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Computer Security Information on this page is for reference
only. For more detailed information please see your "Help"
system in your operating system or read the information via
the links provided, associated with each security issue. |
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Computer Security Information |
Welcome, today is
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System Security |
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It is very important to keep your system secure for both yourself and
anyone you email or work with on-line. It is as important as locking
and setting your car alarm.
Any of the following can cause major problems; spam,
viruses, spyware, hackers, worms. Access can be through software and software
vulnerabilities and identity theft. As the level of threats to your PC
rise, it becomes much more important to keep your PC protected and up
to date.
Some computer users have trouble
justifying the expense of virus protection programs or similar
software. What most users do not know until their computer becomes
infected or worse, is the cost of repairing the damage. In some
cases the cost of the repairs far exceeds the value of the
computer.
Below we have listed some
information and resources that may help you to keep your PC
"healthy".
Please
Note: We are not affiliated with any of
the companies or products listed, nor do we receive any kind of
compensation from them. We are simply supplying the titles for
informational purposes and assume no responsibility for the
companies or their products. The programs, software and or patches
are supplied only as a helpful suggestion we assume no
responsibility as to how they work or their function ability on your
computer. The user has the sole responsibility to test and appraise
the software, programs or patches. |
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Keep your operating system up to
date |
One of the most important concerns is to make sure your operating
system is up to date. This can be accomplished simply (for Windows
operating systems) by clicking on your "Start" button then click on
"Windows Update". Of course you need to be on-line, your computer
will synchronize with Microsoft's server and let you know what
critical updates are available. We suggest installing all critical
patches available.
Keeping your operating system up to date keeps security loop-holes
closed. It address most security issues that have been found or
reported to Microsoft, as well as system enhancements and usually
makes your system more stable.
Windows updates are now automatic and do not require user
intervention as a general rule.
NOTE: BEWARE OF BOGUS EMAIL
BULLETINS
If you get e-mail that claims to contain a Microsoft software
update, it is probably a virus, trying to trick you into infecting
your computer. Microsoft never widely distributes software in
e-mail.
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Anti-Virus protection |
Anti-virus programs are one of the most important concerns in
today's computer world. Viruses come in with email, text messaging,
voice messaging, web pages over active-x channels and many more
avenues. We can not stress enough how important it is to have and
keep updated your antivirus protection.
A common misconception; "I got
anti-virus with my new computer two years ago, it still protects me
even though I can't update it anymore, right?". (How many times we
have heard this one.) You are protected only in the smallest way. If
you are not able to update your virus definitions all new viruses
that have come out since your last update are potential trouble.
Some anti-virus software will not see them even if they are launched.
Anti-virus companies offer yearly
subscriptions for a nominal cost. It is a very good idea to continue
your definitions update service and every few years re-invest in a
new version of your anti-virus software. Most venders such as Norton
Anti-Virus® offer discounts to customers for upgrading their
software.
PC virus infection is all too
prevalent. These, shall we say, spiteful programs cause damage to
your computer and corrupt systems. Once you have a virus your
computer will email the virus to other computers. To help stay
protected from viruses, we strongly recommend purchasing and
installing anti-virus software. Also, it's important to keep your
virus protection software current and updated with the latest virus
definitions.
These two programs are among the
best on the market;
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Spyware and ad-ware |
Spyware and ad-ware are increasingly becoming more
prevalent than viruses. According to internet research for AOL over
90% of internet users have spyware installed on their systems. While
spyware and ad-ware are usually not as dangerous at first as
viruses, they will become just as harmful in time.
Both spyware and ad-ware in time will slow down you
computer and re-direct you to browser pages of their choice, usually
x-rated sites, but, not always. Have you ever typed a web page
address incorrectly and get a "help" page displayed with domain ads
and links, if so, you have spyware or ad-ware in your system. Should
you mistype a web site address you should get a "Page can not be
displayed" error, not a domain ad page or some other "help page".
Free software, such as
file-sharing applications, some music downloading software, that are
downloaded from the Internet sometimes come with additional software
sometimes called "spyware" or "ad-ware". The more frequently you
download software, the more often you should scan your system to
detect and remove hidden spyware.
What is
spyware, ad-ware and what does it do;
The term spyware/ad-ware refers
to software that gathers personal information from your computer,
mostly without your knowledge. The information is usually used
for advertising. Spyware may cause your computer to slow down or
encounter unexplained errors. Spyware also causes unwanted pop-up
advertisements, an inability to connect to the Internet and
sometimes printing or peripheral connection problems.
Spyware applications can be
hidden in freeware or shareware programs that are easily
downloaded from the Internet. Once you install the programs,
spyware will monitor your activity on the Internet and almost
always transmit your surfing activities to a third party. Some
forms of spyware collect information about; e-mail addresses,
passwords, and sometimes credit card numbers.
The most common way to get
spyware on your computer is through the downloading and
installation of file-swapping programs. These programs are used to
download music and movies from the Internet. Though they me be
free they come with a high cost, your privacy (or lack thereof).
This is not to say all free download software is laden with
spyware and ad-ware, be cautious when downloading. If you are
unsure, email the contact vendor for the software you want to
download. No response to the question, "Does the free downloadable
software you offer contain any spyware, ad-wear, tracking or data
miners?" probable means it does.
How to delete spyware and ad-ware
There are many software packages available for
spyware, ad-ware removal.
We suggest running anti-spyware scan at
least once a week, more often if possible.
A more advanced software is
MalwareBytes. This software is more precise at removing
spyware and costs around $40.
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Firewalls |
Firewalls are a bit more
tricky. They are great when they working and are configured
correctly, but, can be a little tricky to configure.
Firewalls for home computers are not so hard to install and
configure. Most will install in a few minutes with a default
configuration, which in most cases is fine for the average
user.
What is a
firewall;
The term
"fire wall" originally meant, and still means, a fireproof
wall to prevent the spread of fire from one place or area
of a building to another. The Internet is a volatile and
unsafe environment when viewed from a computer-security
perspective, therefore "firewall" is an excellent term for
security.
A firewall protects your network/computer from unwanted
Internet traffic. The primary function of a firewall is to
let normal or good traffic pass through while ‘bad’
traffic gets blocked. The most important part of a
firewall is its configuration that distinguish between
good and bad traffic.
When installed, a firewall exists between your computer
and the Internet. The firewall lets you browse web pages,
download files, chat, etc. while making sure other people
on the internet can not access your computer. Some
firewalls are software that run on your computer like
Windows XP Firewall®.
Other firewalls are built into hardware and can protect
your network/computer from attack.
If you
have Microsoft's Windows XP there is a firewall built in,
by default it is usually turned on. See "Help and Support"
in Windows XP for more information.
Firewall software can be
purchased between $40. and $80. at almost any Staples, EB
store, online or large department stores.
For more information on
Firewall software;
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Hijacked |
System hijacking is when a piece of software
(sometimes within a virus) download with a music, photo or
video file swapping or like software takes over your
browser. When you try to surf to a page the browser displays
a page of it's own, opens four, five or more new browser
windows and usually but, not always one of the windows asks
you for personal information. Every time you try to close a
browser window more open. Sometimes other control windows
(like control panel) will open.
One of the tactics is to install a browser hijacker in the
system. Hijackers are tools that knowingly or unknowingly
alter the settings of your browser start page, or install
helper data that your web browser relays. Hijackers are
usually in the Trojan category of the viruses. A hijacker
installs itself in some hidden and undetected part of your
system.
Some consider hijacking part of spyware or
ad-ware, some do not. Either way it is annoying and does not
let you surf the web, in time it may stop you from
connecting to the internet.
This type of problem may be harder to
solve, first try those utilities listed under "Spyware and
Ad-ware". If those are unsuccessful you may require
professional help to remove the spyware/hijaker software. To read more
about this and
security information at Microsoft click here.
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Email Spoofs -- "phishing" |
Email spoofs are fast becoming a new threat.
They make the receiver of the email believe that a website
they use needs updating. If you are unsure of the validity
of the request, email the webmaster of the real site (the one
you use) and attach or forward the email you received. Ask
if the email came from them.
- Do not "Reply To" or email the
sender of the email or the contact email contained in the
suspected email you received.
- Go to the actual site you normally use,
do not click on the link in the suspected email.
That being said, we here at Cape Cod Web
Service as well as other business do send out emails reminding customers to update
their credit card or other information. If you suspect an
email that looks like it came from us is a fraud,
do not hesitate to contact us. You may also surf to our
members page and update your information directly from our
site. Most often when we request an update we will send you
to our website before going to the secure update site. This
is done to re-assure the customer that indeed it is a valid
request, not a spoof.
Below are two spoof/fraud emails we
received here at the office. Note how legitimate they look,
but, they have hidden details.
The link they provide for
the form to fill out is a fraud, it is masked it will send
you to the fraud site*.
This type of email is called "Phishing".
What Is "Phishing?"
"Phishing" refers to a person
or group of cyber-criminals who create imitation or a copy
of an existing legitimate web page to trick users into
providing critical personal account information. Responding
to "phishing" emails puts your accounts at risk.
If you are expecting a conformation email,
or have just completed business at a web site and receive an
email immediately, chances are its legitimate. An any case
if you are unsure, email the webmaster or account dept
directly from the site, not the suspected email.
*We have altered the
links in these emails so that they will not resolve to the
actual sites.
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Email Security (or lack thereof) |
Email generally has no security, period.*
Anything you send out in an email can be read by anyone who
wants to read it while in transit. The email may travel
around the world before it gets to your mailbox. Email can
be duplicated and copied.Remember,
you should not send via
email:
- credit card information
- bank account information
- unpublished telephone numbers
- sensitive personal information
- specific travel plans
- identification numbers, such as social
security numbers
- or any critical information
While the risk may be small, why take it.
Be cautious when sending information via email.
There are secure forms of email, they are
PGP, digitally signed and encrypted. We occasionally send a
certified digitally signed email, it allows the receiver to
be assured it is from us and has not been tampered with.
*Most
users of Microsoft's Outlook® or
Outlook Express® can send an
encrypted message, but, you must obtain a digital Security
I.D. and authentication. It can be expensive and requires
you to maintain a security certificate. Digital Encryption
requires both the sender and receiver to have a digital
security certificate.
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We are not affiliated with any of
the companies or products listed, nor do we receive any kind of
compensation from them. We are simply supplying the titles and links for
informational purposes and assume no responsibility for the
companies or their products. The programs, software and or patches
are supplied only as a helpful suggestion we assume no
responsibility as to how they work or their function ability on your
computer. The user has the sole responsibility to test and appraise
the software, programs or patches. |
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