| Computer security is an essential part of protection for | | | | One way is by clicking on a bad link from a bad site. |
| your PC from the dangers lurking on the Internet, in | | | | Two, through small windows of advertising that pop up |
| fact, surfing the net without Malware Security is like | | | | during web browsing (pop-ups). Third, there is what is |
| walking through a hospital without an Immune System. | | | | called a drive-by type download and that is where |
| There are zillions of threats, from minimal nuisances to | | | | Spyware infects computers without the user noticing, |
| severe Malware that can completely and permanently | | | | just by visiting a bad web page. Tip: All web browsers |
| disable vital functions to where the entire operating | | | | allow you to check a "block pop-ups" selection which |
| system needs to be reinstalled and all programs and | | | | can be accessed from the browser toolbar under |
| data lost. | | | | options. |
| What is Malware: Malware is short for malicious code | | | | Adware: Threat Level: Low to Intermediate. Adware is |
| software (mal-ware), which includes any and all forms | | | | Advertising Display Software that delivers ads in a |
| of code designed with malicious intent. Malware is the | | | | manner or context that is unexpected, unsolicited and |
| umbrella under which all security dangers exist, such as | | | | automatically loaded. Many adware applications also |
| viruses, worms, spyware, phishing, adware, tracking | | | | perform tracking functions, and therefore may also be |
| cookies and rootkits. | | | | categorized as Tracking Technologies. Adware |
| What is a computer Virus: Threat Level - Intermediate | | | | causes pop-up windows with advertisements in the |
| to Severe. A computer virus is a malicious code that | | | | browser based on the information it collects from the |
| adds itself to other programs that exist on the | | | | user's browsing patterns. Sometimes adware may be |
| computer (host), including operating systems. Many | | | | installed in conjunction with a companion Spyware |
| computer viruses spread quickly and wreck havoc on | | | | program. |
| the system host, including potential destruction of | | | | Phishing: Threat Level - Severe. Phishing is a form of |
| operating systems and data. | | | | Internet fraud that aims at identity theft. It's purpose is |
| There are different types of viruses and they range | | | | to steal valuable information such as credit cards, |
| from being a nuisance that constantly displays pop-ups | | | | social security numbers, user IDs and passwords. |
| to severe dangers that delete system files, attach to | | | | A phishing site is a duplicate of a legitimate site and it is |
| registries, destroy the user's ability to log into the | | | | created to dupe users into logging in and therefore |
| Internet and even destroying the computer's operating | | | | stealing private information. Many phishing scams are |
| system along with all the data that is on it. Unless you | | | | perpetrated via mass emails which alert the customer |
| have completely backed-up the data on your PC, | | | | to some problem with your customer account or |
| recovering that data will be impossible if you have to | | | | some other hook, usually from a bank, or Paypal or |
| re-install the operating system after a virus infection. | | | | some other institution and it lures people into entering |
| While there are many different viruses, the Trojan | | | | their private data by following a link to the phishing site |
| Horse is one of the most severe and all though threat | | | | of a real site. |
| severity levels vary within the different types of | | | | The recent IRS rebates spawned a phishing scam, |
| Trojans, basically they are all dangerous and should | | | | where mass emails were sent with IRS logos |
| always be protected against. Unfortunately some | | | | informing taxpayers that they are due a rebate check |
| Trojans infect computers and cause such damage | | | | but they must first follow the IRS link and input their |
| that it becomes irreversible and a reinstall of the entire | | | | information to receive the rebate. The link, of course, |
| operating system becomes necessary. | | | | leads to a phishing site where unsuspecting people |
| The best protection against computer viruses is | | | | enter personal information, like social security numbers |
| prevention, early detection and removal. A good | | | | which are then hijacked by identity thieves. |
| anti-virus/ Malware security software can protect your | | | | It is important to realize that most reputable companies |
| computers and provide peace of mind when surfing | | | | do not usually send emails soliciting private data. In fact, |
| the net. | | | | Paypal explicitly lets its users know that they never |
| P2P File Sharing and Virus Dangers: One of the | | | | solicit customers via email in any way. The IRS has a |
| easiest ways to get a virus is by downloading unsafe | | | | fraud alert on their homepage advising taxpayers of |
| freeware, shareware or person 2 person (P2P) from | | | | such phishing scams. If you get emails like this just hit |
| file sharing sites. Specifically those sites that provide | | | | the SPAM button and run for your life or at the very |
| P2P free music downloads. Some of these sites are | | | | least check with the institution that sent the email in |
| Limewire, Bearshare and Morpheus. Users create a | | | | some other way. |
| free account on these sites, download the software | | | | There is also the danger of running into a phishing site |
| (which is sometimes full of Spyware/Adware on its | | | | while web browsing, it is important to have computer |
| own) and get access to millions of other peoples files | | | | security software that will alert to phishing sites with |
| through what is called the Gnutella Network. Users can | | | | real-time protection. Phishing security is NOT standard |
| search for MP3 music files and download them from | | | | on all anti virus software and Malware removal |
| other people's computers through this Network. | | | | programs. When considering a security program make |
| First, this is illegal, but that's a whole other topic. With | | | | sure to look for phishing protection. |
| these types of downloads there is no way of knowing | | | | Drive-By Downloads: Threat Level - Low to Severe |
| what is actually on these files and it is easy to | | | | Drive-By download is where all types of Malware can |
| download a serious viruses and especially a Trojan. | | | | infect your computer via a visit to a web page. The |
| These P2P sites should be avoided to ensure | | | | Malware codes are embedded in these bad sites and |
| computer security. For a few bucks you can get legal | | | | looks for users computers to become hosts to attach |
| and safe music downloads at sites like Napster and | | | | itself to. It is important to look for drive-by or real time |
| Rhapsody. Play it safe, paying the few bucks is well | | | | protection when considering security software. |
| worth it, as it can save lots of money, not to mention | | | | Drive-by or real time protection should be included on |
| the hassle of having to fix a damaged computer. | | | | the anti virus software that is on the computer. |
| Worms: Threat Level - Severe. A computer Worm is | | | | Rootkits: Threat Level - Severe. Rootkits are really |
| a a type of especially nasty Malware that is a | | | | bad because they can hide their existence from |
| self-replicating computer program, which at one point | | | | operating systems and users and cause major |
| almost brought the entire Internet to its knees. Unlike a | | | | destruction. Because Rootkits create stealth program |
| virus, it doesn't attach itself to an existing program and | | | | codes that run at a lower level than can be detected |
| does not infect computer files, instead it wrecks havoc | | | | with all normal anti virus software and Malware |
| on systems as it creates endless copies of itself, with | | | | removal programs, it is crucial to make sure that the |
| the goal of taking up as much space as possible on | | | | security software explicitly protects against rootkits. |
| the PC and creating program problems. | | | | Cookies: Threat Level - Low. Some cookies are |
| Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if | | | | positive and really do not harm to your system in |
| only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost | | | | anyway, they simply temporarily store your log-in |
| always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer. | | | | information so that you do not have to enter it again |
| Internet worms are most prevalent today in the form | | | | when you return to that site. Plus, many sites will not |
| of email attachments. Two of the worst worms ever | | | | run properly without cookies enabled and so they are |
| were Mydoom and Morris. | | | | a necessary element. And these temporary cookies |
| Worms are usually sent via email by attachments, you | | | | can be cleared from within your browser at any time |
| should never open an attachment in your email from | | | | you. |
| an unknown source. Also, when deciding on an anti | | | | On the other hand Tracking Cookies are a form of |
| virus security program it is important to make sure that | | | | Tracking Technology. Tracking Cookies are used to |
| the email scanner is activated and that the software | | | | track the surfing habits of users in order to manage, |
| covers protection, detection and removal features for | | | | analyze advertising data, and they may be used with |
| worms. | | | | the more malicious intent of monitoring user activity |
| Spyware: Threat Level - Low to Severe. Spyware is | | | | more closely. Tracking cookies are usually easily |
| one of the most common types of Malware and often | | | | detected and protection from them comes standard |
| slows computer performance. Spyware spies on your | | | | on most anti virus and Malware security software. |
| web browsing activities and comes in forms of | | | | It can be more difficult to remove Malware if infection |
| keyloggers (where your keystrokes are monitored), | | | | occurs than to protect against it and some Malware |
| recording/sending your web browsing habits to a third | | | | causes such damage that a complete operating |
| party, causing unwanted pop-up adds, hijacking home | | | | system reinstall is required. There are many Malware |
| search pages and making changes to them, as well | | | | security softwares, including some great free ones, |
| as, redirecting browsing results. | | | | and firewalls, that offer various levels of protection. |
| A Spyware infection can be caught in several ways. | | | | |