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Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is Cyber Security Awareness month. We thought we'd take this opportunity to bring to light many of the things you can do for a safer and more enjoyable internet experience. While there is no such thing as a 100% secure computer (unless its still in the box in the closet), there are steps you can take to make it more secure.
A recent article published in PCWorld points out that "Computer users are in dire need of a 'reality check' when it comes to home PC security..." (Read the full article here.)
The main point in the article is that while 98% of people surveyed recognized that up-to-date security software was important, that "a significant portion of those same survey respondents are guilty of having home PC's with security software that is incomplete or dangerously out of date."
Keeping it up to date not only secures your computer but will also help it run better. Viruses and malware (spyware/adware) are the most common cause of poor computer performance.
So what can you do?
| Windows Updates | Firewall | File Sharing Programs |
| Up to Date Antivirus | Phishing Protection | Safe Surfing |
| Malware Removal | Scams |
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your Windows operating system up to date. Windows Updates patch security holes in the software that malware and viruses take advantage of. Microsoft releases new updates on the second Tuesday of every month. If you want your computer to run smooth, it is critical that you perform the updates to patch the holes these malicious programs use.
You can get to Windows Update by opening your Internet Explorer and clicking on "Tools", "Windows Update" while connected to the internet.
It is critical to keep an updated antivirus program on your computer. Recent tests have shown that most antivirus software is less than 50% effective if the virus definitions are 30 days old. With the rate of new viruses, most antivirus software companies publish DAILY updates. (No, this doesn't mean you need to log on just to update your antivirus, but if you do log on, updating it should be the first thing you do.)
On our "Free Downloads" page, you can find two free antivirus programs that get pretty good ratings: AVG antivirus from Grisoft and avast! antivirus from alwil.
Use the antivirus program you feel most comfortable with, BUT you must keep it updated. Frequently we get computers in that have no antivirus or are running antivirus programs that haven't been updated in over a year.
Viruses have changed from the days of a young hacker proving their skills to what has become big business and organized crime. They no longer just make your icons on the screen run from you, but are taking over your computer to send out massive amounts of spam, slowing down your internet connection and your computer.
Whether you buy an antivirus program or get one of the free programs, keep it updated!
In addition to viruses, today we have to worry about "malware". Some call it spyware. Some call it adware. But everyone agrees its horrible. This malware comes to your computer in a variety of ways. Some websites infect your computer with it. Some of the malware is "network aware" and spreads from computer to computer. Some of it comes in as scripts in junk email. Because recent internet browsers block popups, many malware infections go unnoticed until it effects internet browsing due to slowing down the computer and taking up all of the internet connection.
These programs originally either monitored what you were looking at and popped up ads related to it or popped up pornography. Like everything else they have changed and now many seek to take over your computer. Some of the more harmful programs take over your internet browser and will only pull up ads seeking to help "clean up" your computer. Recent tests by security experts have taken a clean computer and infected it with only one piece of "malware." Within minutes it began downloading other malware. Over 50 pieces of malware were installed in less than 20 minutes after only having one piece intentionally installed.
Luckily, some of the best malware removal tools are free. You can find Ad Aware from Lavasoft and Spybot - Search and Destroy from PepiMK linked on our "Free Downloads" page. Either alone will remove about 90% of malware. Combined they are a formidable team. Both are highly rated and free. While Microsoft is providing a malware removal tool, it isn't quite as effective.
Like antivirus software, malware removal tools need to be updated. Unlike antivirus software, the free versions do not monitor activity on your computer. Therefore, you'll need to run periodic scans to remove any malware. We generally recommend running these scans at least weekly.
If you are on a broadband connection, a firewall has become a must. Many popular antivirus/internet security suites have one included. If you have Windows XP or Vista, the Windows firewall does a pretty decent job as long as you are keeping up on your Windows Updates. If you check our "Free Downloads" page you'll notice there is NO section for firewalls. Why? Because while there are several free firewall programs, most have issues with system resources or locking up. Many people run ZoneAlarm (a highly rated free firewall) with absolutely no issues. Others have nothing but problems with it. There are easier solutions if you feel you need a firewall.
If you are on dial up, either purchase one of the internet security suites or just use the Windows firewall. If you are on broadband, buy a router that has a built in firewall.
Avast Home Edition also has a built in firewall that is starting to get pretty good reviews on tech sites. Our senior technician personally ran both Avast and AVG on his home computer for over six months with no conflicts or issues.
Phishing is part of identity theft. Thieves send out fake emails or establish fake websites trying to get your personal information. The best rule of thumb is to ignore any and all links that come to you via email requesting your personal information. If you feel it might be a legitimate email, contact that business/institution (not from the contact information on the email, but from what's listed in the phone book or on their website) and talk with someone about the email you received. If it is real, normally there is a notice up on their website where you can submit the information. The best approach is always be cautious and overly protective.
If you are using Internet Explorer 7 turn on the "Anti-Phishing" filter. If you're not sure if its turned on, you can go to "Tools", "Internet Options", "Security", "Custom Level". This will allow you to look through the list of settings and make sure the Phishing filter is enabled. If you have Windows XP and have not upgraded, we highly recommend you upgrade to Internet Explorer 7. If you are running earlier versions of Windows, the Firefox browser has anti-phishing plugins and can be downloaded at http://www.getfirefox.com.
Scams on the internet take many forms. From the phishing schemes mentioned above to "You just won the UK Lottery" or "Help me get the money out of XXX country". Bottom line: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
To win the UK Lottery, you probably needed to play it, right? If they had all that money they could sneak out so easy, why aren't they just getting a friend to help instead of emailing thousands of strangers? Common sense applies to the internet. There is no such thing as "easy" money.
"You just won a free XXX" may sound great, but READ THE FINE PRINT!!!. While it may be good advertising, its still misleading. If you have to sign up for $1,500 worth of offers to get a $300 prize, why not save $1,200 and just buy it if you want it that much? Someone, somewhere has to make money on these things. No one can stay in business by just giving things away.
Another scam is some of the "work from home" offers. In some of these its simply receiving items and forwarding the packages or money to another address. Legitimate businesses don't require this type of service. Most of these are being run from groups in Nigeria that also operate the scams above and the "online dating" scams. If you get involved in these you may make a little money at first, but chances are they will clean out your bank account and you could open the front door one day to "Hi, we're with the FBI..."
The "online dating" scams have only become popular within the last couple of years. Some beautiful woman or gorgeous guy in another city/country will meet online and chat with someone here in the U.S. Then, they either have a hardship and need money or ask for a favor of forwarding a package. It's the same Nigerians up to their same old game: Scam.
Another one run by the Nigerians is the "Hit Man" scam. They send you an email telling you that they've been hired to kill you, but won't if you'll pay them money. If you get this one, contact the local authorities immediately.
Everyone knows that sharing copyrighted material is illegal. (Its copyright violation.) But most don't realize how many viruses come in through these file sharing programs. When people share their files, they also share their viruses. Many of the viruses make themselves look just like the files you are wanting to download.
The best thing to do is scan all files you download from the internet for a virus before you open them.
Futura does offer a "safe surfing" program to help protect your children from some of the content on the internet. More information about Kidsnet can be found at http://www.futura.net/services/. This program is customizable for up to 4 different users so each can get the level you desire them to be able to reach. One of the things we like best is it also has the capability to block webmail and chat if you desire.
While parental control software is great, it can't replace a parent.
The best practice is to locate the computer in a common area, like the kitchen, and monitor your child's online activity.
If you have a broadband connection and a child with a computer that you're letting use in a bedroom, get a good technician out and set up timed access for the computer so they can't be on the internet while you are asleep or at work. (Most home routers have the capability to set access restrictions by computer so you could restrict their computer to only get internet during certain hours.) Then, insist that they are only allowed to use the computer with the door open and the screen facing the door.
In a world full of dangers, nothing replaces a parent for keeping an eye on the child. Get involved. Stay involved.