Internet Problems (Part I)
Anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-adware and anti-popup software generally work well after being installed. But, what if your computer becomes infected with:
- Spyware (Keystroke tracking software)
- A virus that wasn’t detected because you didn’t update your definitions
- Adware you inadvertently installed when you said yes to that “FREE” anti-spam or anti-popup or neat screensaver that was offered in a popup or a spam email?
If you do become infected or otherwise have trouble with these types of programs, Carst Consulting Services can help.
We can install:
- a new (up-dated) anti-virus program
- a new anti-spam filter
- a new pop-up blocker
- an anti-adware program
We can clean out the problems files and, if necessary, reinstall everything from scratch. We can do whatever it takes!
In future newsletters we will talk about the specifics of viruses, phishing E-mails and adware. For now, let’s discuss spyware and why it’s a problem.
Spyware
Some programs are not seemingly destructive. They are designed to silently track your normal habits and steer you to the websites that they want you to visit. Much worse, they will track your keystrokes and secretly send them to a hacker who will use a special program to extract your passwords and/or credit card information. With this information, hackers and their cohorts can then use your credit card numbers to purchase items or even get new credit cards that you won’t even know exist until the dunning letters arrive or the credit company asks you for payment for purchases made on the new card. Some people have been subjected to problems associated with identity theft for years because their computers were compromised by one of these hackers.
Your only protection is to install and maintain a good firewall and an up-to-date anti-virus program with the latest virus definitions.
You also need to be careful with your email; you should never click on URL’s that are embedded in an email that looks like it came from your bank, credit card company, or department store as these may be (probably are) phishing emails, the subject of my next newsletter.
Here’s hoping that you and your computer have a happy and secure 2005.