Donnette

Here is your weekly Summary of important computer security news, tips and fixes, to keep you safe and sound on the Internet.

Stay protected and up to date quickly and easily by reading this Summary.

Your Company May be Phishing for You

It has recently been revealed that several large American companies, and even some state agencies, are phishing their own employees. The workers are sent to or tricked into going to a fake web site, where they may give out sensitive or proprietary information.

In fact, in one test, 30% of employees did just that, although they later admitted they should have known better. Some employees might be outraged at this tactic, but if you surf the Internet at work, be careful. Companies are becoming more aggressive in protecting their interests, be they legal, commercial or otherwise.

More than three-quarters of companies monitor web surfing and connections, and almost as many use software to block connections. Half of them keep and review all email.

As Ive pointed out many times, people (or kids!) are often the weakest link in computer security. The best anti-virus or anti-spyware programs will not protect you unless you use common sense on the web, and think before you click.

At the office, you must assume that your every keystroke and every visited web site is being monitored, or at least recorded. Be careful, and familiarize yourself with your companys Computer Policies.

By the way, a new version of Adobe Reader, 8.1, is now available. To get it, click here: www.adobe.com

Beware of Headlines and Add-Ons

The latest spam malware circulating on the Internet uses real, arresting headlines to grab your attention and get you to open the email, which may then cause your computer to be infected or attacked. If you do not recognize the sender, just delete the email.

In spite of the constant threats of viruses, spyware, and spam, experts say that 75% of security threats to companies come from within the organization. I am mostly concerned with protecting the home user, but the same principles apply to businesses. You must have a full suite of security programs and keep them up to date, and follow good computing practices.

Another flaw has been found in the Google Desktop, that could allow a hacker to launch a program already installed on your computer. It is complex and hard to do, and probably could not actually install new software on your PC.

However, other malware has been shown to use various Firefox extensions to plant malicious code on your computer.

The basic problem is that these extensions and add-ons compromise and reduce your browser security. Minimize your use of these add-ons such as toolbars. Do not install them on your computer unless you really need them and will use them.

Malware & Botnets

A new type of malware called image spam has appeared lately. It looks like wallpaper for your Desktop, but has text embedded in it which fools traditional filters and blockers. A recent example used stationary backgrounds in an email promoting a pump-and-dump stock s cam.

This type of junk seemed to be in decline over the past few months, but may now be making a comeback. As I have said many times, do not open or read spa m emails, and do not download wallpaper or screensavers. Windows has lots; pick one and enjoy.

On a different subject, the FBI together with some private partners including Microsoft, have determined that there are more than one million victims of botnet crime.

A botnet refers to thousands or literally millions of computers that have been infected and hijacked. Then they are used to send out a flood of spa m or to attack other computers, all without their owners knowledge or, of course, consent.

Several top spammmers have been nabbed, and are before the courts. To protect yourself, keep all your security programs up to date and always practice good surfing habits.

Syd Tash is a noted security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online - A Complete Guide. He has been keeping surfers safe since the last century. For more free Daily Tips and info to keep you safe online, visit http://mypcsecuritysite.com and bookmark it!