Tips for Securing your PC
From Mary Landesman, your guide to Antivirus Software, tips to defend your PC from viruses. Hint: antivirus software alone is not enough.
Disable IFrames in Internet Explorer
Malicious iframes planted on compromised websites pose big problems for Web surfers. Fortunately, Internet Explorer includes a feature that can help protect against malicious iframes. But use with caution - there are many legitimate uses for iframes and IE doesn't distinguish between these.
Malicious iframes planted on compromised websites pose big problems for Web surfers. Fortunately, Internet Explorer includes a feature that can help protect against malicious iframes. But use with caution - there are many legitimate uses for iframes and IE doesn't distinguish between these.
Disable Google / Firefox Prefetch
If you use the Firefox browser in conjunction with the Google search engine, Google will (under various circumstances) prefetch the first page returned in the results. In other words, that page and any cookies associated will be downloaded to your computer even though you never clicked the link. Here's how to disable this Google / Firefox feature.
If you use the Firefox browser in conjunction with the Google search engine, Google will (under various circumstances) prefetch the first page returned in the results. In other words, that page and any cookies associated will be downloaded to your computer even though you never clicked the link. Here's how to disable this Google / Firefox feature.
Host Intrusion Protection Software (HIPS)
Host Intrusion Protection Software, or HIPS, provides rule and behavior-based system monitoring to guard against unwanted changes.
Host Intrusion Protection Software, or HIPS, provides rule and behavior-based system monitoring to guard against unwanted changes.
Web-Based Malware Prevention
Home and SOHO users are particularly vulnerable to web-based malware attacks, since these users often do not have access to sophisticated proxies, intrusion detection, and patch management systems necessary to ward off web-based threats. The following advice is geared specifically to help this segment of the online population.
Home and SOHO users are particularly vulnerable to web-based malware attacks, since these users often do not have access to sophisticated proxies, intrusion detection, and patch management systems necessary to ward off web-based threats. The following advice is geared specifically to help this segment of the online population.
Web Browser Security
Whether through social engineering or through web site exploit, the choice of browser will be of little help. All browsers are equally susceptible to web-based malware and this includes Firefox, Opera, and the much maligned Internet Explorer. Disabling Javascript on all but the most trusted sites will go a long ways towards safer web browsing.
Whether through social engineering or through web site exploit, the choice of browser will be of little help. All browsers are equally susceptible to web-based malware and this includes Firefox, Opera, and the much maligned Internet Explorer. Disabling Javascript on all but the most trusted sites will go a long ways towards safer web browsing.
Ten Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft
Every 3.5 seconds in the United States, someone's identity is stolen. Unfortunately, many view identity theft as an 'online' only problem. It's true that phishing scams, Trojans, and other forms of cybercrime are a factor, but there are also far more low tech means of identity theft - including digging through your garbage or stealing your wallet or purse. You can minimize your risk by following these ten tips.
Every 3.5 seconds in the United States, someone's identity is stolen. Unfortunately, many view identity theft as an 'online' only problem. It's true that phishing scams, Trojans, and other forms of cybercrime are a factor, but there are also far more low tech means of identity theft - including digging through your garbage or stealing your wallet or purse. You can minimize your risk by following these ten tips.
Disable "ShiftOveride"
When Windows is starting, pressing the Shift key can allow you to bypass programs loading during startup. Some malware, such as the UZA O/S worm, disables this feature. Here's how to re-enable the use of a shift override when Windows is loading.
When Windows is starting, pressing the Shift key can allow you to bypass programs loading during startup. Some malware, such as the UZA O/S worm, disables this feature. Here's how to re-enable the use of a shift override when Windows is loading.
Disable Autorun
The Windows autorun feature enables CDs to play automatically when inserted in the drive. Removable and thumb drives use the same autorun feature to load files when the drives are plugged into the USB port. Malware relies on this autorun feature to spread from thumb drive to PC. Here's how to disable the autorun feature to prevent malware from spreading.
The Windows autorun feature enables CDs to play automatically when inserted in the drive. Removable and thumb drives use the same autorun feature to load files when the drives are plugged into the USB port. Malware relies on this autorun feature to spread from thumb drive to PC. Here's how to disable the autorun feature to prevent malware from spreading.
Gearing Up For College
Whether you're going off to college for the first time, or are a returning student, chances are you're on a tight budget. Fortunately, that doesn't mean your computer security has to suffer. While the suggestions below won't free you up from having to write term papers, they will free you up from suffering undue angst due to malware. And speaking of free, most of the solutions recommended below are either low cost or totally free.
Whether you're going off to college for the first time, or are a returning student, chances are you're on a tight budget. Fortunately, that doesn't mean your computer security has to suffer. While the suggestions below won't free you up from having to write term papers, they will free you up from suffering undue angst due to malware. And speaking of free, most of the solutions recommended below are either low cost or totally free.
Reset Internet Explorer Settings
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, something happens that causes Internet Explorer to become unstable. Fortunately, Internet Explorer 7 offers an easy-to-use feature that deletes all temporary files, disables add-ons, and resets changed settings back to their defaults. Here's how to reset Internet Explorer v7 settings.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, something happens that causes Internet Explorer to become unstable. Fortunately, Internet Explorer 7 offers an easy-to-use feature that deletes all temporary files, disables add-ons, and resets changed settings back to their defaults. Here's how to reset Internet Explorer v7 settings.
Disable Add-Ons in Internet Explorer
When it comes to IE, it seems everyone wants a piece of it. While legitimate toolbars and other browser helper objects (BHOs) are fine, some aren't so legit or - at least - their presence is questionable. Here's how to disable unwanted Add-ons in Internet Explorer.
When it comes to IE, it seems everyone wants a piece of it. While legitimate toolbars and other browser helper objects (BHOs) are fine, some aren't so legit or - at least - their presence is questionable. Here's how to disable unwanted Add-ons in Internet Explorer.
Clear the Internet Explorer History Folder
You visited a great web site on Thursday, but forgot to bookmark the URL. Now it's Sunday and you can't remember how to get back there. This is where the Internet Explorer History folder comes in handy. But just as it lets you trace back your Internet browsing steps, others can also use it to see where you've been. If the downside seems greater than the upside, here's how you can delete the Internet Explorer History and how you can prevent it from being stored in the future.
You visited a great web site on Thursday, but forgot to bookmark the URL. Now it's Sunday and you can't remember how to get back there. This is where the Internet Explorer History folder comes in handy. But just as it lets you trace back your Internet browsing steps, others can also use it to see where you've been. If the downside seems greater than the upside, here's how you can delete the Internet Explorer History and how you can prevent it from being stored in the future.
Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookies
Internet Explorer caches web pages you visit and cookies coming from those pages. While designed to speed up browsing, if left unchecked the burgeoning folders can sometimes slow IE to a crawl or cause other unexpected behavior. In general, the less is more principal works well here - keep the Internet Explorer cache small and clear it often. Here's how.
Internet Explorer caches web pages you visit and cookies coming from those pages. While designed to speed up browsing, if left unchecked the burgeoning folders can sometimes slow IE to a crawl or cause other unexpected behavior. In general, the less is more principal works well here - keep the Internet Explorer cache small and clear it often. Here's how.
Why Getting Rid of the WildList is a Bad Idea
The WildList isn't a perfect measure of antivirus detection. Far from it. But the WildList does offer important benefits that should be acknowledged.
The WildList isn't a perfect measure of antivirus detection. Far from it. But the WildList does offer important benefits that should be acknowledged.
Greeting Card Scams
Be aware of scams that masquerade as greeting cards. It may just be trap laid to launch trojans onto the computers of the unsuspecting.
Be aware of scams that masquerade as greeting cards. It may just be trap laid to launch trojans onto the computers of the unsuspecting.
Bypass Attachment Restrictions in Outlook
If you need to download a blocked attachment in Outlook, here's how to bypass the executable attachment restrictions.
If you need to download a blocked attachment in Outlook, here's how to bypass the executable attachment restrictions.
Password Safety: Tips for Keeping Passwords Safe
So you've created a strong password system following the tips outlined in "Passwords: Creating and Maintaining a Strong Password System". Now you need to keep those passwords safe. Here's how.
So you've created a strong password system following the tips outlined in "Passwords: Creating and Maintaining a Strong Password System". Now you need to keep those passwords safe. Here's how.
Passwords: Creating and Maintaining a Strong Password System
Unless unique passwords are used for each site, it takes only the compromise of a single site's credentials to have a toppling domino affect on the security of all your online assets.
Unless unique passwords are used for each site, it takes only the compromise of a single site's credentials to have a toppling domino affect on the security of all your online assets.
Antivirus FAQs
Answers to frequently asked antivirus questions
Answers to frequently asked antivirus questions
Mytob: 5 Seconds to Infection?
A University of Michigan student describes her frustrating experience with a Mytob infection. Here's how to resolve it.
A University of Michigan student describes her frustrating experience with a Mytob infection. Here's how to resolve it.
How to Stop Phishing Scams
Having the keys to your online kingdom gives the phisher the means to access your account(s), view your profile and glean other information that can be used for everything from credit card fraud to outright identity theft.
Having the keys to your online kingdom gives the phisher the means to access your account(s), view your profile and glean other information that can be used for everything from credit card fraud to outright identity theft.
Hotel Business Centers: How Safe Are They?
Most hotels today offer amenities geared to the 'Net-hungry traveler: Wireless access (often free) throughout the hotel or in the lobby area, ethernet cables in hotel rooms, and business centers in the hotel lobby equipped with PCs and printers. But how safe are these options?
Most hotels today offer amenities geared to the 'Net-hungry traveler: Wireless access (often free) throughout the hotel or in the lobby area, ethernet cables in hotel rooms, and business centers in the hotel lobby equipped with PCs and printers. But how safe are these options?
Your Computer Is At Risk
Plagued by spyware and adware that keeps reinstalling itself everytime you remove it? If you haven't kept your security patches up to date, the resuscitating spyware and adware may be the result of an Internet that reinfects your computer each time you access the Internet.
Plagued by spyware and adware that keeps reinstalling itself everytime you remove it? If you haven't kept your security patches up to date, the resuscitating spyware and adware may be the result of an Internet that reinfects your computer each time you access the Internet.
How to Disable AutoComplete in Netscape
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
How to Disable AutoComplete in Internet Explorer
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
How to Disable AutoComplete in Firefox
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
AutoComplete not only makes it easier for you to automatically fill in forms and logon to secure sites - it also makes it easier for Trojans and hackers to gain access to your personal data and logon credentials. Here's how to clear the sensitive data stored by AutoComplete and how to disable the feature to protect yourself from compromise.
Staying Safe On a Hostile Internet
Reduce susceptibility to viruses and other malicious code and exploits by following these safety tips.
Reduce susceptibility to viruses and other malicious code and exploits by following these safety tips.
How to Disable Automatic Wireless Connections
Here's how to beef up your wireless safety by disabling automatic wireless connections.
Here's how to beef up your wireless safety by disabling automatic wireless connections.
How To Disable File and Printer Sharing
File and Printer Sharing may be necessary in an office network, but chances are it's not needed at home. And it poses an increased risk on wireless connections. If you must use it, disable it when connecting via hotspots, and re-enable it when you return to your home or office. Here's how to disable file and printer sharing in Windows XP.
File and Printer Sharing may be necessary in an office network, but chances are it's not needed at home. And it poses an increased risk on wireless connections. If you must use it, disable it when connecting via hotspots, and re-enable it when you return to your home or office. Here's how to disable file and printer sharing in Windows XP.
F-Prot for DOS
FRISK Software, one of the oldest and most venerable antivirus vendors, provides F-Prot for DOS free to home users and dirt cheap for corporates. And though it's designed for DOS, you can run it commandline in Windows XP too.
FRISK Software, one of the oldest and most venerable antivirus vendors, provides F-Prot for DOS free to home users and dirt cheap for corporates. And though it's designed for DOS, you can run it commandline in Windows XP too.
How to remove adware & spyware
Getting stubborn adware and spyware off your PC can be frustrating. However, there are steps you can take to make the process easier and more effective.
Getting stubborn adware and spyware off your PC can be frustrating. However, there are steps you can take to make the process easier and more effective.
Check your Trusted Sites List
Some spyware and adware will add miscreant links to your Internet Explorer Trusted Sites Zone. This may allow the sites to run with fewer security restrictions. Make sure you periodically check the Trusted Sites Zone list to ensure only sites you have specifically added are included. Here's how.
Some spyware and adware will add miscreant links to your Internet Explorer Trusted Sites Zone. This may allow the sites to run with fewer security restrictions. Make sure you periodically check the Trusted Sites Zone list to ensure only sites you have specifically added are included. Here's how.
Reset Internet Explorer Start & Search Pages
Spyware and adware often change your browser Start and Search pages to point to unwanted websites. Even if you've removed the infestation responsible, you may still need to reset the web settings. Here's how to do this in Internet Explorer.
Spyware and adware often change your browser Start and Search pages to point to unwanted websites. Even if you've removed the infestation responsible, you may still need to reset the web settings. Here's how to do this in Internet Explorer.
How to boot into Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode prevents extraneous services and programs - including most malware - from loading at startup.
Booting in Safe Mode prevents extraneous services and programs - including most malware - from loading at startup.
Plain text email is safer
Reading email in plain text offers important security benefits that more than offset the loss of pretty colored fonts.
Reading email in plain text offers important security benefits that more than offset the loss of pretty colored fonts.
Rootkits Revealed
Through the use of rootkits, malicious programs are able to stealth their presence - making themselves virtually invisible to many of today's scanners.
Through the use of rootkits, malicious programs are able to stealth their presence - making themselves virtually invisible to many of today's scanners.
Tips for IM safety
Treat IM as suspiciously as you should be treating email.
Treat IM as suspiciously as you should be treating email.
Protecting the HOSTS file
Viruses and spyware use the HOSTS file to block access to antivirus and security websites, or redirect attempts to visit other websites. Here's how to thwart these unwanted modifications to the HOSTS file.
Viruses and spyware use the HOSTS file to block access to antivirus and security websites, or redirect attempts to visit other websites. Here's how to thwart these unwanted modifications to the HOSTS file.
Virus removal and free security resources
Virus removal and free security resources
Virus removal and free security resources
Disabling System Restore to remove viruses
Windows ME and Windows XP both come with a feature known as System Restore that enables users to revert to specific restore points without impacting data files. However, problems can occur when viruses get trapped in these restore points and antivirus software is unable to remove them.
Windows ME and Windows XP both come with a feature known as System Restore that enables users to revert to specific restore points without impacting data files. However, problems can occur when viruses get trapped in these restore points and antivirus software is unable to remove them.
Disable Messenger service
The Windows Messenger Service can be exploited by spammers and used to dish up unwelcome advertising on unsuspecting users. The service is also victim to a critical exploit that could allow malicious attackers to remotely run code on vulnerable systems. Disabling the service will prevent both the pop-ups and the exploit. Here's how.
The Windows Messenger Service can be exploited by spammers and used to dish up unwelcome advertising on unsuspecting users. The service is also victim to a critical exploit that could allow malicious attackers to remotely run code on vulnerable systems. Disabling the service will prevent both the pop-ups and the exploit. Here's how.
Securing Outlook and Outlook Express
Securing Outlook and Outlook Express
Securing Outlook and Outlook Express
Boot sector virus repair
Boot sector virus repair
Boot sector virus repair
How to prevent email worms and viruses
How to prevent email worms and viruses
How to prevent email worms and viruses
Securing Internet Explorer
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
Securing Internet Explorer
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
Securing Internet Explorer
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
A simple how-to guide for securing Internet Explorer. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent spyware and stop pop-up ads for free.
Enable file extension viewing
By default, file extensions cannot be viewed in Windows. Viruses routinely take advantage of this security oversight.
By default, file extensions cannot be viewed in Windows. Viruses routinely take advantage of this security oversight.
Doing an IP Lookup
Doing an IP Lookup
Doing an IP Lookup
Finding the real SoBig.F sender
SoBig.F spoofs the From address, hiding the identity of the real SoBig.F infected party - but using these tricks, you can still locate the sender.
SoBig.F spoofs the From address, hiding the identity of the real SoBig.F infected party - but using these tricks, you can still locate the sender.
Computer Safety Tips
A few simply steps that will keep you computing more safely.
A few simply steps that will keep you computing more safely.
Computer Safety Tips
It may seem that achieving good security can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the few simple steps outlined in this article can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
It may seem that achieving good security can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the few simple steps outlined in this article can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
Disable Windows Scripting Host
From Sophos, a step by step guide to disabling the often unneeded - and potentially risky - Windows Scripting Host. Instructions for all major Windows platforms are provided.
From Sophos, a step by step guide to disabling the often unneeded - and potentially risky - Windows Scripting Host. Instructions for all major Windows platforms are provided.
Executable File Extensions
A list of common executable file extensions that signify files capable of being infected with viruses. Plus a step-by-step guide to enabling file extension viewing in Windows.
A list of common executable file extensions that signify files capable of being infected with viruses. Plus a step-by-step guide to enabling file extension viewing in Windows.
Enable Built-in Macro Protection
Microsoft addresses frequently asked questions about macro viruses, including instructions for using the built-in macro protection in Microsoft Office products.
Microsoft addresses frequently asked questions about macro viruses, including instructions for using the built-in macro protection in Microsoft Office products.
File Associations
The Windows operating system recognizes file types and associates them with programs based on their file extension. This association can spell disaster if an extension is removed or renamed.
The Windows operating system recognizes file types and associates them with programs based on their file extension. This association can spell disaster if an extension is removed or renamed.
How to Create a Boot Disk
From DOS through XP, how-to guides for creating boot disks in various Windows platforms.
From DOS through XP, how-to guides for creating boot disks in various Windows platforms.
Practice Safe Hex
From the University of Washington, a brief primer on computer viruses and steps you can take to avoid infection.
From the University of Washington, a brief primer on computer viruses and steps you can take to avoid infection.
Programming Protection
A technical preventative for experienced users, Denny Lin of La Sierra University describes methods to identify and clean infected boot sectors.
A technical preventative for experienced users, Denny Lin of La Sierra University describes methods to identify and clean infected boot sectors.
Reduce Your Risk of Infection
A guide authored by John Jenkins, this covers several avoidance stratgies to prevent infection and what to do if they fail.
A guide authored by John Jenkins, this covers several avoidance stratgies to prevent infection and what to do if they fail.
Sophos Guidelines to Safe Hex
From the makers of Sophos Anti-Virus, ten suggestions on beefing up security practices to avoid infection.
From the makers of Sophos Anti-Virus, ten suggestions on beefing up security practices to avoid infection.
eBay & PayPal scams
Reputable firms such as eBay and PayPal have been besieged by email scammers attempting to pilfer valuable credit card details from unsuspecting customers. Here's how to ferret out these scams.
Reputable firms such as eBay and PayPal have been besieged by email scammers attempting to pilfer valuable credit card details from unsuspecting customers. Here's how to ferret out these scams.
Subscribe to Security Bulletins
Subscribe to Microsoft security bulletins to receive up-to-date information concerning newly discovered Microsoft product vulnerabilities.
Subscribe to Microsoft security bulletins to receive up-to-date information concerning newly discovered Microsoft product vulnerabilities.
Securing Internet Explorer
Annoyed by pop-ups? Worried about "drive-by downloads"? Has your Internet Explorer start page been taken hostage by an unwelcome site? Relax. Internet Explorer has a built-in mechanism for controlling the Internet nasties that threaten to ruin your browsing experience.
Annoyed by pop-ups? Worried about "drive-by downloads"? Has your Internet Explorer start page been taken hostage by an unwelcome site? Relax. Internet Explorer has a built-in mechanism for controlling the Internet nasties that threaten to ruin your browsing experience.
Web Guru Advice
Common sense advice from the Web Guru provides useful tips for a safe computing experience.
Common sense advice from the Web Guru provides useful tips for a safe computing experience.
Securing email
Whether you use Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, or Pegasus, there are steps you can take to make your email more secure and help prevent malicious mail from hijacking your PC.
Whether you use Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, or Pegasus, there are steps you can take to make your email more secure and help prevent malicious mail from hijacking your PC.
Reading email headers
Just because that email says it's "From" someone you know, it doesn't mean it is. Find out how to tell who the real sender is and take appropriate action.
Just because that email says it's "From" someone you know, it doesn't mean it is. Find out how to tell who the real sender is and take appropriate action.