Spams and PC Security: What You Can Do About It

July 3, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Computer Security 


PC security is the method of identifying and inhibiting illicit manipulation of your computer. With the growing trend in PC security threats, preventive measures are necessary to help you combat illegal use of your computers. This can happen when somebody is trying to get access to your computer system without you knowing it.

With the latest inventions, PC security can help you detect any malicious programs installed in your computer or at least identify attempts to burgle and hack your computer system.

Among the latest PC security threats today, spam is considered as one of the most infuriating thing that you can receive.

Spam, or spontaneous e-mails on the Internet, is considered as one of the most widespread event online. At first, it may seem harmless and could only piss you off with endless accounts of unsolicited e-mails. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous threats on your PC security and even on your identity.

Spam may contain messages that will ask you to reveal any of your personal information in exchange of some bogus information. They can also send files that contain malicious programs. Once accessed, they will silently install their selves onto your computer system. Without knowing it, your computer system is already open to intruders.

So the key to optimum safety against spam and any threat to your PCs security, it is best not to entertain any e-mail from unknown recipients.

Here is how:

1. Learn to filter your e-mails

If you suspect a particular e-mail, do not open it. The problem with most people is that they are enticed to open an e-mail simply because of the eye-catching line they have seen on the headers. Most spam victims do not know how to identify spam just by looking at the headers.

Hence, to start fighting spam, learn to filter your e-mails by looking at the headers. If it seems to advertise something, it could be a spam.

2. Be wary on giving your e-mail address

Your e-mail address is as good as the other information that will reveal your identity. Hence, if you want to avoid any incidence of spamming or other fraudulent activities on the Internet, it is best not to divulge your e-mail address to anyone, unless you are sure of its safety.

3. Use filters

One of the best things that technology has to offer is the ability to counter attack these fraudulent activities on the Internet.

For instance, you can use filters to detect potential spam.

Indeed, life is what you make it. If you do not like spam, do something about it.

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Little Known Ways on How to Reformat Your PC

July 1, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Computer Security 


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Unless you are outdated, you consider your computer as one of your most valuable asset at home. In fact, it might be one of the most expensive devices you ever have.

More and more people today are seeing the value of computer ownership. From business to personal use, computer use has been one of the primary factors why technology continued to advance and develop.

No wonder why most people panic whenever they experience computer crashes or breakdown. In fact, most people think that whenever their personal computers stop working or the operating system just stopped loading, it is the processing unit or the hard rive that has the problem.

So easily, most people would automatically resort to reformatting their pc without considering some important aspects first.

Experts say that reformatting your pc should be the last option you have to take, not the immediate solution. Reformatting your pc could be very risky, and the only thing that can justify your move is when you cannot use your pc anymore in spite of all the attempts.

Nevertheless, if you think you really need to revert to your personal computer?s default settings, then, do so. Just be sure that you know how to do the process correctly.

1. Back up first!

Before you do anything drastic such as reformatting your PC, it is best that you create back up of your files first. Once your computer has been reformatted, you have to start from scratch. This means that all of your system files and other personal files are removed and configurations are back to its default setting.

So to be sure that you can still use your important files, create a back up by placing them on a mobile disk or floppy disk.

2. Installation Software ready

Never start reformatting if you do not have yet a copy of your installation software, which includes the operating system as well all the other software that you need. Reformatting your pc will be totally useless once you do not have the installation software ready.

3. Create a boot disk

This can be accessed through your computer?s control panel. This will create a boot disk that will enable you to boot your pc using a removable disk.

4. Install operating system

Install your windows operating system. Follow the instructions as you progress with each step. Always reinstall your operating system to the hardware drive, which is by default drive C.

Reformatting is easy but the choice whether to do such thing is hard. Be sure that your reasons are justified before going to the extremes.

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Ensuring PC security Amidst Instant Messaging

June 27, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Scan Online 


Instant messaging software allows people to chat with friends from anywhere, even across the globe. The instant messaging software is widely used because it provides real-time conversations, for as long as two people who wish to talk are online. The intended recipient can also read the messages immediately as it will flash on the screen, unlike emails that you need to open every now and then.

Yahoo, MSN, and AOL provide the most popular Internet messenger tools and software today. And because their programs are widely used, hackers had created worms to infiltrate it. To penetrate computers through instant messengers even proved to be more convenient than doing it through e-mails, because users always leave these instant messengers running about even if they are out.

But don’t stop using your Internet messenger just yet. There is still hope in securing your computer and your network amidst all the hackers lurking right outside. For one, be wary of the links you click. Always put your guard up. Ignore all kinds of messages, no matter how intriguing they may seem, if they don’t come from somebody you know.

Just one click on those links will take you to the download zone of applets that will propagate the worm. All the while you thought the installation screen you are clicking through allows you to view photos or sites it tells you about, but what it is doing is it puts viruses in your computer.

To further ensure that your PC is secure even as you exchange instant messages with friends, you can opt to install a tight security program. You can buy the one that works as an Internet firewall, spy checker, and anti-virus software all in one. Specifically look for the one that protects Internet messenger software from the major providers.

For emails, it usually comes built-in. But for Internet messengers, it has to be especially stated. Zone Labs had recently released IMSecure, a program that effectively encrypts your messages. It can also block questionable URLs coming from people not in your friends list.

Anti-software giants Norton and McAfee also integrated instant messenger scanning. Their program also protects the computer from receiving viruses from the file transfer option the messenger window has. Every URL’s sent are also screened.

Always remember that viruses and worms can be very persistent. They would look for any holes in your network and through your computer into your personal information. And then they would propagate and do the same to every person in your messenger list. Don’t compromise. Always secure your network.

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Firewall Installation as an Essential Component of PC Security Strategies

June 23, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Internet Security 


The computer has become a very important tool not just for businesses but for personal matters as well. It simply has been indispensable to be productive in several aspects. With this, security must be in place to maintain its functionality.

There are several ways of securing your personal computer. One is through the installation and use of a firewall program. It manages the network traffic between computers.

The functions of a firewall program are very much similar to the duties of a building security guard. As a security guard, it is his responsibility to regulate those who come in and out of the building. He also has the right to stop anyone who might not meet the building criteria as to who should enter.

A firewall determines which can enter and leave a certain computer within the network traffic. To do this, it scrutinizes every bit of information, referred to as a packet, which intends to come in and out of the computer. Each of the packets has identifications indicating their source and target destination.

Some of these packets have the right to proceed anywhere. They are comparable to building guests with VIP passes. On the other hand, there are simply certain packets that are just intended to go to a particular location. A firewall will only permit such types to proceed if they meet certain rules. As soon as they have been identified as qualified, the firewall itself will usher the information to its supposed destination.

A firewall has a very detailed recording system. It clearly identifies the source of the packet, its destination, and the time it has permeated the network traffic. Such records allow it to identify in the future if the same packet can pass through again should there be another similar instance.

Moreover, some firewalls are more advanced and have the capacity to usher packets to another destination. Others can even lock in a packet inside another one which may be compared to a security guard calling in an escort to accompany a visitor. Likewise, some are capable of inspecting the contents which give them further information if they should allow passage.

The details of the connection of a certain computer to another computer are recognized and documented by firewalls as well. Thus, certain connections may be programmed as temporary. Any transactions after the set period will not be permitted anymore unless there is another authorization.

Indeed, firewalls are built-in guards whose only intention is to protect a computer from possible threats. Such is a very useful tool and must be installed and utilized most especially if connections to another computer are necessary.

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Are you Phishing?

June 21, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Scan Online 


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You can say that the internet is short cut for ?international networking.? By just logging on, you can connect to people all over the world. They may be people you personally know or people you just know online. Whatever the case, there is always somebody on the other end of your internet connection.

As accessible and easy daily life is now thanks to the internet, there are disadvantages from this convenience. Criminal activities such as illiciting sexual activities on the web is an example of online problems society has to deal with.

Another online criminal activity is phishing. Phishing is acquiring personal information like passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a representative of a company. Phishing is done through email or instant messaging.

It is called ?phishing? because it similar to the recretional activity fishing. It ?fishes? for users? personal information such as passwords and financial data.

Phishers create accounts on AOL by using fake algorithmically generated credit card numbers. These accounts are maintained for a number of months. Due to the reports of phishing incidences, AOL has brought in measures preventing this from happening by securing the data of their users and confiming the information of those signing up for AOL accounts.

On AOL, a phisher pretends that he is an AOL employee and sends out instant messages to random customers which asks for passwords of their account. Luring the victim further, the phisher includes in the message ?verify your account? or ?confirm billing information.?

Thus, a number of clients get lured in and give off their password. Once the phisher gains access of this sensitive information, he can use the victim?s account for spamming. Check your inbox and take a look at the spam messages you?ve received. Yes, those are real names of people. These people?s accounts have been hacked and is now being used to relay spam messages.

Because of this, AOL assures their clients that no one from the staff of AOL ask for their personal or billing information. Also, AOL has created a system which deactivates accounts as soon as there are signs that it is used for phishing.

Other recent phishing incidences involve that of the Internal Revenue Service. There is a way for phishers to know the bank of their potential victim. Then they pose as an employee of that bank and send an email to their victim.

Also, social networking sites can be a home-base for phishers because personal details that have been printed online are used for identity theft. Statistics show that over 70%PRCTG% phishing attempts are done in social networks.

Another technique used by phishers is coming up with a link in an email that belongs to a fake organization. They often use misspelled URLs or subdomains to trick potential victims.

Note the web address and check the @ symbol. For example, http://www.google.com@members.tripod.com may be a link that can easily deceive anyone casually observing the page. However, whoever clicks on this will be merely directed to a page that simply does not exist.

To tend to this problem, Internet Explorer and Mozzilla give users the option of either continuing or canceling their surfing. With a warning message, the user can just go to that questionable page or not.

There are some phishing scam which utilizes JavaScript commands. These alter the address bar and is done by imposing a picture of a credible entity URL over it. These visually deceives a casual internet user.

Another phishing technique is the cross-site scripting. Here, the culprit uses a legitimate companies own scripts on a potential victim. In doing so, the user is directed to sign in for the services of the imposed company. The security certificates and web address appearing on the page may seem correct for the non-professional eye. In truth though, this link the potential victim has clicked on is a way for a phisher to know his personal and financial information.

Damages from phishing are:
1. Loss of access to email which can also lead to financial loss.
2. Identity theft making the victim vulnerable to online criminal activities.
3. Access of public records

Once sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and mother?s maiden name are acquired, it will be so easy for the phisher to manipulate the account of his victim.

For every problem, there is a solution and anti-phishing techniqes been created to prevent this online criminal activity from taking place. Users are taught to not believe every email sent to their inbox. When you get a message asking for your personal information, contact your bank or the company which supposedly sent you the email and verify it with them.

Then there is the Anti-Phishing Working Group which serves as the law enforcement association dealing with phishing incidences. From them, anti-phishing software can be downloaded by websites and uploaded as their homepage web content. Eventually, the toolbar displays the real domain name and serves also the guard dog against suspected phishers.

Installing Firefox and spam filters also protect the users from phishers. These programs reduce the email received by their clients.

In the end, it is all carefully reading the messages you receive in your email. As soon as it sounds suspicious, report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

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Understanding the Different Levels of a PC Virus

June 18, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Security Software 


Viruses become a common thing in the Internet. But it should not be a common thing in your computer. Computer viruses behave the same as health viruses. They start small, propagate, and invade the body causing it to cripple and unable to perform well.

Microsoft is constantly updating its operating system software to make it virus free. But even computer virus evolves. It is keeping up with the times and the numerous security updates. It keeps on looking for holes where it can break into.

PC Virus threats are classified into different levels. These levels are standard and are followed by the major anti-virus software manufacturer. To understand what the different virus levels are, read on:

1. Critical Level. Critical level means the worm or the virus has the ability to create damage worldwide. It can easily spread globally and cannot be contained in an instant. This also means that the virus is widespread and that it can target everyone, including common home computer users. Malware and spyware are good examples of these.

2. Severe Level. A virus alert is tagged severe if the worm can target both patched and unpatched computer systems. It is also worldwide in nature, and has the potential to spread rampantly and swiftly, but has not done so just yet.

3. Elevated Level. This level alert is given out when a worm or a virus has the ability to spread globally and attack both patch and unpatched systems. But the virus cannot penetrate or propagate by itself. User intervention is usually needed.

4. Low Level. With a low alert level, there is no direct danger to systems that were successfully patched. The virus, malware, or spyware under this alert are in a controlled level and there are new activity reported.

These are the four personal computer virus threat levels. Your anti-virus software can use any one of these alert levels when they post new updates about recently discovered viruses and spyware.

So the next time you inspect the virus bulletin from your mail or from the anti-virus website itself, try to check out the PC virus level first. That alone will give you a faint idea as to how worse the situation can be.

But the bottom line is that viruses, whatever their alert level maybe should be given absolute attention. Do not take viruses for granted. Remember that a single one of them penetrating your computer system will cause it to crash.

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Spyware: They Are Watching

June 16, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Scan Online 


We’ve all heard of computer viruses. Even people who are neophytes to computers have heard tales of computer viruses spreading like wildfire through a network and wreaking havoc. Unfortunately those tales, while mildly exxagerated, are fairly accurate portrayals of how potentially damaging viruses can be.

Aside from regular computer viruses, however, another irritating and potentially destructive type of computer program that can infect your pc through the internet is spyware, and its little cousin, adware.

Adware by itself is generally harmless, albeit irritating. It is a program that basically inserts itself into your system and spams you with tons of unasked for and unsolicited advertising.

Spyware is a much more threatening program. Some types of spyware seem like simple adware on the surface, but aside from flooding you with ads, spyware, as its name suggests, also allows its controller to monitor and access information you have on your computer. Other types of spyware also change your pc’s system configuration, leaving you open to further intrusions.

There are several methods available that can help you avoid the hazards of getting invaded by spyware. Among the most effective of these are:

Adjust your computer’s security settings - the procedure for adjusting your security settings differs depending on your operating system. By and large, it can be found by looking for the option for controlling system settings or internet options. Look for the heading that refers to system security, and adjust it according to your personal tastes. For home users, setting security levels to Medium is recommended, as High security settings will actually block out some sites you may want to access.

Firewalls - these are security programs that automatically block unidentified programs that try to remotely access your terminal. You can set the parameters of the firewall so that only certain types of programs get filtered, or even limit your accessability so that only specified sources can send you data. The only disadvantage to a firewall is that sometimes it will tend to block information you try to recieve from even harmless sources if they are not specified on your firewall settings.

Anti Spyware Programs - online programs can be downloaded that are actually geared towards spyware security. When looking for such a program, find one that not only detects and intercepts spyware attempts on your system, but one that also has options to actively scan your system periodically for existing spyware that may have already gotten in. Find a provider for your anti spyware program that keeps itself updated with the latest spyware technology so that you can download patches for the program that can deal with the latest types of spyware that hackers are using.

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How to Use Your Office LAN to Protect Your Data

June 14, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Internet Security 


Local Area Networks or LANs have provided a lot of convenience for offices. Now, people do not have to run about the workplace just to send notes, or even reports to their colleagues and bosses. However, the office LAN can also be a means for one to lose privacy and it is thus important to know how to use it and protect your data.

The office LAN allows people to conveniently send and receive data to each other and even access particular computers without having to move around. But this also makes it convenient for confidential data to be accessed by prying eyes within and without the workplace.

Here are some tips on how to use your office LAN while still protecting your data:

1. Modify the default network name or SSID of your LAN. Hackers already know usual SSIDs of most leading LAN routers and thus they could easily gain access your own office network. Changing the network name is one easy step to make it more difficult for hackers to do their job.

2. Change your network administrator password frequently. Hackers also know the default authentication information for most LAN hardware and it is thus important not to let them take advantage of this.

3. Activate the highest security level for your office LAN. Hackers will have a more difficult time getting through your data when you set your LAN to the highest security level.

4. Keep your LAN hardware up-to-date. Normally, your office network hardware manufacturer would post upgrades and updates on their websites. You would want to take advantage of these things as they help boost your network security.

5. Think about using media-access control. By implementing this system, you can control which particular computers may access particular parts of the network. You would have control over who would be able to gain particular data saved in particular places.

6. If you are using a wireless router, try to place it as nearest to the center of your office as possible so that people outside the building or people in other floors may not be able to pick up your signal.

7. Disable your print and file sharing on the computer when you are not using it. It may be easier to just have it on all the time, but that makes you vulnerable to people who might want to see your shared files without your permission.

It is easy to be victimized by prying eyes with the very convenient office LAN. But you can keep yourself protected if you know how to use it properly.

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Computer Safety: How to Backup Data

June 11, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Computer Security 


Regular backup of data on your personal computer is an important part of safe computing. No matter how cautious you are in protecting your system, it could always run into problems that may cause loss of data.

Since your data is the most important part of the computer, you need to backup data by simply saving copies of important files, information and folders. There are several ways in backing up data, but the easiest for the average PC user is to run a backup option, which is a part of the operating system (Macintosh or Windows).

A number of options are available for storing your backup data. Although most people store data on floppy disks, it cannot hold everything you need to save. Your other options include removable media, network drive, external hard disk drive and your computer?s hard disk.

If you plan to backup your data on the hard disk, it is recommended to store the data at a separate partition from the location you?re backing up. For example, your hard disk is divided into drive C and D. If your data is saved on drive C, safely back it up to drive D.

Another option is a zip drive or any removable media. If you don?t require numerous gigabytes for data back up, removable media with 100 to 250 MB per disk can be an excellent safety location.

If you wish to store data on a shared network drive, remember that you will only be limited to the amount of free space the network has. If a shared network drive will not work for you, use an external hard disk drive to store up data.

Majority of data backup programs feature three backup options ? full, differential and incremental backup.

A full backup is a process that involves copying all your important data. For this reason, it will require more storage space and a longer time to save the data and if necessary, restore it. Once the full data backup is complete, it is recommended to perform incremental and differential backups at regular intervals.

A differential backup involves saving the files that have been added or changed since your last full back up, while an incremental backup is a process where you save the files that have been added or changed since your last full or differential backup.

Now that you know your options, make sure to backup all the important information you need, so when problems on your PC arise, you?ll just be sitting pretty knowing all your saved data will be unharmed.

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Encryption 101 ? Tips on How to Vary Access Levels PC Data

June 8, 2009 | By Admin | In PC Computer Security 


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Since information technology is such a susceptible industry, with higher chances of acquiring information even if the owner is not aware of it, experts have come up with strategies that will tend to block intruders and other unscrupulous people.

In PC security and safety, technology experts highly recommend variations on access levels to avoid further problems inspired by fraudulent activities particularly in the Internet.

Access levels are those applications that are readily accessible in the Internet. This means that every user will have a definite and distinct level of approval and permission within the concerned application. Every application describes the kind of access levels obtainable to the ?end users.?

Consequently, dynamic administrators will typically have the maximum degree of right to use as well as admission. However, this is still dependent on whether the concerned application is accessible to them or not.

In a business, getting access levels PC data will require the approval of the administrator. They are the ones who control the level of access provided by the company to such information pertinent to the business.

With that in mind, many businesses are not aware of the dangers that open access levels can do to their business. With this kind of access level, hackers and other unscrupulous people can easily gain access to your database, use your network connection, and send fraudulent emails without your knowledge.

And when your Internet Service Provider finds out that you are the one behind those unscrupulous activities, even if you were not directly liable, they will surely lock up your connection.

So the only solution is to enhance your PC security and safety by learning how to vary access levels PC data. Here?s how:

1. Change default settings

Some people are too damn lazy to change their access levels. To avoid further problems, it is best that you take time to alter the ?default settings? of your access levels.

Keep in mind that default settings are usually created by the manufacturers. These data are easily hacked by geniuses nowadays. Hence, if you have not yet changed your default settings, chances are, you can be the next victim.

2. Always use an encryption algorithm

Most computer geeks are not aware of the benefits that encryption algorithm can bring. With encryption, your PC data are randomly and periodically encrypted to con hackers and scammers trying to get access to your PC data.

Indeed, learning how to vary access levels on your PC data will not only give you peace but can also safeguard your business as well as your future.

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