Johnny Doe, meet the McGeeks.
Internet Security & Wireless Hotspots
Mar 10th
Recently I’ve been getting a lot of questions from people concerned over the security of their information and activities while browsing the web or working from a wireless hotspot.
This isn’t an area that I’m an expert in by any means, but I have found some good information about it and wanted to share it here for those of you who are interested.
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How to work securely in Wireless Hotspots
by Macky
Wireless hotspots are changing the way people work. These wireless local area networks (LANs) provide high speed Internet access in public locations–as well as at home–and require nothing more than a notebook PC with a wireless card. From coffeeshops to restaurants, airports to hotel lobbies, hotspots are ubiquitous. They are the de facto connection method for travelers and remote workers to access the Internet, their e-mail, and even their corporate networks.
Hotspots range from paid services, such as T-Mobile or Boingo, to free connections at your local coffee shop or library. But they all have one thing in common: These are all open networks that are vulnerable to security breaches. And that means it’s up to you to protect the data on your PC. Here are a few tips to make working in public locations more secure. 1. Try to choose more secure connections.
It’s not always possible to choose your connection type–but when you can, opt for wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. The security features of different networks appear along with the network name as your PC discovers them. 2.Make sure your firewall is activated.
A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks all incoming information, and then either blocks the information or allows it to come through. All Microsoft Windows operating systems come with a firewall, and you can make sure it’s turned on.
To activate the Windows XP Firewall
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections. 3. In the Network Connections window, under Network Tasks, click Change Windows Firewall Settings. 4. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, on the General tab, ensure that On is selected.
To activate the Windows Vista Firewall
1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. 2. In Control Panel, select Network and Internet. 3. Under Windows Firewall, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. 4. Ensure that On is selected.
3. Monitor your access points.
Chances are, there are multiple wireless networks anywhere you’re trying to connect. These connections are all access points, because they link into the wired system that gives you Internet access. So how do you make sure you’re connecting to the right one? Simple–by configuring your PC to let you approve access points before you connect.
Configure Windows XP Access Points
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections. 3. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click Properties. 4. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, on the Wireless Networks tab, make sure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected. 5. Under Preferred networks, make sure that the name of the network that you want to connect to is highlighted, and then click Advanced. 6. In the Advanced dialog box, click Access point (infrastructure) network only, and then click Close. 7. Click OK.
Configure Windows Vista Access Points Windows Vista takes the guesswork out of connecting to hotspots because you are automatically prompted to approve new connections. In addition, after you approve a connection, you assign it a profile for future use. display:none 4. Disable file and printer sharing.
File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it’s best to disable file and printer sharing because when enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.
Disable file and printer sharing in Windows XP
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. In Control Panel, click Security Center. 3. In the Security Center window, click Windows Firewall. 4. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click the Exceptions tab. 5. On the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services, clear the File and Printer Sharing check box and then click OK.
Disable file and printer sharing in Windows Vista
1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. 2. In Control Panel, select Network and Sharing Center. 3. Under Sharing and Discovery, turn File Sharing and Printer Sharing to off.
5.Make your folders private.
When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it’s more difficult for hackers to access your files.
To make a folder private in Windows XP:
1. Click Start, and then click My Computer. 2. In the My Computer window, double click the drive where Windows is installed, and then double click Documents and Settings. 3. Double click your user folder, right-click the folder that you want to make private, and then click Properties. 4. In the Properties dialog box, on the Sharing tab, click Do no share this folder, and then click OK. Repeat the steps above for each folder that you want to make private.
To make a folder private in Windows Vista Windows Vista not only makes folders private by default, but it also requires passwords for shared folders. As a result, you’re already covered! But if you want to double check, simply right click on the folder in question, and select Properties. On the Security tab, you can review the set permissions. display:none 6.Encrypt your files.
You can protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place.
* Encrypt files using Windows XP. * Encrypt files using Windows Vista.
7.Consider completely removing sensitive data from your notebook PC.
If you’re working with extremely sensitive data, it might be worth taking it off your notebook PC altogether. Instead, keep it behind the corporate firewall and use your company’s VPN to access it when necessary. This way, you have multiple safeguards in place.
A few simple precautions can help make working in public places more secure. And by selecting the best connections and adjusting settings, you can enjoy productive and safe work sessions no matter where you are.
About the author: Your TechKnowledge Guide
Know What Your Kids Do Online
Feb 27th
The Internet is a vast and valuable tool for research and learning, as well as connection to communities beyond our own local regions. However, like any physical place it also holds areas that aren’t appropriate for visitors of all ages, and people with intentions which aren’t always honorable.
For these reasons we promote safe and fun computing habits. In a perfect world we would like to see parents and their children browsing the Internet together. It’s not only the best method for monitoring your child’s activity online, but also a fantastic bonding experience.
Unfortunately most of us aren’t living in a perfect world and could use a little help from time to time. For this reason we offer the following informational article.
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Key Logger Recording Software: Protecting Your Kids in the Internet
by Chad Kiser
People today use the Internet as a communications device, reconnecting with lost loved ones and old friends. They also use it as a way to meet new friends and lovers.
Another great thing about the internet is that your kids will be able to use it to research for their homework and it can also be used to socialize with their friends through instant messaging.
Although the internet can provide you with a lot of benefits, you have to remember that it is also a very dangerous place to be in especially for kids. You have to consider the fact that the internet isn’t only used by ordinary people like you. It is also now being used by different kinds of criminals who seek to take advantage of other people.
From identity thieves to sex predators, the internet is indeed a very dangerous place to be in.
You also need to remember the fact that you won’t be there 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to look after your kids and their online activities. You simply won’t know what they are doing, who they talk to, and what websites they visit in the internet.
Because of this, you will need the help of a keylogger software program. With this software, you will see that it will be very effective in helping you monitor what your children are doing while they are online. Keystroke recording programs work by recording each and every key typed on the keyboard. Some keylogger software will also be able to take screenshots of the computer monitory automatically and record the websites visited.
The great thing about keylogger software programs is that it works very discreetly. Most good programs will not show up in the add/remove programs menu and will not show up int he toolbar or desktop.
If you run the program in stealth mode, your child won’t even know it is running therefore will not attempt to disable it.
By using this type of software, you will know exactly who your kids are socializing with online, who they are emailing and what websites they are visiting.
Pedophiles now use chat rooms and social networking sites to find their next victims. There are also criminals who seek children as their victims in order to commit identity theft. These individuals first get the child to trust them by befriending them. Once this happens, they will be asking about personal information about their parents and sometimes, they may even ask about credit card information.
Installing a keystroke spy software is a way to prevent and protect your child from getting into trouble or from falling victim to a predator. You will then know what your child is doing online…which puts you back in control.
To Find the Best Keylogger Software, Read Our Expert Reviews at http://monitoringsoftwarereviews.net/
Examples of Spyware
Feb 19th
We talk a lot here about how to prevent or remove spyware, but I thought it might be a good idea to also talk about just what spyware is, who is using it to watch your actions and even key-strokes, and what they do with that information.
So, I found this great article from a spyware researcher which I think gives some fantastic insights into spyware and hope you will find it as informative and thought provoking as I did.
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Top 5 Examples of Spyware
by Michael King
Did you know that advertising companies and individuals have the ability to watch and track your every move on your personal computer? Did you know that you could be targeted by these groups or individuals to push advertisements based on information that has been breached from your computer? Most importantly, did you know that you could be a victim to identity theft and fraud due to these technologies? To me this is very scary, the fact that a company or individual can gain access without my knowledge to my computer and personal information and take it without me even knowing. To hack into my property to gain an edge in advertising is one thing, but to be able to steal personal account information such as bank account information is a hair-raising feeling.
I want to provide you with the top 5 examples of spyware on the web today. These may not be the official names that the creators of these evil technologies call them, but these are what they have been labeled by the anti-spyware community. Getting familiar with these 5 groups is something I highly recommend so you can protect yourself from fraud that can snatch away your identity and drain your wallet.
Here is a list of the top 5 spyware groups to watch out for:
1.) CoolWebSearch. This is a group of programs that has the ability to exploit the weaknesses of Internet Explorer. This spyware can manipulate direct traffic to advertisements on coolwebsearch.com. Also, it has the ability to display pop-up ads, manipulate search engine results, and alters your computer’s host files to direct DNS lookups to these sites.
2.) Internet Optimizer (also known as DyFuCa). Ever see an error page by internet explorer? Well this spyware takes you to advertisements instead of the error page. For example, when a user follows a broken link or enters a wrong URL, they are directed to a page of advertisements that are strategically placed. However, one weakness of this spyware, is that it can’t access password-protected sites because of HTTP Basic authentication.
3.) Zango (formerly 180 Solutions). This spyware transmits detailed information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. Also, it has the ability to alter HTTP request for affiliates linked from a web site, so the advertisers can make unearned profits. It can smother any competitor by opening pop-ups that cover over competitor websites. Therefore you may never get to visit a website of one of their competitors because they can cover them up.
4.) HuntBar (also know as WinTools). Used by ActiveX, which is downloaded at affiliate websites, or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. This is a prime example of how spyware can install more syware. These spyware can add toolbars to internet explorer, track your browsing behavior, and redirect you to affiliate references, which display even more advertisements.
5.) Zlob Trojan. This spyware downloads itself to your computer via ActiveX code and reports your information back to control server. Some of this information that is stolen from you can be your search history, keystrokes, and the Zlob Trojan can hijack routers set to defaults. Now can you see how easy these people can easily snatch important personally information from you.
I hope you will find this information useful and will protect yourself from the evils of spyware. Last year alone over 27.3 million Americans fell victim to identity theft. I want you to be fully aware of spyware and its capabilities so you can become educated on this ever-growing problem. The last thing I want to see is your wallet become light due to expenses caused by a spyware program that is running on your personal computer. My advise to you, “never let your guard down,” because spyware is a very powerful threat, one in which you can’t ever see coming if your not prepared.
I have reviewed some of the top anti-spyware software available to help people defend against becoming a victim. Check out my reviews at:
http://kinmic81.bezoogle.com/pp/anti-spyware/
About the Author: I am a avid anti spyware researcher. I provide streams of information for people to protect themselves against spyware. I have tested and reviewed tons of anti-spyware software. I really enjoy helping people especially with serious matters such as identity theft.
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Pros and Cons of Cookies and How To Get Rid of Them
Feb 12th
Browser cookies have been around forever, yet few people seem to really understand what they are, how they work and what security or privacy implacations they carry.
I believe that based on the number of questions I get about Cookies from friends in social gatherings, and from people who read a blog posting or article I write from time to time.
Here is a great article on Cookies with everything (and more) the average person needs to know about them. I think the writer’s first language is not English based on the wording, however it’s still an easy read to follow and understand so I felt worthy of offering here.
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How to remove Cookies?
by Tangfeng Chen
What is Cookies?
A cookie is information that a Web site puts on your hard disk so that it can remember something about you at a later time. Typically, a cookie records your preferences when using a particular site. Such information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which stores it for further use. The next time you visit the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie recorded information to the Web server. The server can use this information to display you the desired Web pages. So, for example, if you customize web pages, register for services, cookies help to recover your personal information. This may be useful to simplify the process of login your personal information, such as email address, name etc.
Pros and Cons of Cookies
Pros
• Cookies help web sites customize their site for you. The information stored on that cookie can help you track a wish list so you can easily refer these items later. • Cookies retain web site options or preferences information so you don’t have to change these items every time you go back to a web site. • You may browse some advertisements that you find interesting from the web pages cookies retain for you. • Cookies can be used to detect illegal activities on the web that is used to promoting products.
Cons
• Cookies easily expose your privacy. Hardly any of people want to be identified on the web and have their moves tracked. • Cookies indirectly guide marketers to track browsers’ moves and impose advertisements on the web pages. • Your browser and cookies can tell web sites such information: your pc brand and size; pc applied software and hardware; e-mail address or account information. Some web sites may request your identity when you surf their pages. Usually firewalls block this request but if you are not protected, you may easily expose this information.
Cookies can make the browsers enjoy a more convenient experience but if you are concerned about your privacy and potential unwanted disturbance, we remind you to check browser options to turn them off.
How to Remove Cookies?
You can easily remove cookies from being saved on your computer by modifying your Internet Explorer settings. To do this, perform the following steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer. 2. On the Tools menu, select the Internet Options command. 3. On the General tab, in the Browsing History section click the Delete button. Note: The way information is only applied to Internet Explorer 7. 4. In the displayed Delete Browsing History dialog box, select the Delete Cookies button.
Cookies may also save part information on the system registry. This is the reason why, after you have detected the cookies from the system, it is still recommended that you clean your registry using a reliable registry cleaner tool.
Thus we recommend you a reliable registry cleaner tool called registry cleaner tool.It can not only perform an all-around scan of your Windows registry to detect and fix invalid references and incorrect errors, which also helps streamline your pc registry without expensive hardware upgrades. Most importantly, Registry Winner protects your privacy by ensuring all traces of your online Internet especially cookies and computer activities permanently to be erased and unrecoverable on your PC which speeds up system performance and retrieves more hard drive space.
How to remove cookies by Registry Winner?
To remove currently stored cookies from your computer, perform the following steps:
1. Open Registry Winner 2. On the Evidence Cleaner menu, in the Internet Browsing History section, click Cookies When you do this, this tool will perform a system scan and remove all cookies that are stored on your computer. Meanwhile, you could also use Registry Winner to delete some other personal information: Temp Internet Files folder; History(Visited sites);Favorites(Bookmarked sites);Start page and secondary tabs. After you clean up the cookies and other stored Internet Explorer information, your Web site preferences will be lost at last.
About the Author
http://www.registrywinner.com/regwinner.asp?mk=ctf
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Internet Security in 2009
Jan 13th
Well, its a brand new year and yet not all that much has changed when it comes to online security.
So, here’s some great information for helping you to stay safe and keep your system clean while browsing the Internet.
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How To Avoid Trojan Malware, And Other Internet Security Viruses
by Remy Na
Trojan software programs are just one of the threats that affect Internet security, and any malicious software program can cause a wide variety of problems and weaknesses in your PC. Anti virus software programs are critical, because of the large number of Internet security threats out there on the world wide web. Some of the more serious programs can hijack your computer, access everything that is on your system, or even cause physical damage and system failures that will not allow your system to start up ever again. A new PC can be quite costly, so it is essential that you protect your system against Trojans and other Internet security threats.
The best way to avoid any malicious programs, including Trojans and viruses, is to be very careful about clicking anything. Many Trojans do not use force to enter your computer, instead they trick you into believing that the program or prompt is legitimate. Once you click the agreement or okay button, the Trojan will download, and may have the ability to download or activate other harmful programs as well. Always read the entire agreement, warning, or prompt, and think carefully before you agree. If you are not sure what a program is or does, do not allow it to run or install. This will protect you against Trojans and viruses that may cause irreparable harm to your system and your data.
Anti virus programs that are legitimate can help identify these harmful programs, many times before the Trojan can even get on your PC. It is important that these programs are updated daily, to prevent against any new threats recently identified. You also need to scan your system at least once a day for the best Internet security and computer protection. It may be necessary to scan more often if the program detects problems. Anti virus software can prevent Trojans and viruses, and increases your level of Internet security.
Use care when surfing on the web to prevent Trojans and other malware programs from gaining access to your PC. Some websites may be infected, either intentionally or without the site being aware of a third party infection, and if you visit one of these sites you may get a prompt that is misleading, or spyware may be downloaded secretly in the background, so you do not even realize it. Use caution and common sense when surfing the web. Only visit sites that you know are legitimate and infection free. This will minimize the risks of a Trojan or virus infecting your system.
To prevent viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software from causing problems on your computer, you should have Internet security programs and processes that are layered. Start by being careful to read everything before allowing a program to install or run. Make sure you have a quality anti virus program installed and updated, and that this program runs a daily scan to detect these infections. Be careful which sites you visit, because some sites can have harmful components. These steps will help you protect your system and Internet security.
To know more on trojan and if you want the best internet security tools do visit our site.