CyberImpersonate

Protecting your computer from viruses is getting more and |more difficult every day. While it may sound a little paranoid, it is true that you cannot let your defense down for one moment. Even corporate giant Microsoft has found its own computers infected on more than one occasion.

Do you remember the ‘good old days’, before the advent of the Internet and downloadable programs? Life was simple then in terms of computer viruses. The primary way to catch a virus then was via floppy disks. By today’s standards, it used to take quite a while before a virus was able to infect a computer and slow down the system. The antivirus software of that time was usually able to identify and eliminate viruses before they caused too much damage. Moreover, computer users were pretty savvy about how to defend themselves by scanning all floppy disks before using them.

The Internet changed all that. The Internet provided a medium by which viruses could move from host to host with lightening speed. A computer user had to begin to think about email, email attachments, peer-to-peer file sharing, instant messaging, and software downloads as virus entry points. Today’s viruses can attack through multiple entry points, propagate without human intervention, and take full advantage of weaknesses within a system or program. With technology advancing everyday, and the convergence of computers with other mobile devices, the potential for new types of threats also increases.

Luckily, the advancement of antivirus software has kept up with the virus threats. Antivirus software is essential to a computer’s ability to ward off viruses and other malicious programs. These software products are designed to guard against the ability of a virus to enter a computer through email, web browsers, file servers and desktops. Moreover, these programs offer a control feature that handles deployment, configuration and updating. A computer user should remain diligent and follow a couple of simple steps to guard against the menace of a virus:

You should evaluate your current computer security system. With the danger of a new generation of viruses being able to attack in a large number of ways, the tactic of having just one kind of antivirus software has become obsolete. You need to be certain that you have protected all aspects of your computer system from the desktop to the network, and from the gateway to the server. Consider a more comprehensive security system which encompasses several features including antivirus, firewall, content filtering, and intrusion detection. This type of system will make it more difficult for the virus to infiltrate your system.

You should install antivirus software created by a well-known, reputable company, because new viruses come out daily, so it is vital that you update your antivirus software daily. Become familiar with your software’s real-time scan feature and configure it to start automatically each time you start up your computer. This will protect your system by automatically checking your computer each time it is powered up.

Set your antivirus software to scan all new programs or files no matter from where they originate from and exercise caution when opening binary, Word, or Excel documents of unknown sources particularly if they were received during an online chat or as an attachment to an email.

Make sure you perform regular backups in case your system is corrupted. It could be the only way to retrieve your data if you computer becomes infected.

There are numerous applications available to consumers, so with a little research, you should be able to pick the program that is right for you. Many programs offer a trial version which allows you to download the program and test its capabilities. However, be aware that some anti-virus programs can be difficult to uninstall, so as a precaution make sure you set up a System Restore point and take back-ups before installing it.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the cheap antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

Most computer users in the United States have heard of the leading American antivirus vendors. Manufacturers such as Symantec, McAfee, Computer Associates, and Trend Micro. These companies have a market leading presence in the United States. Microsoft, too, has aspirations to become a key player in this enormous growth market.

In fact, Microsoft bought intellectual property and technology rights from GeCad software in 2003, a company based in Bucharest, Romania. They also purchased Pelican Software, which had a behaviour orientated security product, as well as the Giant Company Software for spyware and Sybari Software, which controlled virus, spam, and phishing filtering.

A great deal of debate centered on whether Microsoft would end up in a domineering position in the antivirus market by simply bundling its newly acquired software technologies up with its Windows operating systems at no cost. This is a comparable technique that has been used in other markets such as word processing and Internet browsers. In fact, this is precisely what did take place. Microsoft has come out with a free product called Microsoft Security Essentials.

It is too early for me to advise whether MS Security Essentials is a world-class antivirus product, but it is not free to everyone. Microsoft has been battling Windows piracy for a while now with its Windows Genuine Advantage devious download and sure enough, this new product from Microsoft will only work on Windows systems and even then, only with operating systems that pass the Windows Genuine Advantage test. (Please click the link at the bottom the page to find out more).

There is nothing wrong with that per se, but it does mean that scarcely anyone in the Third World will be able to make use of it, because a pirated operating system comes bundled with every computer that I have ever seen in Asia and probably elsewhere too. People save for years in order to be able to buy a computer and the last thing they care about when they plug it in is whether the operating system is genuine or not.

Of course there is a number of other antivirus manufacturers prominent in this market. There are many companies with great market presence in other countries that are starting to become more widely recognized. These vendors include GriSoft from the Czech Republic, Sophos from the United Kingdom, Panda Software from Spain, Kaspersky from Russia, SoftWin from Romania, F-Secure from Finland, Norman from Norway, Arcabit from Poland, VirusBuster from Hungary, Nod from Thailand and AhnLab from South Korea.

It is not yet apparent where the industry is going and everyone in this market is confronted by a swiftly changing landscape. The amount of effort required to find and deliver fixes for new viruses is quite staggering. Malware programs are getting more and more complicated and the quantity of them is escalating.

Many companies may find themselves without the capital to equal the hard work of those truly determined to create chaos. The antivirus companies are receiving hundreds of new examples of viruses a day! What is more, the new viruses are getting “cleverer” in that they spread themselves quickly and they often hide themselves too. Some are even intelligent enough to move around in a system by renaming themselves in an effort to make it hard to remove them.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the Microsoft antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

I want to tell you the story of a law school student whose thesis was about money laundering. She often used to Google the term to come up with a useful list of online references. This proved to be useful to her and the entire procedure of writing her manuscript became easier for it. After a few months, she came across several problems like being sent to a page which was totally unrelated to money laundering every time she entered that search term.

At first, she thought it was just a hiccup in the Internet system and then she rationalized that maybe it was a difficulty with the search engine she is using, but the continual recurrence of the problem, made her consider that she had picked up a virus of some sort. We all detest people bugging us, but people we can ward of.

What this law student was faced with was a computer bug that she could not ward off on her own. In the first place, she was not a technologically-savvy individual and in the second place she never used her laptop for anything other than academic research and the actual writing of her papers.

The situation above is not an unusual issue. There are many people who find themselves caught up in technological problems that are mystifying, but which can actually be described in two words: spyware and adware. The notorious term ’spyware’ was first used in the year 1995 but it was popularized in the year 2000. Spyware is computer software infiltrated into a personal computer in order to access the personal data of the user.

This is done by capturing your keystrokes, web browsing history and even scanning the user?s hard drive. It may sound like something you see in James Bond films, but that is wrong because anyone can become a target of spyware. Spyware can be used to spy on criminals because it is useful to society, but what what about the use of spyware to seize credit card particulars and the like?

What people can do to shield themselves is to block spyware and other software like it such as adware and malware. This can be achieved quite simply by deploying an adware and spyware blocker. The function of these blocking programs include clearing or disabling existing spyware or to inhibit the installation of these malicious programs.

Spyware, adware and malware are not like viruses or worms which replicate themselves, but they cause just as much aggravation because they interrupt your computer’s activities. One of the most common nuisances caused by these programs is the slowing down of the computer which is very annoying.

In some infections, spyware is not even obvious as the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is best to have a blocker set up on your computer to avoid the infection in the first place. It is far easier to prevent than cure and it is also far better to be safe than sorry

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the best virus protection software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the best virus protection software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

If you log on to the Internet, you definitely need anti-virus software. It does not matter whether you do not use a computer. Whatever you use to get on line you must have anti-virus software. Although there are hundreds of malicious idiots producing viruses to attack those who log on to the Internet from a computer, there is an increasing number who are focusing on mobile phone users as well.

It is harder to clear viruses from your mobile phone as well, because there are less vendors for the anti-virus software and mobile phone users are often less technologically knowledgeable than computer users, although the technique of clearing the virus is fairly analogous.

Let’s just use the example of using computers to go on line. If you go on line, your ant-virus software is your most essential piece of software. It does not matter what you use the Internet for – transferring data back to base or reading emails from friends – you are subject to attack.

For instance, if you use the Internet only to connect with your head office, a hacker could try to piggy-back your link to gain admittance to the mainframe at head office and perhaps access financial or other personal data and if you just send to and receive emails from your friends and family, you are open to assault from malicious twits around the world.

If you use webmail such as that provided by Yahoo, Hotmail and MSN to name only the most popular, you will be protected from the most obvious attacks, but still not safe. If you obtain your email via an email client such as Outlook or Outlook Express, then you do not even have that small amount of security.

If you do not use email, but only surf the Internet for research or whatever, you are still not safe, because some websites and loaded with viruses, trojans and worms, waiting to unload them onto unwary visitors.

Therefore, whatever reason you surf the Internet for, you could do with some type of security. Fortunately, anti-virus software for personal use is inexpensive and may even be free. Commercial users will normally get tax relief on their purchases.

However, be cautious with the free anti-virus software, because not all of it is effectual enough. The exceptions that spring readily to mind are Avira and AVG. These are exceptional products and have justly gained worldwide praise. Just Google the two names to get the download URL.

The anti-virus software that costs something (typically $25-$50 per year) customarily offer one to two months free examination before you buy and a reduction in price, if you pay for more than one year at a time. Names that fall into this category are Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton and Nod.

Once you have selected your software, the following steps are the same for free and paid software. First install it and then configure it. If you are not sure how to do that do not worry, the default settings are fine for the overwhelming majority of users. The only choice you will get that it is imperative you make properly is to consent to automatic updates.

New viruses are being discovered or fixed every day and for your anti-virus software to be effective, you must allow it to bring itself up to date whenever it wishes to.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the network antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

New computer viruses are being created, exposed and fought every day. These computer viruses are created often just to annoy us and to wreak mayhem in our computer systems. Below, I have described ten viruses currently cited as being the most widespread and being potentially able to cause the most damage. However, new viruses are being created daily, so this list is by no means complete. The only thing you can do is stay alert, keep your anti-virus software updated, and stay aware of the current computer virus threats.

Virus: Trojan.Lodear: A Trojan (from Trojan Horse) that tries to download files from a distant source. It will inject a .dll file into the EXPLORER.EXE process causing system instability.

Virus: W32.Beagle.CO@mm: A mass-mailing worm that reduces security settings. It can delete security-related registry sub keys and may prevent access to security-related websites.

Virus: Backdoor.Zagaban: A Trojan that allows the compromised computer to be operated as a covert proxy and which may degrade network performance.

Virus: W32/Netsky-P: A mass-mailing worm which propagates by emailing itself to addresses produced from files on the local drives.

Virus: W32/Mytob-GH: A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan for the Windows platform. Messages sent by this worm will have the subject chosen randomly from a list including titles such as: Notice of account limitation, Email Account Suspension, Security measures, Members Support, Important Notification.

Virus: W32/Mytob-EX: A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan similar in nature to W32-Mytob-GH. W32/Mytob- EX runs continuously in the background, providing a backdoor server which allows a remote hacker to gain admittance and control over your computer via IRC channels. This virus spreads by sending itself to email attachments gleaned from your email address book.

Virus: W32/Mytob-AS, Mytob-BE, Mytob-C, and Mytob-ER: This family of worm variations possesses similar characteristics in terms of what they are able to do. They are mass-mailing worms with backdoor functionality that can be manipulated through the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network. Furthermore, they can spread themselves via email and by various operating system vulnerabilities such as the LSASS (MS04-011).

Virus: Zafi-D: A mass-mailing worm and a peer-to-peer worm which copies itself to the Windows system folder with the filename Norton Update.exe. It can then generate a number of files in the Windows system folder with filenames consisting of 8 random characters and a DLL extension. W32/Zafi-D copies itself to folders with names containing words like ’share’, ‘upload’, or ‘music’ as ‘ICQ 2005a new!.exe’ or ‘winamp 5.7 new!.exe’. W32/Zafi-D will also display a fake error message box with the caption “CRC: 04F6Bh” and the text “Error in packed file!”.

Virus: W32/Netsky-D: A mass-mailing worm with IRC backdoor functionality which can also contaminate computers vulnerable to the LSASS (MS04-011) exploit.

Virus: W32/Zafi-B: A peer-to-peer (P2P) and email worm that will reproduce itself to the Windows system folder as a randomly named EXE file. This worm will check for the presence of an Internet connection by attempting to connect to google.com or microsoft.com. A bilingual, worm with an attached Hungarian political text message box which translates to ?We demand that the government accommodates the homeless, tightens up the penal code and VOTES FOR THE DEATH PENALTY to cut down the increasing crime. Jun. 2004, P?cs (SNAF Team)?

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the network antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

Adware, spyware and anti-virus software share some similarities, one of which is that all three are major problems for computer users. Let’s differentiate between the three.

Spyware is software that does not necessarily damage your computer. What it does is build links whereby someone else apart from the computer owner can communicate from that computer. Usually spyware records the different kinds of web sites you visit and sends that information to web advertisers, who then later send you unsolicited emails and pop-ups.

Which is why spyware is unpopular and shunned. It is more intrusive than adware. Spyware has its own separate executable programs, which allow it to record your keystrokes, scan files on your hard disks and look at other applications that you use, including but not limited to chat programs, cookies and Web browser settings.

Spyware then sends the data that it had gathered to the spyware author. The author will then use this data for advertising and marketing purposes. They also sell the information to advertisers and other parties.

Adware, on the other hand, is a more legitimate type of software.. It is similar to spyware but adware is advertising spyware which is bundled into free software or a free program and is installed automatically once that particular program or software is loaded into your computer system.

Some forms of adware, on the other hand, download advertising content when a particular application is being run. Some adware acts like spyware in that it tracks and reports user data to the program’s authors.

The signs of spyware infection include pop-up ads that seem to be unconnected to the site you are looking at. Sometimes spyware pop-ups are advertisements about adult contents. Furthermore, if you become aware of your computer slowing down, there is a big chance that spyware and its components have found their way into your operating system. If Windows desktop takes a long time to load, it is best to scan your computer for spyware infections.

Viruses, on the other hand, are a harmful kind of software. They were designed and created for one reason alone and that is to inflict chaos on your computer. They may destroy whatever data they come in contact with, can instigate self replication and then infect as many components of the computer’s operating system or network as possible.

These days, a lot of anti-virus software also provides spyware and adware scanning and removal utilities. They then remove it as well as its components located in the system registry and other locations on your computer. It is therefore, good practice to regularly update your anti-virus and anti-spyware scanner to ensure that your computer is protected from the thousands of spyware and viruses in the Internet. Beware of free add-ons or free anything really.

Adware could be spyware in disguise and could be just waiting to be deployed for its writers to gather your information. Learn how to set up a firewall and pop-up blocker in order to reduce the risk of computer infection and guarantee the security of all your computer records.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the best virus protection software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

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Do you know what a computer virus is? Basically, it does what it says on the tin- it infects your computer- some viruses can be little more than an irritation- a cold that causes little more inconvenience than a sniffle. Mainly written be some geek in a teenage bedroom, the intention is to annoy rather than cause massive disruption. At the very least, you should know what’s on your computer, and what it does.

Even these less sinister malware programs can create problems for the computer user. They typically take up computer memory used by legitimate programs. As a result, they often cause erratic behavior and can result in system crashes. In addition, much malware is bug-ridden, and these bugs may lead to system crashes and data loss.

This results in slowing down of the computer, but it is also very difficult to find and stop the problem- help is at hand. Make sure you run a scan through the control panel interface of your Anti-virus software. Most anti-virus programs will have a scan utility- run it and follow the instructions if the scan reveals that you have a virus on your PC.

Trojans, key loggers, more serious malware and even computer worms can cause you massive problems, lose money, and even fund terrorism, criminality and worse. Basically, they program is written with the very serious intent of harm or extortion. To protect yourself against these very real threats, you need to have an excellent anti-virus program running on your computer at all times. We recommend AVG anti-virus. Their software is not only free- in my opinion, it out performs the most common commercial programs

You would be amazed at the number of people who don’t run anti-virus software. You absolutely do need it- it is as important as the power supply on your computer. Do not use your computer without having an up to date anti-virus software program. Download AVG free and run a scan on your computer as soon as possible- you won’t regret it.

You may find it to be surprising that AVG free performs much better than many of the commercial programs available over the counter or for download Most of the poor performing software programs offer very limited protection and also insist on your renewing the subscription annually (or after the free 3 months subscription is finished)