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THREAT #1: IE
I have been telling you not to use Internet Explorer as your browser! It is a specific target for security attacks! This was in a report by the FBI people! wwwdotsansdotorg/top20. One reason: It is the most widely used browser. IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers which set out to exploit it flaws!
IE allows websites to run executable programs on YOUR commputer! Yes! Recently released patches make it safer but inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those make the risk not worth it!
Regarless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk! Note: To keep Windows XP up-to-date you will have to use Internet Explorer. Ironic isn't it! So you will need to keep it on your computer because occasionally it will be required!
If you stick with IE upgrade to Version 7, which improves ActiveX security! Still the best way to reduce your PC's vunerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser. Mozilla Firefox is better!
THREAT #2: PHISHING AND IDENITY THEFT
You probably see 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 on a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log in fields!
When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account-immediatley! If you are concerned that your financial institution is trying to contact you open your browser manually and login to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent. Always check your statements for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately!
Both IE and Firefox 2 include new antiphishing setting that can compare links to databases of known phishing sites before displaying the page. I know this came in handy for me!
THREAT #3: MALWARE
Every day, Virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your comuter! These steps will help keep you safe:
THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK:
Attached files with a single click can infect your entire computer!
USE A SPAM FILTER:
Install a junk mail filter to reduce your chances of activating malicious scripts embedded in messages!
UPDATE YOUR ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE:
That is why you have it! To keep your computer as safe as possible!
DOWNLOAD WITH DISCRETION:
Any program you download and run on your computer could potentially result in a lethal infection! Download software only from reputable online sources!
USE A FIREWALL:
Windows XP and Vista come with a firewall that blocks incoming attacks; it's enabled by default. For best protection, you will want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by your computer also!
UPGRADE FROM XP:
Service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, but the operating system still has security holes, and it remains a top target for malware authors! Windows Vista new user access controls ask your permission before launching new programs which reduces the chances that malware can get into your computer!
Hope this helps make your computer safer!
I have been telling you not to use Internet Explorer as your browser! It is a specific target for security attacks! This was in a report by the FBI people! wwwdotsansdotorg/top20. One reason: It is the most widely used browser. IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers which set out to exploit it flaws!
IE allows websites to run executable programs on YOUR commputer! Yes! Recently released patches make it safer but inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those make the risk not worth it!
Regarless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk! Note: To keep Windows XP up-to-date you will have to use Internet Explorer. Ironic isn't it! So you will need to keep it on your computer because occasionally it will be required!
If you stick with IE upgrade to Version 7, which improves ActiveX security! Still the best way to reduce your PC's vunerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser. Mozilla Firefox is better!
THREAT #2: PHISHING AND IDENITY THEFT
You probably see 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 on a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log in fields!
When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account-immediatley! If you are concerned that your financial institution is trying to contact you open your browser manually and login to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent. Always check your statements for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately!
Both IE and Firefox 2 include new antiphishing setting that can compare links to databases of known phishing sites before displaying the page. I know this came in handy for me!
THREAT #3: MALWARE
Every day, Virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your comuter! These steps will help keep you safe:
THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK:
Attached files with a single click can infect your entire computer!
USE A SPAM FILTER:
Install a junk mail filter to reduce your chances of activating malicious scripts embedded in messages!
UPDATE YOUR ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE:
That is why you have it! To keep your computer as safe as possible!
DOWNLOAD WITH DISCRETION:
Any program you download and run on your computer could potentially result in a lethal infection! Download software only from reputable online sources!
USE A FIREWALL:
Windows XP and Vista come with a firewall that blocks incoming attacks; it's enabled by default. For best protection, you will want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by your computer also!
UPGRADE FROM XP:
Service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, but the operating system still has security holes, and it remains a top target for malware authors! Windows Vista new user access controls ask your permission before launching new programs which reduces the chances that malware can get into your computer!
Hope this helps make your computer safer!
Guide created: 02/22/07 (updated 07/25/08)
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