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New Computer Strains of Spyware Pose Greater Risk
To Identity Theft Than Viruses Antivirus software and firewalls no longer provide adequate protection from hostile online threats. There are new online threats to worry about now called Spyware, Malware, and Trojan Horses. Traditional viruses spread through e-mail and infected files across a network, and can cause computer damage ranging from Internet denial of service to complete data wipe out. The new strains of Spyware, Malware, and Trojan Horses now commonplace while surfing and downloading free programs and music on the Internet, pose a greater risk of exposure to users personal information and identity. What started off as Adware, where advertisers planted cookies to track a users buying habits, has evolved into spyware and malware, where hackers use similar techniques to plant bytes of snooping information in the System Registry of a users computer. The infections usually occur during hijacking of your web pages or through downloading infected free music and free programs such as bogus popup stopper and fake spyware removal programs. Using sophisticated silent running key-logging and remote monitoring programs, a hacker can gain back door access to your computer and sniff out and retrieve personal credit card, bank account and password data, all without your knowledge. No longer are you totally protected by using an antivirus program and a firewall. Ninety percent of all Windows based computers have multiple infections of spyware, and users don't realize their personal information is being broadcasted across the Internet. They have a false sense of security in thinking their antivirus program and firewall is providing complete protection. How do you protect yourself and your family from the dangers of the Internet today? It is still essential to have an up to date antivirus program and properly configured firewall. It is also necessary to use a good spyware removal program with the latest updates. Beware, some free spyware removal programs and popup stoppers are actually spyware in disguise. Make sure you have the latest Microsoft Windows Security Updates installed. Periodically run an online threat assessment service to test your vulnerability to hackers. Finally, become aware of unusual or strange behavior of your computer. Slow computer speeds and erratic Internet performance usually indicate spyware is present and needs to be removed immediately. Michael Troiano is an expert on computer forensics and Internet security. He is also owner of Rhode Island's fastest growing, most successful computer consulting and repair companies. Serving the industry for over 29 years, his company provides repair and security services for commercial and personal applications. |
Are You Receiving Annoying Pop-ups and Can't Get Rid of Them ?Does Your Internet Explorer Home Page Keep Getting Hijacked ?Do You Feel Your Computer is Infected With Spyware ?Have You Ever Open an E-mail From an Unknown Source ?Do You Receive the Dreaded "Send Microsoft Error Report" Is Your
Computer Running Slower Than Normal ?
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