Thwart the Three Biggest Internet Threats of 2007
The same Internet connection that lets you reach out and touch millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and other digital entities across the globe also endangers your PC and the information it contains about you. Here’s how to stymie the three gravest Internet risks.
Threat1: IE
Internet Explorer heads the list of top Internet security attack targets in the most recent joint report of the FBI and security organization SANS Institute.
One reason: As the most widely used browser, IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers who set out to exploit its flaws. The biggest problem with IE is its reliance on Microsoft ActiveX technology, which allows Web sites to run executable programs on your PC via your browser.
Security patches and upgrades, including Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the recently released IE 7, make ActiveX safer, but the inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those security measures–combined with the reality that we computer users are often a credulous lot–make ActiveX a risk not worth taking.
Happily, with very few exceptions (such as Microsoft Windows Update site), you can browse the Internet effectively without ActiveX.
To disable ActiveX in IE 6 and 7, choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, scroll to ‘Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins, and select Disable.
Click OK, Yes, and OK to close the dialog boxes. To enable ActiveX on a known and trusted site, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, choose Trusted Sites, click Sites, enter the site address in the text box, and click Add. Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone, and click Close and OK.
If you leave ActiveX enabled, you may quickly encounter malware-harboring sites and e-mail attachments that ask you to let them install their ActiveX controls on your system. Unless you are 100 percent certain that the control is safe and legitimate, do not allow it.
Regardless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk.
To keep Windows XP up-to-date, visit update.microsoft.com (you will have to use Internet Explorer) and install Service Pack 2, if you have not already. Next, choose Start, Control Panel, System, and click the Automatic Updates tab.
Select Automatic (recommended) If you trust Microsoft implicitly, Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them if you trust the company a little bit, or Notify me but do not automatically download or install them to play it safest. (Click “Do not Let a Windows Update Bring You Down” for more on Windows updates.)
Whichever option you choose, click OK to download and install the most recent security patches.
If you stick with IE, upgrade to version 7, which improves ActiveX security. Still, the best way to reduce your PC vulnerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser.
Mozilla Firefox is the most popular IE alternative. Unfortunately, Firefox growing popularity has enticed malware authors to exploit its own flaws. While no software is perfectly secure, many experts think the Opera browser is safer than either IE or Firefox.
Threat 2: Phishing and Identity Theft
You have probably seen your share of phishing attacks, which look like communications from your bank, PayPal, eBay, or another online account. The message may ask you to click a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log-in fields, or it might ask for a credit-card number.
The fake address often resembles the real institution URL–’citibank.fakesite.com’ in place of ‘citibank.com’, for example. The phishers site and e-mail message may even load images from your bank, or have links to the institution own Web site.
When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account right away. A variant called spear phishing identifies you by name in the lure message or Web site, making the sham even harder to spot.
You may have read that your bank will never send you an e-mail asking you to log in to your account, and it should not, though it does happen on occasion. The vast majority of messages that appear to come from financial institutions are phishing attacks, so assume that such messages are bogus and avoid opening them at all, let alone clicking any links they contain.
If you are concerned that the bank or other service is really trying to notify you of a problem with your account, open your browser manually and log in to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent (if you can find one via the bank automated phone system).
The place you are most likely to notice that your credit card or bank account has been compromised by a phishing attack or identity theft is on the statement you receive from them via mail. Check it carefully for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately.
IE 7 asks you a couple of times if you had like to enable its phishing filter during installation; say yes. To enable this feature, choose Tools, Phishing Filter, Turn On Automatic Website Checking, and click OK.
Firefox 2 phishing filter is enabled by default, but it uses a static downloaded list of known phishing sites. Many firewalls and other security programs include identity-protection features that scan the stream of data leaving your PC for sensitive information, such as passwords or social security and credit card numbers, and then block the unauthorized transfers.
Resist the temptation to post personal information on your Web page, blog, or social site (Facebook/MySpace) account. Identity thieves, spammers, and online predators are always on the lookout for such data. Browse to “Safeguard Your Reputation While Socially Networking” for an explanation of the risks to both adults and children, and for tips on what you can do to avoid the dangers.
Threat 3: Malware
Every day, virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC.
These steps will help keep you safe:
Think before you click.Use a spam filter. Update your antivirus software.Download with discretion.Use a bidirectional firewall.Use antispyware.Cher K Markov articles on various subjects and has a treasure chest of information and resources onSoftware Downloadsat http://online-downloads.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/52135.html
diy phone case blinged out (: gems beads hello kitty make your own
|
|
Cell Phone Retail Store Showcases Display Cases, Counters $6,999.00 |
|
|
Wholesale lot of Cell Phone Accessories -Home/Car Chargers, Cases, Covers & More $6,799.99 |
|
|
Tag Heuer Meridiist Phone in Box Model GMT Stainless Steel 316L Luxury handset $2,900.00 |
|
|
INET Spectra 732-0007-04-001 PAC (includes sturdy case, $2,000.00 |
|
|
MITEL SX-50 SX50 MS-55 PBX PHONE SYSTEM FOR HOTEL BUSINESS WITH CASE $1,500.00 |
|
|
Nokia 8800 Arte – Gold (Unlocked) Cellular Phone $1,350.00 |
|
|
Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone, free 500 minutes/car charge in pelican case bundle $1,225.00 |
|
|
“NEW” Crystal Bling Handmade Pink Cell phone Case Cover Skin for iPhone 4 4G 4S $1,199.00 |
|
|
Iridium 9555 (Unlocked) Satellite Phone $1,195.00 |
|
|
Iridium Satellite Phone Model 9555 – Only true worldwide satphone – Brand NEW! $1,045.00 |
|
|
Otterbox iPhone 4 4S Defender Series Phone Case – Pink / Plum 5388 $1,033.99 |
|
|
Samsung illusion i110 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Silver Blue Vines Z $999.99 |
|
|
Iridium 9555 -Black (Unlocked) Satellite Phone w/waterproof Pelican Case,charger $950.00 |
|
|
Otterbox iPhone 3G Pink and Black Defender Protective Case Phone Cellphone $913.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW Apple iPhone 4S 64GB Black FACTORY UNLOCKED SIM FREE ONLY PHONE NO BOX $869.99 |
|
|
Satellite Phone ThurayaXT and GPS includes Thuraya XT and SIM CARD $845.00 |
|
|
Solar Power ePower Case 450 Cell Phone/Tablet/Laptop Charger w/ AC/DC/USB Ports $799.95 |
|
|
Satellite Phone ThurayaXT and GPS includes Thuraya XT $795.00 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4S – 16GB -(NEVER-LOCK) Unlocked OEM Black/White ::FREE CASE:: $779.99 |
|
|
Nokia Arte 8800 – Black (Unlocked) Cellular Phone $750.00 |
|
|
Universal cell phone cases pouches Medium Small – lot of 2025PCS closeout MST $279.30 |
|
|
New Black HTC One XL X325e 4G LTE 16GB 8MP Phone+Extra Gift $762.00 |
|
|
Brand New Acer Liquid E Ferrari Mobile Phone Unlocked $699.99 |
|
|
CHANEL 12P Cavier Leather Navy Blue i Phone Case Cover Wallet Rare NEW $699.95 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4S 16GB White Factory Unlocked phone GSM MINT Condition $650.00 |
|
|
New Unlock Black HTC One S Z520e 16GB 8MP Dual-core 1.5GHz Phone+Extra Gifts $689.00 |
|
|
TEN (10) Yealink SIP-T20P VoIP phones New in Box Case of 10 new phones $650.00 |
|
|
@@ Brand NEW+Factory Unlocked+Warranty+iPHONE 4 32GB Black+att/tmobie/Wifi+Case $629.00 |
|
|
MENS / WOMENS GUCCI GG CLUTCH BRIEFCASE CELL PHONE CASE +KEY +DUSTBAG 14X11 NEW $599.99 |
|
|
Brand New Unlocked Apple iphone 4 32GB phone 5GIFTS+1year warranty+Original box $609.99 |
|
|
VERIZON IPHONE 4S 4 S 16GB NEW/FACTORY SEALED BLACK I-PHONE 16 GB icloud 5 clean $599.95 |
|
|
Universal cell phone cases pouches Medium Small – lot of 1611PCS closeout HL $209.30 |
|
|
Universal cell phone cases pouches Medium Small – lot of 1638PCS closeout SPA $209.30 |
|
|
Sprint White Apple iPhone 4S 16GB APPLE CARE+, OTTERBOX CASE, AND CAR CHARGER $600.00 |
|
|
New Unlocked Apple iphone 4 BLACK 16GB phone 6GIFTS+1year warranty+Original Box $579.99 |
|
|
New Unlock White HTC One X S720E 32GB 8MP Quad-core 1.5GHz Phone+Extra Gifts $577.00 |
|
|
New Unlock Black HTC One X S720E 32GB 8MP Quad-core 1.5GHz Phone+Extra Gifts $576.00 |
|
|
Lenovo LePhone Android Phone AMOLED Touchscreen 3G WIFI $549.99 |
|
|
@@ Brand NEW+Factory Unlocked+Warranty+iPHONE 4 16GB Black+att/tmobie/Wifi+Case $549.00 |
|
|
NEW Sealed Apple iPhone 4S 16GB Sprint bundle Case can be jailbroken/unlocked $554.95 |
|
|
NEW HP TouchPad 16GB BUNDLE HP VEER PHONE 4G AT&T KIT TOUCHSTONE, KEYBOARD&CASE $525.00 |
|
|
Sharp DoCoMo SH-10C – Red (Unlocked) Cellular Phone $500.00 |
|
|
New Unlocked Apple iphone 4 WHITE 16GB phone 6GIFTS+1year warranty+Original Box $529.99 |
|
|
Rare! Factory Unlocked iPHONE 4 32GB Black+att/tmobile GSM GPS,Wifi+Cam+NEW Case $520.00 |
|
|
MINT Verizon Apple iphone 4S 16gb Bundle w/Case can be unlocked !! $514.99 |
|
|
New Unlock White Sony Ericsson XPERIA S LT26i 12MP 32GB 4.3″ Phone+Extra Gifts $514.00 |
|
|
New Black Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II 2 16GB Dual Core 3G Phone+32GB+Extra Gifts $514.00 |
|
|
New Unlock Black Sony Ericsson XPERIA S LT26i 12MP 32GB 4.3″ Phone+Extra Gifts $513.00 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4S (Verizon 16GB)Latest Model WHITE*MINT* 3 Cases $510.00 |
|
|
HTC myTouch 4G – 4GB – Black (T-Mobile) Smartphone With Original Box and 5 cases $500.00 |
|
|
NICE COND Apple iPhone 4S – 16GB – White Verizon GOOD ESN BUNDLED CASE APPLECARE $509.00 |
|
|
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx Black (Verizon) Android extra case Free Fast Shipping $500.00 |
|
|
Wholesale Lot Mini IPod Phone Cases Kangaroo by Hypergear 127 NEW Cases $500.00 |
|
|
Samsung Galaxy Epic 4G SPH-D700 – 1GB – Black (Sprint) Smartphone w/ Case Bundle $500.00 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4S (Latest Model) – 32GB – Black (Verizon) Smartphone w/ Hard Case $499.99 |
|
|
Samsung illusion i110 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Hot Pink Leopard Z $499.99 |
|
|
Samsung illusion i110 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover White Flowers Z $499.99 |
|
|
HTC One S T-Mobile Hard Case Snap On Silver Phone Cover Colorful Leopard Z $499.99 |
|
|
HTC One S T-Mobile Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Purple Silver Vines Z $499.99 |
|
|
HTC One S T-Mobile Hard Case Snap On Black Phone Cover Spade Skull Z $499.99 |
|
|
Huawei Mercury Glory M886 Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Orange Rubberized Z $499.99 |
|
|
ZTE Avail Z990 AT&T Hard Case Rubberized Snap Phone Cover Purple Silver Vines Z $499.99 |
|
|
LG 500G TracFone Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Purple Silver Vines Z $499.99 |
|
|
HTC EVO 4G Sprint Hard Case Snap On Silver Phone Cover Purple Wings Bling Z $499.99 |
|
|
HTC EVO 4G Sprint Hard Case Rubberized Snap On Black Phone Cover Pink Heart Z $499.99 |
|
|
Original Levi’s/Levis Limited Edition Metal Credit Card Phone+Leather Case/U $499.99 |
|
|
LG Extravert VN271 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Pink Leopard Bling Z $499.99 |
|
|
LG Extravert VN271 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Purple Beats Bling Z $499.99 |
|
|
LG Extravert VN271 Verizon Hard Case Snap Phone Cover Purple Butterfly Bling Z $499.99 |
|
|
Samsung Brightside U380 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Black Phone Cover Skull Wing $499.99 |
|
|
Samsung Brightside U380 Verizon Hard Case Snap On Phone Cover Black White Zebra $499.99 |
|
|
HTC Inspire 4G AT&T Hard Case Snap On Phone Turquoise Cover Jazzy Flowers Z $499.99 |
|
|
LG MyTouch Q (slide phone) C800 T-Mobile Hard Case Cover Blue Butterfly Bling Z $499.99 |
|
|
Original NEC N908/N6206 3band Touch Metal Slim Card Phone+Porsche Leather Case/U $499.99 |
|
|
New Samsung Galaxy S 2 II I9100 BLACK 16GB 8MP Android Phone 1YEAR WARRANTY $499.99 |
|
|
Original Samsung SGH-P318/P310 Gold Super_Slim Luxury Card Phone+Leather case/U $499.99 |
|
|
CHANEL! Caviar Leather Gold Chain Small Shoulder Bag! Phone Case Cosmetic Pouch $480.00 |
|
|
Telos One Digital Hybrid Broadcast Phone Audio Cased $495.88 |
|
|
New Black Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II 2 16GB Dual Core 3G Phone+8GB+Extra Gifts $489.00 |
|
|
Telos One Cased Digital Hybrid Broadcast Phone Line Audio Console Interface MINT $489.00 |
|
|
Nokia lumia windows phone 800 – 1 week old – review phone $450.00 |
|
|
New Unlock Black Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II 2 16GB Dual Core 3G Phone+Extra Gifts $484.00 |
|
|
New Black Sony XPERIA P LT22i 16GB 8MP Dual-core 1GHz Phone+Extra Gifts $481.00 |
|
|
Brand New Nokia N9 3G WiFi 8MP 16GB Internal Unlock Phone +7GIFTS+1year Warranty $469.99 |
|
|
HTC myTouch 4G Smart Phone- White for T-Mobile (Unlocked) FREE 2 days shipping! $469.00 |
|
|
NEW Unlock LG Prada 3.0 P940 8MP Dual-core 8GB Phone+32GB+Extra Gifts $468.00 |
|
|
New Unlock HTC EVO 3D Android Dual-Core X515m Phone+16GB+Extra Gifts $459.00 |
|
|
New Unlock HTC Sensation Z710e Dual Core Android Phone+16GB+Extra Gifts $459.00 |
|
|
Samsung Galaxy S II T989 16GB Bundle – White Case Free Wifi Calls Simple Sim $449.95 |
|
|
Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 – 16GB – Carbon blue Unlocked Smartphone MINT+case $455.00 |
|
|
New Unlock Black Nokia Lumia 800 8MP 16GB Windows Phone 7.5+Extra Gifts $455.00 |
|
|
Rare Vintage US Army Phone, Signal Corps, ca. 1914, Wooden Case w/ Crank Handle $390.00 |
|
|
Unlocked BlackBerry Bold 9780 Black SmartPhone Cell/Mobile Phone+Case+Headset $450.00 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4 – 32GB – Black (AT&T) w/screen protector and bumper case $450.00 |
|
|
Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250 – (Factory Unlocked) with SGP Neo Hybrid Case $449.99 |
|
|
NEW Sealed Apple iPhone 4 8GB Verizon bundle Case can be jailbroken/unlocked $449.99 |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4S 16GB Black Verizon w SIRI and BELKIN case CLEAN ESN $449.99 |
|
|
Apple iphone 4 16 gb 4.0.2 Bundle New Case can be Unlocked & Jailbroken! $449.95 |
|
|
New Unlock Motorola RAZR XT910 8MP 16GB Dual-Core Phone+Extra Gifts $448.00 |
|
|
NOKIA Lumia 800 16GB (BLACK)- BRAND NEW UNLOCKE GSM PHONE (MicroSIM)(Window7.5) $445.99 |
|
|
FMM Upper Case Funky Alphabet & Number Tappit Cutters Set $10.63 CK Products FMM Upper Case Funky Alphabet & Number Tappit Cutters Set… |
|
|
Cell Phone Flask With Leather Case $5.70 This cell phone flask looks just like a cell phone! Holds 4 ounces and comes with a genuine leather case with belt clip…. |
|
|
Apple iPhone 4 GSM 4S OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19 $28.99 OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19 Now charging your iPhone 4 is as simple as setting it down! Complete solutions are pre-pack bundles pairing a Powermat one position charging mat and a receiver to provide a seamless upgrade to wireless charging. Charge your iPhone 4 with the Powermat 1Xi and Receiver Case for iPhone 4. Powermat 1X Wireless Charging MatSMALL PROFILEFITS ANYWHEREThe … |
|
|
Jem and the Holograms: The Truly Outrageous Complete Series $57.99 Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 10/11/2011… |
|
|
Deja Entendu $7.38 While anything but novel, the follow-up to Brand New’s emo-punk-blast debut Your Favorite Weapon features unexpected touches and wisps of maturity. YFW was all about the rage and misery of young, explosive love, presented with Weezer-like hooks. Deja Entendu isn’t really over it yet; lead singer Jesse Lacey still sounds damaged and full of self-loathing on mopey, post-Smiths pop like “The Boy Who … |
|
|
Goblin (Deluxe Limited Edition) $11.79 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Case of the Killer Pizzas [VHS] $12.98 … |
|
|
Skque Clear Silicone Skin Case for Palm Treo 680 755 750 Series $4.96 Palm Treo Clear Silicon Case protects your Palm Treo 680 755 750 Series smartphone with this sleek and stylish black silicone case. The silicon / silicone skin is made to fit your Palm Treo 680 / 755 /750 perfectly and provides your smartphone with unmatched protection against minor drops, scratches, and dirt. All ports are accessible without removing the case from your Palm Treo 680 755 750. The … |
|
|
Black and White Zebra Animal Skin Design Snap-On Cover Hard Case Cell Phone Protector for BlackBerry 9530 Storm $8.79 … |
|
|
Belkin 6-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector $3.45 This Belkin Home/Office Series Surge Protector provides premium power protection for small home appliances, and other connected devices. Our decades of research and development have led us to the release of this breakthrough series. We’ve used advanced design elements, top-quality construction, and superior circuitry and components to provide the most complete protection from power surges, spikes,… |
