Threats & Challenges

Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my! Sometimes, lately, that’s how it feels when you’re using your computer. Viruses and worms and phishing attacks:oh, my, indeed. But, as movie directors know, the scariest thing is the unknown. So let’s get all this bad stuff into the light, so we can start dealing with it…

Viruses. Like the viruses that sicken human beings, viruses insert themselves into other programs (or completely replace those programs). Once they’ve done so, they can cause all sorts of symptoms – from ‘mild’ (displaying annoying messages) to ‘fatal’ (damaging your data or crashing your computer). Like ‘human’ viruses, computer viruses know how to spread from one computer to another. This typically occurs when the software or document they’re attached to is shared between computers.

Worms. These are much like viruses, but they operate on their own: they can spread even if nobody deliberately shares the files they’re in. Some worms exploit security flaws in the software you’re running; others simply trick users into letting them run.

Trojans. Like the giant horse ‘gift’ the Greeks gave the people of Troy, computer ‘Trojans’ are filled with trouble. But they look harmless: in fact, they look like software you’d want to run. Once you do, though, you’re in their grasp (or as some hackers like to put it, “pwned” powerfully owned.) Trojans might mess with your Web home page – or they might steal your social security number and give bad guys a ‘back door’ they can use to explore your computer whenever they feel like it.

Bots. Malicious bots infect your computer, and thousands (or sometimes even millions of other computers). Every infected computer is connected to a central connect to a central computer, and waits for instructions. What kind? Bots might be instructed to flood a Web site with more traffic than it can handle, and knock it out of service. Or they might be used to send thousands of Spam email messages that can’t easily be traced to their origin. Or they might capture and send your passwords and personal information.

How do you avoid being attacked by viruses, worms, Trojans, and bots? Get good anti-virus software which can scan not only your files but also incoming emails. Then, keep it up to date. And use common sense: never download and run software unless you’re sure it’s coming from a legitimate source.

We’re almost done, but there’s one more threat you need to pay especially close attention to:

Phishing. Phishing is fraud. It’s someone trying to convince you to hand over sensitive information (such as your credit card number or online banking password) by masquerading as the financial institution or some other ‘official’ entity. You might, for example, receive an email or an instant message that tells you your account’s been suspended, but they’ve provided an easy link to follow to reinstate your account. When you follow the link, you don’t go to the financial institution’s official site: you go to a cleverly designed fake site that captures your personal information. ‘Phishing’ attacks often pretend to come from banks, eBay, or PayPal, though they can come from anyone large numbers of people do business with. They’re getting smarter and more sophisticated, too, with fewer typos and better grammar.

Here’s how to avoid phishing attacks: #1. Never follow a link in an email that claims to come from your financial institution. If you think it might be real, close your email software, open your web browser, browse to your financial institution’s site, and log in the way you normally would. If by some unlikely chance there really is a problem with your account, you’ll find a message there telling you. #2: Get anti-phishing software or new web browsers that display a warning if you visit a site that appears not to be who it claims to be. Most recent browsers contain at least some anti-phishing capabilities.

Comments:

  1. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and
    I’m inspired! Extremely useful info particularly the closing phase
    🙂 I handle such information much. I was seeking this certain info
    for a long time. Thanks and good luck.

  2. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills
    as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this
    a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today.

  3. Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but
    it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!

  5. I’m not sure exactly why but this web site is loading very
    slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  6. Quality articles or reviews is the secret to be a focus for the users to
    go to see the web page, that’s what this site is
    providing.

  8. What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit
    at this site, and paragraph is really fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these articles.

  9. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I
    desire to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  10. It’s truly very complex in this busy life to listen news on Television, thus I just use world wide web
    for that purpose, and get the most recent information.

  11. Unquestionably imagine that which you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to be on the net
    the easiest thing to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as folks consider worries that they just do not understand about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out
    the entire thing with no need side-effects , folks could take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  13. That is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
    Simple but very precise information… Thank you for
    sharing this one. A must read post!

  15. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure
    things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any points or suggestions? Many thanks

    Here is my web blog: poker idn pulsa

  17. I’m not sure why but this blog is loading very slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my
    end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  18. Hi there, I discovered your blog via Google even as searching for a similar matter, your website came up, it appears to be like great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply changed into alert to your weblog via
    Google, and found that it is truly informative.
    I am going to be careful for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this {in future}.
    Lots of other folks will likely be benefited
    from your writing. Cheers!

  20. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my
    iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 25
    foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is
    now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I
    had to share it with someone!

  21. Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!

    Appreciate it

  22. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your
    website. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
    A small number of my blog visitors have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
    Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?

  23. Hello, for all time i used to check website
    posts here early in the dawn, as i enjoy to find
    out more and more.

  25. I know this site provides quality based content and extra data, is there any other site which gives these kinds of
    information in quality?

  28. Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was
    curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we
    are looking to trade solutions with others, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  29. I quite like reading an article that can make men and women think.
    Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!

  30. Fine way of telling, and fastidious piece of writing to take facts about my presentation focus, which
    i am going to present in college.

  31. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. Nevertheless imagine if you
    added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could undeniably be one of the very best in its
    field. Amazing blog!

  32. Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a
    lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair price?
    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  33. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your blog site in Chrome,
    it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
    it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, wonderful blog!

  35. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one
    and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam
    remarks? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is
    very much appreciated.

  36. Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this web site,
    for the reason that i want enjoyment, as this this site conations genuinely pleasant funny stuff too.

  37. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell
    and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the
    shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and
    it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off
    topic but I had to tell someone!

  38. This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a
    reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start
    my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  39. You could definitely see your expertise within the article you write.
    The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who
    aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  40. Your mode of describing the whole thing
    in this post is genuinely fastidious, every one can effortlessly
    know it, Thanks a lot.

  43. Hurrah! In the end I got a weblog from where I be
    capable of really get useful data concerning my study and knowledge.

  45. Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog
    and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  46. I am in fact delighted to read this web site posts which includes lots of useful information, thanks for
    providing such data.

  47. I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing? I’m experiencing
    some small security problems with my latest blog and I would like
    to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any recommendations?

  48. Link exchange is nothing else but it is just placing the other person’s blog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

  49. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this site.
    I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated
    me to get my very own site now 😉

  51. If some one desires to be updated with most recent technologies afterward he must
    be go to see this web page and be up to date daily.

  53. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during
    lunch break. I enjoy the information you
    provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.

    I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, great site!

  57. Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of
    your website is great, as well as the content!

  58. My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might check things out.
    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to exploring your web page again.

  59. Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to understand so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I believe that you just could do with a few percent to
    pressure the message house a bit, but other than that, that is excellent blog.

    An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  60. You are so interesting! I don’t believe I’ve read
    through something like that before. So nice to discover another person with a few original thoughts on this subject matter.
    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s needed
    on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  61. I just like the valuable info you provide for your
    articles. I will bookmark your blog and check once more right
    here frequently. I am rather sure I will learn plenty of new
    stuff right right here! Good luck for the following!

  62. Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
    sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.

    I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.

    Do you have any helpful hints for inexperienced blog writers?
    I’d certainly appreciate it.

  64. A person necessarily lend a hand to make critically posts I might state.
    That is the first time I frequented your website page and to this point?
    I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual put up extraordinary.
    Excellent process!

  66. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly
    picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise
    some technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the
    site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining,
    but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your
    high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a
    lot more of your respective interesting content.

    Ensure that you update this again very soon.

  67. It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the
    longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may I wish to
    counsel you some fascinating things or tips. Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring to this article.
    I want to read even more things about it!

  68. Asking questions are truly nice thing if you are not understanding anything fully, but this piece of writing provides nice understanding yet.

  69. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly
    informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll
    be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  70. I believe that is among the most important information for me.
    And i’m glad studying your article. But wanna statement on few normal
    issues, The web site style is perfect, the articles is actually great : D.
    Good job, cheers

  71. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the
    book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message
    home a little bit, but other than that, this is great blog.

    A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  72. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you
    hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
    many thanks

  73. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are
    you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  74. First off I would like to say awesome blog! I had a
    quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head before
    writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting
    my thoughts out there. I do take pleasure in writing however it
    just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how
    to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Appreciate it!

  75. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
    community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and
    our whole neighborhood shall be thankful to you.

  78. It’s going to be finish of mine day, except before ending I am reading this fantastic piece of
    writing to increase my experience.

  80. What i do not realize is actually how you’re
    no longer actually a lot more well-favored than you might be now.
    You are very intelligent. You know therefore significantly in the case of this topic, produced
    me for my part consider it from numerous varied angles.

    Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved unless it is one thing to
    do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always care for it up!

  81. I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I definitely
    loved every bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you
    post…

  82. Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this, such as you wrote the e-book
    in it or something. I think that you could do with a few % to force the message house a bit, but instead
    of that, that is magnificent blog. A fantastic read.

    I will certainly be back.

  84. Link exchange is nothing else but it is just placing the other person’s
    website link on your page at suitable place and other
    person will also do same in support of you.

  86. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
    this site. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content by you later on as
    well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated
    me to get my very own site now 😉

  88. Your means of telling the whole thing in this paragraph is actually good, every one be capable of without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot.

  93. A person essentially help to make seriously posts I might state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your website page and
    up to now? I amazed with the research you made to create this actual put up
    amazing. Fantastic job!

  94. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed
    browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and
    I hope you write again soon!

  95. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog site?
    The account helped me a appropriate deal. I had
    been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered bright transparent concept

  96. Hello I am so grateful I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks
    for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I
    don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved it and also
    added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic
    jo.

  97. It’s actually very complicated in this full of activity life to listen news
    on TV, thus I simply use the web for that reason, and obtain the most up-to-date news.

  98. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It
    absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid different customers
    like its aided me. Great job.

  99. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.
    I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back down the road.
    I want to encourage you continue your great posts, have
    a nice weekend!

  100. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.

    The words in your content seem to be running
    off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something
    to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d
    post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Thanks

  101. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while
    people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without
    having side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  102. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect
    against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?

  103. Amazing issues here. I am very happy to see your
    article. Thanks so much and I am having a look ahead to contact you.
    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  104. I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content.
    This great article has truly peaked my interest.
    I will take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once per
    week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  106. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  107. I all the time used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now I am using net for content,
    thanks to web.

  109. Hey there this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
    if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
    soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  113. Hi, this weekend is pleasant designed for me, because
    this point in time i am reading this wonderful informative paragraph here at my home.

  114. It is appropriate time to make some plans for
    the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if
    I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  115. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

  116. It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before ending I am reading this enormous paragraph
    to increase my know-how.

  117. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
    any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.

    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  118. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed!
    Very helpful info particularly the closing part 🙂 I handle such info
    much. I used to be looking for this particular information for a very long time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

  119. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
    added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?

    Cheers!

  120. I am in fact delighted to read this web site posts which
    consists of lots of valuable information, thanks for providing these statistics.

  122. you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible.
    It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick.
    Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent task on this subject!

  123. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough
    time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas
    for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  124. Hello there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
    from an established blog. Is it very hard to
    set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
    pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you
    have any points or suggestions? Thank you

  125. What i do not understood is in truth how you are not really a lot more smartly-liked than you may be right now.

    You are so intelligent. You realize thus considerably on the subject of this topic, made me individually imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t fascinated except it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga!
    Your individual stuffs great. Always care for it up!

  127. Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog
    loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting
    provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  128. I do not even know the way I ended up right here, but I thought this put up used to be
    good. I do not understand who you might be but certainly you are going
    to a well-known blogger for those who are not already. Cheers!

  129. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  132. I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering issues with your site.
    It appears as though some of the written text within your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let
    me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser
    because I’ve had this happen before. Appreciate it

  133. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with
    the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from
    that service? Thank you!

  134. Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had
    problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives
    for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  135. I read this post fully on the topic of the difference of most recent
    and preceding technologies, it’s amazing article.

  136. Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see of this webpage;
    this weblog consists of remarkable and really good material
    in support of readers.

  137. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it,
    you could be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark
    your blog and will often come back in the future. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job,
    have a nice holiday weekend!

  139. Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours nowadays.
    I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  140. It is not my first time to visit this site, i am browsing this web site dailly and obtain fastidious data from here
    daily.

  141. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
    However imagine if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts
    more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images
    and clips, this site could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its niche.
    Very good blog!

  142. Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you
    amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog
    website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vivid transparent idea

  143. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble
    with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of
    hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to protect
    against hackers?

  146. Fantastic blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own website soon but
    I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There
    are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any recommendations? Bless you!

  149. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or
    blog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site.
    Reading this info So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I
    came upon just what I needed. I so much indubitably will make sure
    to don?t fail to remember this website and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  151. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and
    I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically
    the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was looking for this certain info for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *