Most of us who use computers are afraid of spyware and the problems it causes
So, you learn all about spyware and the ways to protect yourself from it. How will you know whether you have complete knowledge? Well what you can do is to surf the World Wide Web.
You can test your knowledge by taking self-tests and quizzes. Companies like Microsoft are very consumer friendly and make an effort to upload tons of information on computers and software for users in search of knowledge.
According to Microsoft you can test your knowledge by answering the following questions:
1. How will you prevent children from accidentally downloading spyware?
The answer must be: You can prevent children from downloading spyware by giving them a limited user account.
2. What are browser cookies?
Ans: These are created by unethical persons to track your browsing preferences for their own use, to spam your pc with advertisements and marketing ploys, to steal personal information like bank account details, credit card numbers and so on, and to cause harm to your computer and business by stealing data/files.
3. How can you use technology to protect your computer?
Ans: Many giants in computer technology are offering software and hardware to prevent spyware attacks. For example Windows Defender Beta 2 is one option.
4. What is Windows Defender?
Ans: It is an anti-spyware software that can detect spyware and warn you immediately, inform you of possible dangers and new spywares, remove spyware. It protects your PC against pop ups, slow functioning, security threats, and infections.
5. What are common signs that show your computer is infected?
Ans: Signs are unwarranted pop ups, strange PC behavior, change in homepage settings, appearance of new tool bars not installed by you, slowing down of computer, loss of files, crashing of computer, and so on.
6. What are the precautions to be taken?
Ans: Precautions are: install a fire wall, update all software, pay attention to security settings, use anti-spyware programs, use the internet safely.
7. Is a firewall useful?
Ans: Yes, it examines all information and acts as a filter anything even faintly suspicious will not be permitted, it will create a protective cloak and prevent undesirable sources from detecting your computer on the net.
8. How does spyware work and what protects your computer?
Ans: A spyware is a thief it can use information on you, steal files, and place undesirable material on your computer. The pc must be protected by use of firewall, anti-spyware hardware as well as software, and careful browsing as well as downloads.
9. Where can you get protection against spyware?
Ans: There are many choices a few are: Platinum Internet security 2005, Microsoft Beta 2, Webroot Spy Sweeper, Sunbelt Counter Spy, and Spybot.
10. Name three security measures?
Ans: One must not open e-mails with attachments from unknown sources; use a spam guard for all e-mail accounts, and avoid using messengers.
These days knowledge is available at the click of a mouse button so update your knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments.
Use A Spyware Remover Now
If you use the internet, “There is over 90% chance your computer is infected with spyware” – Source CNN.
Just think about it. You probably have at least one, if not more computers in your home. Most computers today have internet access. And if you receive email from others and surf to a couple of sites can you be almost completely sure you have some kind of spyware installed in your computer.
How dangerous are spyware?
Let me give you a short list of things spyware can do,
• Spyware can run completely hidden on your computer
• It can slow down your computer a lot
• It can spy on you and send everything you type to someone else
• It can record everything you do, allowing someone to see it later
• It can spy on you and send account information, passwords, credit card numbers and similar to a third party
• It can “steal” files, pictures, videos and more from your computer
Some spyware will do just a few things and others everything from the list above, and more.
You must keep your computer clean from spyware or risk loosing personal information, financial information and even your private photos or family videos.
Run a spyware scanner regularly to clean out any spyware that may have sneaked their way into your computer. Do note that antivirus software (even the most expensive ones) have problems to keep spyware out. So get a good anti spyware software and use it!
No matter what the spyware’s purpose really is, the bottom line is that at the very least it will cause you countless hours of problem solving and slow downs on your computer.
Scan your PC now to make sure it is clean. If you find anything, avoid using any credit cards or visit your online bank until the PC is cleaned with a top anti spyware software.
There are many different types of software that can harm, cripple or just reside quietly inside your computer. Beside virus, the most common types are Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Backdoors, Bots and Dialers. They all have different agendas but will to a degree change the way your computer function and how well it works. This beside the obvious threath the program itself impose.
Adware
Nasties can be Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. Your operating system (like Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware could exploit. So it tends to be when “ware” is short for “software”; sometimes it’s pretty tricky to define exactly what kind of software it includes and what these programs do.
A browser hijacker is software that hijacks browsers (and does some other nasty things). By free software like screensavers or P2P file sharing programs which you download, such as Kazaa. Worse, no one piece of software will protect you from the above.
Companies add adware to their software – usually freeware and shareware – to pay for programming costs. Spyware is a type of software that collects information from your computer and sends it to a third party without your knowledge or permission. For many years now, marketing companies have been taking advantage of us by writing programs and sneaking them into software downloads without our permission so they can force us to view there advertisements for products.
He had hijacked some 500,000 computers, though these computers (known as zombies) could be used for malicious activity they were used to plant adware – or software which caused advertisements to pop-up on the infected computers.
Free
If you are adware free then you can carry on without a care in the world, Your money will still be in your pocket and your computer will be running safely. Have you ever visited a peer-to-peer file sharing site and downloaded games, movies or just about any files from these free sites. The following is a guide on how to remove spyware, adware, and pop-up ads using FREE tools ready to download anytime.
If you are a updated Windows OS user you pull up your task manager system information screen and see that your system is running at 100%, then you are infected with spyware because your system always needs a little free space in order to process information, which is why your system slows down when you have spyware on it. 10 years ago you could probably have run no Internet security applications and still have come out after a browse of the Internet with a virus and malware free computer, but this situation is no longer apparent. Don’t just download programs that are free, or sound too good to be true.
This program is usually bundled with the Kazaa file-sharing program, as well as other free software programs.
Remove
You do not have to deal with this anymore, you can actually remove spyware and adware, and you can remove it for free. The best way to remove spyware and adware are to download spyware removal tools. Here are four methods to remove or simply avoid adware and spyware without spending a dime on the latest “anti-virus” software.
“These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. Lawmakers are recognizing the problems and the invasion of privacy that these marketing companies are causing and are working on laws to make them outlawed, but until that day comes the best we can do is educate ourselves about PC security and how to protect and remove spyware from our computer systems. Here are some methods to detect spyware and adware and remove or merely avoid the adware and spyware and not outlay a dime on the most recent “anti-virus” software, such as Spyware Nuker.
There are many software programs available designed to remove Viruses, Spyware, Adware and other nasties from your computer. If your computer get infected with it then you must try to remove it with any good anti- spyware program, some of them can be freely downloaded from the internet.
An effective anti-spyware program will detect and remove all possible infected files. The following is a list of the top three players in the free anti-spyware software game:. Microsoft Anti-Spyware is quickly increasing in popularity but is currently in Beta stages.
Two of the biggest things that these Anti-Spyware programs accomplish for you are that they help in protecting your online privacy and they help make your computer run a lot better. Second of all, it’s the most downloaded and used Anti-Spyware program from the Clickbank digital download network. On December 8, 2004 Webroot, an award winning anti-spyware solution provider, released a press release identifying the ten most significant emerging spyware and adware threats.
Being an employee of an anti-spyware developing company, I guess I know this matter well enough to point that out. The first thing you will want to do is make sure you have the newest, most up-to-date anti-spyware scanning program on the market.
This article was published using Article Submitter
Combating Viruses with Security Software
Help, I was sitting in front my computer and it starting acting strange! Pop-ups were on my screen and I was not even surfing the web. My home page was changed somehow and so did other web settings. My programs are at a crawl and overall my computer is just not working the way it should be.
If this sounds like your computer, chances are you have been infected with some type of malicious software. Several types of software can infect your computer; some of these are spyware, a virus, a Trojan, and a worm. That is why you need security software.
Below is a brief and simple description of the software that can infect your computer and cause poor performance.
· Spyware is a program that gathers information about the user through the internet without their knowledge. It monitors your web activity and passes this information to another party without your knowledge. Spyware is designed for commercial gain, thus when it is installed in your computer you will probably receive unsolicited pop-up advertisements. It can also gather your email addresses, passwords, and credit card numbers stored on your computer.
· A virus is programming code or a piece of code that loads onto your computer without your consent. A virus is also self-replicating by inserting copies into an executable code or documents. Any virus is dangerous as it uses up memory and brings your system to a halt.
· A worm is much like a virus in the fact that it is self-replicating but differs in the fact that it does not need another program to do so. A worm can spread itself without any action from the user. A worm can attach itself to you address book and send a copy to everyone in it, then attaches itself to the receivers address book in addition, send it out to everyone in that address book. Worms are dangerous and in the end can cause networks to crash.
· Trojans are designed as legitimate software that you can download onto your computer. Once installed though, they can be annoying and/or malicious. Annoying activities of a Trojan would be changing your desktop around or silly icons appearing. Malicious damage from a Trojan is capable of deleting files on your computer and allowing personal and confidential information to be collected without you being aware.
Preventing spyware and other malicious software from infecting your computer through security software is lots easier going online and finding a reputable online scanning site after the fact. Sometimes if your computer is infected, you may not even be able to get online. Therefore, prevention is better than fixing.
You can protect your computer from malicious programs in many ways. Here are a few tips to consider.
Always have the latest version of anti virus and anti spyware technology on your computer. You will also need to keep the program files up to date in order to protect against newest threats.
Only download files from a trusted source. If you are not sure, run a virus scan on the file before downloading it or saving to your computer.
There are limitless resources on the internet offering anti spyware and antivirus programs. Many sites offer free online scans, and provide instructions for removal of any malicious programs on your computer. Once you have selected a well known, (well-known being the optimal word) follow the instructions for installation carefully to ensure that the scan will work properly. Below are the most common and well-known virus and spyware removal programs.
McAfee (mcafee.com) virus remover features up-to-date protection from the latest viruses and web activity threats for the user. They have three main anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that you can choose perfect for home and business uses.
Microsoft has an anti spyware (microsoft.com) removal tool that you can use to scan your computer. This functions mainly by reviewing and checking your files for unwanted software contents, and once found can be selected and removed depending on the procedures indicated on the program. Just follow the tools and guides on how you can remove the infected files.
Ad Ware Personal provided by Lavasoft.com features scanning and fixing infected files and drives, detection of known and unknown but potentially damaging software with its Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology. This program also has a spyware removal and capabilities of removing other damaging programs in your system.
The above sites are just a few of anti spyware and anti virus removal programs that are available on the web. Take the time and do the research and you will find the right security software for your needs. Once again, it is imperative that the site you select for your computer security is credible.
A new unique MultiCore AntiVirus AntiSpyware product
A new unique MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product reliably defends PC against computer malware and on-line threats at unsurpassed, highest security levels.
A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product ( www.nuwavesoft.com ) effectively prevents, stops, and eliminates computer viruses and spyware. The revolutionary underlying software technology enables multiple antivirus and antispyware scan-engines running on the same PC. A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product is truly unique, because it offers unprecedented security benefits of running multiple antivirus and spyware scan-engines simultaneously, in parallel, and without performance degradation! No other computer security product for PC in the world is capable of or offering that to date.
What multi-core antivirus and antispyware solution means? Comparatively speaking, you can imagine all the benefits of having computer processor with more than one CPU core. The modern multi-core computer processors allow smoother performance and much increased speed of computer applications, which translates into better overall experience delivered to the end-users.
Conceptually similar, a multi-core antivirus and antispyware solution runs multiple antivirus and spyware scan-engines simultaneously and in parallel. As result, it delivers exceptional performance while providing the strongest protection against malware and on-line threats. With total four anti-malware scan-engines employed, MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product continuously scans PC at the same speed as traditional single-core solutions from competitors, while delivering unprecedented four times the protection! Currently, MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product utilizes world’s leading two antivirus and two antispyware scan-engines: Frisk ( www.f-prot.com ), Norman ( www.norman.com ), Lavasoft (www.lavasoft.com ), and Sunbelt (www.sunbelt-software.com ).
Why end-users need a multi-core anti-malware solution? Are traditional single-core computer security products not enough? Well, the truth of the matter is that none of the traditional single-core computer security products can provide 100% protection alone. There are at least seven major computer security vendors in the world who claim that precisely their brand is the world’ leading solution. And yet multiple tests performed by credible and independent computer security certification institutions ( such as www.virusbtn.com , www.westcoastlabs.org , and so forth) do demonstrate year after year that even the very best individual single-core computer security product can only deal with approximately 98% of the existing computer viruses and spyware. Of course, there is no conscious end-user who wants to be unprotected and to face remaining 2% computer viruses and spyware and yet they all do, unfortunately. A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product eliminates this problem! Each and every individual scan-engine differs from the other. And all scan-engines have their own specific pros and cons in certain areas, such as heuristics, scanning speed, dealing with unknown malware, and so forth. So, all end-users inherently tied up with those pros and cons of the underlying single-core scan-engines. A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product eliminates this problem too! Also, concerned computer users sometimes install more than one computer security solution their PCs. Little do they know that the different security products do not live well with each other on one PC – they constantly conflicting and causing instabilities and a sizeable performance hits too. It is not uncommon for end-users to have PC crashes when the two or more antivirus or other security products start fighting for control over PC. By engineering the four security cores together, MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product eliminates these problems completely!
A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product is uniquely powerful, because by running multiple antivirus and spyware scan-engines simultaneously and in parallel – it creates unsurpassed synergy of combined strengths provided by each individual scan-engine! The new integrated multi-core solution ensures smooth and problem-free operation of all four antivirus and antispyware scan-engines in real-time. There are no conflicts, no compatibility problems and no fighting for control over PC among the cores. The four engines are working in synergy continuously scanning and protecting your PC much better and even faster than many of the traditional anti-malware products with just one core! And unlike many traditional PC security products, MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware works transparently and is compatible with third-party antivirus, antispyware and firewall applications. And of course – all four security engines receive online updates in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted, the highest reliability, and up to date security measures.
A MultiCore AntiVirus & AntiSpyware product brings the PC security to a truly new height!
So what are Intrusion Detection Systems
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) are becoming a very important part of any strategy for enterprise
security. But what are Intrusion Detection systems? CERIAS, The Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, defines it this way:
“The purpose of an intrusion detection system (or IDS) is to detect unauthorized access or misuse of a computer system. Intrusion detection systems are kind of like burglar alarms for computers. They sound alarms and sometimes even take corrective action when an intruder or abuser is detected. Many different intrusion detection systems have been developed but the detection schemes generally fall into one of two categories, anomaly detection or misuse detection. Anomaly detectors look for behavior that deviates from normal system use. Misuse detectors look for behavior that matches a known attack scenario. A great deal of time and effort has been invested in intrusion detection, and this list provides links to many sites that discuss some of these efforts”(www.cerias.purdue.edu/about/history/coast_resources/intrusion_detection/)
There is a sub-category of intrusion detection systems called network intrusion detection systems (NIDS). These systems are looking for suspicious activity and monitor the packets. Network intrusion detection systems can monitor many computers at a time over a network, while other intrusion detection systems may monitor only one.
Who wants to breaking into your system?
One common misconception of software hackers is that it is usually people outside your network who break into your systems and cause mayhem. The reality, especially for corporate workers, is that insiders can and usually do cause the majority of security breaches. Insiders often impersonate people with more privileges then themselves to gain access to sensitive information.
How do intruders break into your system?
The simplest and easiest way to break in is to let someone have physical access to a system. Despite the best of efforts, it is often impossible to stop someone once they have physical access to a machine. Also, if someone has an account on a system already, at a low permission level, another way to break in is to use tricks of the trade to be granted higher-level privileges through holes in your system. Finally, there are a lot of ways to gain access to systems even if one is working remotely. Remote intrusion techniques have become harder and more complex to fight.
How does one stop intrusions?
There are several Freeware/shareware Intrusion Detection Systems as well as commercial intrusion detection systems.
Open Source Intrusion Detection Systems
Below are a few of the open source intrusion detection systems:
AIDE (sourceforge.net/projects/aide) Self-described as “AIDE (Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment) is a free replacement for Tripwire. It does the same things as the semi-free Tripwire and more. There are other free replacements available so why build a new one? All the other replacements do not achieve the level of Tripwire. And I wanted a program that would exceed the limitations of Tripwire.”
File System Saint (sourceforge.net/projects/fss) – Self-described as, “File System Saint is a lightweight host-based intrusion detection system with primary focus on speed and ease of use.”
Snort (www.snort.org) Self-described as “Snort® is an open source network intrusion prevention and detection system utilizing a rule-driven language, which combines the benefits of signature, protocol and anomaly based inspection methods. With millions of downloads to date, Snort is the most widely deployed intrusion detection and prevention technology worldwide and has become the de facto standard for the industry.”
Commercial Intrusion Detection Systems
If you are looking for Commercial Intrusion Detection Systems, here are a few of these as well:
Tripwire
Touch Technology Inc (POLYCENTER Security Intrusion Detector)
Internet Security Systems (Real Secure Server Sensor)
eEye Digital Security (SecureIIS Web Server Protection)
Remove Blackworm Virus
Blackworm is a nasty internet worm which can delete DOC, XLS, MDE, MDB, PPT, PPS, RAR, PDF, PSD, DMP, and ZIP files. In addition to Blackworm, the worm has been named Kama Sutra, Blackmal, MyWife and Nyxem. This worm started on the 3rd of February and has been programmed to attack an infected computer on the 3rd of every month thereafter. So far it has been estimated that over 300,000 computers all over the world have been infected. Besides destroying those types of files, the worm also tries to disable anti-virus software so that it stops updating. It can also disable the keyboard and mouse of infected computers. Some Internet users have already lost important files after becoming infected by the Blackworm mainly because the clock time on their computer was wrong.
Like many Internet worms, Blackworm attempts to spread by mailing itself to contacts in a user’s address book. The e-mails containing the worm can have a wide variety of subject fields and attachment names. The worm also tries to add itself to the auto-start programs in the Windows registy. Once a computer in a network has been infected, Blackworm will try to infect all other systems in the network.
To prevent getting infected by Blackworm you shouldn’t open attachments or click on Web links within these e-mails, especially if these e-mails have a porn-related subject line. Use caution before opening any e-mail attachments, even if you know the sender. You should also backup any important files that you want to preserve. Most antivirus products will detect Blackworm assuming the worm hasn’t disabled the antivirus software. Because of this, it is important to frequently update your antivirus software. It is also recommended to scan your computer for viruses and use a firewall. To prevent the worm from spreading to other computers in a network, you should use strong passwords on all the users accounts.
Spyware Remover Protect Your Computer from Spyware
Spyware – this is one of the biggest threats to security and privacy in the internet today. Spyware intrude, break and enter our computers and pose a great threat especially with more malicious spywares. Leaving a home or business computer unprotected from spyware is just like leaving the front door open to intruders. The internet was not designed with security checks in place, that is why spywares have spread unchecked and now pose a big threat to the security and privacy of millions of internet users all over the world. Roughly 90% of computers today are infected or are vulnerable to spyware. It is more important more than ever to make sure spyware protection is in place in the form of spyware removers.
To combat spyware, it is important to understand what a spyware is. The term spyware covers a wide variety of malicious software that is designed to intercept or take partial control of the operation of a computer without the informed consent of the owner or user. The term spyware implies software that stealthily keeps an eye on the user; however, it has come to refer to software that undermines a computer’s operation without the owner or user knowing it. Spyware, adware and other malware will exploit the vulnerability of a computer usually for commercial purposes.
Spyware programs embed themselves into the computer and monitor the user’s internet browsing activities, spy on confidential information such as credit card info, send annoying pop-up advertisements and slow down your computer’s performance. Other consequences of spyware infestation include hijacked browsers resulting to reset home pages, changed search results, spam emails, toolbars added to the browser without consent and many more. In such cases, a spyware remover is necessary to clean up the system from all spyware programs and hidden malware.
A spyware remover is a necessary and worthwhile investment to keep any computer system free from spyware programs that could wreak havoc in it. Every computer must be well equipped to combat spyware and its effects. As the threat of spyware worsens, there is a variety of techniques available to counteract it. Spyware removers and other anti-spyware programs are available that help stem the threat of spywares. These spyware removers are designed to remove or block spyware. There are a number of spyware removers available, some are free while others require payment.
Some of the most popular spyware removers include Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE and Spybot – Search and Destroy. These spyware removers are effective tools for removing and intercepting spyware programs. Microsoft has also offered its own spyware remover dubbed Windows AntiSpyware Beta, which is currently released as a free download for users of Windows XP, Windows 2000 and 2003. Anti-virus firms have also introduced spyware remover functions in their respective products.
There are two ways in which a spyware remover can combat spyware. Real time protection prevents spyware from being installed. Scanning and removal inspects the contents of the computer’s files and removes files and entries, which match a list of known spywares. Most spyware removers today combine the two approaches. Spyware remover, just like anti-virus software require regular updates of its database of threats as new spyware programs are released all the time. The best spyware program protects the computer from any intrusive spyware and prevents it from being installed as well as keeps the system free from any trace of spyware programs.
Home Wireless Network Security Issues
Running a business from home has its advantages, including no commute, a more accommodating work schedule, fresh coffee and home-cooked meals at any time you want.
But running a business from home using a home wireless local area network (WLAN) with your computer may lead to thievery of confidential information and hacker or virus penetration unless proper actions are taken. As WLANs send information back and forth over radio waves, someone with the right type of receiver in your immediate area could be picking up the transmission, thus acquiring access to your computer.
Here is a list of things that you should consider as a result of implementing a home wireless network setup used your business:
Viruses could be loaded onto your laptop which could be transferred to the company’s network when you go back to work.
Up to 75 per cent of home wireless network WLAN users do not have standard security features installed, and 20 per cent are left completely open as default configurations and are not secured, but are made for the users to have their network up and running ASAP.
It is recommended that home wireless network router/access point system setups be always done though a wired client.
Always change the default administrative password on your home wireless network router/access points to a secured password.
Enable at least 128-bit WEP encryption on both card and access point. Change your WEP keys periodically. If equipment does not support at least 128-bit WEP encryption, consider replacing it. Although there are security issues with WEP, it represents minimum level of security, and it should be enabled.
Change the default SSID on your router/access point to a hard to guess name. Setup your computer device to connect to this SSID by default.
Setup router/access points so as to not broadcast the SSID. The same SSID needs to be setup on the client side manually. This feature may not be available on all equipment.
Setup your home wireless network router to block anonymous internet requests or pings.
On each computer having a wireless network card, network connection properties should be configured to allow connection to Access Point Networks Only. Computer to computer (peer to peer) connections should not be allowed.
Enable MAC filtering. Deny connection to wireless network for unspecified MAC addresses. MAC or physical addresses are accessible through your computer device wireless network connection setup and they are physically written on network cards. When adding new wireless cards / computer to the network, their MAC addresses should be registered with the router /access point.
Your home wireless network router should have firewall features enabled and demilitarized zone (DMZ) feature disabled. Periodically test your hardware and personal firewalls using Shields Up test available at www.grc.com. All computers should have a properly configured personal firewall in addition to a hardware firewall.
Update router/access point firmware when new versions become available.
Locate router/access points away from strangers so they cannot reset the router/access point to default settings. Also, locate router/access points in the middle of the building rather than near windows to limit signal coverage outside the building.
You should know that nothing is 100%. While none of the actions suggested above will provide full 100% protection, countermeasures do exist that will help. The good collection of suggested preventative actions contained herein can help you deter an intruder trying to access your home wireless network. This deterrant then makes other insecure networks easier targets for the intruder to persue.
