but I think this gives a false impression. Life on the internet is not a village – it’s a global city – and city mentality is needed.
So how can you lock up and alarm your virtual doors?
ANITVIRUS
For some reason, there are some people out there who get kicks out of writing little programs that cause computers problems. These range from annoying little bugs to complete computer breakdown. It can either be irritating or catastrophic leading to a loss of all data.
The solution – anti-virus (a virus killer). There are many programs that can spot a virus when it comes via a website or email – and kill it outright – is like cyber-bleach. These programs stay in the background, get updated with the latest threats and jump into action when needed.
SPYWARE
Although spy ware doesn’t usually cause computer meltdown, it can actually be more damaging. Spy ware are other little programs that run in the background of your computer – the monitor you online activity and report back to the sender. The threat? If you’re banking online or dealing with sensitive data, it could be under threat.
Like anti-virus software – there is a host of good spy ware checkers and removers.
It pays to get protected before you need it – there is no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. You can see the cyber locksmith at http://online-security-solutions.com
? 2006 Copyright Steve Holloway. You may republish this article as long as it remains unchanged and the resource box is included.
About the Author
Steve Holloway has been in online business for several years. For more information and resources go to Internet Security Guide
Written by mellow on November 13th, 2006 with no comments.
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One of the main ways to compromise internet security on your PC is via a program called a Trojan Horse. A Trojan Horse is a program that quietly runs in the background, inviting the user to run it, while spreading its malicious code. This code can do any number of things. It can start right away or it may simply install a program that won’t start for sometime. Once it does start, it can delete all of the files on the computer or it can infect the computer and try to infect other computers on the network. There are a number of ways spyware is delivered, and as a Trojan horse is the most common.
In addition to these things, spyware may infect your e-mail address book. Once this occurs, spam will be sent to every single person in every single infected address book.
The major difference between spyware like Gator and most other spyware programs is that users are understandably notified of its download before it actually occurs.
Another significant spyware threat is CoolWebSearch. This spyware can do a number of things to compromise your internet security. First, it can take over your current internet settings, making things display wrong, and causing other system inconsistencies.
The third major spyware threat is 180searchassistant. This program has both pop-up and pop-under ads based on the user’s search terms. Moreover, once a site is clicked on, a new browser window opens to display more advertisements based on the search terms. It constantly updates by itself, and it can display pop-up ads even when the internet is not running. In addition to compromising your internet security, it can cause system slow downs.
The fourth detrimental spyware threat to your internet security is ISTbar. This spyware program displays adult pop-ups, even when the internet is not in use. It can hijack your browser settings, reset your homepage, and cause continual cascading pop-ups while you are using the internet. It will continually download related files without your knowledge. Moreover, it can cause system slow downs.
The final major spyware threat to your internet security is Internet Optimizer. This program redirects your computer to its advertising sites. It also downloads and continually updates itself without your knowledge. The worst part about this spyware, though, is it leaves a back door open to your system so other viruses can penetrate your defenses.
About the Author
Greg Lietz is a freelance writer, an internet business man and enjoys working with and building computers. To discover how to Knock-Out Spyware issues on your PC, visit this Spyware Removal website as soon as you can.
Written by mellow on November 9th, 2006 with no comments.
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The quest for convenience is a two edged sword. In our quest for speed, efficiency and walking as little as possible, we strive to make life as simple as possible. It was not so log ago that business was done face to face; meetings and paper letters were how we communicated. When we shopped we walked or drove to a store, loaded a trolley or basket and checked out.
Now, we can sit in the comfort of our own home and have face to face meetings through video conferencing, send a letter in less than a second and most importantly, shift our hard earned cash from one bank to another.
But there is a price some pay and it goes beyond the fees and any appropriate software. The more convenient we make life, the more potential avenues for theft and fraud we create.
Internet security is of paramount importance. When you live in a city, you lock your house door, lock the car, engage the alarm and leave lights on when you go out.
We speak of a ?global village?, but I think this gives a false impression. Life on the internet is not a village ? it?s a global city ? and city mentality is needed.
So how can you lock up and alarm your virtual doors?
ANITVIRUS
For some reason, there are some people out there who get kicks out of writing little programs that cause computers problems. These range from annoying little bugs to complete computer breakdown. It can either be irritating or catastrophic leading to a loss of all data.
The solution ? anti-virus (a virus killer). There are many programs that can spot a virus when it comes via a website or email ? and kill it outright ? is like cyber-bleach. These programs stay in the background, get updated with the latest threats and jump into action when needed.
SPYWARE
Although spy ware doesn?t usually cause computer meltdown, it can actually be more damaging. Spy ware are other little programs that run in the background of your computer ? the monitor you online activity and report back to the sender. The threat? If you’re banking online or dealing with sensitive data, it could be under threat.
Like anti-virus software ? there is a host of good spy ware checkers and removers.
It pays to get protected before you need it ? there is no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. You can see the cyber locksmith at http://online-security-solutions.com
? 2006 Copyright Steve Holloway. You may republish this article as long as it remains unchanged and the resource box is included.
Written by mellow on November 6th, 2006 with no comments.
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It is not an exaggeration to say that, to look at the internet today, is to look at the wild wild west of virtual reality. You open an email and you are in danger of picking up a computer virus. You download something that looks interesting and you get a “Trojan Horse”. You respond to a nice looking add and you fall victim to a phishing scam. It is enough to drive one crazy. Not only is there no sheriff in this virtual reality recreation of the wild west, there does not seem to be any law whatsoever. Is there an answer to this dilemma? Some experts contend that there is. The creation of what I would call “Internet Security Societies” (ISS). An ISS provider would implement a tracing software, so that all interactions within their and other ISS providers’ environments would be totally traceable. There will be complete and personal accountability for all activities on the internet. If you got a piece of malware during your surfing, you could call your ISS provider and they would give you a complete report of where and who did the planting. As long as you only interact with approved members of an ISS provider, you would be assured of such complete accountability. Does such a concept seem far fetched to you? Consider the fax machine. It must have been quite a job selling the first few fax machines while nobody else in the market place owned one. And yet the technology proved itself, it filled a real need. Today you cannot seriously consider starting a business without a fax machine in the office. Nobody would take you seriously. The concept of the Internet Security Society has the same potential today. It promises to bring some sorely needed order in the wild world of the internet. However, the tracing software is a mammoth task. The successful implementation of the concept is by no means an easy thing. Considering the enormous numbers involved in the daily internet activities of potentially millions of members, makes such a task seem unattainable. And yet, if it is accomplished it will fill the tremendous need for order on the internet. Kanosis makes the claim that is has developed the software to accomplish this task. The center piece of their software is called “The Coil”. If it proves that it can deliver, it will be the next giant of the internet. If not, somebody else will step in to provide for this need. Some present giants of the internet are working on the development of such software. In any case, whether it is Kanosis or somebody else who first delivers in such a lofty undertaking, the undeniable facts dictate: Just hold on to your wallets. There is another monthly bill on the horizon if you want to remain active and be considered legitimate on the internet.
About the Author
John Douramacos (injohn) is an internet marketer http://www.makebucksonline.com who is interested in the financial markets http://www.4xtradingtrends.com and in security systems. http://www.thekanosiswave.com
Written by mellow on November 3rd, 2006 with no comments.
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The internet is a wonderful place; many of us use it on a regular basis for a multitude of functions. Email helps us to keep in touch with family, and friends all over the world and most people have at least one email account. The growing use of digital cameras and camera phones means that we can send pictures at the click of a mouse. MP3 players have become increasingly popular, and we can download songs to play on them with extreme ease. All of this is great, and the internet is becoming a big part of our everyday lives.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to all of this increased use of the internet. That is the growth of the spread of viruses and other so-called ?malware?. Originally, internet hackers were satisfied keeping their attentions focussed on government and business websites, and their viruses were intended to attack corporations. Most hackers saw this as a challenge. However, there is now an increasing trend towards home computer users being targeted by these attacks. The amount of damage that can be caused by a virus varies, but there are a number of easy steps that a person can take to help increase their internet security.
The first step to keeping your computer free from viruses is to have up-to-date antivirus software running on your computer. You need to make regular checks to ensure that your software is updated, and to scan your entire computer for viruses. There are a number of cheap, and free antivirus software programs available that provide excellent protection. You can find these by searching through your search engine for antivirus software.
The next step to maintain your internet security is to be extremely cautious about the type of files that you open, or download. The majority of viruses are actually spread through email attachments. Having these on your computer, in your inbox, is not the danger; the real danger is when you open the attachment. It may not be obvious that anything has happened when you first open the attachment containing the virus, quite often they appear blank. The damage is caused by the program that is activated within the attachment. If you do not know, and trust, the person who has sent you the attachment then delete the email.
About the Author:
John Rivers is owner of Security Profs. Introduction to Internet security using personal firewalls, anti-virus, anti-trojan.
Written by mellow on October 30th, 2006 with no comments.
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