Software Articles

There are a number of different types of identity theft such as the fraudulent use of someone else’s credit card or bank account, running up bills in another person’s name and working in another person’s name. Victims of identity theft often responsible for repaying the money and/or owed and this is why everyone should follow some guaranteed to work tips for protection against identity theft.

First, you need to be able to recognize the different types of identity theft and how they occur. Checking your credit rating on a regular basis and watching your bills and statements for unusual items are just a start. You should also consider the following:

- Never give out personal information unless it is to someone that is well known and trusted to you

- Always shred any documents that contain personal information before you throw them out

- Social security numbers are strictly confidential. Never have them (or any other personal identification number like a drivers license) printed on checks

- Don’t carry important identification when it isn’t necessary as they can be stolen

- Consider taking your details out of the phonebook

- Cancel and destroy any cards that are not used

- If your purse or wallet has been stolen, contact any financial institution that you may have an account with

Other things you can do to help prevent identity theft include keeping your important documents locked in a safe at home. Never give out personal information to telemarketers or unsolicited email senders. When you’re traveling, make a copy of your identification and leave it with someone you can contact in case the originals are lost or stolen.

Tips for Protection against Online Identity Theft

Protecting yourself on the internet isn’t complicated. Make sure you have a current antivirus and spyware scanner on your computer, and keep them updated. Change your passwords on a regular basis and make sure they’re hard to guess. Ideally you should use a combination of letters, number and symbols. Never respond to emails asking for private information such as credit card details or account information. Before logging into your bank or credit card website, verify that the website is legitimate.

By now most users are aware of the need to implement antivirus software on individual systems. But a large percentage of the hardware and software used to provide something for those users to use resides outside them. What are they and what can be done to protect them from virus attacks?

Virus attacks aren’t limited to desktop PC’s. The computer servers that operate websites, email and other internet services are also vulnerable.

Many of these servers are really not that different from a desktop PC. They may have more memory, multiple processors and larger hard drives, but they’re still more or less the same type of equipment when you get right down to it.

Because of that fact, they’re often vulnerable to the same viruses and other internet security threats that the average desktop system is. They also need to run antivirus software, firewalls and other forms of protection.

What Options Do They Have?

Because these servers provide internet services to many users (sometimes thousands at a time) they are a popular target for the people who create viruses. As an end user, you can help to keep these systems virus-free by ensuring that your computer stays that way. And the system administrators on those systems can help by limiting the type of software that gets installed on them.

When you keep your computer protect against online security threats, you’re helping to minimize the target area for hackers. It’s also necessary to keep your computer updated with the latest operating system and browser patches. You may even want to consider running a more secure web browser, such as Firefox, instead of Internet Explorer.

Avoid booting from or loading software from CD’s, DVD’s or other disks that haven’t been scanned for viruses, if you’re not sure of the source. If a single file on one of those disks contains a virus, it can spread like wildfire.

If you use FTP, you should look into switching to a more secure system for file transfers. FTP passwords are sent “in the clear” - there is no encryption on them at all. So when you log into an FTP server, if someone is monitoring your internet traffic, they can easily get your password.

It’s up to all of us to make sure these systems remain secure - not just the system administrators. They have a lot of work on their plate and aren’t always as quick to respond to security issues as they would like.

By now most users are aware of the need to implement antivirus software on individual systems. But a large percentage of the hardware and software used to provide something for those users to use resides outside them. What are they and what can be done to protect them from virus attacks?

Virus attacks aren’t limited to desktop PC’s. The computer servers that operate websites, email and other internet services are also vulnerable.

Many of these servers are really not that different from a desktop PC. They may have more memory, multiple processors and larger hard drives, but they’re still more or less the same type of equipment when you get right down to it.

Most operate much like an individual’s system and are subject to the same kinds of attacks. They can therefore be protected by many of the same means - regular use of reliable antivirus software and being firewall guarded to shut down vulnerable entry points on the Internet.

What else can be done?

These servers can be servicing thousands of users at the same time in some cases so they’re a popular target for the virus writers. As a user on these systems, you can help keep them virus-free by making sure your own computer is. And their system administrators can help by limiting what kinds of programs get installed on them.

Users can help administrators and themselves by being more careful in browser selection and configuration. Most could profit from better self-education in how to minimize the ‘target area’ for hackers by changing browser settings. Users and computer professionals have made strides in voicing concern over security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Adopting other browsers in greater numbers will help to get the message across.

Users and administrators should avoid using bootable CD’s and DVD’s that haven’t been virus scanned after being burned with desired software and files. Sometimes the process that creates them propagates viruses, just as floppy disks did some years ago.

Finally, if you use FTP for transferring files, you need to consider switching to a more secure alternative. FTP sends all passwords unencrypted so if someone is able to intercept your internet connection, they can easily get your password.

Users should take an active role in encouraging administrators to lock down systems. Most admins do a very good job with limited time and resources, but security is usually well down their list of priorities. Users who show an interest can alter that in a constructive way by showing that they care. Very few servers have a thorough check by a skilled security expert at any time in their serviceable lifetimes. That would change if users didn’t passively assume by default that everything is fine until things go sour.

Many people ask me,” where can I find free antivirus software.” The easiest and fastest way to find free malware removal software is to simply do a search on Google. Type in something like, “free antivirus software,” and click on the links.

There are many companies offering internet security programs for free, some are good, some are not so good, and some you should stay well clear of.

I have tried many free anti-virus programs but my favorite is the one provided by AVG. Their security suites seem to get better by the year with the most recent version (8.00) providing the most up to the minute online security prevention available.

Basically what it does is to tell you by means of a small graphic i.e. green tick that it is safe to go this website. So if you type the word, “Spyware removal “into Google’s search box you will get a list of many sites offering this type of software.

Problem is many sites are offering what is termed, “rogue software.” Basically what this means is that if for instance you were trying to remove some spyware on your laptop and downloaded one of these so called “spyware removers, then installed it on your PC, some of them may actually install malware onto your system instead of removing it.

AVG’s safe surfing software can or should alert you to websites that may be offering this kind of sofware to you as a free download thus helping you to avoid installing it in the first place.

AVG was not the first company to make this kind of technology available. I first came came across it when McAfee security made it popular. By now you have probably worked out that I’m a fan of AVG. Although they are my personal preference, there are others out there to choose from.

There are others like Avast and Avira, which seem to have a good reputation and are used by many to protect their systems from worms, viruses and all types of malware infection.

Back full circle to, “where can I find free antivirus software.” I hope that I have given you enough relevant information for you to spend a little time researching so you can make your own informed decision. Alternatively you may decide just to take my word for it and make the AVG free download page your first port of call.

Before spyware terrorized your computer, many people used to focus their efforts on avoiding the deadly virus. Since viruses almost became an inevitability, many companies tried to cash in by launching one anti-virus software after the other. Today, you have a different kind of problem that needs more harmful than a virolution quick and they are called spyware.

Now, spyware is becoming one of the most common headaches in a world dominated by digital technology. Users can easily acquire spyware by simpling logging on to a website and clicking a link. Even computers with an anti-virus software installed are not immune to spyware.

One of the most efficient ways to combat spyware is to install a highly recommended anti-spyware software on the computer and avoid the tempting websites that probably contain them.

Unlike a computer virus, spyware does not aim to destroy the contents of your hard disk. Instead, it penetrates your computer and some of your most sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal data.

Fortunately, anti-spyware software is as easy to get as the problem itself. There are so many programs available both on the Internet and on the market. There are numerous websites that offer downloadable programs free of charge, while many software companies have cashed in by launching their own products on the market.

Many websites have pop-up advertisements that offer all assortments of free products but beware when clicking one of them. Never give away information on the Internet, no matter how safe it seems. Otherwise, you might just end up as another victim of spyware.

Also avoid pop-up advertisements at all costs. These are one of the most annoying developments ever created for the Internet. Many browsers offer additional tools that would block windows from popping up. The best thing is that these programs are free.

You should never be complacent with any kind of computer product that claims to fight spyware. Always go the extra mile and take precautionary measures when it comes to personal information.

What are Computer Viruses?

Computer viruses are small programs that hide inside of your computer and then replicate themselves in some fashion in order to spread to other computers. With the internet connecting so many computers to one another, and our propensity to share many of our files with other people, we unknowingly transmit to other computers viruses that have infected our own files. Depending on the design of the virus, once it reaches a computer, it can do almost anything from deleting and corrupting your files, to disabling your computers security measures to make it more vulnerable to a hacker.

Types of Viruses

Computer Viruses can be divided into many different categories; Here are the most common, as well as a brief explanation of each one.

Resident Viruses

This is a type of virus that hides in your computer’s RAM memory, controlling and intercepting operations carried out by the system, these are often used to capture passwords and credit card numbers and can corrupt files and programs.

Direct Action Viruses

The main objective of these viruses is to replicate themselves and take a particular action when they are run. When a pre-defined condition is met, the virus will spring into action and replicate itself. These viruses normally attach themselves to other files on your computer, so when the file is run - the virus is activated. Files infected with this type of virus can usually be fixed using anti-virus software.

Overwrite Viruses

When this type of virus infects a file, it deletes all of the information contained within that file and then copies itself into it. In other words, these will gut your files and then wear their clothes. Files infected with this type of virus become useless and can’t be recovered without restoring a previous backup.

Boot Viruses

This type of virus infects the boot sector of your disk drives. The boot sector is a part of the disk that stores basic system information and is used to start your computer. These viruses are then loaded on boot-up. Please note that this kind of virus does not affect files. The best way to avoid boot viruses is to write-protect your floppy disks and never start your computer with an unknown floppy disk in the drive. Most antivirus programs can detect and remove these.

Macro Viruses

Certain programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint have the ability to use small ‘helper’ programs to extend their functionality and automate repetitive tasks. These ‘helper’ programs are known as macros and scripts and are stored in the document files instead of the main program. A macro virus is simply a virus that hides out in these files and waits for you to open them with their respective programs - which then run the virus.

File Infectors

This type of virus infects programs and/or executable files. Each time one of these programs runs, the virus is activated; the majority of existing viruses belong to this category, and are classified depending on the actions that they carry out. Think of these viruses as stowaways on your computer’s files.

Choosing an Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most important things you should have on your system. Many PC’s come with this software pre-installed, but you should still take a few moments to familiarize yourself with it. There are many available antivirus programs currently on the market. Here, I’ve compiled some of the best retail and free antivirus solutions for you.

McAfee Antivirus (Retail) - McAfee provides a great antivirus solution. This US based company is maybe the oldest antivirus development company in the world, and in this area experience is king, especially when you’re dealing with high-tech menaces.

Norton Antivirus (Retail) - Norton Antivirus, commonly known as Symantec Antivirus, is one of the best antivirus solutions available, even though it’s also one of the “heaviest”, meaning your system may run slower after installing it, specially if you haven’t upgraded lately.

Avast Antivirus (Free!) - Avast Antivirus is a lightweight and free (for home use) solution. They are a newer company but have gained much ground because their software is free and easy to use.

AVG (Free!) - Much like Avast, AVG is a light, easy to manage antivirus package, automatically updated, and provides maybe the best shield protection you may need, without even noticing its presence. What to Do if You Think You Have a Virus

If your computer is running unusually slow, complaining with lots of errors, random reboots, blue error screens, or tons of pop-up windows - chances are good that you have picked up some spyware or a virus.

In this case it’s better to stop and think before acting.

What should you do?

1. Stop all your work, close all your files and opened windows.

2. Run your antivirus software to make sure it is operable; do this even before updating it with the latest virus definitions.

3. Update your antivirus with the newest virus definitions and run it again.

4. If your system is still complaining, check it for spyware.

Don’t, in any case, start deleting files and programs as you’re likely to cause even more harm. This is a good time to backup all your data if you don’t have any backups already. Even if you back up data infected with a virus, there is a good chance that it can be recovered and this will spare you from loosing important files if your first effort to identify and remove the virus fails.

What if a Virus Doesn’t Let You Access Your Antivirus Software?

If you’re getting an error when you try to open you antivirus software, it is very likely the result of a virus on your machine. There are 3 ways to deal with this.

1. Use a rescue disk. Most antivirus programs will ask you to create a ‘rescue disk’ during their installation, if you did this and know where you put the disk, put it into your PC and reboot. These rescue disks load the antivirus software before any other programs (including windows). If they can load before the virus, then they can find and neutralize it.

2. Use online antivirus software. Many antivirus companies provide free online tools that you can run from their web site’s in these emergency situations; Here are just a few: * Avast Virus Cleaner * Kaspersky online virus scanner * Trend Housecall * Panda Activescan

3. Carefully remove your disk drives and install them on another PC, or access them through a network, then use another system to scan the drives.

When to get professional help

If you’ve been through all of this and your PC is still sinking like the titanic, then it’s time to call in reinforcements. Don’t have a friend or family member who’s a computer whiz? That’s ok, because there are plenty of companies which are more than happy to take your PC and clean it up for you, check in your local phone book under “Computers; Repair and Service”.

When pricing these services, approach them the same way you approach finding a garage you take your car to - get hourly rates and find a place that will take a look at your PC and give you a free estimate.