Stop Spam Email

Now that we have discussed the threats to your online security, let’s review and summarize how you can remain safe against potential threats.

The Internet and e-mail are amazing resources that everyone utilizes to communicate with each other. Unfortunately, it is also being used for malicious activities such as phishing and spreading viruses.

Stay ahead of the scammers.

• Make sure all your computer security software is activated and working.
• Keep all of your computer software, but particularly your security software, up-to-date.
• Be very careful about providing sensitive, personal information.
• Never send sensitive information through email
• Be very cautious about opening email attachments
• Only download files from trusted sources
• Use common sense and research to identify scams.
• Never allow anyone to pressure you into doing something you aren’t comfortable doing.

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Prevention is always better than a pound of cure, but no system is 100% secure so you need to know what to do if you become the victim of a computer virus.

The instant you detect that your computer is infected with a virus, take the following steps.

Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and re-scan your computer. Most anti-virus programs will be able to eliminate the virus.

If your software is unable to remove the virus, search for a vaccine. Entering the virus name on a search engine such as Google, is likely to result in removal instructions. You may need to download software patches or updates, just be careful to get them from trusted sources.

After removing the virus, run your anti-virus program to rescan your computer.

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Recommended Resources
AVG Internet Security
Firetrust MailWasherPro
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Stay secure!

Look for the next step in a few days:
“Stay Safe”

The information provided in this series is copyrighted material
and cannot be reprinted without the authors’ permission

Keep your children safe from PC and online security threats

Children, like adults, are susceptible to computer and Internet security risks. Thus, it is important to keep children safe and have your data protected.

The following are simple yet effective steps to reduce security threats that children may be particularly vulnerable to.

Implement parental PC control

It is always best to implement a kind of parental control when kids are using the computer. Many ISPs provide parental control tools and many browsers also provide tools and options for restricting access to certain websites or categories of sites. Add-on software programs can be purchased as well.

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Recommended Resources: Cybersitter
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These tools are helpful, but keep in mind that there is no substitute for real supervision provided by a parent.

Partition it now, partition it right. Read the rest of this entry »

Beware of what’s in instant messaging

This popular form of communication is being used by virus writers to spread electronic worms and viruses, and since almost anyone and everyone has access to instant messaging viruses now have the ability to infiltrate both your office and home.

IM security and compliance product developer, Akonix Systems, Inc., reports that in 2007 there were a total of 346 malicious code attacks over instant messaging. With over 100 million people using AOL Instant Messenger alone, you can imagine the enormity of problems that can occur.

Do not be complacent

Though the major virus threats have already been discovered, this is no time to be complacent. Threats still continue. As more users know better on how to stop traditional virus attacks, writers of viruses will continually look for other targets. Instant messaging services are targets.

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Safety First When Downloading and Installing Programs

Not only people can get virus. Even computers can get those annoying buggers. Do you want your PC or MAC to crash just because you were careless enough to let one small virus eat up its way around your files?

Most computer viruses come from the countless programs the World Wide Web offers. Each one of them is appealing and tempting for the modern-day consumer. However, a smart consumer knows that before buying (some require credit card payments) or downloading a program, a thorough research must have been conducted beforehand.

Some say that searching for the appropriate programs for your system is very much like searching for the right appliances for your home. That is not exactly the case. The former is more complicated than the latter.

With appliances, there is an assurance of what the product does. Also, there is a warranty. Once, the appliance you bought is not functioning as much as you would want it to, you can always have it replaced or get your money back.

Whereas with programs, you have no idea what the CD can do to your system the minute you put it in. There will always be side effects so how do you gauge the possible risks involved?

The reason why you are resorting to a program is because your computer has needs, which you want to satisfy. Nonetheless, some programs cause changes into your system the minute they are installed. You have to figure these out all on your own.

Here are some tips you can apply when buying programs:
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Are you Safe From Phishing Attempts?

You can say that the Internet is a short cut for “international networking.” By just logging on, you can connect to people all over the world. They may be people you personally know or people you just know online. Whatever the case, there is always somebody on the other end of your Internet connection.

As accessible and easy daily life is now thanks to the Internet, there are disadvantages from this convenience. Criminal activities such as eliciting sexual activities on the web are an example of online problems society has to deal with.

Another online criminal activity is phishing. Phishing is acquiring personal information like passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a representative of a company. Phishing is done through email or instant messaging.

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The Danger of Unknown Packages

Among the most popular and useful functions of the Internet is email. Not only can people send messages to practically anyone all over the world, they can also send digital files such as pictures, sounds, and programs. However, caution must be taken when opening such attachments because the Internet is teeming with malicious minds that craft ways of inconveniencing people, or even getting something of value from them.

What are the dangers of opening email attachments without caution?
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A patch is generally the term used to refer to pieces of software that are created to give updates or fixes to existing programs that need to be rehashed or repaired. Patches fixes bugs, replaces graphics and improves a program’s performance or functionality. Patches are very useful and are usually needed if there are certain imperfections in the programs you are using, however, patches that are not made perfectly can also lead to other problems.

What are the different types of patches?

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As the world becomes more advanced each day, it also seems to grow less and less secure. The creation of new virtual venues has also paved the way to the emergence of places where people can be victims of criminal activity such as fraud and identity theft. In the real world, people of high stature get the service of bodyguards and security forces. Would such protective measures also be beneficial for the world of data?

Most people think that data security is something that only large business entities would have to be concerned about. However, the Internet is an open channel can be accessed by anyone. And now that people are doing more personal matters through the internet, such banking shopping, sending confidential male and personal letters, it is probably just right for people to take more steps to keep their privacy and security.

The answer to this situation is file encryption, which is basically a more sophisticated and powerful manifestation of the age-old art of ciphering that has been used by humans throughout history. Do you actually need to take advantage of such programs that make your files secure through complicated encryption? Perhaps knowing more about file encryption would help you decide the right answer to this question.
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As we have already discussed, the Internet is littered with evil intentions and malicious - albeit smart and brilliant - plotters. They are constantly in the prowl for innocent, unprotected computers. Internet hackers use all sorts of codes such as viruses, worms, and Trojans, to crack into and ruin your computer. You must therefore be prepared to block them off from ever entering your computer’s system at all times.

It is often said that the best cure is prevention. And the saying applies to your computers. If you want to protect your computer from the threat of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious code, one of the best options to take is setting up a firewall.

What is a Firewall?

Imagine a firewall to be the fence that sits between your computer and the Internet, or between your computer network and all the other computer networks out there.

It serves as a defense mechanism against harmful codes or data that may destroy your computer, and it works by examining the information that attempts to enter your computer or your network.

When a firewall is set up properly, hackers will not be able to detect your computer in their search for vulnerable ones to victimize.
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