Thwart the Three Biggest Internet Threats of 2007
The same Internet connection that lets you reach out and touch millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and other digital entities across the globe also endangers your PC and the information it contains about you. Here’s how to stymie the three gravest Internet risks.
Threat1: IE
Internet Explorer heads the list of top Internet security attack targets in the most recent joint report of the FBI and security organization SANS Institute.
One reason: As the most widely used browser, IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers who set out to exploit its flaws. The biggest problem with IE is its reliance on Microsoft ActiveX technology, which allows Web sites to run executable programs on your PC via your browser.
Security patches and upgrades, including Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the recently released IE 7, make ActiveX safer, but the inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those security measures–combined with the reality that we computer users are often a credulous lot–make ActiveX a risk not worth taking.
Happily, with very few exceptions (such as Microsoft Windows Update site), you can browse the Internet effectively without ActiveX.
To disable ActiveX in IE 6 and 7, choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, scroll to ‘Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins, and select Disable.
Click OK, Yes, and OK to close the dialog boxes. To enable ActiveX on a known and trusted site, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, choose Trusted Sites, click Sites, enter the site address in the text box, and click Add. Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone, and click Close and OK.
If you leave ActiveX enabled, you may quickly encounter malware-harboring sites and e-mail attachments that ask you to let them install their ActiveX controls on your system. Unless you are 100 percent certain that the control is safe and legitimate, do not allow it.
Regardless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk.
To keep Windows XP up-to-date, visit update.microsoft.com (you will have to use Internet Explorer) and install Service Pack 2, if you have not already. Next, choose Start, Control Panel, System, and click the Automatic Updates tab.
Select Automatic (recommended) If you trust Microsoft implicitly, Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them if you trust the company a little bit, or Notify me but do not automatically download or install them to play it safest. (Click “Do not Let a Windows Update Bring You Down” for more on Windows updates.)
Whichever option you choose, click OK to download and install the most recent security patches.
If you stick with IE, upgrade to version 7, which improves ActiveX security. Still, the best way to reduce your PC vulnerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser.
Mozilla Firefox is the most popular IE alternative. Unfortunately, Firefox growing popularity has enticed malware authors to exploit its own flaws. While no software is perfectly secure, many experts think the Opera browser is safer than either IE or Firefox.
Threat 2: Phishing and Identity Theft
You have probably seen your share of phishing attacks, which look like communications from your bank, PayPal, eBay, or another online account. The message may ask you to click a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log-in fields, or it might ask for a credit-card number.
The fake address often resembles the real institution URL–’citibank.fakesite.com’ in place of ‘citibank.com’, for example. The phishers site and e-mail message may even load images from your bank, or have links to the institution own Web site.
When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account right away. A variant called spear phishing identifies you by name in the lure message or Web site, making the sham even harder to spot.
You may have read that your bank will never send you an e-mail asking you to log in to your account, and it should not, though it does happen on occasion. The vast majority of messages that appear to come from financial institutions are phishing attacks, so assume that such messages are bogus and avoid opening them at all, let alone clicking any links they contain.
If you are concerned that the bank or other service is really trying to notify you of a problem with your account, open your browser manually and log in to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent (if you can find one via the bank automated phone system).
The place you are most likely to notice that your credit card or bank account has been compromised by a phishing attack or identity theft is on the statement you receive from them via mail. Check it carefully for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately.
IE 7 asks you a couple of times if you had like to enable its phishing filter during installation; say yes. To enable this feature, choose Tools, Phishing Filter, Turn On Automatic Website Checking, and click OK.
Firefox 2 phishing filter is enabled by default, but it uses a static downloaded list of known phishing sites. Many firewalls and other security programs include identity-protection features that scan the stream of data leaving your PC for sensitive information, such as passwords or social security and credit card numbers, and then block the unauthorized transfers.
Resist the temptation to post personal information on your Web page, blog, or social site (Facebook/MySpace) account. Identity thieves, spammers, and online predators are always on the lookout for such data. Browse to “Safeguard Your Reputation While Socially Networking” for an explanation of the risks to both adults and children, and for tips on what you can do to avoid the dangers.
Threat 3: Malware
Every day, virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC.
These steps will help keep you safe:
Think before you click.Use a spam filter. Update your antivirus software.Download with discretion.Use a bidirectional firewall.Use antispyware.Cher K Markov articles on various subjects and has a treasure chest of information and resources onSoftware Downloadsat http://online-downloads.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/52135.html
|
|
iPhone 4S LCD Touch Screen Digitizer Complete x 100 Pieces $6,803.30 |
|
|
iPhone 4S LCD Touch Screen Digitizer Complete x 50 Pieces $3,887.60 |
|
|
karaoke laptop system dj laptop karaoke computer complete system package lcd mp3 $1,479.94 |
|
|
Complete Home Security System DVR 1080P HD LCD 520TVL Bullet Camera Cables Power $1,239.40 |
|
|
Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 S 2 LCD Display & Touch Screen Digitizer Complete White $1,096.98 |
|
|
Idexx Vetlab Station Complete LCD TouschScreen, Computer and Cables! $1,100.00 |
|
|
Complete 4Ch 15″ Color LCD DVR 680TVL FullTime Color Security Camera CCTV System $999.00 |
|
|
Complete Home Surveillance Security System DVR HD 1080P LCD Camera Cables Power $967.70 |
|
|
4 Camera Complete H.264 CCTV DVR System 7″ LCD C01 $878.98 |
|
|
Adic 3-01992-12 i500 complete LCD Touch Screen $850.00 |
|
|
iPhone 4S LCD Touch Screen Digitizer Complete x 10 Pieces $826.12 |
|
|
8 Ch CCTV Complete outdoor Security DVR System 20″LCD s $798.88 |
|
|
ZMODO 8 CH Complete Security DVR Camera LCD Monitor System(DVR-DK0864) $830.99 |
|
|
8 Ch CCTV Complete outdoor Security DVR System 19″LCD s $778.88 |
|
|
ZMODO 8 CH Complete Security DVR Camera LCD Monitor Sys $799.99 |
|
|
Ricoh Aficio LCD Display and Complete control Panel Scanner/Copier/Fax/Printer $599.00 |
|
|
LOT of 20 Dell Latitude D510 14.1″ LCD Assembly Display Complete $600.00 |
|
|
Q-See® 8 Camera Complete Surveillance System Slim 10.2” Integrated LCD-DVR $674.00 |
|
|
LOT OF 20 IBM THINKPAD T42 14″ LCD Assembly COMPLETE w/ HINGES BEZEL WIRING $600.00 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 20″ LCD B $599.99 |
|
|
Samsung 19220 LCD & Touch Complete UK Brand New $612.74 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 20″ LCD W $599.99 |
|
|
Raytheon/Raymarine SL70 LCD Pathfinder Radar – 2kw / 24 mile COMPLETE & WORKING $590.00 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 20″ LCD $579.99 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 19″ LCD W $579.99 |
|
|
NEW Macbook Air 11″ A1370 Complete LCD LED Screen Assembly 2011 Model $625.00 |
|
|
7″ Color LCD Tri-View Camera Backup System Complete Kit $623.99 |
|
|
4Ch Complete Surveillance Security Camera System 19″LCD $579.99 |
|
|
4Ch Complete Surveillance Security Camera System 19″LCD $549.99 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 19″ LCD $549.99 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 20″ LCD SW $559.99 |
|
|
NEW Macbook Air 11″ A1370 Complete LCD LED Screen Assembly US Shipping $599.00 |
|
|
Full HTC Sensation G14 LCD Screen Display & Touch Digitizer Complete Unit $562.44 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 19″ LCD B $569.99 |
|
|
4CH Complete CCTV Security DVR Camera System 19″ LCD SW $533.99 |
|
|
Full HTC HD Mini LCD Screen Display & Touch Digitizer Complete Unit $532.58 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4x Cameras and Built-in 7 Inch LCD Screen new $527.55 |
|
|
Nokia Lumia 800 Lcd Screen Display & Touch Digitizer Complete Unit $471.48 |
|
|
Macbook Air 11″ A1370 LCD complete display assembly grade A $499.98 |
|
|
HP ELITEBOOK 2740P COMPLETE LCD SCREEN 597827-001 $499.95 |
|
|
Macbook Pro Unibody 13″ A1278 i5 2011 Complete LCD LED Glossy Screen Displa! New $458.98 |
|
|
Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet Complete Replacement LCD Screen HV121WX4-120 X201 $479.99 |
|
|
NEW DELL STUDIO XPS 1645 1647 LAPTOP COMPLETE LCD COVER HINGE CABLE WEBCAM X798F $455.75 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4x Cameras & Built-in 7 Inch LCD Screen(H.264) $369.59 |
|
|
20x DELL LATITUDE D600 LCD SCREEN ASSEMBLY COMPLETE 14.1″ Hinges Bezel Wiring $400.00 |
|
|
2522889R-CMPTASBLY Gateway Lcd 15.4 Wxga Ultrabright Tft Active Matrix Complete $439.24 |
|
|
Macbook Pro A1286 2011 LCD Screen Display Assembly COMPLETE 15 (MC723LL/A) $422.72 |
|
|
Clevo W860CU Barebone for Parts; complete with Good Motherboard; without LCD $400.00 |
|
|
2528446RCMPTASBLY Gateway Lcd 15.4 Complete Assy (silver) Hdmi W/webcam $434.79 |
|
|
2528446RCMPTASMBLY Gateway Lcd 15.4 Complete Assy (silver) Hdmi W/webcam $434.79 |
|
|
NEW Panasonic, WV-LD2000, 20″ LCD AV Monitor, complete, w/warranty $370.45 |
|
|
New OEM Dell Alienware M14x 14″ LCD Screen – Complete LED Display Assembly – Red $399.99 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4x Cameras and Built-in 7 Inch LCD Screen New $355.00 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4 Cameras Built-in 7 Inch LCD Screen (H.264) $399.99 |
|
|
HP ELITEBOOK 2560p COMPLETE LCD SCREEN MINT $399.97 |
|
|
HP PROBOOK 4530S COMPLETE LCD SCREEN $399.97 |
|
|
SONY VAIO VGN-AR VGN-AR620E COMPLETE LCD ASSEMBLY LCD/WIFI/VIDEO/SPEAKERS/WEBCAM $399.95 |
|
|
Shuttle XPC KD10 LCD CPU complete with Carry Case-Keys-Mouse $399.00 |
|
|
A1286 2010 15″ Unibody Macbook Pro LCD Screen Assembly COMPLETE MC373LL/A, i7 $386.72 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4x Cameras and Built-in 7″ LCD Screen (H.264) $395.00 |
|
|
Dell Studio XPS 1640 1645 15.6 LCD complete assy PHJG8 ***NEW*** $395.00 |
|
|
383477-001CMPTASBLY Hp Lcd 15.4-inch Tft Wxga Complete Assembly Glossy Dv4000 $389.20 |
|
|
Deep Blue Mirror Back Cover + LCD Touch Screen for iPhone 4 Complete Kit $385.04 |
|
|
Macbook PRO 13″ A1278 LCD Complete Screen Display Assembly $385.00 |
|
|
Fast HP DC7700 Desktop Computer + HP 17″ Flat LCD Monitor Complete Bundle $384.99 |
|
|
Macbook PRO 15″ A1286 LCD Complete Screen Display Assembly 2011 $384.00 |
|
|
Complete DVR Security System with 4x Cameras & Built-in 7 Inch LCD Screen, H.264 $383.90 |
|
|
NAUTICA COMPLETE WINDOW/CASE LCD/DVD DISPLAY FOR RETAIL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIO $379.99 |
|
|
HP 231666-001 Complete LCD touchscreen kit, MSL $375.00 |
|
|
Dell P223H Dell Touch Screen Lcd Complete Assembly Latitude Xt2 $374.05 |
|
|
Dell OEM Alienware M14x Complete LED LCD Screen HD Red Webcam Same Day Shipping $373.96 |
|
|
HP ELITEBOOK 2740P COMPLETE LCD SCREEN 597827-001 [[[TESTED ]]]] $359.72 |
|
|
LCD Display for HAKKO V706MD Operator Panel complete machine 60 days warranty $300.00 |
|
|
HP ProBook 6460b COMPLETE LCD SCREEN $344.97 |
|
|
Complete Apple Macbook Pro Unibody 15″ A1286 Glossy LCD Screen, Grade A $325.00 |
|
|
Apple Macbook Pro 15″ A1286 Unibody LCD complete display assembly 2010 grade B $339.99 |
|
|
HP LCD PANEL 17 WXGA GLOSSY BV COMPLETE ASSY – 447991-001 $336.00 |
|
|
Brand New Complete LCD and Bracket for Dell Alienware M11x R1/R2 Laptop $314.30 |
|
|
Macbook Pro Unibody 15″ A1286 3.06 Genuine Complete LCD Screen Display GRADE A* $329.99 |
|
|
10 x Complete LCD Touch Screen Assembly for iPhone 4 4G $329.88 |
|
|
Dell OEM XPS 15Z Complete LED LCD Screen FHD Gray Webcam Same Day Shipping $327.21 |
|
|
Dell OEM Alienware M17X R1 Complete Assembly LCD Screen WUXGA Red Webcam Tested $327.21 |
|
|
Dell OEM Alienware M17X Complete Assembly LCD Screen WUXGA Black Webcam Warranty $327.21 |
|
|
Dell OEM Adamo XPS Complete LED LCD Screen HD Gray Webcam Same Day Shipping $327.21 |
|
|
Dell OEM Alienware M17X Complete LCD Screen WUXGA Silver Webcam Tested $327.21 |
|
|
661-4837, Grade C Macbook 15.4″ A1286 LED LCD Complete Screen Display Assembly $315.00 |
|
|
Fast HP DC7700 Desktop Computer + HP 17″ Flat LCD Monitor Complete Bundle $319.99 |
|
|
Gateway 2528379R M-6750 Lcd Complete Assembly 15.4 W/o Hdmi Red $315.37 |
|
|
OEM Dell Alienware M14x 14″ LCD Screen – Complete LED Display Assembly – Black $299.99 |
|
|
New OEM Dell XPS 15z 15.6″ 1080p LCD Screen – Complete LED Display Assembly $299.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW HP COMPLETE ASSEMBLY LCD 416411-001 $299.95 |
|
|
MACBOOK Pro A1278 13″ 661-5558 LCD Screen Complete Upper Assembly (A-) $299.99 |
|
|
Hp 435855-001 435855-001 New Hp V3000 14.1 Lcd Complete Screen Kit 6m4r1ld-006 $310.20 |
|
|
Fast HP DC7700 Desktop Computer + HP 17″ Flat LCD Monitor Complete Bundle $309.99 |
|
|
COMPLETE OFFROAD CAMERA SYSTEM 4.3″ LCD Color Monitor 4 Cameras Jeep Water Proof $289.00 |
|
|
Complete Lenovo ThinkPad T410 WXGA+ LED LCD 14.1″ $300.00 |
|
|
complete full Digitizer Glass LCD Display Assembly for Iphone 4G CDMA verizon $300.00 |
|
|
Fast HP DC7700 Desktop Computer + HP 17″ Flat LCD Monitor Complete Bundle $299.99 |
|
|
ACER 5830TG-6402 COMPLETE LCD SCREEN HINGES CABLE WEBCAM $299.97 |
|
|
Lenovo Thinkpad X200 12.1″ Complete LCD $299.95 |
