Internet Safety: Viruses, Trojans and Spyware

A Safe and Secure Place?

The Internet offers some truly wonderful benefits, in our daily communication, research, education, banking, online shopping and entertainment. However, there are risks we need to recognize and deal with. There are those few that seek to use this global network link for malicious and criminal activities. We need to apply security measures. This is similar to how we have learnt to deal with strangers and thieves in our physical world. Criminals will take advantage of computers that do not have security software installed such as firewall's, anti-virus, spyware and privacy protection. Computer systems and programs regularly require new critical updates (security issues).

Internet safety: NetAlert Australian Government

NetAlert (outside this site) is the Australian Government’s internet safety initiative which consists of a wide range response to the needs of the Australian community in protecting our families using the internet. The NetAlert (outside this site) website and its listed national Australian helpline: 1800 880 176 provide resources about free internet content filters to help block unwanted content from our children. NetAlert also provides a support monitor for offensive and illegal material on the Internet, as well as enforcing Australia's anti-spam laws and complaints about unsolicited email messages.

Advice on Windows Internet Security





-> Protect Yourself Against Viruses
-> Virus Symptoms & Anti-Virus Software
-> High risks with offers of FREE music - P2P share
-> Spyware & Malware
-> Installing and Using Spybot - remove Spyware
-> Critical Updates (Windows and Mac)
-> Phishing (Spoof)
-> Tips for Parents
-> Get Security on the 'cheap'
-> Spyware attack Indications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protect Yourself Against Viruses

A virus is an electronic infection of a computer that attempts to spread itself to other computers. Email is the most common method for transmission of viruses, but there are other modes of transfer as well. Some software, particularly some screensavers, are actually viruses in disguise. However, good computer hygiene and installation of current anti-virus software can help protect you against virus infection.

Important Notes: Anti-Virus programs generally have poor protection against real Internet threats like Trojans, Worms, Dialers, Hijackers, Spyware and Keyloggers. (see Spyware Tools - below)

Virus Symptoms & Anti-Virus Software

Some common symptoms that could indicate your system has been infected are:
  • Strange messages or displays on your monitor
  • Pop-up advertising messages that you have not seen before
  • The computer seems slow to respond
  • Programs or files suddenly go missing
  • Strange Windows Security or Download prompts appear
  • Some of your files become corrupted - or no longer work correctly

Download the FREE AVG Anti-Virus Software


Get the free AVG (outside this site) for your home PC virus protection
AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product!

The above AVG Free Edition is for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. Use of AVG Free Edition within any organization or for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. (see below for a commercial and business version)

Download the FULL AVG Anti-Virus Software (outside this site)

For those that do not qualify to use the free version of AVG (eg; Commercial and Business use), then visit this link AVG Products (outside this site) to browse and purchase a licensed version of either; AVG Professional, AVG SoHo, AVG plus Firewall, Ewido anti-spyware plus AVG Anti-Virus, or AVG Network Edition.

What virus protection do you recommend?

Over the five years that I have tested AVG on client's Computer Systems, I have noticed it has the ability to “heal” a number of infected files that other anti-virus programs could not deal with. AVG’s reaction speed to incoming threats is fast. The programming is excellent and the database for update definitions runs ahead of other Anti-Virus updates. AVG Anti-Virus software runs on all Windows OS platforms - from Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Vista! Notes: Several Anti-Virus Software versions no longer support Windows 95, 98 or ME.

However, no protection is perfect - many new viruses come out every day, and no program can be prepared for what may be written two days after you bought the program. Software products searching for typical virus strings (signatures) rather than specific viruses are the best.

Virus avoidance tips:

  • Be wary of sharing disks from other computer users.
  • Never use a disk in your machine without checking it first.
  • Never download programs from the Internet without a Virus program specifically made for Internet access
  • Never -but- Never read any EMAIL without checking your Anti-Virus software is 'up-to-date'!
  • Be very wary of Computer sharing programs like KaZaA (many files so 'shared' and downloaded will be infected)!
  • Check weekly (or more) that virus definitions are updated - either automatically or manually.

Microsoft and Mac CRITICAL UPDATES:

Operating system manufacturers such as Microsoft and Apple regularly upgrade the security of their systems by offering updates and service packs you can download. It is important to keep your operating system up-to-date, sometimes updates often do not appear until after a known security threat has been seen. In addition to Anti-Virus, Spyware, and Office updates, you should allow Windows and Macintosh Updates.

Widows Updates:

Start Windows Updates by one of the following:

  • Open Internet Explorer, go to Tools, then select Windows Update
  • Click on Windows Start button, go to All Programs, then Windows Update

Once you see the Windows Updates, it is wise to select all critical updates.

Macintosh Updates:

Mac users are reasonable protected against security most breaches from viruses and spyware. Current Mac OS updates do improve security and give improvements in the program resources - which the user can see and feel.

Start Macintosh updates by the following:

  • Close all open programs
  • Click on the Apple icon in the upper left hand corner
  • Select Software Update
  • Check list all applicable updates

You will normally have to restart you Mac after each update

Spyware, Trojan's and Malware

A rapidly growing problem is the abuse of "spyware," software that installs itself on your computer and captures certain kinds of activity back to its sender. Most spyware is used to mine data for marketing, but some can compromise the security of your information or slow down your computer. Some spyware sneaks uninvited into your computer when you visit a site or open an infected e-mail, but some masquerades as a helpful free program for you to download onto your computer. Never download a "free" program unless you check it out first! You may also want to run periodic scans of your system with programs such as Lavasoft's Ad-Aware (outside this site) or Spybot Search & Destroy (outside this site), both of which can identify and delete spyware. Both Ad-Aware and Spybot are proven & FREE tools.

Please read this helpfull guide on installing and using Spybot!

For more serious Spyware and Malicious computer attack situations and strange computer behavior, I highly recommend you to download AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 (outside this site). I have proven this product to be able to clear many parasites, spyware, trojan software, malicious and hidden malware.

If your attempt to clear the computer problem fails, using the above range of software tools, then you need to have the issue resolved and analyzed by a experienced computer technician within your own local service area!

Indications of spyware include:

  • Your computer running abnormally slow
  • Pop-up windows appearing whenever you surf the Internet
  • Your browser using a different homepage than you once had
  • Searches conducted through one search engine are "hijacked" and the results are displayed in a different search engine

See: What is Spyware (outside this site)

Spoof Sites & Phishing

The Internet has been a boon to identity thieves who harvest information from a variety of scams known as "phishing." You may receive a bogus ("spoof") email requesting that you respond or visit a phony Web site to update personal or account information. Just as you should never provide such information to unsolicited phone callers, you should avoid similar appeals on the Web.

Tips for Parents

Much of the content on the Internet (both Web content and e-mail) is not suitable for children. The following are some of the options you have as a parent to reduce the risk that your child will be exposed to content you consider inappropriate:
  • Monitor your children's activity. Ask them which sites they visit and why. Set up the computer in a common area so you can keep an eye on things. Check the Web browser's History file to see which sites they access.
  • Agree upon basic rules. Explain why it is critical not to divulge personal information without your approval. Do not allow children to have access to credit cards or checks which could be used to withdraw money from your account.

Internet Safety Laws:

A federal law has been created to help protect our children while they are using the Internet. This law exists to keep anyone from obtaining your child's personal information without you knowing about it and agreeing to it first. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA (outside this site) in USA) requires websites to explain their privacy policies on the site and obtain a parent's consent before collecting or using a child's personal information.

This law also prohibits a site from requiring a child to provide more personal information than necessary to play a internet game. However, your child's best online protection is you. Educate your child about potential online dangers and monitor his or her computer use.

Security on the cheap

I have found that most victims of SPYWARE & VIRUS's have older unpatched Windows systems, EG; running Windows XP in practically its native original state, without the latest critical security patches. So, make sure you have updated to the latest security patches = important!

The simple fact is good internet security is based on Four Points of Internet Security. They are:

With the above basics, your internet experience is dramatically safer. Anti-spam, anti-phishing tools, content inspectors and the rest are often necessary, but not absolutely necessary.

Realize that most of the free solutions mentioned below are for certain types of people, like home users. (Check the terms of the licensing agreements.)

Get a software firewall: ZoneAlarm (outside this site) works fine and is free

Get a antivirus program: Get a free AVG (outside this site) for your home PC virus protection

Get an Anti-Spyware tool: In my technical experience, the best commercial grade anti-spyware programs out there is AVG Anti-Spyware (outside this site) (available as a FREE 30 day evaluation or a 12 month subscription), and two good free ones; Ad-Aware (outside this site) (free) and Spybot (outside this site) (free).

Patching: The final leg of the Four Pillars of Security is getting your security patches from Microsoft. You would be amazed at how many people haven’t updated to the Microsoft Windows latest updates (outside this site).

That’s the list of the really critical security programs. Here’s a good list of other tools you can get that will make your experience safer:

Anti-phishing: Microsoft has released a anti-phishing add-on to Internet Explorer 7.0. However, if you have Windows 95, 98, ME, or 2000 it will not install. So download Download Cloudmark’s free anti-fraud (outside this site) tool. It works!

Anti-spam: Some would argue that a spam email filter is essential. Spam is more of a nuisance than anything else and if you can cope stand deleting such spam messages, you don’t need one. But spam is a growing, and a good anti-spam tool is a timesaver. Get the free Mailwasher (outside this site) Tool

Is there spyware on your computer!

The following symptoms may indicate that spyware is installed on your computer:
  • Many unexpected pop-up windows occur (often when you access the Internet)
  • Redirection to web sites other than what you normally have used
  • Unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser
  • Strange Icons appear on the Windows task bar
  • Your default search engine when you click "search" has changed
  • Random Windows error messages begin to appear
  • The computer seems very slow when opening programs or processing tasks (saving files, etc.)

How you can help prevent spyware occurring?

Follow these wise Internet security practices:

  • Don't click on links within pop-up windows - Because pop-up windows are often a product of spyware, clicking on the window may install spyware software on your computer. To close the pop-up window, click on the "X" icon in the titlebar instead of a "close" link within the window.
  • Be wary of unexpected dialog boxes asking whether you want to run a particular program or perform another type of task. Always select "no" or "cancel," or close the dialog box by clicking the "X" icon in the titlebar.
  • Take care with downloadable software - There are many sites that offer customized toolbars or other features that appeal to users. Don't download programs from sites you don't trust, and realize that you may be exposing your computer to spyware by downloading some of these programs.
  • Don't follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software - Like email viruses, the links may serve the opposite purpose and actually install the spyware it claims to be eliminating.
  • Don't take the offer of may websites to offer you free music. EG; "KaZaA" You will get free music, PLUS some Virus's, and Spyware from other users! This is a very high ATTACK THREAT risk choice for the sake of copyright 'free' music!

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