Security Issues
Having been a user of PC systems since their inception and a user of the public Internet since its earliest days I can offer some simple advice on how to protect your computer and your privacy from the myriad of nefarious computer hackers and viruses that abound today.
By following these simple guidelines, you can limit your exposure. There is no guarantees but these will surely reduce your chances of being hacked.
1. ANTI-VIRUS Software: This is the simplest and most effective tool in your arsenal to protect your computer. There are no two ways about it. You must have antivirus software on any computer you own. Whether it connects to the Internet regularly, occasionally or even if it never connects, you must have an ANTI-VIRUS package installed. There are many software packages available. Some for free, some for low cost and some for a more significant cost. While the paid packages do offer some features and benefits, there are a number of reliable free products which do a good job. Every PC System the PCGUY sells comes with a free ANTI-VIRUS package. Every system the PCGUY works on if checked to make sure there is an installed ANTI-VIRUS and it is up-to-date. (see next item).
2. Keep the ANTI-VIRUS software up to date: All ANTI-VIRUS companies’ packages regularly make updates to their products available. Usually they can be set to automatically download and install these updates but you should occasionally check for yourself that you have the latest versions. There are a few compenents which need to be checked and to be updated as necessary. Each vendor may use slightly different names to refer to these components:
a. Virus Database / Signature file: This is the latest information about known viruses which allow the ANTI-VIRUS software to locate and potentially remove viruses. As new viruses are found, the vendors update this information to protect their users.
b. Program / Engine: This is the actual software that scans your system for the presence of any known viruses (as found in the database or signature file). As new methods for inserting and hiding viruses in your system are found, the program or engine must be updated to properly scan and remove such infections.
c. Most ANTI-VIRUS products also scan for some tell-tale signs of a virus, or virus behavior, even if it is not a known virus. This is often called a heuristic scan. It looks for patterns of virus behavior and removes such infections from your system.
3. Make sure your ANTI-VIRUS is active and also is scheduled to scan your system periodically on its own. Usually once a week is sufficient for an automatic virus scan. It should be schedule at a time when you do not expect to be using the system, but, at a time when the system is turned on. Sleep or Hibernation mode do not count.
4. MALWARE: You have heard of SOFTWARE and HARDWARE. MALWARE is a specific kind of software which can find its way to your computer. MALWARE, as the name implies, is software that is MAL or bad. It can be annoying but harmless or could be very dangerous. It is not clear why it is not called a virus but it is often not and often not scanned for by ANTI-VIRUS packages. You should have an anti-malware package on your system to find and eradicate malware.
Malware can cause the following:
a. It may cause your web browser to act differently. It can change your “home page”. It can cause your searches to be redirected (and not use google for example). It can cause pop-ups of advertising to try and get you to purchase things you do not want or need.
b. It may log your activity by tracking what websites you go to or even worse:
c. It may capture user names, passwords or credit cards.
d. It may pop up messages in windows telling you that you have a virus and you must click to remove it. These messages are fake and are excuses to either install a virus or try and scam you out of money.
The PCGUY can help you install a free anti-malware product.
5. EMAIL Security: There are a number of issues regarding email that you must be aware of.
a. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER open an email attachment from:
i. someone you do not recognize,
ii. from someone who you do know but does not normally send you attachments,
iii. from any service that you have heard of but you have no current business with them. It is very common to receive what looks like a FED-EX or UPS message telling you about tracking information for your package. They supply an attachment which will surely infect your system with either a virus or malware. Any tracking information FED-EX or UPS wants to send you will be contained within the email itself and not an attachment. If you are expecting a package (or are tracking a package you sent), go to the company website and track your package manually. Do not rely on an attachment in email.
b. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER click on a link in email which purports to be from a bank, email company store or any other business which says there may be a problem with your account. Even if it looks like it is from your bank (or your email company), no reputable firm will send such an email. Always best to go to your bank’s website or contact them by phone and see if there is a problem. These messages are scams, sending you to fake or fishing websites, trying to get you to enter your account information and password.
c. IF IT LOOKS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE – IT IS: No one is giving away anything for free. Any email suggesting that by clicking here you will win something, receive something or any other offer, should be deleted without clicking.
d. Don’t be fooled by the logo from your bank appearing in the email. It is quite simple to get any logo and make an email look like it is from someone else.
6. Disk -on-key/USB Disk/Thumb Drive: Treat unknown removable disks with suspicion. They can be infected by being inserted into an infected computer. This infection can be transferred to your computer by just plugging in such a disk. Know the source. If your antivirus offers to scan the disk, let it.
7. Telephone Scams: A number of my customers have fallen victim to such scams. You may receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Dell, HP, Bezeq, Verizon or any other reputable company. They may claim to be from a company you recognize or may indicate they are a partner with Microsoft or some other company. They will claim that it has come to their attention that your PC may be infected. NOTE: NO REPUTIPLE COMPANY WILL EVEN CONTACT YOU THIS WAY. HANG UP IMMEDIATELY! They will offer to remote into your PC and clean up the virus or other issues. This is 100% a scam and the possibility of losing everything on your PC as well as having your identity stolen and your credit cards and bank account being hack is real and happens regularly. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER allow anyone to remote into your computer unless you know who it is, trust them and you have a relationship with them.
You may of course trust the PCGUY if you allow him to logon to your system. All PCGUY remote access methods are secured by multiple passwords and codes. Your screen will always remain visible to you will be able to everything that is being done to your PC.
8. The final step you should take to protect your valuable data, documents, pictures, music, etc. is to have a reliable, real-time offsite backup solution. The PCGUY offers the CARBONITE backup service. Be sure to contact the PCGUY and get protected by Carbonite today.
The PCGUY is available to help you as you need. You may reach out to me at paul@thepcguy.co.il
Paul, the PCGUY