Help keep your computer safe
Photo by chrisjohnbeckett
At the start of the year, many people often think about getting things in shape: their homes, their bodies, but they don’t stop to think about getting their computers in shape. While online safety and virus protection should be thought about year round, this is a great time to take a quick refresher course on some of the common online threats that you may (or may not) encounter while surfing the net.
Online and within the news you’ve likely heard of some of the most common terms (malware, spam, viruses, and Trojans), but may not have known what they are, or, how to protect yourself or your computer from them. We’ve pulled together a quick resource guide outlining the who’s who, and where to go for more information. But when online, some of the most important things to remember are:
- Don’t trust pop-ups; things pretending to be virus checkers may actually be viruses (more on that later)
- You don’t have to understand a lot about online security to protect against the most common online threats. Keep your computer up to date and be suspicious about the sites you visit- employ the same skills you do in real life as you do online: don’t give out your personal information to strangers, and don’t trust something because it “sort of” looks official. And remember to trust your instincts: if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What’s malware?
Malware is software that does something you don’t want done, usually installed without your permission. It includes viruses, worms and Trojans.
What is spam?
Spam is/can be: the repeated postings of the same content; off topic banter/answers/comments; links to commercial sites or merchandise; in general, unsolicited, unwanted or irrelevant messages, links or postings. You may run into it in your inbox, on message boards, in comments sections, etc. Basically, anywhere that someone can enter or submit text is susceptible to spam.
What is phishing?
This is any attempt to steal your account information. Phishers set up fake web sites that look like those of trusted companies to trick you into disclosing your account information. These pages can look nearly identical to the real thing, so it can be hard to tell that you are on a phony site.
Most commonly, you’ll see these as emails asking for the password to your bank account, your Yahoo! email account (urging you to send your account information or else your account will be terminated), or your credit card information. If you run into a phishing email on Yahoo!, please do report it to us!
Remember to never click on links in emails, no matter how official they look. Use bookmarks or physically type the site name in.
To protect yourself further, set a sign-in seal and don’t give out your Yahoo! password on your computer unless you see your sign-in seal (for more information on this, go here. This helps you know when you’re on a phishing page, or when you’re on a legitimate Yahoo! login page.
Yahoo! Security Center
At http://security.yahoo.com/ you can assess your PC’s exposure to online threats, including malware, viruses, and an assortment of other online risks. Additionally, you can also learn about:
- Protecting your PC
- Protecting your online privacy
- Protecting your children online at Yahoo! Safely
- Getting rid of pop-ups, viruses, adware, or spyware
- And much more!
How to help protect your machine
Be sure that your computer has antivirus software installed and that its virus definitions are up-to-date- many computers do not, and this leaves them open to many malware attacks. Programs like Norton Anti-Virus or http://www.malwarebytes.org/ will help protect and prevent future attacks.
If you see a pop-up, close it promptly, without clicking on anything inside the window (buttons inside the window may download software, no matter what the label on them says, even if it’s “No”, or “Cancel”). Click the close button on the window frame (the “x” in the upper right on a Windows machine, the red button in the upper left on a Mac).
If that doesn’t work use “Ctrl + F4″ on Windows or “Shift + Cmd + W” on an Apple machine to close the window. Worst case, kill the browser with the Task Manager on Windows or Force Quit on a Mac, and if you can’t do that, reboot the machine. (Be sure to save your work in other programs!)
Then run a virus-scan using an anti-virus program to check for any malware remnants.
At the end of the day, it’s up to YOU to help keep your online experience safe—keep your software up-to-date and be cautious about giving out information, including passwords.
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Good blog topic and good tips. This will be helpful to many people.
Thank you. I appreciate the information.
AVG is a great anti virus and ect. program. I have had problems only avoided because of the security software.
I recommend everyone subscribe to a trusted security site like Norton as recommended in the article or McAfee, AVG or other.
It is sad we have to do that but nowadays it is true everyone needs security on the computer in some form.
I think that everybody should have a rescue CD to assure the health of a PC. Also have a CD such as Spotmau in case the user cannot boot into Windows
If my anti-virus program isn’t picking up the virus or malware, how can I delete the virus or registry key manually?
Sometimes I go into regedit and try to find them in the Run or RunOnce file but sometimes they are empty.
i think all of this stuff would stop if proactive measures were made.
sue people who spam and pass virus’s – and close the holes in systems.
many of my pop ups are on yahoo as that is the site i frequent the most – if there were a proactive approach taken instead of a clean up or run approach this would stop.
sue – then sue some more or send that stuff back to the sender with a lock up code on their operating system(s)
Thank you Yahoo Answers for remind us very important things like this.Happy to know you care for us and our system! Thumbs up .
*BRILLIANT* tips! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
you know what..just get a machintosh and your not gonna have a kind of this problem…
@ rosy,
MacIntoshes can get infested, too. They are simply such a small part of the market share that they are not targeted as much. I could say, “Forget about Windoze and Macs! Install LINUX!”. But the truth is that ALL OS’s can be infested…even Linux! Here, again, Linux is even smaller in market share than even MAC, therefore its obscurity makes it even less popular to target!
YES, Macs and Linux machines CAN be infested, too, and not just with mal-ware “native” to their own environments. Most of the mal-ware that finds its way to them are simply passed on to Windoze machines!!! Even if said mal-ware doesn’t affect the Mac or Linux machines’ ability to do its job.
So learn from this and quit being a “fanboi”!…even if you are a GIRL!
Thanks for the article. It brought a new awareness for me and pushed me in the direction of furthering my internet security by not only increasing my knowledge but also by giving that security site, too. Good job!
I keep my computer safe by having a dynamic router and filter installed in my network. The dynamic router works by hiding my I.P. Address from hackers and the filter works by preventing spammers from sending me unwanted e-mails.
Just in case someone was managed to by-pass the hardware and break into my network I have Avira Anti-Virus, Super Anti-Spyware, RegDefense, and Zone Alarm Pro Firewall installed on my computer to prevent corruption of my computer. All my passwords are never written on paper but instead is safely secured into a password manager, which itself has a password of 36 characters to enter the password manager and obtain these passwords.
I learned the hard way.
Best piece of advice for avoiding computer threats is to use Ubuntu as an operating system. Its free and it rarely gets viruses. Furthermore back up your files so that if by the off chance you do get a virus, you can simply delete the operating system and re-install it FOR FREE. Why pay for popularity and an increased chance to get hit be viruses. Why pay for an operating system where you can’t find the source code?
The advice given is spot-on: Never click a link in an e-mail unless you are 100% sure of the source! In fact, never open any application/program unless you are 100% sure of the source AND the application/program. There are things out there in Cyber-Land that are far worse than a mere virus or spam…..
I recently (Jan 25th, 2010) had to remove an extremely nasty malware package called “AntiVirus Live” from my computer. It mimics, but definitely IS NOT, the Windows anti-malware program, and it starts on its own with no prompting at all, and WILL NOT let you do anything while “running”. I got hit by it through opening what was supposed to be a video file on a CD I received from a friend, who had downloaded the file from a site he thought he could trust. “AntiVirus Live” is a scam, and as soon as it installs itself (and it does this when you open the file it is disguised as…) it highjacks the computer, especially the web browser. Some victims are lucky to even be able to boot up in “Safe Mode” so they can take their time editing their registry and Program Files, to remove the malware.
I was one of the lucky ones, but I still couldn’t access the ‘net because the crapware would allow my browser to go to only one website. That’s right — the “AntiVirus Live” website. I also could not run my installed anti-virus/anti-malware program, as even it had been highjacked….
The worst thing is that I have AVG installed and running, yet it failed to stop the “AntiVirus Live” malware package from deploying itself. I have since learned that Norton, McAfee and most of the other Big Name anti-virus programs also fail to catch this crap-ware. It took me 2-1/2 hours to manually edit my registry, then I had to install, update and run another anti-malware program to make sure I got everything.
If anyone gets hit by “AntiVirus Live”, DO NOT pay to have it “activated”. Remember, IT IS A SCAM, and the malware it “finds” on your machine likely does not even exist. Instead, visit the following webpages and print out the instructions on how to remove the “AntiVirus Live” malware package from your computer.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-live
http://www.enigmasoftware.com/antiviruslive-removal/
The instructions provided by “Jesse”, in the comments section (the Enigma Software page), saved me from having to pay more than $100 to have my computer “cleaned” by the local “computer gurus”. Once I edited the registry and deleted the malware programming from my Program Files, I was able to access the ‘net and download and implement the Malwarebyte Anti-Malware program — and it found a few things I had missed. There are other webpages as well; just do a search for “antivirus live”.
So be extra careful about the links and programs you open, people. If you do get hit by “AntiVirus Live”, probably the first thing you should do is to just turn off the power IMMEDIATELY by simply pulling the plug. But visit those “AntiVirus Live” removal webpages now, and print out the instructions before you need them.
p.s., There are versions of “AntiVirus Live” that have been known to attack Macintosh and Linux, too…….
first of all i dont use internet explorer at all and keep security settings at high i use google chrome plus avg is best and i update it and also unblue products.
Good stuff. Though, I don’t really have to worry. I use Ubuntu and I know how to program and such and have been working on computers for almost my entire life.
Good post!
I like this. It helps me remember what I need to for keeping my computer safe.
Thanks Yamster !!!!!
this is all noob advice, nothing new here
I knew pretty much everything, but the sign in seal and security center I didn’t know about. But, thank you. I’m trying to limit myself to the websites I KNOW are safe. (Both my Yahoo! Email and my Gmail, Youtube, two fansites, and more.)
I already have malwarebytes downloaded, funny they mentioned that!
I think the information is very good. But, I am on a public access system. I think the C-Programmer is very good here. Thank-you for the information. Truly, Susan D. Snavely
great post, http://www.geekdrop.com also has some really informative threads, worth taking a look at.
It is a very good compilation of useful information for those who are not well conversant with pc, laptop and its use. It contains lot of valuable information for people like me. Mine is a self learning to use my pc. Hence I found it more useful for me.
I learned that the hard way. I have had 3 malware with the virus detector thing. It would not go away. I finally did it with the Task Manager. Then ran my virus detector and it found 2 more .
Careful of counterfeit sites when searching for your fav celeb.
Celebs Likely to Give You…a Virus?
http://www.nydailynews.com/money/galleries/most_dangerous_celebs_to_search_online/most_dangerous_celebs_to_search_online.html
i find using ONSCREEN keyboard while internet banking much safer than the keyboard on laptop just incase my computer is infected with a keylogger all they can pick up is mouse clicks instead of keystrokes
start -all programs – accessories- ease of access-onscreen keyboard
http://articles.theuntapped.info/computer
there is a guide for everything computer related at this site
including top 10 ways to stay safe and many more.
its good hyde park ..facility …we share knowledge …and have free recorded chat with incentives of points ..levels …i will suggest yahoo/answers should indicate the position …in leaderboard ….section wise …or while we see our profile …then section in which ..position …after top ten …[top ten is shown ] but we donot know where we stand to enter the top ten …though the best answers crossed the barrier of tenth position
thanks for this facility …with incentives of points ….my point is can i know my position in leaderboard …section wise …as the best answers are more than the person at tenth [top ten ...]one ..while visiting the my profile …
Knowing all this, my computer still got infested. Now I have to re-install everything. Another good thing to do is stop downloading from peer-to-peer sites like BitTorrent, Limewire, and Kazzaa. 2 years ago Limewire was my downfall and now BitTorrent. Also be mindful of what sites you and other people are on. My cousins were using my computer last year and went to a lot of X-rated sites and downloaded games will I was gone. When I came home my computer almost crashed with all the viruses. Thank god I had AVG free and Malwarebytes! People just be carefull.
Best way to keep your computer safe is…don’t be stupid. And I wouldn’t let *anyone* scan my box (no, not even you, Yahoo). I run Avast (best freebie AV out there) and Spybot S&D. Religiously. If I get a pop-up (which is rare, since I use Firefox’s pop-up blocker and AdBlock Plus), I shut the browser down. If that doesn’t work, which is even rarer, I ctrl-alt-del and restart. If all else fails, I jerk the plug. So far, I’ve been bugged once, back in like 2000.
thanks yamster
i use AVG on my computer, i heard all the good and bad things.
Has anyone used the program “Avast”, i have AVG currently and am considering switch to Avast, what do you think i should do?
Best thing is, to have the best Virus protection and use Fire Fox or Chrome . Both Norton & Mcafee are crap Virus programs, but better then nothing.
I used to get a few viruses when my son used my computer before he bought his own years ago when I used both these programs.
I now use BitDefender and in the 3 years I’ve used it NEVER have gotten a virus., and I use bit torrents.
With BitDefender it will tell you BEFORE any things downloaded into your comp if its infected ot not. Saved me a hellava lot of headaces and I STILL get all my free movies & Programs.
For My Online Banking, Buying etc.. I always use a 64 bit browser and NEVER IE.
Good advice, but I disagree with buying Norton, no matter which version it is. I used to have Norton and it let through so many viruses it wasn’t funny. It has been the same for other people I know. Get trend micro antivirus – I havnt had a virus since (i’ve been using it for over a year now).
Norton’s only for computer illiterate people who don’t know what they’re doing, they probly spend heaps on advertising, not their development.
Keep us sharp and in shape thank you
If my anti-virus program isn’t picking up the virus or malware, how can I delete the virus or registry key manually?
Sometimes I go into regedit and try to find them in the Run or RunOnce file but sometimes they are empty.
These are some really good tip, excellent write-up! Another great resource for IT security and other Tech related topics is http://electronics.wesrch.com A personal favorite of mine is the write up titled: Content Control: Technology, Trends & Trials, here is the link for those interested in reading it too: http://electronics.wesrch.com/pdfEL11TZ3XNALBY
***WARNING***
Don’t use the free version of AVG, as it lacks protection such as root kit protection, and malware protection, which are the most common internet threats today. AVG also ranks last in virus detection.
As a computer technician, I hope you’ll take my advice – Norton is junk. Their virus detection rate is terrible, and all of their software suites are system resource hogs. The amount of processes they load in comparison to AVG, Bit Defender, or Kaspersky is rather questionable. I’ve also seen Norton screw up several systems. They just aren’t what they used to be, and it is unwise to recommend them to anyone looking for computer protection.
- John Shaw
CEO, John Shaw Computers, Inc.
http://www.johnshawcomputers.com
thank you for this information
I have both Norton 360 anti-virus AND StopSign, but this “Personal Antivirus” trojan keeps popping up saying I have hundreds of files infected and wanting me to spend $80 for their “removal software” that doesn’t even exist. I spent $300 in less than 2 months to have Norton technicians remove it for me, and now it is back again–usually when I’m on either Yahoo or Facebook. Lately, I’ve just been closing the window that it appears on (it opens supposedly to My Computer page and starts filling up this area, like it is loading a program). Has anyone else had this happen?
Thanks for the informations.
I truly believe that we have reached the point where technology has become one with our society, and I think it is safe to say that we have passed the point of no return in our relationship with technology.
I don’t mean this in a bad way, of course! Societal concerns aside… I just hope that as memory gets less expensive, the possibility of transferring our memories onto a digital medium becomes a true reality. It’s one of the things I really wish I could experience in my lifetime.
(Posted on Nintendo DS running R4 DS SeKu)
Mcafee and Norton are like the Dasani of bottled water. It’s a waste of money, you are buying peace of mind. The programs don’t ever tell you that they have protected you from a virus from which site so how do you know that they are working? The programs do not provide any information. Bit Defender however does tell you before hand whether it detects a virus. Since switching to Bit Defender I haven’t had any proplems.
Interesting, but not interesting at the same time. While Yahoo is recommending you “scan” for viruses, you still aren’t getting any real protection!
Why can’t Yahoo recommend a free antivirus program like Avast, or even AVG, instead of a piece of junk like Norton? And why can’t Yahoo warn people about any links that take you outside of Answers so people asking for help won’t download more spyware?
As an update, AVG Free does contain antivirus, anti-spyware, and “basic” anti-rootkit protection now, but it still lacks the full anti-rootkit that’s necessary, as well totally missing a boot-time scan and gaming mode. Avast picks up where AVG left off.
Found this info. very useful thank you Yahoo.Still at a passroads as too which virous protuction is the best in this age of tech? will keep looking & hoping i don’t pick up anything out of line.
Thanks for the reminder and the information. You had some great tips and information. GOOD JOB!
I just use Ubuntu…. 100% free and more reliable than windows
The only virus I got this year was through Yahoo answers. Very weak security with Yahoo. Horrible.
very nice and informal, especially for people who don’t know alot about the topic :] however i;m a virus phobe so i try to protect my machine as much as possible.lol. i still have to decide on which antivirus to go with this year though, as my antivirus expires in a few months… i have trend but it updates so freaquently it gets a little annoying. i’m thinking about going back to norton :]
From Yahoo! Security Center: http://security.yahoo.com/article_pc.html
Protect Your PC
“Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date
If you haven’t installed anti-virus software on your computer, do it now. Anti-virus software can detect many — but not all — forms of malicious software before they have a chance to affect your computer. When you purchase anti-virus software, look for one that includes anti-spyware. Most anti-virus software can automatically download updates for you. Check to make sure your software is downloading updates correctly.
Keep all your software up-to-date
You can prevent many problems by regularly checking for and installing updates for your programs, including your operating system, browser, messaging software, and other software. Many programs include a feature that automatically checks for updates. Be wary of clicking links in emails claiming to have updates for your software; it is safer to type the address of the web site into your browser’s Address bar to visit the site directly.
Check your security settings
Most operating systems (such as Windows XP) have a built-in firewall and other safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Check your operating system to make sure it’s set up so that your computer is protected. Install any security updates or patches for your operating system promptly.
Be careful opening email attachments
Consider turning off the feature in your email programs that automatically opens attachments. If you receive an attachment you aren’t expecting, do not open it. Before you open any email attachment — even if it’s from someone you trust — scan it using anti-virus software. Yahoo! Mail automatically scans all email attachments for viruses.
* Read more about Yahoo! Mail security features here: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail/yahoomail/abuse/index.html
Don’t install unfamiliar programs
Think carefully before installing or running new software, such as freeware or shareware programs available online. Only download software from a source you trust. Do not install software if you cannot verify that it’s from a trusted source. Make sure you know what the software will do and how it will affect your computer. Malicious software (like viruses and spyware) often masquerade as legitimate and even useful programs. For example, you might be tempted to download a program that claims to keep your computer clock synchronized with an official clock. But if that program contains adware or spyware, it could also display advertising pop-ups whenever you’re online or keep track of where you go on the Internet.
Be wary of pop-up and email warnings
Don’t believe every warning you read — especially pop-up warnings that you see while you’re surfing the Web. Unscrupulous companies use pop-up ads to display false warnings about your computer. Ignore them.
Do NOT click any button in the pop-up (such as a “Close” or “No” button) or the Close box that may appear in the upper-right corner of the pop-up. Closing a pop-up in that way might actually install a virus or other malicious software on your computer. To close a pop-up ad, press Ctrl-W (if you’re using a Windows computer) or Command-W (on a Mac computer). You may receive an email warning that claims to be from a computer “expert” warning you of a virus. These are usually hoaxes. Do not follow the steps described in any email unless you’re sure the threat is real.”
You know, we really are not safe, at least the average user that logs on say to check bank funds, or even check email, and i will tell you why, but first, i have been called one to many times by my uncle, sister, friends and family to fix their PC because of popus, slowdowns and virus alerts. to my surprise, their PC’s are in such unstable health, it shocks me and actually makes me realize why so many people all over the world get hacked from their email accounts to their bank accounts and even say paypal and ebay accounts. These computers i check and fix do not have firewalls, some have virus apps but outdated and the most important thing i see is their browsers out dated, if they use firefox, the version is so old, its only a matter of time someone gets in via an open port. so the answer is, NO, we are not safe online. I run an online spyware and virus information website http://www.softe.org trying to educate people online safety and how to clean virus and spyware but most of the time it comes down to how much the end user understand how the world wide web really works.
I my self have all the ingredients for safe surfing, but still take precautions when surfing, e.g cleaning cookies after ever session, using a proxy server to surf, and of course keeping my browsers updated.
anyhow, i hope everyone reads this article to really understand te dangers of online surfing. and if anyone has any questions, im always free to help
Thank you. I appreciate the information.
Avast is a great anti virus and ect. program. I have had problems only avoided because of the security software.
Thanks………. for this valuable peace of information. It will help to those who want to secure their system by using best virus protection. You have given all information about Malware, spam and many more things which helpful.