How often do you check to see if you have spyware residing on your computer? I check once a month, and so far I’ve been pretty lucky — most of the spyware found is limited to tracking cookies we all pick up at various websites. But Earthlink, which has started a free scanning service
Security
Sasser on the loose
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
A new Internet worm was released this past weekend, and it’s infecting computers at a fast and furious rate. The Sasser worm does notrequire e-mail or user interaction to infect your PC — all it needs is an unprotected Internet connection. So if you’re running Windows 2000 or XP, make sure you have your…
Pop-ups for Good
By Tom Mighell on
Microsoft recognizes that most computer users really don’t pay attention to the company’s warnings about how to keep their PCs safe from spyware, viruses, and other bad stuff. That’s why future software releases will contain dialog boxes, warning messages, and offers to automatically configure security settings.
I know several of you out there will…
Your Password for a Mars Bar
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
It’s amazing how lax people are about their own security. In a recent study in the U.K., 7 out of 10 people gave up their Internet passwords to a total stranger who offered them chocolate in exchange for them.
Increasing Numbers of Phisher-people
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
The number of phishing scams has increased exponentially over the past six months, rising from 279 to 215,643. The reason for this has to be (in part, anyway), that many of these scams are successful. If Internet users stop taking the bait, the phisher-people will have to find another place to throw their lines.
Allergies and Viruses — make sure you’re protected
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
With the coming of spring, pollens begin to swirl about in the air, and masses of new viruses swirl about the Internet. Fifteen variants of the NetSky virus appeared on computers during the month of March alone.
An old Beagle learns new tricks
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
The Beagle virus I have mentioned here several times in the past few months is constantly mutating. Now it’s using new tactics to trick computer users into becoming infected. Don’t be fooled; regularly update your antivirus definitions.
Speaking of perils….
By Tom Mighell on
If you haven’t learned about the dangers of falling prey to a phishing scam, read this.
The latest Phishing Attack Trends Report (PDF File) shows that 282 attacks were reported in February, with the financial services industry continuing to be the most heavily targeted.
The hacker in your pocket
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
Hacked in a Flash shows how easy it is for hackers to steal company information with a simple portable USB flash drive, that hides easily in your pocket. The article also provides some simple ways for you to safeguard your computer or your firm’s network against such intrusion.
New Bagle flavors being released
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security