Computer Problems Tips - The 3 Levels of Spyware - Do You Still Control Your Computer?
"The only difference between
the fool, and the criminal who attacks a system is
that the fool attacks unpredictably and on a broader
front." (Tom Gilb)
It doesn't matter if your computer
is compromised by professional villains or just by
the geeky kid across the street, once your sensitive
files have been broken into your life may never be
the same. Spyware is one of the most unrated forms
of "espionage" occurring in the world today.
Most computer users think of this
kind of program as a being just as an annoying or
embarrassing kind of prank. But criminal-minded programmers
know better.
In the past, spyware and its close
cousin adware were simply wicked bits of "paid
advertisements" for shady website publishers
to attract customers. But soon, more malicious coders
determined to use these programs to really "spy"
on innocent people and dig out as many of their victim's
secrets to use or sell on the black market as possible.
These new programs are being crafted
by "professional" development teams just
like a "real" software company. The programs
are sophisticated and slick.
At its most innocent level, these
spy packages just track your browsing habits (where
you go and what you do on the web). Your email addresses
are also raided. This information is then sold to
websites for advertising.
At an intermediate level, a "keystroke"
logger (a program that observes and records what you
type on your keyboard) can be used in combination
with web-tracking software to dig out the keywords,
passwords and usernames you use when visiting sites
such as eBay, PayPal and your bank.
The final level is in which spyware
has completely overwhelmed your computer and all your
sensitive information is laid-bare to any prying eyes
that want to view it. Your ID/SSN numbers, your home
address, personal photographs, your banking or other
financial information is dug out and sold to the highest
bidder.
This is then used to create everything
from fake driver's licenses for teenagers, terrorists,
and illegals to making dupe credit cards used to run
up charges under your name. Your "identity"
has been stolen and compromised for years to come.
Your computer can be turned into
a "zombie" and thousands and thousands of
fake emails could be sent through your connection
to the Internet. This will result in your ISP (Internet
Service Provider) taking action and limiting or shutting
down your account. And with unpaid charges bouncing
about your credit card report will soon be in a shambles
as well.
What you should do now to lock down
your PC...
Download from the Net or buy a good
anti-spyware software package. For free try Ad-Aware
or SpyBot's S&D. Or use SpySweeper if you need
an industrial strength cleaner.
Scan your hard drive and follow
any instructions on removing items.
Install a good personal firewall
program to slow down pop-ups and other nastiness.
Password protect any personal folders
where sensitive documents, photos, etc are stored.
Download and install a password
storage program like "Password Safe" to
securely store your usernames and passcodes.
Use strong passwords.
Change passwords every 6 months
for your bank, eBay, PayPal and other financial institutions.
We hope our news, information
and articles will help you make an informed choice
when buying Computers
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