Keyloggers and How to Defend Yourself

This article will discuss the negative impact of keyloggers. While there are many positive uses of this software, I will focus on the negative side, since I am a security consultant.

Keyloggers are simple programs that record keystrokes made on a keyboard. They have legitimate uses, such as parental controls and employee monitoring. But they can also be used for malicious activities, like recording keystrokes from someone logging into their bank account. This particular form of hacking is becoming widespread, and is now considered to be the number one way information is stolen. Keyloggers can be installed virtually undetected. Many perpetrators are using them in ads, so that when a person clicks on the ad, the software installs itself. Another popular way to install a key logger is through email. The email can be worded so enticing that the receiver will open the attachment, thus installing the software unnoticed.

How can a person protect themselves from this software being used for malicious purposes? Education and reinforcement of safety measures can help reduce key logger crimes. Most anti-virus software now comes with signatures for known keyloggers, so scanning the email before opening it is very important. Companies can educate their employees by reinforcing the need to be careful when using email, and to run a virus check on any attachments before opening. The following list provides some safety measures anyone can use to protect themselves:

Do not click OK on pop-up windows without first reading them thoroughlyNever open spam e-mailYou should pay for software instead of opting for the free, advertising supported version; never click on links in e-mail you receive from an unknown sourceType the URL into your Web browserDo not open e-mail attachments from an unknown sourceUse a firewall to help prevent any unauthorized computer activityRun a weekly, full system anti-virus computer scan

If you are not sure whether a key logger is installed on your machine, you can use the virtual keyboard that comes with the Windows system. A virtual keyboard is a program that shows a keyboard on the screen, and the keys can be pressed by using a mouse. This can help keep the keystrokes from being noticed by the software. It is not a guarantee, but can be helpful. Another method that can help secure your account would be to use a one-time password. Using a one-time password can help minimize losses if the password is intercepted because the password generated can be used only one time. The period of time a password can be used is limited, so even if a one-time password is intercepted, the thief will not be able to use it to gain access.

As explained earlier, keyloggers do have some good uses, I just focused on the negative. I would advise everyone to check their anti-virus program to see if it searches for keyloggers.

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How To Protect Yourself From Viruses

There are many computer users who don't know how to protect themselves against viruses and malware attacks. They often suffer from these attacks in the form of deleted files, broken system, or even stolen accounts. There are many companies which are claiming to protect you and help you avoid this, but which is the best solution for the regular user?

Computer viruses are programs, designed to spread from one computer to another, or even sent directly to the user, while at the same time they perform different kind of operations on the infected machines.

Viruses could be spread over the Internet via e-mails, infected files and downloads torrents, browser extensions, toolbars and even direct browser attacks (scripts).

In order to protect yourself from viruses and malicious attacks, you should be aware of them. There are two basic ways to understand if the operation you are about to take is dangerous or safe. The first method is to be very careful and limit the access to unknown websites and e-mails, which is not the perfect solution in some cases. The other way is to install trustworthy defense software, which could protect you and your computer from further threats.

A good example of quality anti-virus software is the Norton suite from Symantec. There are few different versions of the program to fit your needs. For example, the Norton Internet Security is one of the best suites for internet protection. It scans everything before it arrives in your computer. If there is any danger, Norton will aware you and avoid infection.

Another software which is able to provide you with a good and stable protection from viruses and hackers is the Kaspersky Internet Security. As well as the Norton Internet Security, Kaspersky scans files and e-mails before they arrive on your hard drive.

Choosing an antivirus program is a matter of personal opinion. Some users may choose a free protection, because they think that this is unnecessary expense, while some others won't give the free software a chance to prove itself, by going with a paid one.

Also there are few other tips you should know:
Keep your browser and operation systems up-to-date.Do not rely on the trial version of any defense software.Even you have installed antivirus software, never do open files that seems dangerous.Use the antivirus software to scan files before you use them. Some antivirus programs can even scan via e-mail, so that you can check if they are safe before they arrive to your computer.

As a conclusion I would like to advise you to keep your important files duplicated on an external drive, since any other types of hardware issues are possible.

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