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Security Information |
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How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Spyware, Adware, and Other Nuisances
Spyware/adware is a new major concern for PC users everywhere. Infecting your computer silently (usually installed with programs that seem harmless), spyware and adware can collect personal information about you, as well as cause pop up ads to come up all of the time, changing your browsers home page, sometimes even completely disabling your computer's usability. This article will show you how to protect yourself against harmful spyware / adware, as well as how to remove current infections, and how to protect yourself from viruses, hackers and other general "malware". The first thing you can do, if you're an Internet Explorer user, is consider making a switch to the Mozilla Firefox web browser. Firefox can do everything that Internet Explorer can do, and much, much more. Plus it is almost completely spyware "proof", and is much more stable and secure than Internet Explorer. You can go to getfirefox.com for more information. Next, you'll want to keep your computer up-to-date. To do so, you'll want to download all available updates from windowsupdate.microsoft.com (if you use Firefox, you will need to fire up IE to do this since Microsoft doesn't like people to use other browsers, so they have "banned" Firefox from accessing Windows updates). Now that you've got a secure browser and have Windows up to date, it's time to talk about the anti-spyware software. The following is a list of the top three players in the free anti-spyware software game: Spybot Search & Destroy Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Microsoft's Newly Released Anti-Spyware Take all of the programs that you have chosen to use, download, and install them. Then, one at a time, update each program, run them, and remove anything that they found. This should effectively remove any active spyware or adware on your system. Now that you have spyware removed, you'll need hacker and virus protection.To keep hackers out, you will need to install a solid firewall. You can either use the old built in with Windows XP, or download a third-party one. To activate Windows XP's built in firewall, follow these easy steps: Click the Start button, and open up the Control Panel. Open "Network Connections" (or "Network and Internet Connections", then "Network Connections" if you're using the category view). If you're using broadband, or another form of connection through a LAN, right click on Local Area Connection (or the appropriate network connection), and select Properties. Click on the advanced tab, and click on Settings. Select "On", and don't select "Don't allow exceptions". Click OK on all windows to close. If you would like to download a third-party firewall, Kerio Technologies has a great personal firewall that you can use. It can be found at kerio.com/kpf_home.html. Grisoft offers a great freeware antivirus program called AVG Free. It is a great alternative to the common commercial antivirus software designed to milk you for more cash with their "update subscription" fees. Updates to AVG are 100% free, forever. AVG can be downloaded from grisoft.com. To keep your system completely secure, be sure to scan for viruses, spyware and check for Windows updates every week or so. By taking these simple steps, your computer is now many times more secure and less likely to leak out personal information or get a malware infection. Ryan Bauer is a computer geek who writes tutorials for his computer optimization website and runs a computer optimization and support forum.
MORE RESOURCES: Homeland Security Department to Release New A.I. Guidance The New York Times Officials detail increased D.C. security for certification, inauguration The Washington Post U.S. ambassador bashes Mexico’s security efforts. Mexico’s president pushes back - Los Angeles Times Opinion | Trump’s national security wrecking crew The Washington Post ‘Never trust, always verify’: The zero trust approach to network security United States Army Brief altercation between fans mars France-Israel soccer match despite heavy security The Associated Press St. Francis Seraph hires security guards for Christmas, Nativity display visitors as crowds still plague area WCPO 9 Cincinnati Video: How The Fortinet Security Fabric Is Combatting Cybersecurity Threats And Talent Shortage Channel Insider The Fastest Airport Security Line You Don’t Know About The Wall Street Journal The campus will be closed to anyone who is not a student, faculty or staff member. WVTM13 Birmingham Do Titans QB, Coach Have Job Security? Sports Illustrated Tuskegee president releases security updates following shooting WIAT - CBS42.com Homeland Security Department releases framework for using AI in critical infrastructure The Associated Press The UN cybercrime convention threatens security research. The US should do something about it CyberScoop France draws with Israel in high-security operation to reach Nations League quarterfinals with Italy The Associated Press Endpoint Security from BlackBerry BlackBerry Tuskegee University Shifts Security, Facilities Leadership Tuskegee University 3rd Annual U.S.-Mexico Defense and Security Roundtable smallwarsjournal Ambridge Area School District makes security changes CBS Pittsburgh France-Israel Soccer Match is Overshadowed by Amsterdam Attack The New York Times Akamai: 84% of security professionals experienced an API security incident in the past year SecurityInfoWatch ‘We’re just a target’: Pickleball players call for more security Camas Washougal Post Record ESA opens registration for 2024 Town Hall Broadcast SecurityInfoWatch Tom Homan, Trump’s ‘Border Czar,’ on Border Security The New York Times Trump’s National Security Team Keeps Getting More Extreme The New Republic Linn County’s Food for Health pilot program aims to improve food security, support local economy KEZI TV South Florida campus security officer arrested after attempting to meet minor for sex WPBF West Palm Beach New infosec products of the week: November 15, 2024 Help Net Security Trump names Florida’s Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser Nebraska Examiner Mexican Officials Arrest Top Security Official in Mayor’s Beheading The New York Times Silverfort Buys Rezonate to Fortify Identity Security Muscle BankInfoSecurity.com Rand Paul Will Continue His COVID-19 Investigations From Atop the Senate Homeland Security Committee Reason NIST report on hardware security risks reveals 98 failure scenarios Help Net Security Lamar CISD invests in safety, security amid rapid growth Community Impact Trump Picks Kristi Noem for Homeland Security Secretary The New York Times 11/14/24 National Security and Korean News and Commentary smallwarsjournal Microsoft Patch Tuesday, November 2024 Edition Krebs on Security Mexico’s ‘hugs, not bullets’ security strategy has failed, says US Ambassador Ken Salazar Mexico News Daily Security guard turned gunman: Christopher Farrell's fatal rampage in downtown San Diego - CBS News 8 Who Is Michael Waltz, Trump’s Pick to Be National Security Adviser? The New York Times Federal officials warn Boston churches to increase security after wave of arson attacks CatholicVote org Arizona governor pledges work with Trump to secure the border Arizona's Family ASIS, International Protective Security Board Sign Memorandum of Understanding Security Sales & Integration |
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