Internet Security 101

How To Prevent Becoming A Victim Of A Get Rich Quick Scheme

Posted on February 25, 2012 by admin

Get Rich Quick schemes sadly are more common today than ever with the ever growing popularity of the Internet and economic downturn. If you’re like me and trying to make money online, you very well may be tempted by opportunities that offer quick payouts and huge profits. A Get Rich Quick Scheme is defined as a plan to acquire high rates of return for a small investment. Sadly, the online world has become a haven for scammers looking to take away your hard earned cash. Fortunately, there are some ways to help prevent you from becoming yet another statistic; a victim of a Get Rich Quick Scam.

Just Like your Grandmother told you, if something sounds too good to be true it very likely is.
Before investing in a business opportunity ask yourself the following – “Just how frequently do you or other people purchase the product or service that you will be potentially selling?”
Get Rich Quick schemes entice people by offering a high rate of return for a low investment. There are some people, such as day traders, that do make a lot of money from these schemes. However, they are few and far between.
Yes, there are indeed legitimate work at home jobs out there. That said and done, they generally a lot of work, time, and some financial investment. If an opportunity is too easy it is wise to be sceptical of it.
It is a good idea to check out the company on the Better Business Bureau website prior to investing in a business opportunity.
Don’t be rushed or pressured to invest. Please remember that there most likely is a reason why you are given a “limited time offer”.
It is a good idea to be extra careful with online investments. Treat investments on the Internet the same as you would ones in the “real” world.
Be extra vigilant with investments on television primarily in the form of an infomercial or on the telephone.
Don’t even think of replying to spam. As SpamBusters.org says, “if it’s spam, it’s a scam.”
Be wary of any opportunity that is not in writing. That said and done, be sure to get everything in writing prior to investing your hard earned cash in any investment.
Even if you are in debt up to your ears(or maybe even the ceiling), you don’t have to share that with the world. It is not a good idea to post messages in forums saying you are in dire financial straits, or desperate to find work. This is a sure fire way to bring all the scammers out and be overwhelmed with phony offers.
Be sure to ask in writing for the details of the refund policy prior to investing in the business opportunity.
Check with present owners or employees about their experiences with the company.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Is Jeff Paul’s Shortcuts To Millions A Scam?

Posted on February 18, 2012 by admin

Jeff Paul’s Shortcuts to Internet Millions has “scam” and “get rich quick scheme” written all over it.

Watching TV in the wee hours of the morning, I came accross yet another infomercial telling me how with no or very little work I can make millions!

Isn’t that exciting?!? For a mere $39.95 plus shipping and handling I can get information on how I can make millions online – “easy as sending email”!

Oh my gosh, this internet guru will tell me shortcuts to not one, but “over 100 Ways to Make Money On The Internet”! How nice of Mr. Jeff Paul! Why, I don’t know why all these years I’ve been working 40 hours a week when for $39.95 plus shipping and handling I can learn shortcuts to making millions online! Sign me up Mr. Paul!

Well, I wonder how much the shipping and handling is going to be anyways? My goodness, he is going to charge me $21.95 for shipping and handling to Canada. Let’s see, that comes to $61.90 US. Oh well, $61.95 is a small price to pay to learn how to make millions online, right?!?

Well, not exactly. You knew there’d be a catch after all. My initial investment includes a FREE 30 day membership in the Internet Millionaires Club. How can that be a catch, you ask? Looking at the small print at the bottom of the page, I see they are nice enough to bill me $39.95 a month after the first month! I’ll than get 10 new Internet Businesses a month! How exciting is that?!?

According to Mr. Paul’s website they offer a 60 day money back guarantee, less shipping and handling of course. I’ve never purchased Shortcuts to Internet Millions, so I don’t know if they are refunding people or not.

Apparently, “once you receive the start-up kit, your phone will start ringing and the telemarketers who say they work for Jeff Paul will try to up-sell you expensive packages for $5,000, $10,000 and so on, they claim you need these packages if you are serious about making money online.”

Wow, $10,000! That is a lot of money! A lot more than that small initial investment of $39.95 US plus the good old shipping and handling!

Sadly, if I fall for Mr Paul’s Get Rich Quick Scheme I will likely be out of pocket at least $61.90 US and I wont make a penny online.

There are people that make a lot of money online, but it is through hard work and dedication. Remember the golden rule, “if it seems to be too good to be true” than it probably is.

It is sad that there are people like Jeff Paul preying on people desperate to make some extra money in these tough economic times. In fact, I think it is more than just sad, it is absolutely pathetic!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Do I Need Anti-Virus Software To Remove Viruses?

Posted on February 11, 2012 by admin

Are you asking yourself, “Do I really need anti-virus software?” Nowadays, most people use computers to surf the web, use email communication, social networking, and a host of other essential activities like banking, shopping and paying utility bills.

For those who aren’t connected to the internet, the PC is still used for other important tasks like business activities and school/college work. And these activities involve using external media like USB flash drives, hard drives and CD/DVD drives.

If you use your PC for either of these activities, then it is crucial that you have an anti-virus software program to protect yourself from viruses and other malware (malicious software) threats.

It is playing Russian Roulette, but if you insist on surfing the Internet without being protected by anti-virus software, it is possible to go for awhile anyway without being infected by a computer virus.

Some of the steps you can take are:

1. Be careful of what free anti-spyware software you download from the Internet. Yes, there are reputable free anti-spyware software out there. In fact, I personally use Spybot Search & Destroy, which is free of charge. That said and done, in reality most free anti-spyware software is not free by any means. Sad but true it will often infect your computer with malicious software. The “free” anti-spyware program will always find spyware on your computer, even if there is none. At the end of the the scan they will request a payment to remove a Trojan threat. The sad reality is that these programs are malware programs that are distributed and maintained by cyber crooks.

2. It is wise advice not to visit websites in the shadier corners of the Net; sites that host porn, cracking, warez, and file-sharing. This is a sure fire way to become infected with viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It is very risky business to visit these sites without anti-virus software. In fact, if you visit these sites without anti-virus protection, it would be a near miracle if your computer doesn’t become infected with a nasty virus.

3. Don’t open any email attachments from people that you don’t know. Even if you do know the sender, if you aren’t expecting the attachment, be leery of opening it. This is because it is possible that there email account is compromised or the email address was spoofed, to look like it was from someone you know, when in reality it is from a cyber criminal. Not only will your PC be infected with a virus threat if you open it, you will also be in danger of phishing attacks. Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent of internet scams and the criminals behind them attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information like your credit cards, bank details, passwords and usernames. You could than become yet another victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

4. Keep your operating system up-to-date. This is important become the new updates include the latest security patches.

However, as many of you are aware, virus threats are not just spread online. This malicious software is also spread through removable media, such as , flash drives, and cd/dvd’s.

So you may take extra precaution as you surf the web, but if you use an infected flash drive on your PC, then it will be infected without fail.

When you get down to it, pretty much no matter what you use your computer for, it is essential for your internet security and privacy to have anti-virus software. If you use your computer for any length of time without being protected with anti-virus software, it is just a matter of time before you become infected with a computer virus. As I’ve previously mentioned, there is a lot of “free” internet security software out there, which is actually not “free” at all, infecting both your pocketbook and personal information. In fact, by downloading the software you could even become a victim of identity theft. However, you should be glad to know that there is reputable and well rated anti-virus software, such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, for download on the Internet that is free in charge.

Truth be told, having anti-virus software crucial, though only a small piece of the puzzle, in helping protect you against viruses and other malicious software. Anti-virus software protects you against most, but certainly not all spyware for instance. For your Internet security and privacy you need anti-spyware software installed, such as Spybot Search & Destroy. The later is free of charge by the way, though they do ask for a donation. It is also essential that you have a firewall installed, such as ZoneAlarm. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall as well.

All said and done, it really isn’t worth jeapordizing your Internet security and privacy, by not having Internet security software installed, such as anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.

Posted in computer virus | Leave a comment

How To Detect & Remove Remote Access Trojan’s

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

Wondering how to detect and remove Remote Access Trojan’s (RATs). There are indeed many advantages to living in the day and age of the World Wide Web that we live in today. The technological and connected world that we are in today opens the flood gates for criminals to steal our personal information using Remote access trojans (RATs) and other malicious software. Remote Access trojans actually allow criminals to control your computer through your computers Internet connection.

Sound scary? It is. A Remote Access Trojan (RAT), the most common type of trojan horse, can open the window for a cyber criminal to remotely view and change your computer’s files and functions, monitor and record your activities, store files and programs on your computer, turn on your webcam and spy on you(is your computer in your bedroom?!?), and even use your computer to attack other computers.

A Remote Access Trojan can use a keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger and keylogging, to record your banking information, passwords, credit card numbers, email and other personal info. Armed with this information, criminals could steal your identity. This could lead you to having your personal information stolen and becoming yet another victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Remote Access Trojans(RATs) are indeed a real threat to your internet security and privacy.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to detect and Remote Access Trojan’s.

Install anti-virus software – It is good to know that most anti-virus software detects and removes Remote Access Trojans and other Trojans. To help guard your computer against the latest Internet security and privacy threats, it is crucial that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update.
Install anti-spyware software – Anti-spyware software also detects and removes most Trojan Horses, including Remote Access Trojans. There is reputable and free anti-spyware software available for download online, such as Spybot Search & Destroy. That said and done, be sure to download reputable anti-spyware software.

Install anti-keylogger software – Remote Access Trojans are often bundled with keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers; malicious software that secretly records every keystroke and sometimes even captures screen shots. This can lead you to have 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 installed to detect and block keyloggers.
Install a personal firewall – While having a installed won’t remove Trojan Horses, it can detect and block this malicious software. That said and done, this is assuming that you don’t inadvertently give permission for the Trojan Horse to mak e outgoing communications on the Internet. There are free firewalls available for download, such as ZoneAlarm. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 includes an absolutely free firewall as well. If you have no other firewalls installed on your computer, ensure that the Windows Firewall is enabled.
Do not open any email attachments from people you don`t know. In fact, even if you do know the sender, be wary, as someone could be spoofing there email address or there email account could be compromised. The email attachment could very well contain a Remote Access Trojan or other malicious software. Your friend could have a Remote Access Trojan installed on his or her computer, sending people with infected emails and not even know it. Also, often those cute little jokes that people send may not be so cute. They could be infected with a backdoor Trojan or other malware. As the old saying goes for food that you are unsure if it has gone bad or not, if in doubt, throw it out.
Avoid file sharing programs, such as Limewire. This is the best way I know of becoming infected with a Trojan Horse or other malware. I had a friend, with a computer so infected with malicious software downloaded on file sharing sites, that he was forced to wipe his hard drive clean and reinstall the operating system.
As a last resort permanently delete your hard drive and reinstall your operating system. This is a one-hundred percent sure way of removing backdoor Trojans and other malicious software.
Avoid visiting the shadier corners of the Internet, such as file-sharing, freeware, shareware, warez, and the like. These sites are notorious for containing malicious software.

As you can see, fortunately there are steps that you can take to detect and remove Remote Access Trojans, also known as RATs and Backdoor Trojans. Remember, when it comes to Internet security, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Posted in trojan horse | Leave a comment

How To Prevent Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft

Posted on January 28, 2012 by admin

Concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft? Wondering exactly how to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft? Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. Unfortunately, cyber criminals have taken full advantage of the digital age that we live in to steal people’s identity. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take to help prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.

Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them. Better yet, check your credit card and bank statements online on a regular basis to ensure no unauthorized charges have been made. If your bank account or credit card statements are more than a few days late, call them to check your account balance and to ensure your they still have your correct address.
Don’t have blank checks mailed to your home. Pick them up at the financial institution instead.
Never give personal identifying information over the telephone or online unless you initiated the contact.
Don’t ever respond to an email query from a financial institution, auction site, or anyone else for that matter to confirm your identity on a website. Legitimate organizations will never ask you for this info via email, so you should never reveal it.
Never click the hyper links in an email, even if it looks perfectly legitimate. Get into the habit of manually typing the URL into your browser instead.
If you are not the customer of the financial institution or other company that’s trying to get financial or personal info from you, delete the email. You can also forward the spam to spam@uce.gov as well as the company or financial institution that was spoofed in the email.
If you are insist on visiting the site linked in the email, provide them with a password that you know to be false. If the site accepts the password, you will know that it is not legitimate.
Protect your computer with Internet security software: anti virus, anti-spyware, anti-keylogger, and a personal firewall. Also, be sure to keep them up to date.
Don’t email personal or financial info, as email is not a secure way to transmit info.
Never give your Social Insurance number (Canada) or Social Security number (USA), or for that matter personal information of any kind, over the telephone or online unless you initiate the contact.
Check your credit reports. If you are a victim of identity theft there should be some telltale signs, such as a new account you didn’t open or an address change you didn’t make.
Cancel accounts you don’t use or rarely use.
Memorize PIN numbers and passwords and change them often. NEVER write them down.
Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight on weekends. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If going away for any length of time have the post office hold your mail for you. Deposit outgoing mail at the post office.
Shred or tear up unwanted documents that contain personal information before discarding them in the trash.
Every year, order and thoroughly review copies of your credit report from the credit reporting agencie(s).
Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank wickets, in trashcans, or at unattended gasoline pumps; ensure you destroy paperwork you no longer need.

Posted in Identity Theft | Leave a comment

Do I Really Need Anti-Keylogger Software?

Posted on January 14, 2012 by admin

Recently I saw a post on a popular Internet security forum from someone wondering if it really was necessary to have anti-keylogger software installed on their system. They were particularly concerned about someone stealing their banking information. They were wondering if they were just be paranoid or if it is a legitimate concern.

Unfortunately, in today’s world of a growing number of Internet security and privacy threats, it is essential to have anti-keylogger software installed on your computer. Many viruses, spyware, trojan horses and other malicious software are actually bundled with a keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger.

This malware silently records every keystroke you type, sometimes even capturing screen shots. Cyber criminals could steal your personal information; credit card numbers, banking information, passwords, etc. This could lead you to becoming the next victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Keyloggers are indeed a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.

Now, you might be saying, “well, I have anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed on my computer. Isn’t that going to detect and remove keyloggers?” Anti-virus and anti-spyware is an excellent step towards preventing your computer from being infected with keyloggers and other malicious software. That said and done, while anti-virus software does an excellent job protecting you from viruses, it only detects a small percentage of keystroke loggers. Anti-spyware software fares better, detecting most, but certainly not all keyloggers. You need reputable anti-keylogger software to detect and block keystroke loggers.

I personally use and recommend to others Zemana Anti-keylogger. This anti-keylogger software works differently than traditional Internet security software, which relies on anti-virus signature updates and file scanning. It actually detects malware and shuts it down. CLICK HERE to download a 15 day fully functional free trial of Zemana AntiLogger.

Keyloggers, and other malicious software, are a very real online threat. They could lead you to becoming yet another statistic; added to the growing list of victims of Identity theft. Protect your privacy and personal information; install a reputable anti-keylogger software.

Posted in Keylogger | Leave a comment

Top 5 Anti-Virus Tips

Posted on January 7, 2012 by admin

Are you looking for anti-virus tips? Think your computer might be infected with a computer virus or other malicious software? Wondering what you can do to protect yourself from computer viruses?

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.

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.
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.
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.
Keep your operating system up-to-date: Set your operating system to update automatically, for the latest Internet security patches.
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.

Posted in computer virus | Leave a comment

How To Keep Your Data Safe Using A Public Internet Connection

Posted on January 1, 2012 by admin

How many times have you sat in a cafe, airport, library or even waiting for the bus using a public WiFi (wireless) connection (WiFi Hotspot), through your smartphone, laptop, or public computer. It’s easy, convenient, helps pass the time, and after all we love being “connected”. It has actually become so second nature and common that more often than not we don’t think of the risk to our internet security and privacy. We don’t consider that surfing the web using unsecured WiFi (wireless) public networks and computers can lead us to becoming yet another victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Truth be told, though there certainly are precautions that we can take to increase our Internet security and privacy, every single time that we connect to the Internet, no matter where we are, we open ourselves up for security risks. That said and done, surfing the Internet in a public environment, poses a signifigantly greater risk to our Internet security and privacy. In this environment, we need to be extra savvy to protecting our personal information.

Keyloggers and other spyware on public computers can capture our private information; recording every keystroke and perhaps even capture screen shots. Cyber criminals can use our Wi-Fi connection to follow our surfing, read our personal email, steal our passwords, banking info, credit card numbers, and other personal information. They can even remotely install malicious software on our computers, such as keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers. Then there is the criminal that actually might physically steal your laptop or your notebook when your back is turned.

It is good to know that there are some steps that we can take to increase our Internet security and privacy while using a public WiFi (wireless) connection or computer.

First of all use your instinct, be vigilant, keep your personal belongings safe, close and never leave them unattended even for a second and be wary of who’s around you in a cafe.
You might want to consider using anti-theft software, which can help them to recover a stolen laptop or notebook or tracking a mobile.
Before using a public computer, use a reputable free online virus scanner.
Try to avoid confidential correspondance, banking, and online transactions where you submit personal/financial information.
When using public computers, keep your passwords and surfing information private by turning off Auto-Complete before browsing. Clear all forms and passwords via the content tab before your session ends.
It is also important for your internet security and privacy to ensure that you delete files, cookies and browsing history when you have finished.
Turn off wireless connection on your notebook, laptop, or mobile device when you are not using it.
If transmitting private information make sure you are on secure web page. To do this look for ‘https’ in front of web addresses as well as the yellow padlock in the web browser frame.
Check the USB port for a hardware keylogger disguised as a USB flash drive. Also check for a small cylinder on the cable between the keyboard and hard drive. The later could very well be a keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger as well.
If connecting to a WiFi (wireless) connection with your laptop or notebook ensure that your Internet security software is up-to-date. To help protect your computer against online security and privacy threats at minimum you should have anti-spyware and anti-virus software installed.
Ideally, if using your own laptop ot notebook, you should have anti-keylogger software installed as well. Anti-virus software only detects a small portion of keystroke loggers. Anti-spyware software detects most, but by no means not all keyloggers. You need anti-keylogger software installed on your computer to detect and block this malicious software. If connecting to your corporate network use encrypted VPN.
When connecting to a WiFi (wireless) on your laptop or notebook ensure that you set your Internet access as “Public”, when you get the pop-up, asking you how you are connecting to the Internet.

Posted in wireless internet (wi-fi) | Leave a comment