"Phishing" what is it?

This has happen to everyone. And if you are not alert you can be scam, and give out personal information...Read on....

Who has not received an email directing them to visit a familiar website where they are being asked to update their personal information? The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit cards numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number.

You recognize the business name as one that you've conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient "take me there" link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been "phished". identity info here!


Phishing (pronounced as "fishing") is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately stealing your identity.

It is not as easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent alot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving.

Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information. Info Here!

A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. NEVER, EVER click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, they type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

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Malicious Software Programs

Malware. An odd sounding word created to lump all malicious software programs, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and other malevolent codes into one cause-your-computer-serious-hurt category.

In 2005, Computer economics released a report a malware. The good news was that for the first time since 2002, the total worldwide financial losses from malware actually declined to a mere $14.2 billion. The bad news was that the nature of malware was changing from overt (not hidden) to more focused, covert (hidden) attacks. This definitely is not great news for the average computer user just trying to keep up with the hundreds of malware programs that bombard us daily.

It's not easy task keeping malware out of your computer system. In order to accomplished this, you need a strong antivirus programs. Here is a few webiste for you to view.

For Spyware/Adware Remover. Click here! or you may consider this: How do I know my PC is infected? Click here!
You must Protect Your Privacy. Click here!

Trojan Horse...What is it?

We have all heard the term Trojan Horse, but what exactly is it? A Trojan horse is a destructive program that masquerades as a harmless application. Unlike viruses, Trojan Horse do not replicate themselves, but they can be just as destructive.

When a Trojan is activated, numerous things can happen. The more serious Trojans can erase or overwrite data on your computer, corrupt files, spread other malware such as viruses, spy on the user of a computer and secretly report data like browsing habits to other people, log keystrokers to steal information such as passwords and credit cards numbers, phish for bank account details (which can be used for criminal activities) and even install a backdoor into your computer system so that they can come and go as they please. To block Hackers. Click here!

To increase your odds of not encountering a Trojan, follow these guidelines.

1. Remain diligent. Do not download anything into your computer unless you are 100 percent sure of its sender or source.
2. Ensure that your operating system is always up-to-date. If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, this is essential.
3. Install reliable anti-virus software. Be sure that the anti-virus program that you choose can also scan e-mails and files downloaded through the internet.
4. Consider installing firewalls. A firewall is not going to eliminate your computer virus problems, but when used in conjunction with regular operating system updates and reliable anti-virus software, it can provide additional security and protection for your computer.

You must continue to improve your computer's security and decrease the possibility of infection by consistently following these guidelines. To protect your computer here is two suggested websites for information and software. Click here! or This one! Be safe.

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What can Spyware Programs do?

Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the NCSA, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user's knowledge. Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system's performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.

Where does it come from?

Typically, spyware originates in 3 ways. The first and most common way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user's knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author's personal use or to sell to a third-party.

The user of downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print. Some agreements may provide special "opt-out" boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.

Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive. For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push a download containing the spyware program will commerce. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this sypware pathway a little more diffcult.

What can spyware programs do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:

1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2. Scan files located on your hard drive.
3. Snoop through applications on your desktop.
4. Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5. Read your cookies.
6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more diffcult to eradicate.
9. Cause your computer to run slower.
10. Deliver annoying pop-up advertisements.
11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate's settings.
12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it diffcult to remove.

To protect yourself and learn more. Click Here!