How To Prevent & Detect Malware

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

malwareMalware is a term used to describe a wide range of damaging software that includes computer viruses, trojan horses, spyware, keyloggers, and other malicious software. 

Malware can cause many problems, ranging from a downright annoyance to a serious Internet security and privacy threat:  slowing your computer to a crawl, causing your computer to crash, and even having your personal information stolen.  The later can lead to identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  

 It is good to know that there are some steps to take to detect and at the same time prevent malware.  When it comes to this malicious software and other Internet security and privacy threats, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.

  • Install anti-virus software:  This Internet security software is the first line of defense against malware.  If you have do nothing else to help prevent and detect malware, have anti-virus software installed.  It is good to know that there is reputable and free anti-virus software available for download on the Internet.  Other anti-virus software vendors offer fully-functional free trials.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
  • Install anti-spyware software:  Anti-virus software detects most, but by no means all spyware.  This is why it is essential for your Internet security and privacy to have anti-spyware software installed.  There is free anti-spyware software available for download, absolutely free of charge, including Spybot Search & Destroy.  All they ask is for a donation.  It is important to remember to only download anti-spyware from a reputable source, as there are many “free anti-spyware” programs available for download or “free spyware scans”, that only infect your computer with more malicious software and/or ask you to spend $39.99 to remove the”trojan horse”(they tell everyone they have a “trojan horse”, no matter if you have one or not).  This malware, disguised as anti-spyware software can hit you more than just in the pocketbook; it can cause you to become a victim of identity theft.
  • Use a firewall:  This Internet security software acts as a barrier between you and other computers out there.  It helps prevent hackers from remotely installing malware on your computer.  At the same time, it prevents any malicious software already on your computer to send personal information from your computer to a cyber criminal.  There are free firewalls available for download online, such as ZoneAlarm.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include an absolutely free firewall.  If you have no other firewall installed on your computer, ensure that it is activated.
  • Install anti-keylogger software:  Keyloggers are malware which silently records every keystroke you type or even screenshots of your computer screen.  Anti-virus software all detects a minority of keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers.  Anti-spyware software does a better job, detecting most keyloggers.  You need anti-keylogger software installed to detect and block keyloggers.
  • Don’t open an email attachment from someone you do not know:  It could very well be infected with malware.  A matter fact, even if you do know the sender, be cautious if you are not expecting the attachment.  This is because the senders email could be spoofed and/or their email account could be compromised.
  • Avoid visiting sites containing pornography, shareware, freeware, warez, file sharing, and the like.  These sites are well known for being infected with malware.
  • Keep your operating system up-to-date:  This will help protect you from the latest Internet security and privacy threats.  It is a good idea to set your computer to update automatically.
Posted in malware | 1 Comment

How To Prevent & Detect Spyware

Posted on January 22, 2012 by admin

spywareSpyware is a type of malicious software installed on your computer to collect personal information without your knowledge.  Spyware can change your operating system’s settings, web browser settings such as Home Page, slow your computer down, and even cause your computer to crash altogether. 

Worst yet, cyber criminals can use spyware, such as keyloggers, to collect personal information about you; web sites visited, banking info, credit card numbers, email, passwords, etc.  Armed with this information, they can steal your identity.  As a result, you can become the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  As you can see, this malicious software is indeed a real threat to your Internet security and privacy.

Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to prevent and detect spyware.

  • Use anti-virus software:  This is an important first step, in detecting and preventing spyware and other malicious software.  There is reputable free anti-virus software available for download on the Internet, such as AVG AntiVirus.  You can also download fully-functional free-trials of many anti-virus software vendors, such as Norton and Kaspersky.  It is important for your Internet security and privacy to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
  • Use anti-spyware software:  Anti-virus software does not protect you against all spyware, so it is essential to install anti-spyware software.  I use SpyBot Search & Destroy, which is free of charge.  All they ask is for a donation.
  • Use firewall software:  Firewalls are a barrier between you and other computers.  They help prevent hackers from attacking your computer; installing spyware and other malicious sofware.  They also stop malicious software already installed on your computer from sending your personal information, such as banking info and passwords, to the cyber criminal.  There are reputable and free firewall software available for download on the Internet, such as ZoneAlarm.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  If you have no other firewall software installed, ensure that it is activated.
  • Use anti-keylogger software:  It is essential to have anti-keylogger software installed on your computer to detect and block keyloggers, a type of spyware.  Anti-virus software only detects a small percentage of keyloggers.  Anti-spyware software detects most, but certainly not all keyloggers.  This is why it is crucial for your Internet security and privacy to have anti-keylogger software installed on your computer.
  • Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders:  Even if you know the sender, be wary of opening an attachment if you aren’t expecting it.  This is because their account could be compromised or a cyber criminal could be spoofing their email address.
  • Try not to visit sites containing file sharing, warez, shareware, freeware, pornography, and the like:  These sites are notorious for containing spyware and other malicious software.  If you insist on visiting these sites, ensure Internet security software is installed and up-to-date.  Scan any attachments with your anti-virus software before opening.
Posted in spyware | 1 Comment

How To Prevent & Detect Computer Viruses

Posted on January 22, 2012 by admin

computer virusComputer viruses can truly wreak havoc on your operating system; slowing down your computer and even causing it to crash altogether. 

Not only that but cyber criminals can use this malicious software to steal your personal information.  You can become the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. 

Computer viruses are indeed a very real threat to you Internet security and privacy.  

If your computer is infected with a computer virus you are certainly not alone.  According to the EU Statistics Office, nearly one-third of PC’s in Europe were infected with viruses in 2010. 

 I’ve had personal experience with being infected with a virus as well.  It began with my computer beginning to act strangely; slowing down to a crawl, anti-virus software turning itself off, computer rebooting constantly, and freezing to that black screen that many of us are all to familiar with.  After reinstalling my anti-virus software and running a “full system scan” I discovered that my computer was infected with a virus.  Finally, I reinstalled my antivirus software, discovering that my computer had been infected with a nasty virus.  Ultimately, I ended up having to reformat my hard drive and reinstall my operating system.

Fortunatley, there are some steps that you can take to prevent and detect computer viruses.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, that when it comes to Internet security and privacy an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.

  • Install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date:  This is your first line of defense, in preventing and detecting computer viruses and other malicious software.  It is good to know that there is reputable, free anti-virus software and free anti-virus software trials available for download on the Internet.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as your last update.  It is also a good idea to get into the habit of running a “full system scan” on a regular basis.
  • Keep your operating system up-to-date:  Have your operating system set to update automatically, to help protect your computer from the latest Internet security and privacy threats.
  • Install anti-spyware software on your computer:  Anti-virus software protects your computer against most, but far from all spyware.  You need anti-spyware software installed on your computer to prevent and detect spyware.  There is reputable and free anti-spyware software available for download on the Internet, such as Spybot Search & Destroy.  All they ask is for a donation.  Be sure to download reputable anti-spyware software though.
  • Have your computer protected with a firewall:  There is reputable and free firewall software available for download on the Internet, such as ZoneAlarm. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  If you don’t have any other firewall installed, ensure it is activated.
  • Never open an email attachment from a sender you don’t know:  It could be infected with a computer virus or other malicious software.  Be extra cautious in opening email attachments even if you do know the sender; especially if you are not expecting the attachment.  It is entirely possible that a cyber criminal has access to their email account or is spoofing their email address.  I had a friend whose email account was compromised.  The hacker sent emails to all his recipients, with attachments infected with a computer virus
  • Try not to visit sites containing file sharing, warez, shareware, freeware, pornography, and the like.  They are notorious for containing computer viruses or other malware.
Posted in Computer viruses | 1 Comment

How To Detect A Keylogger

Posted on January 22, 2012 by admin

keyloggersThink your computer might be infected with a keylogger, also known as a keystroke logge?.  Wondering how to detect a keylogger?  Keystroke loggers are actually fairly difficult to detect without proper Internet security software.  This is because they are designed to silently record your keystrokes; not slow down your computer and cause other problems like other malicious software.  Keyloggers work silently in the background, like a spy, secretly recording every keystroke you type and sometimes even screen shots; passwords, email, banking info, credit card numbers, and other personal information. 

This malicious software is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  Keyloggers can actually lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, which happens to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

It is good to know that there are some steps that you can take to detect keyloggers.  At the same time following these steps will help prevent having your computer becoming infected with this malicious software.  When it comes to keyloggers, and other Internet security and privacy threats, prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure.

  • Anti-keylogger software will detect and block keyloggers:  Anti-virus software only detects a small percentage of keystroke loggers.  Anti-spyware software fares better, detecting most, but certainly not all of this malware.  That is why it is essential, for your Internet security and privacy, to have anti-keylogger software installed.
  • Install anti-virus software: Even though anti-virus software only detects some keyloggers, it is still  important to have it installed.  It is good to know that there is free anti-virus software available for download on the Internet, such as AVG Anti-Virus.  It is crucial for your Internet security and privacy to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.  It is also important get into the habit of doing a ”full system scan” on a regular basis.
  • Install anti-spyware software: Anti-spyware software will detect most, but not all keystroke loggers.  There is reputable, free anti-spyware software available for download on the Internet, such as SpyBot Search & Destroy.  All they ask is for a donation, which is strictly voluntary.
  • Try to avoid opening email attachments from senders that you don’t know:  In fact, be extra cautious of opening an email attachment, even if you know the sender; especially if you are not expecting the attachment.  This is because a cyber criminal could have hacked into their email account or spoofed their email address.
  • Check your USB ports for hardware keyloggers, disguised as USB flash drives.  Be sure to also check the keyboard cable where it connects to your PC, to see if there is a small cylinder between the end of the cable and the computer. If there is, turn off your PC, remove the cylinder, and reconnect the keyboard cable.  It is an especially good to get into this habit when using a public computer, such as in the library.

Following these steps will go a long way in helping you to detect keyloggers, at the same time preventing this malicious software.  Keystroke loggers are a very real theat to your Internet security and privacy.  This spyware could even lead you to becoming the next victim of identity theft.

Posted in keylogger, Keystroke loggers | Leave a comment

Trojan Horse Infection Symptoms

Posted on January 21, 2012 by admin

trojan horse virusIs your computer doing things such as your CD-ROM drawer opening and closing and your mouse moving on its own? You knew your computer was smart, but not this smart, right?!?

As scary as it sounds a hacker very well might have taken full control of your computer.  Hackers do this by installing malicious software called Trojan Horses.  

Trojan Horses get into your system by pretending to be something good, useful, and innocent – very much like the ancient Greek Trojan Horse.

Downloaded some pictures off Usenet, a free cool little game?  You might have more of a price than you bargained for with it.  They could actually be infected with a Trojan Horse; destructive software designed to do harm to you and your computer.  

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are the most common type of Trojan Horse.  This backdoor Trojan is designed to take full control of your computer.  In fact, this malicious software can have even more control than you ever had.

Trojan Horses are not just downright scary but a real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  A Trojan horse installed on your computer could actually lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

There are some signs and symptoms to indicate that your computer might be infected with a Trojan Horse.

  • CD-ROM drawer opening and closing on its own.
  • Documents or messages printing on your printer by themselves
  • Your computer screen inverts or flips upside down.
  • Your mouse moves all by itself.
  • Your mouse starts leaving trails
  • Your right and left mouse buttons reverse their functions
  • Your mouse pointer completely disappears.  The hacker does this by taking the liberty to turn off your mouse.
  • Your programs load and unload all by themselves.  Many times your anti-virus sotware altered or even deleted altogether.
  • Your computer plays recordings, that you never recorded, of things in your computer room.  If your computer has a microphone, the hacker can record and listen to what is going on in your room.  just to scare you, he might play back some of his recordings while you are in the room.  How scary is that?!?
  • Your sound volume turns up or down all by its lonesome.  The hacker does this to get your attention and scare you.
  • Your Windows Start button disappears
  • Your computer starts conversing with you.  Some Trojans allow the hacker to type anything that he wants to say to you in a box and then make it appear that your computer is talking to you.  Often this feature is used along with the sound option and web cam so that he can see and hear you as he converses.  How terrifying?!?
  • Your computer starts reading the contents of your computer clip board.
  • Strange chat boxes appear on your computer screen, and you are forced to chat with some stranger.
  • Your wall paper or background settings change all by themselves.
  • Your computer goes to a strange or unknown web page by itself, even when you haven’t even launched your web browser.
  • Your Windows color settings change all by its lonesome.
  • Your screen saver settings change by themselves.
  • You get complaints from your ISP that your computer has been port scanning.  You might even get an email from your ISP warning you that your account will be terminated if such activity continues. 
  • Your computer generates strange Windows warning, error, info, or question boxes that appear on your computer.
  • People that you are chatting with all of a sudden know way too much personal info about you and your computer.
  • Someone you are chatting with seems to know what others are talking to you about in private while using instant messenger(IM) programs, such as ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, and Windows Messenger.  While you are infected with a Trojan Horse, the hacker can not only see everything you type, but both sides of Instant Messenger conversations.  They do this through keystroke loggers, also known as keylogging and keyloggers.
  • People you are chatting with can see you or somehow know what is inside your computer room.  No, they are not psychic; they have turned on your web cam and are spying on you.
  • Your computer speaker turns on and off all by itself
  • The time and date on your computer change all by itself
  • Your computer shuts down by itself.  Your task bar completely disappears

As you can see, Trojan Horses are indeed a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  Fortunately, there are steps to take to prevent, detect, and remove Trojan Horses.

Posted in Trojan horses | Leave a comment

HowTo Make Your Computer Run Faster In 5 Steps

Posted on January 20, 2012 by admin

computerr repairIs your computer running slower than your old Vic 20?  Windows taking forever to load or even crashing altogether?  Is your computer just not running as well as it used to?  You may think that your computer is too old or just plain not good enough.  However, just like a car, your computer may very well just need a “tune up”.  You don’t have to spend a fortune hiring a computer tech to “fix” your computer either.  Follow these five steps to make your computer run faster. 

  1. Install anti-virus software:  Besides being a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy, computer viruses and other malicious software can slow your computer to a crawl.  There is free anti-virus software available for download on the Internet, such as AVG AntiVirus Free Edition.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
  2. Install anti-spyware software:  Like computer viruses, spyware can also be the culprit for a slow computer.  Spybot Search & Destroy is absolutely free of charge.  All that they ask is for a donation, though it is strictly voluntary.  Anti-virus software detects most, but certainly not all spyware, so it is important that you have anti-spyware software installed.
  3. Run Windows Disk Defragmenter to speed up your hard disk response time.  A fragmented hard drive can really slow a computer down.  The Windows Disk Defragmenter utility re-arranges your hard drive so that all your files and folders will be located on a single space.  This in turn helps your computer to read and write files much faster. 
    Simply click on Start, followed by going to All programs.  Now, click on System tools; choosing the Disk Defragmenter.Now  click on the Defragment disk and let it do it thing.  Be warned though, that this can take up to several hours.
  4. Free up disk space:  If you have surfed the Internet for any length of time your computer’s hard drive is full of clutter; browser cache, duplicate files, temporary files, etc.  Many people aren’t aware of it, but Windows keeps a copy in your hard drive of every picture downloaded, website visited, etc.  Not only is this a real threat to your Internet security and privacy, it also over time tremendously reduces your computers performance and speed.  Back in 2006 I discovered Cyberscrub Privacy Suite;  software that permanently and securely deletes files on your hard drive.  The first time that I used Cyberscrub Privacy Suite I deleted over 7 gb of temporary files, browser cache, etc. off my hard drive!  I was amazed at the increase in both my computers speed and performance.  CLICK HERE for a free, fully function 15-day trial of Cyberscrub Privacy Suite.
  5. Clean your registry:  Some computer experts say that this is the most important step to speeding up a slow computer.  Not only do registry errors cause your system to crash and error messages, but they also slow your computer down.  I use and recommend Registry Mechanic for cleaning your registry of errors, duplicate files, and files leftover from uninstalling software on your PC.  I installed Registry Mechanic when my computer was running slow and it found and repaired over 152 registry errors, duplicate files, etc!  I immediately noticed an increase in both my computers performance and speed.  
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How To Protect Your Computer From Malware

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin

malwareThe explosive growth of the Internet has enhanced our lives in so many ways.  Unfortunately the technological age is like many other things in life; where there is a good side there is a downside as well.  The downside is that cyber criminals take advantage of vulnerabilities in people’s computer’s and networks to infect them with malware; computer viruses, trojan horses, keyloggers, spyware, and other malicious software.  Besides slowing down your computer and even causing your operating system to crash altogether, cyber criminals use malware to steal your personal information.  You can than become the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  As you can see, malware is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect your computer from malware.

  • Install anti-virus software on computer:  Anti-virus software is your first line of defense against malware.  Ensure that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.  So many people become infected with malware because they let their anti-virus software expire, not protected against the latest Internet security and privacy threats.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
  • Install anti-spyware software:  Anti-spyware software is vital in your fight against malware, as anti-virus software protects computer against most, but certainly not all spyware.
  • Guard your computer against hackers with a firewall:  It protects outside intruders from accessing your computer and also malicious software residing in your computer to access their hosts.There are many reputable free firewalls available for download on the Internet, such as ZoneAlarm.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  If you have no other firewall installed on your computer, ensure that the Windows firewall is activated.
  • Have anti-keylogger software installed on your computer:  Only a small portion of keyloggers, a type of malware that silently records every keystroke you type, is detected by anti-virus software.  Most, but by no means keyloggers, are detected with anti-spyware software.  You need anti-keylogger software installed on your computer to detect and block keystroke loggers. 
  • Keep your operating system up-to-date:  It is crucial that you keep your operating system up-to-date to help protect your computer against malware.  Set your operating system to update automatically, to help guard your computer against the latest Internet security and privacy threats.
  • Do not open any email attachments from people you don`t know.  In fact, even if you do know the sender, be wary if you aren’t expecting the attachment.  This is because someone could be spoofing their email address or their email account could be compromised.  The email attachment could very well be infected with malware. 
  • Try to avoid sites containing shareware, freeware, warez, file-sharing, and the like.  These sites are notorious for being infected with malware, including keyloggers, spyware, trojan horses, computer viruses, and other malicious software. 
Posted in Computer viruses, keylogger, Keystroke loggers, malware, spyware, Trojan horses | 1 Comment

How To Help Prevent Becoming A Victim Of A Phishing Scam

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin

Phishing is one of the most common of all Internet scams. Did you know that at any one time a large number of major financial institutions and online entities around the world will be the target of phishing scammers.  Some high profile institutions such as PayPal and Citibank are constantly targeted by these cyber criminals.  Phishing is indeed a very real threat to both your Internet security and privacy.  It could very well lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Fortunately there are some steps that you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of the latest phishing scam.

  • View with great suspicion any unsolicited email that you receive from a bank or other financial institution that asks you to click an included hyperlink and provide sensitive personal information.  Contact the institution directly if you have any doubts at all about the ethenticity of the email.
  • For your Internet security and privacy, it is never a good idea to click on a link in an email in order to access the website, bank, or other institutions that may be the target of scammers.  The safest method is to enter the URL of the institution’s website manually into your web browser’s address bar.
  • If you supply sensitive information on a website, always ensure that the site is secure.  Ensure that the address of the page starts with “https://” not just “http://”.  As well, make sure that the Lock icon on your web browser is actually displayed in the browser’s status bar. If these indicators are not present, it means that the site is not secure and information you enter on the site is not protected. Fraudulent web forms related to phishing scams are often non-secure sites.  That said though even if the site is secure it could still be fraudulent.  Unfortunately, it is not a guarantee that the site is legitimate just because the site is secure.  It is very important for your Internet security and privacy to remember that legitimate sites that require users to supply personal information are never unsecure web sites.
  • Install and Internet security software; a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software.  This is very important to keep your computer protected from the latest Internet security and privacy threats.  Some phishing scams may actually carry trojans, keyloggers, or other malicious software.  It is crucial that you keep your Internet security software up-to-date.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
  • Ensure that your operating system and web browser have the latest updates installed.  It is a good idea to set your operating system, Internet security software, and web browser to update automatically.  This will ensure that your computer is best protected against the latest Internet and security privacy threats.

 

Posted in Phishing scams | Leave a comment

How To Reduce Spam

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin

Are you absolutely sick and tired of all the spam that fills up your Inbox?Wondering what you can do to reduce the amount of spam(unsolicited email) you get?  You should be glad to know that there are some simple anti-spam steps that you can take to dramatically reduce the amount of junk email that arrives in your Inbox.   

Spammers are the lowest of the low, flooding people’s Inboxes with pornography, get rich schemes, and advertisements for Viagra. 

Worse yet, spam can contain malicious software and malware such as Trojan Horses, computer viruses, worms, and keyloggers or a phishing scam.  In fact, it could lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  As you can see, spam is more than just a mere annoyance; it is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.

If you have read this far, you might be ready to give up on email altogether.  Well, don’t get rid of your email just yet.  Fortunately, there are some simple anti-spam steps that you can take to significantly reduce the amount of spam in your Inbox.  I have provided free anti-spam info and tips to drastically decrease the amount of spam flooding your Inbox everyday.

  • Never ever  respond to SPAM.  Yeah, I know.  They’re saying that you can take your name on the list, but they are lying.  After all, do you really want to trust a spammer?  They’re not in the most ethical and honest business in the world.  By replying, they now know that there is a live person behind the email address that actually takes the time to read their email!  Remember that if it is spam it is a scam!
  • Don’t post your email address on your web site.  Spammers use special software that surfs the Net harvesting email addresses that it finds, used to send spam to.  In fact, 86% of email addresses posted to websites and newsgroups receive spam. If you insist on posting an email address on your web site, don’t use your main email address.  I can tell you from personal experience that you will get a lot of spam just from posting your email address on your web page or blog.
  • Use a separate email address if you post to newsgroups or other forums.
  • If you chat online, use a separate screen name not associated with your email address.  According to the FTC, chat rooms are virtual magnets for harvesting software.  One email address posted in a chat room by FTC investigators received spam at that email addresses only a mere nine minutes after it was first used.
  • Install a spam filter.  I highly recommend Spamcop.  As well as offering a free service to determine the source of your spam and send it to the appropriate ISP’s, Spamcop also offers filtered email for only 30 dollars a year.  I have subscribed to the Spamcop Filtered Email service and I highly recommend it.  When I used this anti-spam service the amount of junk email in my Inbox was reduced to almost nil!
  • Alternatively, if you’ve got a little time and Outlook Express, you can make your own junk mail filter using common words found in spam in Mail Rules. I have used this method and have reduced the amount of spam in my Inbox by over 90%!
  • Don’t give your email address to a website without knowing how it is going to be used.
  • Use an unique email address, using a combination of letters, numbers, and other characters. Spammers use “dictionary attacks” to sort through possible name combinations at large ISPs or email services, hoping to find a valid address.
  • Never purchase anything advertised in spam.  After all, if nobody responded to spam they would soon find another way to market their crap, or go out of business altogether. It costs spammers hardly anything to send spam, so even if they only get one sale out of every 100,000 spams they’re still making money.
  • Check out the privacy policy of a web site before submitting your email address to them.
Posted in Spam | Leave a comment

How To Stop Backdoor Trojan Viruses

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

Keeping your computer healthy is crucial to your Internet security and privacy.  Your first line of defense against trojan horses and other malicious software is anti-virus and anti-spyware software.  If you don’t have this Internet security and privacy software installed on your computer than there’s a really good chance that you’ll run into problems.  It is crucial for Internet security and privacy to stop backdoor Trojan viruses and other malicious software.  Otherwise, you’re personal data is at risk.  You could become the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

With the enormous growth in the Internet, people are definitely becoming more Internet security and privacy conscientious than just a few years ago.  That said and done, many people don’t understand why computer viruses are around.  The short answer is that they want your resources.  They want your email address to send out spam.  Cyber criminals as well want your IP address for illegal purposes such as attacking other computers.  They also want your personal information, such as banking info, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. so that they can steal your identity.  Identity theft is big business, being one of the fastest growing crimes in both Canada and the USA.

Your best defense against backdoor trojan viruses and other Internet security and privacy threats is prevention.  When it comes to Internet security and privacy, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.  Following a few simple steps you can greatly reduce your chances of being infected with a backdoor trojan virus or other malicious software.

As I mentioned before, it is essential that you have Internet security software installed on your computer; anti-spyware, anti-virus, and a firewall. 

Anti-virus software is the first line of defense against backdoor trojan viruses and other malware.  Internet security software vendors are continuously playing a cat and mouse game to keep up with the latest Internet security and privacy threats.  This is why it is essential for your Internet security and privacy that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.

Anti-spyware software is your second line of defense against backdoor trojans and other malicious software.  Most, but not all spyware is detected by anti-virus software, so it is crucial for your Internet security and privacy that you have anti-spyware software installed on your computer.

To help protect you against backdoor trojan viruses and other Internet security and privacy threats, it is essential that you have a firewall installed and activated.  A firewall protects outside intruders from accessing your computer and also malicious software residing in your computer to access their hosts.  There are reputable free firewalls available for download on the Internet, including ZoneAlarm.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall. 

While having Internet security software installed on your computer is an excellent step in protecting you against backdoor trojan viruses and other malicious software, it doesn’t guarantee one-hundred percent protection against Internet security and privacy threats.  This is why it is important to be careful where you surf, like when visiting a city you try to avoid the bad areas.  To protect your Internet security and privacy, try to avoid sites containing file sharing, warez, freeware, shareware, pornography and the like.  These sites are notorious for containing malicious software, including back door trojan viruses.

To protect your computer against backdoor trojan viruses and other malware, ensure that you keep your operating system up-to-date.  To ensure that you have the latest security patches installed, set your operating system to update automatically.

The key to stopping backdoor trojan viruses and other Internet security and privacy threats is indeed prevention.  A few small steps can significantly reduce your chances of being infected with a backdoor trojan virus or other malicious software.  An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure when it comes to Internet security and privacy.

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