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Not only could people send messages to practically anyone all over the world, they can also send digital files such as pictures, sounds, and programs. However, much caution must be taken when opening such attachments because the internet is teeming with malicious minds that craft ways of inconveniencing people, or even getting something of value from them.

What are the dangers of opening email attachments without caution?

While a lot of email attachments, especially those that come from your contacts, may typically just contain innocent stuff such as pictures of your friends, the latest music from your favorite band, or spreadsheet reports from your colleagues, email attachments may also come with things that could damage your computer. Among such things are viruses and spyware.

Every day, people in the online community discover new viruses, worms, and Trojans: software packets that are designed by malicious hackers to do damage to your computer. These programs usually attach themselves to unknown files that are sent to your inbox, and when you open them, you are often unaware that you are already triggering some damage to your unit. Sometimes, seemingly innocent files come up and since they seem so harmless, you just go on and open them without worry, but a lot of such seemingly safe files can actually be very damaging.

Why do people do such a thing?

Some hackers make viruses just for the heck of it o just for laughs. Such hackers just want to prove to the world how good (or rather bad) they are about the computer. But some hackers have more motives other than making pranks. There are hackers that are out there to get something from you that they can use for criminal activities.

A lot of viruses that are distributed through email typically get access to the infected computer‘s list of contacts or address book to look for email addresses to which it can distribute itself to. There are viruses that can even forge your name and appear as if that you are the one sending it to your contacts. By doing this, it can replicate and spread itself all over the world to do its damage.

There are also viruses that get vital information from your computer which its creators may use for themselves. Critical data such as your credit card number, social security, and addresses, among many others may be maliciously obtained and used for crimes such as fraud or identity theft. While most of the viruses would not automatically retrieve this from your computer, they could lead you to give the information yourself, without you knowing that you are actually falling prey to those cunning malicious minds.

But are people not protected by security systems and antivirus programs?

Indeed you may get a certain level of protection from firewalls and antivirus programs, you may even get a very good level of security. However, multitudes of viruses are created each day, and there is not telling if what you receive is the latest one. Your computer might be equipped to fend of millions of viruses that have infected people in the previous days, but when you catch a new virus, the chances that your program may be able to fight it could be pretty slim.

What should then be done with such danger lurking in emails?

The most that you can do is to be cautions about your online activities, particularly when opening file attachments to the email you receive. Be very cautious when you are opening email attachments, particularly for computers that are using Microsoft Windows, because such computers are what most viruses target.

Before opening an email attachment, be sure that it comes from a trusted source. However, do not be too complacent about opening attachments from friends and colleagues because as said earlier, viruses may mimic your contact’s information to make it appear that these attachments come from them.

Do not open file attachments that you did not expect to receive. If you get an unexpected email with an attachment from one of your contacts, ask them if they did send something and what is inside that file. Avoid opening attachments with file extensions such as .cmd .scr. .pif .bat and .exe, because such files are the easiest for viruses to attach to.

You can never be too careful in such an open channel as the internet. As the old people would say, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

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They may be people you personally know or people you just know online. Whatever the case, there is always somebody on the other end of your internet connection.

As accessible and easy daily life is now thanks to the internet, there are disadvantages from this convenience. Criminal activities such as illiciting sexual activities on the web is an example of online problems society has to deal with.

Another online criminal activity is phishing. Phishing is acquiring personal information like passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a representative of a company. Phishing is done through email or instant messaging.

It is called “phishing” because it similar to the recretional activity fishing. It “fishes” for users’ personal information such as passwords and financial data.

Phishers create accounts on AOL by using fake algorithmically generated credit card numbers. These accounts are maintained for a number of months. Due to the reports of phishing incidences, AOL has brought in measures preventing this from happening by securing the data of their users and confiming the information of those signing up for AOL accounts.

On AOL, a phisher pretends that he is an AOL employee and sends out instant messages to random customers which asks for passwords of their account. Luring the victim further, the phisher includes in the message “verify your account” or “confirm billing information.”

Thus, a number of clients get lured in and give off their password. Once the phisher gains access of this sensitive information, he can use the victim’s account for spamming. Check your inbox and take a look at the spam messages you’ve received. Yes, those are real names of people. These people’s accounts have been hacked and is now being used to relay spam messages.

Because of this, AOL assures their clients that no one from the staff of AOL ask for their personal or billing information. Also, AOL has created a system which deactivates accounts as soon as there are signs that it is used for phishing.

Other recent phishing incidences involve that of the Internal Revenue Service. There is a way for phishers to know the bank of their potential victim. Then they pose as an employee of that bank and send an email to their victim.

Also, social networking sites can be a home-base for phishers because personal details that have been printed online are used for identity theft. Statistics show that over 70% phishing attempts are done in social networks.

Another technique used by phishers is coming up with a link in an email that belongs to a fake organization. They often use misspelled URLs or subdomains to trick potential victims.

Note the web address and check the @ symbol. For example, http://www.google.com@members.tripod.com may be a link that can easily deceive anyone casually observing the page. However, whoever clicks on this will be merely directed to a page that simply does not exist.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

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Plotters are constantly in the prowl for innocent, unprotected computers. Internet hackers use all sorts of codes such as viruses, worms, and Trojans, to crack into and ruin your computer. You must therefore be prepared to block them off from ever entering your computer‘s system at all times.

It is often said that the best cure is prevention. And the saying applies to your computers. If you want to protect your computer from the threat of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious code, one of the best options to take is setting up a firewall.

What is a Firewall?

Imagine a firewall to be the fence that sits between your computer and the internet, or between your computer network and all the other computer networks out there.

It serves as a defense mechanism against harmful codes or data that may destroy your computer, and it works by examining the information that attempts to enter your computer or your network.

When a firewall is set up properly, hackers will not be able to detect your computer in their search for vulnerable ones to victimize.

What are the Types of Firewalls?

Firewalls are generally divided into three categories: software firewalls, hardware routers, and wireless routers. To know which kind of firewall is suitable for your needs, there are two factors on which your decision should depend on:

1. The number of computers that your firewall will service

2. The kind of operating system that you use (it can be Linux, a version of Windows, Apple Macintosh, and so on).

Choosing a Software Firewall

If you are planning to set up a firewall for a single computer, it is ideal to use a software firewall. It also works well with most Windows operating systems. They are readily available from software development companies for a certain fee.

Some of the advantages of a software firewall include:

- No additional hardware is required for it to work
- There is no additional wiring that needs to be installed for the software to work.

However, there are also some disadvantages to deciding on using a software firewall:

- A software firewall may cause money and can be a bit costly
- You will need to install and configure the software to get it to work properly
- If you have multiple computers, you will need to install the software on each one of them to get them protected.

Choosing a Hardware Router

If you are planning to protect a small network of computers, say in your home or at a small office, a hardware router is probably more ideal for you.

The main advantage of using a hardware router is that they are more convenient to use for multiple computers as they usually have at least four network ports to which you can connect a number of computers.

However, its major disadvantage is that because of all the wiring that you will have to setup for it to work, it will potentially clutters your work space.

Choosing a Wireless Router

If you want a wireless network of computers, you would definitely want it protected by a wireless router.

Some advantages of using a wireless router include

- No wiring will be required, so it avoids clutter. It can connect personal computers, printers, scanners, without the use of any physical wiring.
- It is ideal if you want to protect a set of laptops, notebook computers, and desktop computers

Some of the disadvantages of using a wireless router include:

- The radio signals that wireless devices use (including wireless routers) can be intercepted by other individuals with the right equipment
- Wireless routers are not always equipped with a built-in firewall, so you might have to purchase a firewall separately
- You might have to purchase extra equipment to set up a wireless router

Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Vista are already equipped with a built-in firewall, but older versions of Windows as well as other operating systems require that you set up a separate firewall.

Setting up a firewall is recommended to any computer owner, especially to those who have very important data stored in their computers. Often the question lies not on whether you need a firewall or not, but instead on which type of firewall you should set up.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

http://1news.biz/pc/

Patches fixes bugs, replaces graphics and improves a program’s performance or functionality. Patches are very useful and are usually needed if there are certain imperfections in the programs you are using, however, patches that are not made perfectly can also lead to other problems.

What are the Type of Patches?

Programmers create different forms of patches, each having its own function and characteristics. Software that have proprietary policies are delivered as executable files instead of sources. Such types of patches alters the executable program run by the user by either completely replacing the entire executable program or just making changes to the binary file.

Other patches may also be circulated as actual source code themselves. In such cases, there would be certain textual differentiation between the original source code and the one included in the patch. Such kinds of patches are made for projects that have open sources. For these types of patches, the programmers assume that the users would be able to do the update themselves without the help of executable files.

Patches may also come in larger forms. And since the term patch is usually associated with small or short fixes, bigger patches are sometimes called service packs or software updates. Microsoft Windows are known to use such terms to refer to their updates. However, even in the guise of another name, they are still patches nonetheless.

Other operating systems such, as Linux, among other systems that are similar to Unix, have patches that are distributed as full software packages. Such patches have their own installers that work so that they can serve as an upgrade to current existing versions or as stand-alone installers that can be set up by themselves.

How are patches used?

Patch sizes vary and may be as small as some kilobytes or go as high as a hundred megabytes and higher ;the larger the size, the larger the change the patch is bound to do. Typically, when media, such as pictures and sounds, are changed or added instead of program, files become rather large. This is usually seen in patches designed to update or modify computer games.

Unlike software designed for initial installation process, patches generally are faster to apply. Some patches may be acquired from the manufacturers and sent to users in diskettes or discs, while others may be downloaded through the internet. Patches that are downloadable could take longer to acquire depending on the connection speed.

Most patches that are designed for operating systems and software for computer servers are created to fix important holes in the security system. Some operating systems allow automatic update or semi-automatic updating that allow the continual feed of patches whenever there are changes done by their authors.

A lot of people, especially those in the corporate world, decline getting totally automatic updates because there were many experiences of patches causing glitches. Some software experts also believe that allowing totally automatic updates may let software companies acquire limitless control over people’s computers. Thus, varying degrees of automation has been offered in relation to getting patches.

The use of totally automatic updates is rather more popular for the consumers because most operating systems, Microsoft Windows in particular, have added them as a support tool. The automatic updates for Windows has also been set as default by its creators.

Some users, especially network system managers, are very wary about installing patches. They put off applying them until they have clear proof that the fixes are stable. Most large patches or those that promote sudden significant alterations are distributed first with limited availability as beta tests for qualified developers who would know what to do in case something wrong happens.

Patches that are made to modify the programming of hardware are called firmware and are rather challenging because they entail complicated steps such as re-embedding sets of code on devices that involves that total modification and installation new codes for programs instead of just simple alterations to the existing version. Usually such patches perform delicate modification processes that could compromise the device if not installed properly, rendering it useless.

Do you really need patches?

There is no quick answer to this question. Patches are intended to improve the performance of your programs, however, they have to be very stable so that they would not do more harm than good. Before installing a patch, check for its stability by asking around about reported problems with installation.

You can check internet forums regarding users’ experiences with the particular patch you are about to apply. It is usually wise to put off the patch installation for some time before going with it to see how people react to its effects.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

http://1news.biz/pc/

Thanks to the advent of computer technology and the Internet. More computer intruders are boldly coming forward and are looking for ways to attack helpless computer users with valuable information stored in their PCs. Intruders are getting their hands on the latest security measures brought out by various developers and are looking for ways to get through them.

Anti-virus software developers are doing their best to ensure every computer user’s safety and security from potential attacks by always updating their virus definitions and cleaning capabilities, as well as strengthening your firewalls. Sometimes however, it is not enough as intruders can be one or more steps ahead. They use various means of attacking computers so it is sometimes hard to tell what they’re going to do next.

One of the ways is hacking in order to retrieve your password. Think of the many things they can do once they get your passwords ; they can access any online accounts you may have, access your email to send and retrieve messages from your address, enter secure networks ; the possibilities seem to be limitless. In order to prevent these things from happening, you should have password protection.

The first thing you should do is secure your files and folders by using any password protection software, especially your highly important files and folders which could be potential targets of intruders. If these files are left unprotected, it would be easier for these intruders to get a hold of them and do what they want. Aside from that, other users of your computer (example : your kids) can accidentally move them or even delete them, which can be prevented by password protection.

Hackers and intruders would have an easier time figuring passwords out if they remain the same for a long period of time. It would be better for you if you change passwords regularly, especially for your more important data, for added security. By doing so, the intruders would have to start over again since you have a new password, thus making the possibility of frustrating them greater.

It would also be harder for hackers to figure out your password if you use a number of different characters, especially if it is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols found in your keyboard. Of course, it will be harder for you to remember a combination of these three also, so you have to make sure to memorize the combination, more so if you regularly change passwords.

A useful tip: it is recommended not to use passwords that are codes like your birth date, spouse’s name, or other relevant information because it can make deducing your password quicker and easier. These “coded” passwords are often used by a lot of people, particularly in ATM machines and email passwords. By doing this, you are more susceptible to attacks since the password is easier to figure out.

Aside from following these tips which you can do on your own, it would be to your benefit if you obtain a password encryption software. The meaning of encryption is that it disguises the password written in cleartext format into ciphertext, which is a combination of different symbols. Decryption is what the intruders try to do, which is change the ciphertext into cleartext that they can see and understand.

A password encryption software, which is available in the Internet via online purchasing or in your computer software shop, encrypts your passwords in order to discourage intruders and prevent them from accessing your password protected files. Various software come with various levels of security, some of which contain a higher level of encryption than others. Higher encryption levels would make it more difficult for the intruder to break in.

Your PC safety and security is not limited to anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and firewalls, because the passwords themselves can be targeted by unauthorized people. It would be better for your overall security if you take the necessary precautions and means when it comes to dealing with password protection. Securing your important files and folders with passwords, changing them regularly, using a combination of characters, and encrypting them through a password encryption software, would ensure your safety from password hackers.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

http://1news.biz/pc/

Believe it or not, it is now utterly impossible to survive without a computer. Almost anything and everything could be done on-line nowadays.

From purchasing to selling to paying bills, one really need not go out as any transaction could actually be made thru the computer thanks to the internet. Unless of course fresh air is also available online.

However, the computer‘s flexibility has also allowed it to be vulnerable to attack from one of the most potentially harmful entities around: the computer virus.

The instance you detect that the computer you own is infected with a virus, the following are helpful tasks that you could do to protect it further and to also avoid other personal computers to be affected as well.

Use disks from trusted sources

You do not allow your shoes to tread on any mud puddle or any dirty floor, or your shirts to be easily vulnerable to stains or dirt. Therefore, it is always best to treat your computer the same way.

As much as possible, always be careful with what kind of disks as well as files enter your computer. Either the files were downloaded from the internet or the disks borrowed from friends, it is always best to make sure where they come from or to scan them in order to avoid any potentially harmful viruses.

It is also not a good idea to download any files from internet sites that are unsafe or insecure. Also, do not immediately open attachments received via e-mail.

Take a good look on the subject of the email as well as where the email came from. Be wary even if the email was from your contacts.

Fortunately, there are now facilities in email services that immediately scan attachments prior to opening them. Email subjects that are vague and from senders that have gibberish email addresses must arouse your suspicion.

Included in this group are those emails that aggressively claim that you should “Check out this message!” or that you should “See the following pics!”

Acquire a program that fights viruses

Fortunately, there are a lot of anti-virus software programs that scan and eliminate viruses once they are detected. This allows anyone to safely and confidently share data and disks, the freedom to download any files from the internet as well as open any attachments received via e-mail.

When the virus hits

Fear not. As much as possible, relax. There is a way out of this predicament. All you have to do is to visit the web site of the manufacturer of your anti-virus software. They may have the latest software which, if it will not delete the harmful virus, could identify and detect it.

Search for a vaccine

The world wide web is available at your beck and call so you could search for any information you may need with regards to the particular virus that you want deleted.

By entering the virus name on the search engine, all information as well as vaccine may present itself.

Download, download, download

Be free to install as well as download any patches of software or programs that could help in eliminating the computer virus.

You could also try to religiously follow any of the instructions that you will find in order to manually delete the virus.

Do not rest on your laurels

Do not be easily convinced that once the computer virus has been deleted, the virus is now totally eliminated.

The best way to determine if the virus is completely destroyed is via running a virus scan. If the scan reports that no virus components have been detected, you can now relax.

Un-attach yourself from attachments

Caution must always be practiced once attachments have been received. The file extensions that one should be careful in opening are those that end in *.exe, *.doc, *.ppt or *.xls.

However, those that end in the following extensions such as: *.js, *.vbs should as much as possible never be opened.

All in all, every computer is vulnerable to be attacked. What one needs to protect your own PC is caution and preparedness to look towards the future and anticipate any potential attack prior to it happening. This ensures your computer to run as smoothly as it possibly could.

James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!

http://1news.biz/pc/

With the threat of identity theft and financial fraud looming on the Internet, adware and spyware can be more than just annoying.

Here are four methods to remove or simply avoid adware and spyware without spending a dime on the latest “anti-virus” software.

1. USE Firefox. If you don’t use the Internet much, than perhaps you don’t know much about Firefox. All you need to know is that it is a browser that works REALLY well and has great security features.

2. Do NOT USE Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is like Swiss cheese. It is open to the world by default. Microsoft is continually releasing patches to fix all the flaws in the Internet Explorer 6.X and lower versions of the browser. Although it can be “secured” by increasing the security it may loose much of its functionality once set to maximum security with certain exploitable features off.

3. Use a software or hardware firewall (not just Window XP Service Pack 2′s firewall). This may sound expensive and hard to do but it is not. If you have a DSL or broadband cable connection your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have given you a DSL/Cable router with a firewall built in. All you have to do is turn it on. This may require you to take a few minutes to read the manual.

If your ISP did not give you a DSL or Cable broadband router with a built in firewall you can spend anywhere from $20 – $60 (or sometimes even cheaper with a mail-in rebate) to get a router. If you have DSL you will need a DSL router. If you have Cable broadband ISP you will need a Cable Router. Brands such as Linksys have built in firewalls and a feature called NAT, Network Address Translation, which is very effective since it hides your real IP address from the Internet. All routers come with instruction on how to hook them up. If you want to keep you computer security free, just use a free software firewall.

4. Remove Spyware/Adware with free Anti-spyware, anti-adware software. Lavasoft’s Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy are two excellent methods of cleaning your system for free. Majorgeeks.com is a popular and trusted freeware site that has these and many other excellent spyware/adware cleaning and malware prevention tools (including free downloadable firewalls).

The best method is to use ALL of the above. Being proactive by surfing with a decent browser and getting a firewall is important, but it also helps to know about a couple of good anti-adware/spyware applications. If you get hit with a really nasty bit of malware that can not be cleaned with Adaware or Spybot, find yourself a geek. There are many great forums on the Internet dedicated to doing nothing but finding and cleaning such malware. Chances are if your system is infected with it, hundreds of others before you have been infected and have already figured out how to get rid of the malware.

James Yee had run a web hosting business and also likes to share aboput useful software. His useful information on software is available in http://www.1news.biz/software/