Internet Scams 102 -- Hijackings and Spyware

by: Janette Blackwell

My friend Janice is afraid to go on the Internet because of the terrible things that might happen to her. She views a simple trip to get e-mail the way she views going alone, late at night, to a dangerous part of town. Please . . . it’s not that bad. Though, come to think of it, it’s ALMOST that bad: hijackers can now do things to people who already have antivirus and anti-spyware programs. To people who have carefully NOT clicked on scam e-mails. Some hijackers can disable your firewall, your antivirus software, and your spyware killers. Or they can prevent antivirus and spyware from being updated. But there are solutions. Here’s what you do: HIJACKINGS You know you’ve been hijacked if your start page is different and if you keep getting things you didn’t intend to get -- frequently pornographic sites and popup ads. You change things back the way they were, but they won’t stay changed. These nasties nabbed you through a security hole in Microsoft Windows. If you haven’t been caught and don’t want to be, http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/prevent.php says, “First and most simply, stop using Internet Explorer. If you use either Mozilla, Firefox or Opera, you are immune to virtually all browser hijackers.” Actually, it’s not that simple. There are ways scammers can get around Firefox. Microsoft is also busy locking its barn doors, though I’m afraid the horse has already been stolen. If you decide to stay with Internet Explorer, be sure to keep it up to date, especially with what they call “critical updates.” PREVENTING ATTACKS The most basic and most necessary protection, one you’ve probably installed already, is antivirus protection. The antivirus programs upgrade constantly to protect us from the latest viruses. Norton is the most common, and a good choice. If you prefer a simple, uncomplicated solution, go to the site that sells Norton, http://symantec.com/, and download all the antivirus protection you want. If you’re a thorough person, however, one who wants to learn about all the options, go to http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/, and you will learn of problems and solutions you never dreamed existed. WHAT YOU GET FOR NOTHING IS NOTHING -- OR WORSE Unfortunately, an antivirus program alone is not enough these days. You need ANTI-SPYWARE. Because the latest hijackers can disable anti-spyware -- AND keep you from downloading updates -- you want some that is really, really good. The techie who manages my website says, “Get something that can WARD OFF attacks, not just remove them after they’ve infected you. Once really vicious spyware is on your machine, it may be impossible for anyone but an expert to remove it.” “But what about all the free anti-spyware?” you ask. If you go to http://www.apcug.net/Reports/Editorial/2004.htm, you’ll see under December 2004 an article “Beware of SCUMWARE Pretending to be Anti-Spyware” which tells one man’s experience. Sometimes what you get for nothing is nothing. Or worse than nothing. When my computer ran slower and slower, some parts of my website disappeared, and question marks appeared all over my website homepage, I yelped for help. Should have yelped sooner, but better late than never. Asked my website manager what he uses. He uses Lavasoft’s PROFESSIONAL program of Ad-Aware and Ad-Watch. I bought it, and it found 17 pieces of spyware (Alexas and tracking cookies), plus a possible browser hijack attempt. (The techie said, “That’s nothing. They found 83 pieces of spyware on mine!” But then he’s a pro.) Ad-Aware removed all the problems except the question marks on my website home page, http://foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html. These are probably due to the attempted hijack. I’m stuck with them. Fortunately they don’t show on any computer except mine. If you want to lead a simple life, come here to http://lavasoft.com and download their PROFESSIONAL type of Ad-Aware and Ad-Watch. If you prefer an in-depth investigation of anti-spyware, http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119572,00.asp can help you. They’ve tested most of the anti-spyware out there, though I must say that Ad-Aware’s pro version was not tested, only the pc version. Just don’t wait until you’re in big trouble. Do something now! IF YOU’VE BEEN HIJACKED A good, basic article can be found by going to http://www.apcug.net/Reports/Editorial/2004.htm. Scroll down to September 2004 and download “Help! I’ve Been Hijacked . . .” Another good article is, “How to Remove Adware and Spyware,” http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/a/removespyware.htm. You might also read “Invasion of the Browser Snatchers” at http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,84464,tk,dn021402X,00.asp. The article will explain how to undo the damage -- although some hijack damage can’t be removed that easily. MORE INFORMATION Here are more good sources of spyware information: http://www.scumware.com/ - a website about nothing else but. http://www2.spywareinfo.com/category/news/ has fascinating current Internet security news flashes, which you will enjoy if you like to feel that civilization as we know it is under constant threat. About the author: Find the best recipe, food gift, and healthy dieting sites in Janette Blackwell’s Delightful Food Directory, http://delightfulfood.com/main.htmlOr enjoy her country cooking at Food and Fiction, http://foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html Circulated by Article Emporium

More Free Tools Increase Security For Your PC

by: Jim Edwards

- by Jim Edwards (c) Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved http://www.thenetreporter.com ===================================== A recent article about preventing hackers from breaking into your computer caused an overwhelming response by readers. It seems everyone has an opinion about the best software and advice for keeping your computer safe from viruses and online predators. The following will help you increase your online security and usually without spending a dime! Zone Alarm Zone Alarm offers several versions of their popular firewall software with various options for increased security. The basic firewall software comes free of charge and ranks among the most highly rated firewalls available. The paid version helps you to eliminate everything from pop-up windows to unwanted advertising and also helps you track hackers back to their source. Visit www.zonealarm.com to download your copy today, especially if you don't already carry a firewall on your system. The Guru Of Security Visit www.grc.com if you want a real "eye opener!" Frankly, some of the things I saw on this website shocked me. I had no idea so many potential problems existed for breaches in your online security. But what also shocked me was how simple most of the "fixes" rate for securing your computer against attack. It became very apparent to me that most computer hackers don't exploit hardware or software weaknesses, they actually exploit our ignorance about the simple steps we should take to protect ourselves and others. When you visit www.grc.com you'll see the site covers a lot of ground. Since you might find it easy to get sidetracked with all the interesting information, make sure to specifically check out the "Shields Up!" area. This section offers two comprehensive tests of your Internet connection to check for the typical points of entry used by hackers. The first test, "Test My Shields," checks the security of your Internet connection itself and how much system and personal information others can obtain without your knowledge. The second test, "Probe My Ports," attempts to find open ports on your computer and evaluate how and where a hacker could enter. Both tests will help you spot the most common and obvious vulnerabilities most of us face when connected to the Internet. Also to its credit (and unlike similar sites), this website doesn't use these tests as a lead-in to try to sell you anything. Free Anti-Virus Software Visit www.grisoft.com to download a free anti-virus software package that rivals anything you could buy. The software comes with free updates on virus definitions (critical for up-to-date protection) and will even certify your outgoing email as virus free! I have used this software myself and, though nothing rates perfect, I have found it rivals products costing $50 or more. If you don't carry virus protection software on your computer, stop this minute and go to www.grisoft.com to download the free version now. With so many resources and advice available for free, no valid excuse exists for not immediately securing your computer against hackers, vandals, viruses and malicious code. About the author: Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co- author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links... Simple "Traffic Machine" brings Thousands of NEW visitors to your website for weeks, even months... without spending a dime on advertising! ==> "Turn Words Into Traffic" Circulated by Article Emporium

3 Summer Computer Tips

by: Sharron Senter

#1 – Summer Computer Travel Holiday travelers should be on alert when arriving home from long weekends, such as the Fourth of July, a popular time for computer viruses to spread. Most computer users have a tendency to turn off their computers when away on trips, which means you’re not getting newly-released anti-virus patches or anti-spyware updates; the two most common areas that cause computers problems. We recommend you update anti-virus and anti-spyware scans before opening e-mail or going online after an extended absence. We consistently see an increase in calls for virus related problems immediately following long weekends. Avoid the problems altogether by updating your security software before using your computer. For a free listing of viruses, spyware threats and trends, visit: www.VisitingGeeks.com/downloads.htm #2 -- Should You Leave Your Computer Running? One question we hear frequently is, "Should I leave my desktop computer on or turn it off?" There are 2 schools of thought… Turning it on and off numerous times during the day subjects the microcircuits to flexing and fatigue due to change in temperatures. Over time this could lead to a break in the circuitry and result in system failure. Leaving the computer on all the time puts excess wear on the mechanical components (the hard drive spindle motor and cooling fans). Best compromise. First user in the morning turns it on; last user turns it off. We leave our desktops on all the time allowing for scheduled utility tasks to run during overnight hours. We also restart the systems (to flush the RAM and reset the operating system) on a regular basis and routinely remove the case covers to clean out any dust that may have accumulated, especially around the fans and screens. #3 -- Stop Popups! Never click inside the window of a popup. Instead, close it by clicking on the X in the upper right corner. Many people are fooled into installing spyware applications by popups that promise to clean their system. If you receive a message saying it can help, assume it’s spyware and don’t click! About the author: Sharron Senter is co-founder of http://www.VisitingGeeks.com- an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks’ technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.SharronSenter.com Circulated by Article Emporium

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

by: Joe Chianese

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want to keep your machine in the best possible condition. Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your laptop's health: Play it cool A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially when running the latest high-powered software. Too much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry. Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated, cool environment. And ensure you don't block the fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the machine at any time. Handle the screen carefully Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely. Don't drop it Whatever you do, don't drop your laptop computer! Keep it safe inside of a carrying case when moving around or traveling. Don't leave it on the edge of a table or on an unstable support of some kind. One ill fated drop to the floor could spell death for your mobile office. Try to make sure the rubber feet underneath are in good condition and are still attached. This will prevent the device from sliding around accidentally. Be careful with those drinks... If you need to have a drink while working or playing, be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer could suffer the consequences from just a few drops of liquid poured in the right places. While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges, the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating. Just say no to viruses Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for the next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don't update your virus definitions. Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating the need for you to have to remember to do it manually. Avoid Popups Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer. Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular mouse can be a nuisance. You'll want a pop-up blocker, such as the Google Toolbar (located at http://tools.google.com), to prevent these pop- up ads. Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some viruses, can install software on your machine by using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get yourself a blocker and avoid the situation entirely. Use a firewall Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network- enabled laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built- in firewall (or purchase one from such companies as Norton), your security will greatly benefit from it. Blocking out all the unnecessary ports and closing all the loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely entering your hard drive. So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle! About the author: Joe Chianese is a technical writer and frequent contributor to HowToBuyALaptop.com For advice on how to find the right laptop computer for you, visit: http://HowToBuyALaptop.com Circulated by Article Emporium