VIruses, Adware, Spyware & Phishing
The
most
frequent
and
worst
cases
of
malicious
software,
called "malware" is
associated
with
Microsoft
products
because
they
are
the
most
commonly
used.
Millions
of
Windows users are switching web browsers because of security
issues
like spyware.Firefox and Opera popular
alternativesto Internet
Explorer.
Windows users are also switching e-mail programs because of viruses. Eudora, one of the first email programs, and Thunderbird are less vunerable to viruses than Outlook.
Web-based e-mail like Yahoo mail has anti-virus protection and you can access your email from any computer with an Internet connection. Other web e-mail's are Hotmail and Google Mail.
Mozilla has a combo program called Mozilla Suite which contains both a web browser and email client.
Anti-virus software companies can only release updates to combat newly created viruses after they're released. Since Windows can allow software installation without notifying you some of these anti-virus/spyware programs can detect when software is trying to install itself.
When choosing any software, especially something as important as antivirus software, getting the right antivirus software for your computer is probably somewhere between somewhat confusing and downright puzzling.
After all, how do you know the software you're buying is going to keep your computer safe and not bog your computer down when it runs?
This is where independent third party antivirus reviews can make all the difference. Here's one site in particular geared to helping consumers find the best antivirus software.
Another place trouble can be found is in Office programs such as Word and Excel. These are malicious macros that can damage your files. Alternatives to Microsoft Office are web-based Office type suites such as ThinkFree and Zoho Virtual Office.
If you use Windows then keep current with updates posted at Microsoft.com and Microsoft security. Part of the problem is inherent with Windows so until they change how these programs are designed you will need to be vigilent and keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up-to-date. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook have features that are connected with parts of the operating system so they can work with other programs (Back Office). This makes them more vulnerable to hackers.
Adware was first just annoying but recently has become as dangerous as spyware.
"Ad-aware" software is available at http://www.lavasoft.de
BHODemon is a guardian for your Internet Explorer browser: it protects you from unknown Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), by letting you enable/disable them individually. Most Adware are just irritating BHOs.
http://www.majorgeeks.com
BitArmor's Security
Suite can protect company data anywhere at anytime, including
those uncontrollable mobile devices and personal storage
systems.
Spyware is dangerous, keylogging (keyloging) which captures your keystrokes and passwords then sends the information to criminals. Forexample your ebay, credit card, or banking login and password. Be cautious of ads for Spyware and Adware removal programs unless you know the source.
Anti-virus companies were at first slow to respond to spyware but are now offering comprehensive anti-intrusion software which include anti-virus and anti-spyware. For reviews of anti-virus, anti-spyware softwarevisit pcantivirusreviews.com.
Business & Enterprise:
Enterprise or corporate systems are especially vunerable. Corporate data can be protected in a number of ways and it's best to incorporate as many ways as possible. Always apply the lastest software and operating system updates and patches. Disable default browser and email settings such as AutoComplete on Internet Explorer. Clear stored forms and passwords from the computers cache stored by web browsers. Deploy anti-spyware, anti-virus, and a desktop firewall on every machine no matter how often used. Most anti-virus, anti-spyware companies offer firewall software.
Network Attacks Chart & Global State of Information Security
For corporate users, in addition to the previous links, check out www.ca.com and www.sophos.com
InfoWorld - Spyware:
what to know - Security
Reviews and Security Product Information
Praetorian Prefect - Security
Information
"Phishing" or "Web Spoofing"
Phishing attacks usually involve deceptive e-mail that appears to come from a popular commercial site. The email explains that the recipient has an account problem, or some other reason to visit the commercial site and log in. However, the link in the email sends the user to a malicious "spoof" site that collects user information such as account names, passwords, and credit card numbers. Once your user information is collected by a "spoof:" site, criminals may log into your account or cause other damage. The good guys at Stanford University have developed another cool product (Windows IE): SpoofGuard.
Search Safely
Lots of information on search safety and general Internet security at siteadvisor.com
Password Hashing
Users tend to use a single password at many different web sites. By now there are several reported cases where attackers breaks into a low security site to retrieve thousands of username/password pairs and directly try them one by one at a high security e-commerce site such as eBay. As expected, this attack is remarkably effective. PwdHash is an browser extension (Firefox Windows, Mac, Linux; Windows IE) that transparently converts a user's password into a domain-specific password. Let's hope that the browser companies include this 'type' of protection in future versions.
Covering Your Tracks
In addition to people trying to get access to your computer there is the issue of people getting information about where you've been and what you've done on the Internet. There are a few programs that act as plug-ins for Firefox and some for Safari to hide your identity from those who might want your information.
When you surf the Web, you leave a trail of information. Your browser sends out your data, including your IP address, Web browser version, computer operating system, and the Web page from which your click originated to Web servers.
To surf privately, try two free programs, Tor and Privoxy, both available from tor.eff.org - and work with Firefox and Safari.
FoxyProxy is an advanced proxy management tool that completely replaces Firefox's proxy configuration, it also automatically sets up Tor and lets you configure and switch between proxies. Also Torbutton extension allows you to turn Tor (and Privoxy) on and off by clicking on a button in the Firefox status bar.
TrackMeNot protects against search data profiling by issuing randomized queries to popular search-engines with fake data.
To protect your email from prying eyes with encryption you can use PGP, the personal-security product from pgp.com. With PGP you can also encrypt AIM and iChat sessions.
Another interesting approach to email privacy is offered by VaporStream with their "confidential and recordless" communication service.
