Spyware and viruses infect an individual or business computer in many ways, from the obvious methods to the sneaky, back door tricks. Viruses are designed to interrupt and alter normal computer functioning and spyware is intended to literally spy on its victims, all the while recording their personal information. Either infection, no matter what the method in which it intruded by, can cause an array of difficulties for the computer user.

Often times viruses and spyware are put into your computer by opening insecure emails and sharing files with infected computers. Spyware also intrudes as a “ride along” on third party software you might purchase and download online. In other situations spyware and viruses find a “back door” in your computer and use it to install their malicious codes. Signs your computer has been affected by viruses or spyware could be unusual behavior and slower functioning.

Unauthorized dial out from your internet connection are most likely spyware applications. Other common signs include browser crashes, longer boot ups, more pop ups and possibly missing files.

To get rid of any virus or spyware infection back up your files and scan them for viruses and/or spyware. Keep your virus and spyware software updated and run the scans regularly. If you have no spyware or virus scanning software it is recommended you find a free programs that will detect and warn you of possible infections.

Once you have the proper software it is important to get rid of spyware infections and viruses as well as protect your privacy and your computer from further invasions. If spyware has latched onto your computer and at scanning tool catches it you will most likely have to remove the entire programs to completely rid yourself of those spyware applications.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htm as well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm

When conducting business online every computer user, business and personal, is in jeopardy of being infested with spyware. By clicking on insecure sites or pop ups and downloading freeware programs you may be letting in spyware applications. Once in your computer system spyware collects, sends out or sells then uses information about your computer usage and internet habits. Some types of spyware are even capable of logging your credit card, social security and bank account numbers.

The many ways spyware is able to download itself onto your computer means users are more at risk of being infected. With some downloads computer users agree to allow spyware to run on their computer by complying with the user agreement. To rid your computer of spyware infections and avoid highly possible future invasions all computer users should have a secure firewall, which will usually alert you when a file is trying to download so you may allow or decline the download.

Researching a bit more into spyware will help you find other ways to deal with spyware. Downloading and/or purchasing spyware scan and removal tools can detect and remove current spyware infections. By keeping your spyware tool up-to-date and running scans regularly you lessen the chances of spyware invading your privacy again. Spyware also comes in the form of malicious emails.

To reduce spyware threats in that area and decrease the amount of spam you receive by automatically blocking unwanted emails through filtering them past a list of unacceptable or adult words and eliminating an email if it contains the unauthorized dialog.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htm as well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm

Internet users are continually surprised at the numerous spyware infected files they find on their computers once they finally hear the advice to run a spyware tool along with anti-virus and firewall protection. Users have been unfortunately unaware about spyware until recently, when the threats have become more prevalent. A computer can be fully secure against viruses intruding but that software will not protect against spyware because the codes are detected differently.

Spyware tracks, records and sends out your computer usage information and some types can log your personal credit, bank account and social security numbers which can result in identity theft. The most benign type of spyware infects and uses the information it finds to target you with advertisements through email and pop up. More dangerous spyware comes in many forms, such as keyloggers, which can detect and log your usernames, passwords, credit card number, etc.

Cookies are capable of tracking you while visiting nearly any web site. They use the information tracked and other sources to find private information about you. Adware is privacy invasive software that tracks your internet usage, downloads, computer habits and more then uses the information to target product specific ads to your computer.

Your computer has become infected with spyware in one or more of many different ways. Some users allow spyware in along with downloads such as music and game freeware. Emails can have spyware attached to it and upon your approval to download the attachment, spyware is installed in your computer. Hackers can find open port in your computer that they use to install spyware, viruses, etc at their whim. Keyloggers and other malicious spyware applications are installed through downloads or physically, often by employers or spouses.

To protect your privacy and computer it is necessary for internet users to find a program that scan and protects specifically against spyware. Anti-virus and firewalls are also necessary protective software but spyware specific programs are needed due to the high number of spyware threats. Spy Sweeper is a good program to start with when scanning your system. Other highly regarded spyware tools are AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Both scan your system for spyware and other similar threats and they also have features to help immunize and actively protect your computer from certain defined threats.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htm as well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm

Spyware and its endless threats to internet users can strike in numerous ways; penetrating areas users thought were secure and untouchable. Recently, a day trader logged into his TD Waterhouse online account and found his account was nearly empty. The cause was a keylogger. The perpetrator had sent a message inviting investors to test a new stock charting tool.

Anyone who wanted to participate in the testing was sent a link to download and install. The download was actually a keylogger that found and recorded usernames and passwords keyed into the infected computer.

The intruder was charged with fraudulently accessing an individual’s computer and executing security transactions. The transactions amounted to nearly $50,000. Owner of the spyware software SpyCop said this example of keylogger intrusion is one of many that occur regularly, especially with spouse tracking each other.

Keyloggers have the capability to record everything you type into your computer. The information they can gather may be your credit card number, social security number, username, password and more.

Once a spyware application such as keyloggers has your information it is often sold or sent straight to the intruder who will use it for identity theft or fraud. Programs such as SpyCop are able to detect and remove current spyware infections. Once your system is clean SpyCop has features that will actively protect your computer from spyware while you surf the internet.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htm as well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm

Is your computer running slower than it should be? Do you find that de-fragmentation and extra memory doesn’t help? Do you think it could be a virus? What do you do in situations like these? I suppose you’d run your antivirus software. But what happens when the problem still remains even after you’ve run your antivirus software? In situations like these, many people would turn to technical support. Does this situation sound familiar?

Every day, there are thousands of Internet users who suffer from the same problem. This problem is caused by nasty infectious software called spyware. Over 10% of calls made to technical support relate to spyware problems. According to Microsoft, 50% of all windows based problems are caused by trojans, viruses and spyware. http://www.spywarelive.com has relevant information on combating spyware and its sources.

Adware, Malware, Trojans and Keyloggers all fall under the umbrella name of spyware. Many times these programs are automatically installed on your computer without intervention. Depending on which program is infecting your computer, many unwanted actions take place. Some of the things which could occur as a result of having spyware on your computer are: Settings may change Your computer can be monitored remotely Your computer can be controlled remotely Your actions can be recorded Advertisements can be displayed on your desktop

The most prominent spyware programs are:

Adware: This type of program download all sorts of advertisements to your computer and displays them whilst you surf the Internet. Key Loggers: This program records all your movements and actions on your PC and reports directly to the hacker. Dialers: A dialer is a program which he uses your phone line to dial premium rate numbers. Browser Hijacker: These programs change your browser settings so your start page and search preferences are redirected elsewhere.

What is the difference between spyware and a virus?

A virus is a file or program which can cause actual harm or damage to your computer. It can even cause problems with your computer hardware. Spyware will not damage your computer but it is a pain and nuisance to have running in your processes. Spyware is intended to watch over or control you and your system. Since spyware and viruses are two different programs, antivirus software will not remove a spyware program. Thankfully, companies which make antivirus programs are now integrating anti-spyware components within their software.

How do you get spyware on your computer in the first place?

There are several ways this may happen.
You may have elected to allow browser plug-ins to be installed automatically. Sometimes these contain spyware. Some web sites install spyware whilst you your on their web page. Over 80% of these types of websites are porn related. If you download or install games or pictures from unscrupulous websites, you’re most likely to be infected with spyware. The worst type of spyware is one which tells you that it will eliminate infections from your computer but if you click on the ad, it will install spyware instead.

What can you do about it?

Use the Firefox browser. This will minimize the chances of being infected. Be wary of sites you visit and download items from. Keep your windows up to date. Install anti-spyware software. Make sure your firewall updates itself.

Look out for tell-tale signs of spyware infection, such as slow responses, ads popping up, extra icons in your system tray and unrecognised items in your task manager. If you notice anything unusual do a full scan with recommended software. Make sure your protection isn’t flawed.

More information, recommendation and guides can be found at http://www.spywarelive.com

Recently wireless networks have become easier and easier to set up.

Many people who have purchased broadband routers have gone for the option of adding wireless connectivity and the appeal of browsing the Internet from the garden or listening to your mp3 collection in the bath has prompted many others to add wireless connectivity to their existing systems.

Unfortunately, in an effort to make their products easy to set up and therefore sell, many of the manufacturers of these wireless units have bypassed the security aspects of wireless networking and have enabled insecure wireless by default.

This may not seem a serious problem for the average home user, who may even be unaware that their network is being browsed, but in a time where identity theft is becoming more common it provides a way for unscrupulous people to obtain personal information about their target.

Even more concerning is the fact that many businesses use cheap, domestic grade equipment on their company networks. Combine this with the poor security commonly found on small business networks and anyone with a basic knowledge of wireless can browse sensitive company data.

A walk around any small town with a wireless enabled PDA will reveal tens or even hundreds of unsecured networks and this has led to a whole new pastime known as War Chalking where chalk marks are placed in public spaces to advise fellow War Chalkers of available networks.

I strongly advise anyone with a wireless network to thoroughly check the security settings on their system and, if you are unsure, to get an independent audit performed.

Steve Blampied is an ITexpert and webmaster in Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Technology.je

Free Software Advice

http://www.newandoriginal.com

Fortunately for the Mac users, the Adware and Spyware industry is still, as of 2005, heavily focused on the PC users. Adware and Spyware developers are particularly found of targeting PC users through DILLs and ActiveX controls, and can therefore only attack computers running Windows. This does not mean that Mac users are completely blessed from Spyware and Adware. There are several Spyware and Adware software capable of infesting Mac, and every Mac user should take a look at the Adware and Spyware removal programs available for mac. In 2005, Symantec caused a lot of hullabaloo in the Macintosh community when they warned the mac users about how the OS X operating system was rapidly becoming a target for virus developers and hackers. Symantec cautioned computer users not to relay on their mac alone to safe guard them from spyware infestations. You can no longer assume that you mac is immune from viruses and spyware. The need for free mac spyware removal programs available online is growing rapidly and we will hopefully see a lot of new free mac spyware removal programs on the Internet soon. Since Spyware is still a smaller problem for mac users, the number of available free mac spyware removal programs is currently much smaller than the number of free Spyware removal programs for PC.

When you choose among the available free mac spyware removal programs you should preferably pick one that is capable of scanning and removing both spyware and adware from your mac. A high-quality free mac spyware removal program will also be able to alert you every time an attempt to install spyware or adware on your mac is made. You should also ideally have the option to set the free mac spyware removal program to automatically block all such attempts without bothering you. Some of the free mac spyware removal programs will also protect your mac from several types of remote administration type applications. For maximal protection, you should combine your free mac spyware removal program with a good personal Firewall.

A new Spyware program designed to attack mac computers would probably spread rather slowly, since only around three per cent of systems in use today are using Mac OS. If a mac infected with spyware, or any other type of Malware, tries to spread the malicious software to a new computer, it will find a non-mac computer in 97 percent of the time. What everyone fears is therefore a hybrid Spyware capable of infecting Mac OS as well as Microsoft Windows. If, or rather when, such a hybrid is created it can spread very rapidly. Since many mac users still believe that their mac is immune to virus and spyware attacks, a lot of mac computers will become infected. All mac users are therefore recommended to take advantage of the available free mac spyware removal programs as soon as possible. One such program is available at http://macscan.securemac.com/ .

When you have installed your free mac spyware removal program, it is also important that you perform regular updates to make sure that you are protected from new types of spyware. Preferably choose a free mac spyware removal program that you can set to automatically search for updates and download them as soon as they are available. Check the fine print when you choose your free mac spyware removal program. A free mac spyware removal program where the regular updates cost a lot of money will soon turn out to be a very expensive “free” program. Some free mac spyware removal programs do not allow you to get updates, or will limit the number of updates, until you have bought a non-free version of the free mac spyware removal program.

New forms of malicious Spyware and Adware are constantly created and in order to protect your computer from infestations you must choose a high-quality program and keep it updated. Supportcave.com offer a selected number of the very best free mac spyware removal programs available for immediate online download

I was asked recently to go to a car dealership and do a security analysis on their Windows Server 2000 machine.

This is what I recommend doing to any Windows 2000 machine where applicable.

Make sure that the guest account is disabled. It comes disabled by default.

A problem I notice allot is when I go to companies, lots of accounts are still active for employees who no longer work there. They should be removed when the employee is terminated or leaves on their own accord. Disgruntled employees have been known to wreck havoc.

Group policies can and should be implemented in a Windows 2000 environment and audited to make sure there are no extra accounts or accounts with weak passwords.

Password security is also important; if your password is weak it will be cracked. I have been in companies where your password is your initials. That is to simple. Implement password policies and account lockouts after multiple failed login attempts. WARNING this can create a denial of service attack. Create multiple admin accounts and give them different rights. A strong password policy for administrative tasks.

Run Net Share from the command line to view open shares on your network and shut those down unless needed.

Go into the BIOS and set a user password and disable the ability to boot from a floppy, USB, or CD. People can easily grab the SAM file which is a password hash stored on your system from a Linux boot CD or other tools. Then attempt to crack the hash.

Change the administrator account to a different name. That is usually a crackers first attempt. Rename it to something other than root as well.

Use NTFS on all partitions this gives you more control and security than using the FAT file system.

Make sure that the "Everyone" permission is not allowed on your resources, directories, etc.

Have the last user logged on turned off. This makes it easier for an attacker to guess passwords. There already half way there the have the username.

Apply appropriate access control lists.

Don’t forget about the people around you and either lock your workstation when you leave or have a screensaver enabled with a strong password. Insider threats are a reality.

You can enable EFS encryption file system; you can encrypt whole directories as well. I suggest if your really paranoid or smart to look into a utility that allows you to choose different encryption algorithms. I do not like encryption standards that are closed. Meaning we cant see the source code. I prefer open source its easier to look for holes and attacks.

Make backups of all your important files. This is the most important thing I learned in System Administration. Backup, Backup, Backup to something that cannot be overwritten such as a CD-R.

To configure Security Policies use the Security Configuration Toolset you can make your job allot simpler by using snap-ins.

I visited Microsoft’s site to see everything they had, I have to say there is plenty of information.

Shut down services that are not needed. The more ports that are open and the more applications running the more avenues of attack.

Restrict access to Local Security Authority only to admin.

Change log in warning to something like. Authorized Personnel only, "all activities are logged and monitored. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Shut down individual ports, that are not used.

I personally like smartcards for two form authentication. I recommend RSA secure ID for machines that need more security.

Enable auditing to track what users and possible intruders are doing on your system.

Everything from login attempts to access of objects can be audited in Windows 2000.

Protect the registry from anonymous access.

Make sure the audit logs are locked down so they cannot be erased, or tampered with. Only the admin should have rights to these files.

Install service packs.

Make sure that your antivirus is up to date with the latest signatures.

Run a Spy-Ware utility.

You can also run an online vulnerability checker such as Shields Up by Gibson Research.

Get automated patch software.

Remember that security is not something that can be finished. Keep up to date.

Benjamin Hargis CEO & MCP

Phuture Networks

Visit us on the web! http://www.phuturenetworks.com

The need for computer users to install Anti-Spyware programs becomes more and more evident each day, as more and more users experience problems caused by Spyware. The problems can be annoying, but essentially harmless, such as a slow downed computer or irritating pop-up windows. Unfortunately, the Spyware programs are capable of causing much more sever harm than that. For example, Spyware has been linked to identity thefts as well as credit card frauds. Spyware programs can gather and transmit very sensitive information about you to their owner, such as lists of all your visited websites, details from your online purchases, e-mail addresses and phone numbers to friends, family and colleagues, credit card numbers and expiration dates etcetera. Even though most Spyware programs are used for commercial gain, such as targeting you with the right type of advertising, it is not hard to imagine how much harm this type of information can cause in the hands of a malicious and fraudulent person.

When you decide to use a Spyware Removal program, you will be facing a lot of decision making. There are several types of Spyware Removal programs. A majority of the Spyware Removal program is available online and you can download them to your computer and start using them immediately. Some Spyware Removal programs are quite expensive, while others cost just a few dollars. There are also Totally Free Spyware Removal programs available. Some Totally Free Spyware Removal programs is only a basic version of a larger and more advanced Spyware Removal Program, and if you want the advanced version you will have to pay a fee to upgrade your Totally Free Spyware Removal program. Other Totally Free Spyware Removal programs include all features from the beginning. Many computer users prefer to start with Totally Free Spyware Removal programs, since this makes it possible to try out several Spyware Removal programs without having to pay any money. All computer users have their own requirements and preferences when it comes to security, and you might have to try more than one Totally Free Spyware Removal program before your find the Totally Free Spyware Removal program that is ideal for you.

Only download Totally Free Spyware Removal program from reputable sites. When the existence of malicious Spyware programs became widely known among the computer users, a lot of Spyware companies designed fake Totally Free Spyware Removal programs. These Totally Free Spyware Removal program will not work, and your computer can still be infected by Spyware. Some fake Totally Free Spyware Removal programs will even install their own Spyware on your computer. The fake Totally Free Spyware Removal programs are heavily marketed on the Internet. You have probably noticed banner ads that warn you about Spyware or even claim that your computer is already infected with Spyware. They will offer a Totally Free Spyware Removal program, and if you click on the link you are redirected to a website where you can download a seemingly great and totally free Spyware Removal program. Avoid such frauds by only downloading Totally Free Spyware Removal programs from sites of good reputation.

New forms of malicious Spyware and Adware are constantly created and in order to protect your computer from infestations you must choose a high-quality program and keep it updated. Supportcave.com offers totally free spyware removal programs.

A spyware blocker and remover will protect your computer in two different ways. Firstly, there is the real-time protection which blocks all attempts to install spyware. The second function involves scanning your entire computer and removing all existing Spyware. Basic Anti-Spyware programs will sometimes only be able to perform the second function; scanning and removing of Spyware, since this is much easier than blocking Spyware in real-time. You should therefore look for a Spyware blocker and remover when you choose an Anti-Spyware program, since such programs offers more protection than the basic scanning programs. A program of this type will work in a way similar to that of an Anti-Virus program. The Spyware blocker and remover will carefully check all incoming network data and disk files during the actual download. All components known to be Spyware are immediately blocked by the Program. Some Spyware blocker and remover programs will also block attempts to modify the settings of your browser and all attempts to install start-up items. Unlike a Spyware blocker and remover, a simple Spyware remover is easier to construct since it only has to check the contents of the Windows Registry, the installed programs and the operating system files and remove Spyware when found. A high-quality Spyware blocker and remover will therefore keep your computer and your privacy much safer, since Spyware will be blocked "at the gate".

In the beginning, most Anti-Spyware programs were focused on finding existing Spyware in the computer and removing them. As the Spyware problem grew, a better type of Anti-virus program was developed by several companies; the Spyware blocker and remover. One of the first programs of this type was developed by Javacool Software and named SpywareBlaster. It offered real-time protection and was focused on blocking ActiveX-based Spyware, but also capable of noticing and blocking a lot of other types of Spyware as well. It was however focused on the real-time protection, and not on scanning and removing existing files. Later on, other Spyware blocker and remover programs were introduced; programs that combined the blocking and removing functions more effectively. Examples of such Spyware blocker and remover programs are Windows AntiSpyware and Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.

For most users, it is recommended to choose Spyware blocker and remover programs instead of Anti-Spyware programs capable of just one task. Even with a good Spyware blocker and remover program you are however not completely out of harms way. If a Spyware blocker and remover program fails to block a Spyware program, the Spyware can sometimes resist later attempts to delete or uninstall it. Some cleverly created Spyware programs work in pairs. When the Spyware blocker and remover program finds one of the programs and terminate its actions, the other Spyware program will promptly start up the program again. Other Spyware programs are designed to notice attempts to remove Registry keys and can rapidly add the Registry keys again. If you experience such problems with your program, you can try booting your computer in safe mode. This will usually give your Spyware blocker and remover program a better chance of finally getting rid of unrelenting Spyware.

New forms of malicious Spyware and Adware are constantly created and in order to protect your computer from infestations you must choose a high-quality program and keep it updated. Supportcave.com offers spyware blocker and remover programs.