Firewall -
Unless you have a router with a hardware firewall built in.
Keep Windows
up-to-date!
Some viruses depend on those who don't update!
Unpatched / Unprotected Windows
XP PCs connected to the Internet will last for
only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by malware or virus.
Microsoft
Windows Update Center Here
Note:Microsoft
DOES NOT EMAIL SECURITY UPDATE ATTACHMENTS to you personally!
There are some viruses that claim to be a security update...NOT! Watch out for
fake Microsoft Security Alert Spam
There's a batch of spam going around that purports to be from Microsoft and has a link to what is supposed to be a patch for
a virus, worm, or spyware but is really a Trojan virus program. It's labeled as Microsoft Security Bulletin,
update or patch. If you get this e-mail, don't open it or execute the
attachment!
Live
up to date virus reports here New! Live Virus Threat
Information (Continually Updated)
A new feature page that provides you constantly updated
virus threat
information from three well-respected Anti-Virus Services.
Steps that you can take to help identify and to help protect yourself
from deceptive (spoofed) Web sites and malicious hyperlinks in email. Go
here to a helpful MS link
You can get a virus simply
by viewing the email without opening the attachment! Most of the new
AntiVirus programs today can scan an
incoming email and detect the virus before you view it.
A Good Rule of Thumb:
Never, never run a program or open a Microsoft Word or Excel document that arrives
via e-mail unless you've verified that the sender intended to send it to you.
Have a
working, up-to-date virus scanner. If you
aren't expecting it, don't open it. If your not sure, send an e-mail to the sender asking
if the file attachment was sent intentionally.
Do not open ANY unknown e-mail attachment with an
".EXE, .SCR,
.HTA, .BAT,
.COM, .PIF,
.LNK or .VBS" extension! Like:
anyname.exe /
anyname.jpg.vbs / etc.
If you do, you're asking for a virus!
If you MUST see that attached file, save it to disk first and scan it
for viruses (with up-to-date anti-virus software) before you open it!
(Right-click the file and scan) The person, that sent it
to you, may not know he/she is infected! Most Viruses
come from unknowing friends!
Also, if you have detected a
virus on your system, don't forget to scan your removable drives for this
virus. Like floppy disks, CD-Rs, Zip & Jaz, and external hard
drives, that you
use for backups.
Also See
Hoaxes
Such as:
"JDBGMGR" virus hoax and "Columbia Shuttle pictures"
hoax
Free
Virus Check
FREE On-Line
Virus Checks for
your computer! Go Here!
Outlook
Express Tips
Outlook Express email users
Do not
automatically view incoming e-mails:
One good reason to do this is: Viruses can bite you just by viewing e-mail.
Simply click on VIEW, LAYOUT, and
uncheck SHOW PREVIEW PANE. Using
the Preview Pane can automatically load a virus!... like the Bagle.Q
Also, when you are sent a web page address, it no longer automatically loads a link
and puts a cookie on your system.
(Cookies are used for good and bad reasons)
At least you now have a choice.
To block e-mail:
Highlight the email without opening it.
On the tool bar, click the word "Message" then "Block
Sender"
To Un-block (if you blocked your someone by mistake):
Hit "Tools", "Message Rules", "Blocked Senders List", and
remove the blocked email.
Rules for incoming messages
Most e-mail programs also allow you to set up rules for
incoming messages. Using a tool such as the Rules Wizard in Outlook
Express, for
instance, you could set up a rule that all incoming messages with the body text "See
you later" is moved to a separate folder, where you can easily delete any suspicious
entries.
Email Security Zone
If you receive an email message that contains script code, it may be able to harm your
system by running a damaging routine. Solution...
I strongly recommend that you set email viewing to the Restricted zone using the following
procedure: Start Outlook Express. Select Tools / Options and click the Security tab. In the Security Zones section, set the zone to "Restricted
sites". Click OK to accept your changes.
Note: Problems
with Outlook Express Spell Checker? Go
Here
AntiVirus
Software
Top
Commercial Software
- $39
to $60
NOD
32 Low Complaints
(Best Commercial AV!)
Lean & Fast
My Pick
For all Windows
versions
(Including Vista)
About 22mb
Auto
updates and email
scanning (in and out)!
New version of avast! antivirus kernel features outstanding detection abilities, together with high performance.
You can expect 100% detection of In-the-Wild viruses
and very good detection of Trojan horses.
The home edition is free with yearly registration renewal
sent via email.
Key can be used on 3 computers
Auto
updates and email
scanning (in and out)! Note the
"Free" When installing.
I uncheck the AVG toolbar add-on. We don't need any more stink'n
toolbars!
About
24mb
Auto
updates and email
scanning (in and out)!
Virus protection to home-users only. Avira
offers: Extensive Malware Recognition of viruses, Trojans,
backdoor programs, worms, etc. Automatic incremental updates of
antivirus signatures, engine and entire software. Permanent virus
protection, with Virus Guard real time monitoring.
Great
AntiVirus - Good Reviews
Note: Has nag
pop-ups to upgrade now and then. View
Pop-up Example
You should not install two antivirus programs (they sometimes fight each
other). After download new AV program, Un-install the one you have
now ,through Add-Remove Programs, in Control Panel. 1. Download the new
AntiVirus program and save it to your desktop (Don't install yet). 2. Un-install old AntiVirus program! 3. Install new AntiVirus program, from your saved location.
So,
with one of these programs for virus protection, Zone
Alarm for your firewall (If you don't have a hardware
firewall, like a router) and Microsoft
Windows Defender to root out major spyware, you're in pretty good shape.
...and for free!
No excuse not to protect your PC
What is a rootkit?
Rootkits are a specific
type of malware which hide in other applications or a computer‘s operating
system kernel. They allow malicious applications to collect passwords and
sensitive data from the infected computer without the user’s knowledge, this
can be used for personal information theft, spam relay and other criminal
activities.
A set of software tools intended to conceal running processes, files or system data from the operating system. Rootkits have their origin in benign applications, but in recent years have been used increasingly by malware to help intruders maintain access to systems while avoiding detection. Rootkits exist for a variety of operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh[1] [2] , Linux and Solaris. Rootkits often modify parts of the operating system or install themselves as drivers or kernel modules.
Software Publisher's Description
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
This Version adds enhanced immunization features, an improved interface, and integration of BrowserManager for spyware
detection.
Note:
I would uncheck Teatimer when you are installing. Some pages will not
load if the cookie is not detected.
Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.
Also Removes
AntiVirus 2008 Spyware/Malware
Note: The
Wallpaper stating you have been infected has to be removed
manually.
Software Publisher's Description
With the ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and
external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and
tracking components, Ad-aware SE easily can clean your system,
allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf
the Web.
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements.
Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a
process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence
Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of
known targets. Extended registry scanning now scans registry
branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart
checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is
noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning
mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers. Free
The Big Fix
Good for
Operating Systems that are no longer supported by Microsoft
A program that can intelligently detect and correct all kinds of problems
before they get a chance to mess up your computer. With BigFix, you are automatically protected from bugs, security holes, and problems caused by outdated software, letting you do more and crash less.
Great auto-updater.
Updates all versions of Windows, Updates Microsoft Office, Popular
anti-virus programs, security patches and more.
Many Internet users have received fraudulent emails requesting that they submit sensitive personal information by email, fax, or on a fraudulent
Web sites (Like: "Update your credit card
information before your service expires in 5 days").
These emails are fake and are set up by criminals to steal your personal information. If
in doubt, call your provider.
Example of
fraudulent email:
"Dear Earthlink valued customer,
We have noticed that an un-authorized access attempt was made to your account at www.earthlink.net. Our security software has blocked access from the intruder to your account, but the un-authorized user's attempt managed to replace the password on your account.
The password has been restored for mail and internet access, however the intruder may still be able to get access to your account and or any personal information that you might have used with your account.
To avoid further problems with your account such as credit-card number, or personal information loss we advise you to replace the password to your account as soon as possible.
*To change your password, click the button below.
*Earthlink.net has no responsibility or liability if your information is lost or stolen if you decide to leave your password the same or elect not to change it per our
request."
eBay PayPal
Spot phony e-mail.
The e-mail may look genuine, it even sports the right logos and live links to eBay, but it's really a phishing scam designed to steal your identity.
Neither eBay nor its PayPal subsidiary will ever send you e-mail with live links inside it, says eBay's Jim Griffith, dean of eBay Education. So no matter how real they may look, be aware that any PayPal or eBay e-mail containing live links is an outright fake (also known as spoof e-mail).
Think before you click. Never click the live link inside such e-mail; if you want to check your account status, manually type eBay or PayPal's address into your browser and log on normally.
These additional tips may also be useful:
1. NEVER send your password, credit card number, secret word, or PIN in an email.
2. When you receive an email that directs you to a Web page, be careful. Criminals may use links that actually redirect you to a different Web page from the address that appears in the email. Always type the Web address directly into the address bar of your Web browser before visiting a site that asks you to submit personal information.
3. If you think you may have already submitted sensitive information in response to a fraudulent email, please contact your bank and/or credit card company immediately.
New IRS-related scam
5-2008
With the news full of stories about the economic stimulus checks starting to go out to some taxpayers, phishers have seized the opportunity to come up with a new scam. People are seeing emails directing you to go to a web site and fill out a form in order to claim your "rebate." The web site is designed to look like an IRS site but examination of the URL/IP address indicates it's based in Korea. The form asks for your bank routing number and checking account number so the money can be directly deposited into your account. That should be a red flag but some folks will undoubtedly fall for it. In reality, the only thing you have to fill out to get the stimulus payment (if you qualify, i.e., don't make "too much" money) is file a 2007 tax return.
Report
these scams to the IRS here
What
is Phishing
and Pharming?
(Details) This involves creating a replica of a legitimate web
page to hook users and trick them into submitting personal or financial
information or passwords.
Quickly checks the security of your computer's connection
to the Internet.
Without your knowledge or explicit permission, the Windows networking technology, which
connects your computer to the Internet, may be offering some or all of your computer's data
to the entire world at this very moment!
Click on Common Port
check and then do All Service Ports check. Shields
UP! Check Your Security Here! (Link)
ZoneAlarm Firewall (If you failed the Shields Up test above)
A Firewall is a
"Always on" must!
(Unless you have a hardware
firewall built into your router.)
Install a personal firewall, especially if you have a persistent Internet
broadband connection, like DSL, Satellite or a cable modem (without a
built in hardware firewall). You may never know that you needed a firewall until it's
too late, and since these are free, it makes sense to install it. ZoneAlarm Firewall to stop attacks on your computer. Go Here
for info and Download
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