It seems that computer worms have been around almost as long as the web itself. Just a few years ago, users were worried about MyDoom. Before that, it was fear over SoBig, the SQL Slammer Worm, and the Blaster Worm. In 1999, it was the Melissa Worm. At the heart of the matter is the computer worms themselves. Unlike viruses, worms are programs that can make copies of themselves across any given network.
There are a number of ways that worms can become problematic. First, they can spoof your email address to make it look as if you are sending out copies of spam or virus-infected email, even though you aren’t. Moreover, they can actually enter your system and directly send email from your computer without your knowledge or permission. Once on your computer, they can erase it or change program settings. Some might even put software on your system to gain access to your personal information. More than anything, though, it can run itself, and it can even spread without the help of a host program, which is one of the many reasons you need to protect your PC against computer worms.
Stay Vigilant
One of the best first steps is to remain aware of the potential worms that could enter your system. Many companies offer email alerts when a new threat is introduced, and hundreds of websites post security bulletins about worm related problems on their website. As long as you stay abreast of current information, you’ll know the signs to look for in case your computer has the latest worm.
Update Your System on a Regular Basis
You need to update your operating system, programs, antivirus software, and antispyware solution on a regular basis. As new threats are introduced, your operating system and programs will introduce patches to counteract the problem. Ensuring that you download and install them as soon as they are available will help keep you and your computer safe.
If you haven’t already installed a three part protection system that includes antivirus software, antispyware software and a firewall, you may want to do that as well. Keep in mind that you’ll need to do a bit of research before you choose the right solution to meet your needs. Look at the available programs on the market, and be sure to review independent evaluations of each product before you make a purchase. You may want to carefully examine the features of each program you look at to decide whether it’s right for you. Most importantly, though, be sure that you’re getting reputable software. There is quite a bit of rogue security software floating around these days, and installing any of it will only lead to further problems with your computer. Look at each of the programs carefully, read security bulletin board postings, then choose the solution that is right for you. Download it, update it at least weekly, and schedule a regular scan of your computer to make certain you don’t have any of the new threats installed on your machine.
Use Caution With Email
In the past, many worms have been spread through email attachments. While that’s not always the case, it is quite helpful if understand what you should and shouldn’t do as you sort through your mail. First, be sure to promptly delete any mail if you’re not familiar with the sender. Even if you see an enticing subject line like “Remember Me?” getting rid of it is your best option. Second, never open an attachment unless you are very familiar with the sender. Even things like documents and PDF files can ensure a worm gets installed on your system, and in most cases, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Finally, set your security settings on your email as high as necessary. Setting your junk mail filter preferences and other settings at an acceptable level will prevent many problem programs from reaching you in the first place.
Be Careful While You’re Online
Many worms have spread with the help of peer to peer file sharing sites and other downloadable files, so when you’re online, be sure that you only download files of any type if you’re sure the source is safe. Moreover, it’s a good idea to only visit sites that you know are safe as well. Some antivirus and antispyware scanners come with a built-in web page check to help keep you safe while you’re online, so if you haven’t already installed that feature yet, you may want to consider it. In some cases, using another browser may help keep you safe as well. Because Internet Explorer is often the target for worms and other malware, choosing a browser like Firefox or Opera can save you quite a bit of difficulty at times.
Worms can be troublesome, but with a bit of extra work on your part, you can protect your computer.
By Mindy Matter for http://www.removeadware.com.au/ - Here you'll learn more about online privacy and computer worms: http://www.removeadware.com.au/ - Please link to this site when using this article.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-to-protect-your-PC-against-Computer-Worms/812768
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Heightened Need For Good Computer Security
Good computer safety practices are necessary for anyone who wishes to keep their computer in good working order, but for an at home worker who heavily relies on the computer it is essential. In fact not only their income and personal details are at risk, but those of every customer that they deal with as well.
There are many risks, some of which are more obvious than others, but they fall under two main categories; viruses and spy ware, both of which may be transmitted in various different ways, and serve differing purposes.
Viruses are likely to cause the most damage to the computer itself and many are picked up by the user selecting an action that allows their installation. One of the more common methods is via email, where an email from an unknown sender contains an attachment. Upon opening the attachment, the virus installs itself on your machine.
They may also find their way in through web pages and messenger services. The page you visit may ask for permission to launch a video, or install some kind of program for a function it claims to be necessary. The ActiveX controller is of particular concern here, since it has full access to your machine, and so anything installed via ActiveX has full control of and access to everything on your machine.
Viruses are self propagating and likely to use your machine to reproduce. However the real problem comes when the payload-that is, the thing it was designed to do, activates. It might simply take over some of the functions of your computer, but it might start deleting the files of the operating system. Once this gets bad enough, your machine will cease to function.
Whilst viruses hurt your computer, spy ware may hurt you personally. These programs are installed in similar ways to viruses, but instead of wreaking havoc on your machine they are designed to spy on your online activities, for one of several reasons.
Some may simply note where you are visiting and send that information back to a central server. Based on that information they send you pop up advertisements that they deem from the information they gathered on you to suit you, or the advertisements may be completely random. They may also try and redirect your browser page to something different than the URL you enter.
The most worrying use of spy ware is to steal your personal information. In this instance, it is your passwords, credit card, eWallet and merchant account numbers that they send back, or perhaps your address or the details of the customers you work with. This of course is the greatest of the risks, because it could lead to identity theft, or the theft of large sums of money from you or your customers.
These risks can be avoided by the use of an up to date anti-virus and anti-spy ware program, as well as safe practices. Avoid opening mail and under no circumstances open attachments from people you do not know or install software from sites you do not trust. When combined with regular virus and spy ware scans, these simple things can serve to keep you and your machine safe.
Learn about [http://www.wahcheck.com/]Working From Home and Start Your Own [http://www.wahcheck.com/]Work At Home Business at WAHCheck.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_L._Phelps http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Heightened-Need-For-Good-Computer-Security&id=2185638
There are many risks, some of which are more obvious than others, but they fall under two main categories; viruses and spy ware, both of which may be transmitted in various different ways, and serve differing purposes.
Viruses are likely to cause the most damage to the computer itself and many are picked up by the user selecting an action that allows their installation. One of the more common methods is via email, where an email from an unknown sender contains an attachment. Upon opening the attachment, the virus installs itself on your machine.
They may also find their way in through web pages and messenger services. The page you visit may ask for permission to launch a video, or install some kind of program for a function it claims to be necessary. The ActiveX controller is of particular concern here, since it has full access to your machine, and so anything installed via ActiveX has full control of and access to everything on your machine.
Viruses are self propagating and likely to use your machine to reproduce. However the real problem comes when the payload-that is, the thing it was designed to do, activates. It might simply take over some of the functions of your computer, but it might start deleting the files of the operating system. Once this gets bad enough, your machine will cease to function.
Whilst viruses hurt your computer, spy ware may hurt you personally. These programs are installed in similar ways to viruses, but instead of wreaking havoc on your machine they are designed to spy on your online activities, for one of several reasons.
Some may simply note where you are visiting and send that information back to a central server. Based on that information they send you pop up advertisements that they deem from the information they gathered on you to suit you, or the advertisements may be completely random. They may also try and redirect your browser page to something different than the URL you enter.
The most worrying use of spy ware is to steal your personal information. In this instance, it is your passwords, credit card, eWallet and merchant account numbers that they send back, or perhaps your address or the details of the customers you work with. This of course is the greatest of the risks, because it could lead to identity theft, or the theft of large sums of money from you or your customers.
These risks can be avoided by the use of an up to date anti-virus and anti-spy ware program, as well as safe practices. Avoid opening mail and under no circumstances open attachments from people you do not know or install software from sites you do not trust. When combined with regular virus and spy ware scans, these simple things can serve to keep you and your machine safe.
Learn about [http://www.wahcheck.com/]Working From Home and Start Your Own [http://www.wahcheck.com/]Work At Home Business at WAHCheck.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_L._Phelps http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Heightened-Need-For-Good-Computer-Security&id=2185638
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