1. Install anti-virus software:  This is your first line of defense against computer viruses and other malicious software.  There is free anti-virus software available for download online, including AVG AntiVirus.  Many Internet security software vendors offer free trials of anti-virus software as well.  Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
2. Install anti-spyware software:  Many people are not aware that anti-virus software does not protect you against all spyware.  You need anti-spyware software installed to detect and prevent spyware and other malware.  There is free anti-spyware software available for download online, such as SpyBot Search & Destroy.
3. Install anti-keylogger software:  It is essential to have anti-keylogger software installed to detect and block keyloggers; malicious software that secretly  records every keystroke and might even capture screen shots.  This can lead you to having your personal information stolen; becoming the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  You need anti-keylogger software installed to detect and block keyloggers.  I use and trust Zemana Anti Logger.  It works differently than other Internet security software, which relies on virus signature files and “full system scans”.  Zemana AntiLogger detects and blocks keyloggers.  CLICK HERE for a free 15-day trial of Zemana AntiLogger.
4. Install a personal firewall:  A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and other computers; keeping hackers out and preventing any malicious software already installed on your computer from sending personal information to cyber criminals.
5. Keep your operating system up-to-date:  It is essential for your Internet security and privacy to keep your operating system up-to-date, as your operating system vendor is constantly coming out with new security patches.  Have your operating system to update automatically.
6. Try to avoid visiting sites containing warez, shareware, freeware, file-sharing, and the like:  These sites are notorious for containing malicious software, such as spyware, computer viruses, trojan horses, and keyloggers.
7. Secure you WiFi (Wireless) Network:  Use encryption to secure your WiFi network;  WPA1, WPA2, or WEP.  Be sure to change your routers default name and password.
8. Protect your email, online banking account, and other personal and financial accounts with strong passwords:  They should be a minimum of eight characters long; a combination of numbers, symbols, small letters, and capital letters.
9. Try to resist the temptation to open email attachments from unknown senders:  In fact, even if you know the sender, don’t open the attachment if you are not expecting it.
10. Be careful in using USB Flash Drives, CD-Rom’s, and flash drives inserted in other computers:  They could be infected with malicious software, such as viruses, trojans, spyware, and keyloggers.

Computer viruses are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  They are more than just a mere annoyance; even leading you to become the next victim of identity theft, which happens to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Don’t throw your computer out the window just yet.  It is good to know that there are some anti-virus tips to prevent your computer from being infected with a virus.

1. Install anti-virus software:  This is your first line of defense against computer viruses and other malicious software.  There is free anti-virus software available for download online, such as AVG Anti-Virus.  Many Internet security vendors offer fully functional trials of anti-virus software as well.  It is essential for your Internet security and privacy that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date; anti-virus softare is only as good as the last update.
2. Install anti-spyware software:  Many computer viruses come bundled with spyware and other malicious software.  This is why it is crucial to have anti-spyware software installed on your computer; anti-virus software detects most, but far from all spyware.  There is reputable free anti-spyware software available for download online, such as SpyBot Search & Destroy.
3. Install anti-keylogger software:  Computer viruses often are bundled with keyloggers.  This malicious software works silently in the background; secretly recording every single keystroke and even capturing screen shots.  This is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy; even leading you to become a victim of identity theft.  Anti-virus and even anti-spyware software does not detect all keyloggers.  You need anti-keylogger software installed to detect and block keyloggers.  I use and trust Zemana AntiLogger to protect me from keystroke loggers and other malware.  It works differently than other Internet security software, which relies on virus signature files and time consuming “full system scans”.  It actually detects and blocks keyloggers.  Please CLICK HERE for a fully functional free trial of Zemana AntiLogger.
4. Keep your operating system up-to-date:  Set your operating system to update automatically, for the latest Internet security patches.
5. Have your computer protected by a firewall:  A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and other computers; keeping hackers out and preventing malicious software already installed on your computer, such as viruses, from sending personal information and other data to cyber criminals.  There is free personal firewalls available for download online.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  Ensure that you have it activated if you have no other firewall software installed.

It is good to know that there are some simple yet vital anti-virus tips to protect you from computer viruses and other malicious software.  When it comes to computer viruses and other malicious software, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.

• Install anti-virus software:  Anti-virus software helps prevent keystroke loggers and other malicious software.  There is free anti-virus software available for download online, such as AVG Anti-Virus.  Many Internet security vendors, such as Norton and Kaspersky, offer fully functional free trials of anti-virus software.  It is important to remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
• Install anti-spyware software:  Anti-virus software detects most, but certainly not all keystroke loggers.  There is free anti-spyware software available for download online, such as Spybot Search & Destroy.  Before downloading anti-spyware software make sure that it is from a reputable source.  There is “free anti-spyware software” that is in reality not free and might even further infect your computer with spyware or other malicious software.
• Install anti-keylogger software:  Anti-virus software only detects a small percentage of keystroke loggers.  Anti-spyware software detects most, but not all keystroke loggers.  That is why you need anti-keylogger software installed to prevent keystroke loggers.  Zemana AntiLogger offers a fully functional 15-day free trial.  It works differently than other Internet security software that relies on “full system scans” and virus signature files.  It actually detects and blocks keystroke loggers.  Please CLICK HERE for a fully functional 15-day trial of Zemana AntiLogger.
• Install a personal firewall:  A personal firewall acts as a barrier between you and other computers; keeping hackers out and preventing malicious software, such as keystroke loggers, from sending your personal information to cyber criminals.  There are free personal firewalls available for download online, such as ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2012.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  If you are not using another firewall ensure that it is activated.
• Keep your operating system up-to-date:  Your operating system vendor is constantly providing new updates with the latest security patches for Internet security and privacy threats, such as keystroke loggers.  To keep your computer up-to-date set your operating system to update automatically.
• Try to avoid visiting sites containing warez, freeware, shareware, file sharing, and the like:  These sites are notorious for containing keystroke loggers and other malicious software.
• Check your computer manually for a hardware keystroke logger:  Typically, these devices are in the USB ports or on the cable between the keyboard and the computer.
• Be careful of using flash drives, pen drives, and CD-ROM’s that have been used in other computers:   To help prevent keystroke loggers and other malware be sure to run a “virus scan” on them when inserting into your computer.
• Avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders:  In fact, even if you know the sender, don’t open if you are not expecting the attachment or it looks unfamiliar; “when in doubt throw it out”.

If you are looking for keystroke logger prevention tips, it should be reasurring to know that there are some steps to take to help prevent keystroke loggers.  When it comes to keystroke loggers and other malicious software, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.

• Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software helps detect computer viruses and other malicious software.  It is essential that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date; anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.  There is reputable free anti-virus software available for download online.  Many Internet security vendors, such as Norton and Kaspersky, offer free, fully functional trials of anti-virus software.
• Install anti-spyware software: Did you know that anti-virus software does not detect all spyware?  You need anti-spyware software to detect spyware.  There is reputable free anti-virus software available for download online, such as Spybot Search & Destroy; all they ask is for a donation.  Before downloading free anti-spyware software be sure that it is indeed reputable.  There is “free anti-spyware software” available for download online that in reality is not free and may actually further infect your computer with malicious software.
• Install anti-keylogger software:  Keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers, are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy; working silently in the backgound secretly recording your keystrokes and even capturing screen shots.  Anti-virus software does a dismal job in detecting keyloggers; only detecting a minority of this malicious software.  Anti-spyware software fares better, detecting most, but far from all keyloggers.  You need anti-keylogger software to detect and block keyloggers.  I use and trust Zemana AntiLogger to detect and block keyloggers and other malicious software.  Please CLICK HERE for a fully functional 15-day trial of Zemana AntiLogger.
• Install a personal firewall: A firewall acts as a line of defense between you and other computers; stopping hackers and preventing malicious software already installed on your computer from sending personal information and other data to cyber criminals.  A personal firewall also helps you to detect malicious software; by looking at the firewall logs for unrecognizable programs sending data out.

If you are asking yourself how to detect malicious software, it is good to know that there are steps to take to detect this malware.  Following a few simple steps can definitely help detect malicious software, such as trojans, computer viruses, spyware, and keyloggers.  It can also increase your Internet security and privacy.  In fact, it can even help prevent you from becoming the next victim of identity theft.  When it comes to malicious software, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.

While the USA is immersed in spy conspiracy scandals, and spread news of uncovering a Russian intelligence network, the average citizens of both countries are toying with “harmless phone tapping” of others’ conversations.

First of, it needs to be said, that it is not possible to intercept someone else’s signal with just any box with antenna. The data transfer channel is well encrypted, so that only the mobile operators themselves, upon request by certain government secret services, can perform this kind of interception. It is possible however to track activities of your lovely wife without the need for such highly sophisticated methods.

Internet is abound with downloadable programs that can covertly work in the background on the victim’s phone, recording and transferring elsewhere its coordinates, actual recorded conversations, SMS and even shots taken by the inbuilt phone camera. Some of these programs are able to function as a full-blown “bug”, that allows you to hear everything that its microphone picks up in real-time. This is quite convenient when it comes to listening in on a secret meeting or even a more secret date.

Users most at risk are ones using phones with Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems. There are also spying Trojans for iPhone, however you would not be able to install it on a phone without jailbreak (official App Store, do not sell such programs).

It is pretty hard for an average user to determine whether his phone has a Trojan in it or not. However, there are few signs that may indirectly suggest one to believe that his phone has been tapped to.

1. Hot battery.

If your phone’s battery feels hot, that means that it’s being actively discharged. This is normal during a conversation, but if you have not used the phone for few hours, and the battery still feels hot, that means that some process is active inside, and it well may be a spy program.

2. Short battery life.

This point derives from previous sign – if the battery discharges too quickly, especially if you have not used the phone more than usual, which means that some potentially dangerous application is running on it all the time. You should however remember that with time, all batteries are prone to eventual deterioration of charge capacity, and short battery life is a normal occurrence. This should only alert you if you have noticed that one week you charged your phone once in three days, and then all of a sudden it needed to be charged daily.

3. Delayed power-off.

Pay attention to the time it takes to power the phone off. If it starts taking suspiciously longer than usual, is accompanied by multiple led flashings (the screen stays lit for some time after the phone is turned off), or it completely refuses to turn off, then definitely someone is happening with your phone. Of course, this may have to do with basic technical issues, but may also point to other less pleasant causes.

4. Strange behavior in general

If your phone’s screen led display spontaneously comes on, the phone turns off, reboots, installs or starts applications on its own, then most likely you are already “under the hood”. Of course, this may be due to faults in operating system, however you should not let this go unnoticed either.

5. Interference and bad reception

Interference can be of two types: those you hear during your conversation and those that happen when you come close to, say, audio speakers. In the first case, suspicious may be echoes and any other noises (clicks, hiss, etc) that disrupt your conversation at any time with any party. Sometimes this may be due to poor signal quality or other similar problems, but if this starts occurring frequently, regardless of your location and call destination, this may be a good reason to start worrying.

In the second case, this is a phantom noise of the transmitting antenna of the phone to other receivers, such as stereo speakers. You have surely heard this “gurgling” sound more than once.

It appears during a conversation and also in stand-by mode with short intervals, while the phone addresses the base station. Abnormal is considered constant “gurgling” while the phone is not in use. This may mean that the spying application is contacting someone to broadcast the sounds around it.

Alex Must is interested in TV news, most popular gadgets and hi-tech news. He writes articles about PC and hardware, 3D TV and gadgets, Tablet PC and other digital devices. Read more news on Alex Must’s blog http://tvinlive.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Must
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Five-Signs-That-Your-Cell-Phone-Has-Been-Bugged&id=6868760

• Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software is your first line of defense in preventing computer viruses and other malicious software.  There is reputable free anti-virus software available for download online, such as AVG Anti-Virus.  Many Internet security vendors, such as Norton and Kasperky, offer fully functional free trials of anti-virus software.  Remember to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date; anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
• Install anti-spyware software: Many people are not aware that anti-virus software does not detect all spyware.  You need anti-spyware software installed on your computer to help prevent spyware.  There is reputable free anti-spyware software available for download online.  That said and done, make sure that your anti-spyware software is indeed reputable.  There is so-called “free anti-spyware software” that in reality is not free and can even be bundled with spyware and other malicious software.  
• Install anti-keylogger software: Keyloggers are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy; silently recording every keystroke and even capturing screen shots.  Cyber criminals can use keyloggers to steal your personal information, leading you to become a victim of identity theft.  I use and trust Zemana AntiLogger to help prevent keyloggers and other malicious software.  Most Internet security software relies on “virus signatures” and “full system scans”.  Zemana AntiLogger actually detects and blocks keyloggers.  Please CLICK HERE for a fully functional 15-day trial of Zemana AntiLogger.
• Install a personal firewall: Personal firewalls act as a barrier between you and other computers; keeping hackers out and preventing malicious software already installed on your computer from sending personal information and other data to cyber criminals.  There are reputable free personal firewalls available for download online, such as ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2012.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall.  If you have no other firewall installed, make sure that it is activated.
• Try to avoid visiting sites containing warez, freeware, shareware, file-sharing and the like:  These sites are notorious for infecting your computer for more than you bargained for; malicious software.
• Resist the temptation to open an email attachment from someone you don’t know:  A matter fact, even if you know the sender, don’t open the attachment if you are not expecting the attachment.  There email account could be compromised or someone could be spoofing their email address.  The attachment could contain spyware, a computer virus, keylogger, or other malicious software; “when in doubt, throw it out.”
• Keep your operating system up-to-date: This is an important step in preventing malicious software.  Your operating system vendor is constantly releasing updates containing Internet security patches.  It is a good idea to set your operating system to update automatically.

I am a big fan of Lisa Irby, from 2createawebsite.com.  I agree with Lisa one-hundred percent in this video; that the biggest mistake new bloggers make is being a “reporter” rather than a “trendsetter”.

Blog about something that you have knowledge and are passionate about.  Don’t make the mistake of regurgitating info that is already out there, just for the sake of trying to make money.  It will show in your writing if you are truly passionate about your niche.  People will leave your site as quickly as they come if it is just regurgitated material that you are not really interested in.

That is why I now blog on Internet security and privacy.  It is something that I am truly passionate about.  Not only that, but it is something I have some knowledge in, though I’m always learning.  My goal is to try to and help people, who have little or no knowledge in Internet security or privacy, in easy-to-understand language.   There are so many sites in my niche that have excellent information, but too technical for the average person to understand.

If you write a blog about “how to make money online” and you have made little or no money online, than you are not going to have any credibility.  People are going to see that you are just sharing information that is already out there.

If they are like me, they are going to see your blog as a poor attempt to make money online.  They’re not going to trust you.  After all, how can you teach me about making money online, when you’re hardly making a dime either?

Your blog is also going to be pretty boring if you’re just “reporting” on information already shared by other people. You’re not going to be able to share your own experiences and put your own voice into trying to be an “expert” on something you know little about.

It also is difficult to write post after post, day in and day out, on a subject that you’re not passionate about.  I have a real passion and interest in Internet security and privacy.  This makes it so much easier to write about on a regular basis; especially when a blog like mine is fairly new and you’re seeing little traffic and monetary gain for your efforts.  I’ve had blogs and websites in the past that I wasn’t really passionate about and had little or no interest in.  These endevours fizzled out as quickly as they started, as it was hard to write on a subject I had little or no interest in on a regular basis.

Watching Lisa’s video on “A New Bloggers Big Mistake” is well worth the time.  In fact, it could save you from wasting time writing about something you are not truly passionate and interested in.

Often, I wonder what happened to the blogger.  Did they simply just get bored of blogging? Did they run out of ideas?  Did they find it hard to write on a regular basis? Was the traffic lower than they expected?  Are they still alive?  I suspect that many bloggers lose interest or it is a lot more work than they imagined.  I’ve read some great blogs, with really interesting posts, that have died.

One blog I found particularly interesting was authored by a convenience store clerk. In his blog, he talked about some of his experiences working graveyard shift in(you guessed it) a convenience store.  I thought it was a great premise for a blog and found the few posts over a handful of months very entertaining.  It looks like there have not been anymore posts in the last year or so.  I hope that he wasn’t gunned down in a botched robbery or something!

Come to think of it though every blog I’ve had in the past I’ve given up on after a few months or even less.  I find it really easy to be all enthusiastic at first about a new venture, such as a blog or website.  I’ve found that that initial excitement fizzles out rather quickly.

That is why this I am now devoting my time and energy to blog about something that I am both passionate and interested in; Internet security and privacy.

I found something online that it an even greater threat than computer viruses, keyloggers, and other malicious software; the world’s most dangerous bridge. I am absolutely terrified of both heights and bridges.  Even just watching the truck cross this bridge almost gives me a panic attack!

This bridge(if you want to call it that) crosses the Russian Siberian Vitim River.  It is 15 feet above the water and 550 long meters accross.

As you can see it doesn’t even have side rails.  There is absolutely nothing seperating the occupants of the automobile from a plunge to the cold, fast running water below.

What scares me the most is the thought of a horrible death drowning in the river.  I just cannot imagine what it’d be like to be trapped the cold, deep water below; with water rapidly filling up your automobile.  What a horrible way to die.

It looks like the bridge is going to fall apart in any minute.  It wasn’t even build for vehicles.  It is an old railway crossing.  It has been replaced by the steel framed bridge just up river.  You can see the new bridge in this video.

When I first watched this video I assumed the newer bridge was for automobiles.  I didn’t realize it is a railway bridge also.   I wondered why on Earth they were driving across this structure when there was a newer, much safer looking bridge just a stones thow away.  I still have to wonder why in the world they are crossing such a structure!

Crossing a bridge like this is certainly not my idea of fun!  You couldn’t pay me enough to drive on this structure. It is definitely not on my travel list anytime soon!  Many people out in cyberspace name it as the worlds most dangerous bridge.  From watching this video I must say I have to agree with them.

• Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software is your first line of defense against computer viruses and other malware.  Not only do viruses slow down your computer to a crawl; they also are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.  It is good to know that there are reputable free anti-virus software for download free online.  Many Internet security software vendors, such as Norton and Kaspersky, offer free trials of anti-virus software.  Remember to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date; anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
• Install anti-spyware software: Like viruses and other malicious software, spyware is not designed to run efficiently; having a negative impact on the speed and efficiency of your computer.  Not only that, but is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy, potentially leading to identity theft.  Many people are not aware that anti-virus software does not detect all spyware.  You need anti-spyware software to detect and remove spyware.  There is reputable free anti-spyware software available for download online.  However, be sure that it is reputable.  Many supposed “free anti-spyware software” is not free at all and might even be bundled with spyware and other malware.
• Install and run registry cleaning software: Over time, as you install and uninstall software, your computer becomes full of duplicate files and registry errors.  This can drastically slow down your computer and decrease its performance.  You need registry cleaning software to erradicate duplicate files and registry errors, such as Registry Mechanic.
• Install and run disk deleting software: If you have used your computer for any length of time, it is likely full of clutter; Windows cache, Internet browser cache, history, duplicate files, etc.  This can certainly slow your computer to a crawl.  You need disk deleting software, such as Cybercrub Privacy Suite to clean your computer’s hard drive.  Doing this can definitely make your computer run faster, at the same time increasing its performance and efficiency.
• Defragment your hard drive: A fragmented hard drive can absolutely slow down your computer.   Fortunately, there is a relatively simple, but time consuming solution to the problem; defragmenting your hard drive.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free Defrag Utility.

After following these simple steps, there is an excellent chance that your computer will run faster.  Not only that, but at the same time you are increasing your Internet security and privacy.  By doing this, you very well might prevent yourself from being a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  Aren’t you glad that you have taken the time and effort to follow some steps to speed up your slow computer?