Internet Safety Month in 2012 Got Off to a Rocky Start I'd Say

We are all told that everyone needs to play it safe on the Internet and be careful with passwords and personal information. We are told that more education and awareness is needed. True enough I suppose, but when the hackers are breaking into some of the most sophisticated information systems on the planet run by our government and large corporations, are we really safe? That is doubtful, so what's a person to do? Well, let's talk about that for a moment.

Why you ask? Well it is supposedly "Internet Safety Month" as I write this article in June of 2012. Oh, you didn't hear about that? Well, there was an interesting piece in Homeland Security News on June 12, 2012 titled; "June is National Internet Safety Month," which stated;

"Private organizations and government agencies collaborate in promoting June as National Internet Safety Month; the sponsors encourage all Internet users to follow three simple steps when connecting to the Web: STOP - THINK - CONNECT; the National Cyber Security Alliance also encourages Internet users to take a few moments to teach a young person about better online safety so that they use good judgment and behavior all-year long, so when connecting to the Web: Stop. Think. Connect."

Yes, well, good stuff indeed, good advice, but the reality is that if a sophisticated hacker network wants into your computer system, good luck stopping them. Now then, if you post personal information on Facebook, have your resume on LinkedIn, buy stuff online, have a PayPal Account, Amazon Account, pay your taxes online, or do online banking then someday someone is going to hack into your financial information, have your social security number, account numbers, password, and access to credit card information, etc. It's only a matter of time, not if, not in my opinion, merely when.

Sounds too over-the-top doom-and-gloom? Well, consider the number of companies which have been hacked into just in 2011 and 2012, and the hackers are getting better, even if the security is tightening down. Trust no one I say.

In fact, if this truly is Internet Safety Month, well that LinkedIn hacking job with all those stolen passwords sure put a dampener on any sort of cause for celebration, yes it was only a social networking site, but how many people use the same passwords across multiple domains and websites - one survey said 80% meaning all those passwords hacked are only the beginning of the mischief and a foreshadowing of things to come. Please consider all this and think on it - it's not my attention to scare you - just help in awareness is all.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Internet Security Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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A Beginner's Guide to Anti-Virus Programs and Removing Computer Viruses

Due to the immense importance people put on computer and technology, it is crucial that one knows how to protect their computers against computer viruses. These viruses can be downloaded from Internet, which makes it easier for a user to introduce a virus into their computer without him/her knowing about it. Anti-virus software programs can help block viruses from entering a computer, but sometimes a virus may slip past these defenses. There are two things a person can do to remove a virus from their computer without taking it to the repair shop.

1. Back up their data. Some users seem to forget to do this, and once a virus infects the computer and deletes all the data on the computer's hard disk, it would set them back a long way. While most computers come with an option to store a back up of a user's files onto an external hard drive, this also increases the chance that any available viruses would also be copied to the external hard drive. Users can use a hard drive dock or upload their files on online file storage systems instead.

2. Run virus scans. Users should first boot their computers into safe mode before running the virus scan. They can also download anti-virus programs on the Internet, but users should make sure that they chose tried and tested programs. If users can still access the Internet on the computers, they can utilize online scanners that would help them pinpoint and remove viruses. These scanners are also able to improve the computer's performance and clean the hard disk.

Before one performs these steps, they should first make sure that their computer and technology is indeed infected with a virus. Some "symptoms" of an infected computer includes inaccessible disk drives or disks, distorted menus, and strange error messages. Computers that crash often, freeze, or run slowly may also be infected with a virus. However, these may also mean that the computer has some problems with the software. Anti-virus programs and scanners are the only sure way to determine if a virus has been introduced into the computer.

There are several kinds of anti-virus programs that people can install into their computers to help them remove any harmful add-ons. Spyware is directly aimed at removing any spyware from a computer, and even prevents any spyware from being installed in the future. Browser security assures users that they can surf the Internet safely, and the firewall serves as the computer's initial defense against unauthorized access. Parental controls, spam filters, and phishing protection are other types of anti-virus programs.

Aside from providing people with easier ways to communicate (among other things), computer and technology also gives people the chance to protect themselves from viruses and those with malicious intent. These programs lessen the risk of viruses, thus allowing people to use their computers without any delays.

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Domestic Communication Surveillance and False Positive Problems

Many folks are challenged by the mental concept of domestic surveillance. They know they've done nothing wrong, and probably never will, however they don't like the idea of it one bit, and they don't want to accidentally be falsely accused, mistaken for someone else, or be put on the proverbial "watch list" and yes, who can blame them. Proponents say, if you are doing nothing wrong, don't worry about it. Well, that sure smacks in the face of the social "trust" contract between citizens and their governments. Okay so let's talk.

Not long ago, someone asked me if I seen the piece in Wired Magazine about domestic surveillance. Well, it turns out I had, you see I did read that particular articles amongst many others, this one the "Danger Zone" section of Wired Magazine. The article explained how pairs of words, groups of words, and other strategies were used to judge it there was actually a threat or not to our national security. And realize this is a computer doing it all, deciding if you are good or bad, something that last time I checked Santa Clause sucked at - after all we have an awful lot of bad kids getting some great toys each year.

Still, understand how and why all this works, you see, it's all about context. In fact, way back when at our think tank I'd come up with a concept to judge voice communication with subscripts and post scripts after every word for intensity, vibrational reverberations, elevated volume, emphasis, accent. Each one with piece with a number, so the word "bomb" might have been bomb "23643" as a subscript, thus lower intensity for each, thus, typical conversation, not passionate, not used as action word, but with emphasis, so it might be someone talking to a friend about a news event, not someone planning something.

Post scripts could be used for combinations of words, all based on a gazillion phone calls, from various regions of the world, with various actors, players, or just plain citizens talking. Thus, the computer system reads all the information and categorizes it, those with high numbers are red-flagged nothing else, or that type of talk with someone on a "watch list" a real one, not some BS computerized generated list, or crony capitalism list where competitors are placed or political challengers are put for fear.

This is perhaps a good way to eliminate as many false positives as possible, along with using other strategies to double check without any human getting involved and listening in which has all sorts of other implications as well. Perhaps, I could write a book about this too, but I don't want to scare anyone, even though I realize its value to protecting the American People, the citizens fear the "Minority Report" syndrome, as well they should and like the movie;

Enemy of the State
Eagle Eye
The Net
1984

Or even Terminator's Skynet, so what I'm saying is we shouldn't give blind trust to any government, "trust no one" in that regard, and our government should fear us lest we shut it down, not the other way around. Still, we must also realize that there are checks and balances in place to keep the NSA on the straight and narrow, so let's just make sure we have proper oversight, and demand that someone is watching the watchers at all times. Even employees and executives of the NSA agree with that, they are Americans too. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Privacy Internet Issues. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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Warning Signs, Fixes, and Ways of Deterring Viruses, Malware, Spyware and Others

There are so many forms of malware that exist today that any serious computer user must be knowledgeable about them. And although there are means of getting rid of them from your PC such as free antivirus programs and paid anti-malware software, it is always good to know how to recognize different kinds of malware and how to deal with them.

A virus is any self-multiplying software or bit of source code that can clone itself and be integrated into a host computer system, or attempts to replicate itself into the program using harmless terms such as "repair tool." A computer virus is only able to gain access to other computers by transference or delivery by an unsuspecting computer user, or be ported through a handy storage device from an infected PC to a clean one. If it gets the chance to latch on into a computer's network-linked drive, then all other users who get a copy of the infected file or document sent to them will be tainted by it as well. Capable free antivirus solutions should be able to prevent such kinds of intrusions from happening.

A computer worm can be defined as a self-multiplying bit of source code that employs a network of linked computers to pass out duplicates to other existing network links. It differs from a virus in that it enables itself to multiply without getting any active support from the computer user and that it does not need to piggyback unto a host file or program. A worm can be made to import a "payload" or source code that can execute a predetermined task. This "payload" will have the worm do things like send out spurious documents via the compromised email system; the worm incorporates attached copies of its own into these emails and spreads when an unsuspecting computer user opens the message, thus causing the worm to be downloaded into his or her PC.

Malware is a term used to define any type of pernicious software program or source code that has been originally designed to do any of these types of actions; namely, secretly gain access to a computer without the user's knowledge, funnel away any pertinent personal data that hackers can use and sell including Social Security numbers, system access numbers, credit card numbers and birth dates, make remote entry or rear access points to let hackers have free rein into the computer system, and total deletion of important system information, denigration of the OS files, or both. Again, an effective antivirus program can easily deal with such issues. The term "malware" is mostly employed to describe worms, spyware, Trojan horses, viruses, and some types of adware.

Spyware refers to rogue programs that "harvest" crucial data ranging from the websites that the computer user prefers and goes most often, email accounts and passwords, user and account names up to more personal information such as credit card numbers. Spyware gain entry to a computer without the user's consent and can covertly send out the "harvested" information using the Internet to interested parties such as hackers.

Adware, short for "advertising-supported software," are types of malicious programs that show, initiate, or put in ads into either the desktop of the PC or its web browser application as part of a downloaded program. You can have them without charge - if you would like to see advertising windows that pop up haphazardly and repeatedly on your PC offering you various products that you have no use whatsoever. And like spyware, adware has the capability to siphon information on your Internet usage and browsing preferences to arrange for the right type of advertisements to be sent to you. Although this makes them similar to spyware, adware are meant purposely to send unwanted advertisements to your computer.

A Trojan horse, finally, is software that when ported and run on an uninfected PC will look like it is executing some needed task but is actually opening doors into which other users can gain entry into the user's PC system. Hackers usually employ Trojan horses to remotely subvert a computer and then do whatever he likes with it. These may include information purloining, keystroke recording, uploading or downloading programs or files, watching the host computer's screen, and causing the host computer system to fail.

To save yourself the trouble of dealing with these kinds of malware, do follow these steps. Refrain from unreliable or undocumented programs that you procured from the Internet and use only those that are trustworthy, be wary when you employ file sharing applications like Limewire or torrent websites to download programs or files, never open any attached file from an email from someone you do not know, use an effective paid or free antivirus or anti-spyware product to check on your computer once in a week and have it updated currently.

Now that you have learned of the types of malware and the ways which you can deal with them, you are more prepared to handle their intrusions in the future. A good free antivirus or anti-spyware program can do the work for you, but sometimes it does pay to be prudent by finding ways to bar them altogether.

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Use the Best Spyware Protection to Remove Spyware and Viruses

There is no doubt that we all are dependent on computers and the internet like never before. And that also means that our computers, that include so much of our sensitive data, are exposed to all sorts of malware attacks.

Using the best virus & spyware protection programs is becoming more and more important. These not only get rid of the existing malware on your computer, they also continue to monitor your computer on a real-time basis always looking to block the next harmful thing from entering inside your computer.

The problem is that many don't want to pay to get these spyware removal software programs and are always looking for a free version that will do the job. The problem with that approach is that there are so many seemingly useful software programs that are actually spyware and get inside your computer without your knowledge.

One such spyware out there that takes advantage of the fact that the user is looking for a free solution is the spyware protection virus, which sneakily gets in your computer. Even though it projects itself as a useful tool, it is actually not what it claims to be. In fact it is a spyware that disguises itself as spyware removal software, which is supposed to be helpful. It takes advantage of the fact that people are constantly looking for solution on the internet so it projects itself as something useful, but once it is on your computer it starts playing havoc.

If your computer is infected the first thing that one does is go online and look for solutions and most of do look for free help rather than spend on getting the solution. Of all the search results, this is the one that comes up and once you have installed on your computer, it starts behaving like any other spyware.

In case your computer is infected with it, this is how to remove spyware protection from your computer. Here is how to go about it and make your computer clean of this malware. In most cases it is quite simple because this virus is more of a program and if you go to the "Add/Remove" program section of your control panel you should be able to see it there. So if you are one of those whose computer has been with the spyware protection virus then this is how to remove spyware Protection virus.

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Seven Causes That Can Leave You Depressed During the Virus Removal Process

Viruses have become so complicated and so advanced that over the years, they have managed to elude even the best efforts of antimalware programs and manufacturers at containing them. Of course, nothing is perfect in life and antivirus products are not meant to catch every single virus and malware that they come in contact with. Fortunately for us users, there are numerous antimalware applications that are sold in the market or offered in the Internet that you can choose from to tackle specific malware issues that you may have. However, there is one major caveat that comes with antimalware usage, one that the average user would fail to see; namely, that after doing its work and succeeding in removing the offending virus or malware, the antiviral product would often leave your PC or laptop in an unreliable state that would make it prone to crashing or ultimately fail. So you may ask yourself, "What things should I look out for and be wary about after I manage to take out the virus from my computer system?" Here are those seven reasons.

• The first reason is that most viruses are capable of escaping detection and stealth; they are devious because they are meant to be so. Such is the defining feature of the rootkit, which is a type of malware or virus that when introduced into computer or network systems would take over the administrator capabilities and in effect run the whole system. They can also do things such as permit the execution of secret files such as programmer accounts, modules and processes, access the system registry, capture information from associated terminals, keyboard touches, and networks, modify system preferences, spy on your computer activity, and others. So it is very important that you deal with this kind of virus right away.

• The second issue for you to consider is this; that by having the best antivirus solution installed in your computer does not guarantee you the best level of protection there is available. Indeed, the more costly and better-known brand names often perform poorly in terms of detecting and eliminating viruses and malware. Firms such as McAfee and Norton had distinguished themselves before by offering programs that did very well in identifying virus issues but has lately become complacent in flagging potentially more dangerous infections. Computer repair experts often encounter one out of five virus-compromised computers that have no antiviral program or solution installed, while at the same time also service two out of five virus-compromised computers that have either a McAfee or Norton program installed in them. To avoid that scenario, ignore the usual hype and do more careful research when choosing the right antivirus application for you to use.

• Third, antiviral or antimalware software is not the answer to any and all malware situation that you may encounter today. You will need to back up your antiviral program with other protective measures such as web browser-integrated security, spyware monitoring and removal, firewall protection, and better user knowledge.

• Fourth, never assume that once you have removed a specific virus or malware, you will never worry about it infecting your PC or laptop again. Some users have brought their PCs or laptops to have them repaired by computer experts only to see that the issue has been unresolved. Modern viruses have the capability to disguise themselves so that they escape attempts at removal and some can even initiate brand-new variants or copies that exist even before the original parent has been destroyed. The new virus will simply do what the old virus is programmed to do and you are left with the same problem or something even worse.

• The fifth reason for you to be wary about is that a majority of viruses and malware are specifically created to infect Window-operated computers. After you take out a virus, you may sometimes be unable to use your Internet Explorer browser and with this you will lose the capability to download important software and program updates. This will leave your computer vulnerable to infections caused by "security exploits" that occur because your computer is unable to access important updates that will protect it from hacking attempts and intrusions.

• Sixth, a virus or malware, even when removed, will leave your computer unable to run and set up software programs. Some malware are programmed to cause havoc at the.MSI installation file, which your Windows-operated computer will need to run and uninstall programs. They can also prevent executable commands, or those files that end in ".exe," from running and thus bar programs, including antiviral and antimalware software, from being set up in your computer.

• Last but not the least, after using an antiviral solution to eliminate a virus, you may find yourself unable to log in to the Web or your own local area network. This happens because that virus may have modified the network connection configuration of your PC or laptop such as its Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings, firewall features, proxy elements for your Internet browsers, host file and router features and others. It is also possible that you can only access your own home-based or local area network but not the Web itself.

By keeping in mind these seven causes, you will be more cautious the next time that you get to remove an offending virus infection from your computer. Your antivirus may have done its job all right, but you will soon find yourself with more difficult issues to tackle.

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LinkedIn Passwords Hacked

How has this happened & how does it affect me?
Well, it has happened because somebody hacked the LinkedIn network and accessed details to over 6 million users details. LinkedIn has over 150million users, so the vast majority of users are unaffected. Those affected have been contacted by LinkedIn and asked to create a different password.

This will surely harm LinkedIn's reputation and concern the operators of social networking sites, such as Facebook across the world. With so many people using social networking and also sharing personal information on the social networking sites, how can this type of attack be protected against?

It can be difficult to protect against these types of attacks because as technology advances, so does the hackers ways of getting around the new advance. Every security measure needs to be relatively practical also. Most online banking already has password login and a device that generates a specific number before you can gain access to your account, but it is really not feasible to carry one of these around for every application you have to login for and most people wouldn't do it.

So the first step is for users not to use the same password for every site or login required. For example don't have the same password for Facebook as your online banking login. If you find yourself in a LinkedIn type of password breach in the future, then all your password and login details would be compromised.

Secondly, change you passwords often, maybe once a month for each account. Keep your passwords offline. Don't create a notepad list of all your passwords, or store them anywhere on you PC or laptop, this will enable hackers a free access to all your accounts by breaching your security. If you need to keep a list, have a simple pen and paper list. Just make sure you don't write you banking passwords down, similar to the way that you should memorise your card pin number and not write it down.

Don't fall victim to phishing scams. Predictably bogus emails have been sent to LinkedIn users claiming to be from their bank or credit card company asking for them to reset their password. If in doubt call your bank (not on a number given in the email) and double check what you need to do. Never give ANYONE your password details or email it to anyone who contacts you.

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