A few days ago my PC suffered an attack that threatended to escalate. My PC became compromised just before Christmas. I wondered whether my passwords and credit card details would be stolen. Fortunately I found a fix for the problem.

The main symptom of the attack was the inability to use Windows Updates. Also the main antivirus software that I use (Norton antivirus) appeared to know that the trojan.VUNDO was present. It reported a fix, but almost immediately this was overturned and the problem reverted.

If the PC is cut off from security updates from the operating system provider (Microsoft) it will then become vulnerable to further more serious attacks. A criminal who knows you have been cut off from help from the software vendor support knows you are defenceless and that sooner or later he will be able to get to sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details. Your computer could be a goldmine for the criminal.

It is essential that when security updates become disabled you fix this problem as soon as possible. Do not postpone this even if the computer is operating normally in other ways. If you choose to ignore it the results could be disastrous.

The first thing to try is to download the updates manually, but in my case this was knocked out as well. My pc was totally cut off from help from the software vendor.

Another way had to be found around this problem. I searched Windows forums and discussion groups and soon came across a solution. It was a software package called Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.31 and it can be found at http://www.malwarebytes.org/. It fixed the problem quickly and has the advantage that it is free.

There are paid versions as well. Updates are brought out every few days and so they are clearly responding to new threats rapidly.

Criminals are continually developing malware, including viruses, trojans and worms with the object of stealing money from members of the Internet community. Fortunately there are companies like Malewarebytes out there fighting them. They certainly fixed trojan.VUNDO for me.

The worst form of malware is called Spyware, which can steal your identity. It also does a good job of hiding on your computer so that you can not look and see if any spyware programs installed. To find out if your computer has spyware you will have to look for symptoms that there is spyware on your system so that you can do something quickly before your personal data gets stolen.

The initial hint of the existence of a spyware in your computer is slow performing system. When you try to open different programs at the same time, the memory allocates resources to make the system work efficiently. Spywares are computer programs that runs in the background. You are unaware of them running and they eat up your resources resulting to a slower system.

The next sign is multiple strange program names coming up when you view a list of all running programs. There are spyware programs that are able to hide their presence, but if you see the names of programs that do not look at all familiar, chances are that they are spyware that was unable to mask itself from your computers program detection.

Occasionally these are created by trustworthy programs " for example, AOL used to install a number of different trial programs when you added them to your hard drive - but they can also be caused by spyware that is attempting to get you to download a program in order to steal some of your identity or infect your computer further.The third sign of spyware is when you find icons on you computer for trial services that should not have been installed.

As mentioned previously, even if nothing too severe has occurred to your computers performance, you still need to remove it in order to ensure that worse spyware does not install itself in the future.In addition, if it has been a long time since you have reformatted your hard drive, chances are you have at least some low level spyware that may not be dangerous, but is going to be negatively affecting your computer.

Apart from being difficult to find, spyware is also difficult to get rid of. If you don't manage to get rid of the entire spyware program, most of them can then reinstall themselves, therefore it's essential to use special software to successfully locate and uninstall it.

Spyware can be very loathsome to your consensus and your laptop. Horizontal non-invasive spyware causes your notebook to lazy bummed out, and can conduct to unfamiliar more spyware programs in the point that pass out reputation your sole story and expenses habits. If you network that any of the notation of a spyware infected mainframe are shot to you, you crave to make indeed that you do your appropriate to amputate it before your concealment has been breached.

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.