Computer Security
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Norton/McAfee Problems?Is your computer running very sluggishly? Are you having problems with Norton or McAfee Firewall? Don't feel like you are alone, here is a recent article from LockerGnome that talks about the problems others are having with Norton Internet Security Suite and McAfee Security Suite. I have lost track of the number of machines I have removed these products from in the last 12 months.
SiteAdvisorHere is a tip from WorldStart that talks about a program that will actually WARN you BEFORE you load that site that is going to do harm to your computer.
Safe BrowsingMichael Howard discusses how you can run as an administrator and access Internet data safely by dropping unnecessary administrative privileges when using any tool to access the Internet.
Microsoft Baseline Security AnalyzerThis is a cool analyzing tool from Microsoft. With this diagnostics program you can run a security check on your system and see where you might be lacking. The tool was made primarily for people in the IT industry who wanted to check their networks for holes, but it works on standalone systems like a champ.
Identity TheftWhat is it? What do you do about it?How do you avoid becoming a victim? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
Fighting SPAMThe average e-Mail user will receive 3,900 unwanted messages a day by 2007. Bill Gates gets 4 million a day—but he has someone to filter them out for him!
PhisGuard1.1PhishGuard is a software/service that helps you detect and block phishing or spoofing attempts, usually designed to lure you into providing personal or credit card information to fake online sites. The program integrates into Internet Explorer and warns you whenever you visit a site that is known to be a scam. It uses an online community database that you can easily submit suspicious links or emails to, by using a simple drop icon on your desktop.
Seven Steps to System SecurityIf you are really paranoid about security, here is a good article on what to do. While I do not agree with them 100%, I feel it is worth passing on. Use whatever fits your needs. I personally follow steps 2 and 4 through 7.
Gibson ResearchA site devoted to computer security. It has many free applications and a free internet security checkup and a firewall tester to make sure you are practicing safe computing. |
The Spam CubeHere is a recent article from LockerGnome about a new form of protection that is getting rave reviews and is selling as fast as they can produce them.
FirewallsHere is some information and tips on Firewalls - a MUST HAVE in today's hostile internet environment.
Create a New Account in XPHere is a tip from WorldStart that explains how to create a limited use account that you can let guests and children use with less chance of messing up your computer.
Just What Is SpyWare?Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia - has a pretty good explanation of SpyWare and other malicious software.
Windows DefenderThis FREE tool from Microsoft has proven to be my favorite for fighting spyware. It is fully automatic, updates itself and scans your system regularly as well as providing live protection. And did I mention that it is FREE? You really need this tool in your arsenal.
AdAwareAd-Aware is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components. With the release of Ad-Aware SE Personal edition, Lavasoft takes the fight against Spyware to the next level.
Spybot Search and DestroySpybot - Search & Destroy is another free utility for fighting Spyware. It was my favorite prior to the release of the Microsoft tool and I believe it may still have a use once in a while. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. A very common symptom of spyware is a general slowing down of your computer. The more spyware you have, the slower it will get, to the point where it can become totally useless.
CyberCrimeLearn about Cyber Crime and Identity Theft. Keep abreast of what the bad guys are doing out there and come here to report any suspected cyber crimes directed against you. |
