Important information about online security. Use a "Firewall!"
If you are using Cable Modem, DSL, T1 or just an old dial up modem you are at risk. If you are connected to the WEB your ports are open to attack. Many users think that since they are using a dial-up connection the are not subject to attack from hackers.
Gibson Research has a page
that will probe your ports, and show you
just how vulnerable they are. To see the difference visit this site
before and then again after you download the ZoneAlarm
software (see next). Check
your security
The five items that are marked with this "Star"
are the ones that I use.
Zone Labs has a great
firewall that will protect from attack. But wait! There's more! This firewall will
also protect you from attack from within. Without
your knowledge, some of the software you download may "call
home" the first time it has a chance after the program is installed. Go to ZoneLabs.com to get the FREE version.
This is a DIRECT LINK to the download page. (As of January 1, 2008)
You can use the button above if you want
to go right to the download site.
There is one more freeware program that
will protect your computer from the attack from
within I mentioned above. Ad-Aware
from Lavasoft can detect traces of spyware
on your computer and remove them with just the click of a button.
Take a look at Lavasoft,
you might find this free software very useful.
I was surprised to see
the things it found on my computer the first time I ran it.
Since then I run it often and find just little bits of junk.
Usually just cookies now.
Spybot S&D
is more aggressive than Ad-Aware and is preferred by many users.
I use both. Get
the latest version here.
Keep spyware from installing in the first place!
In addition to the two items above this SpywareBlaster utility from Javacool Software will prevent spyware getting onto your computer. Get more information.
Want to get rid of the "CoolWebSearch" browser hijacker? Read the quote below. It's from the InterMute web site...
QUOTE: CoolWebSearch is one of the bad boys of spyware, a complicated and constantly morphing piece of malware that is able to mutate into adaptations more difficult to remove than previous versions whenever users try to uninstall it.
Another good antivirus program that you
can download from Grisoft.com
They also offer a FREE
version for home users.
I have tried it and I can safely say that it's as good as any other
antivirus I have ever used.
If you don't have any antivirus
software on your system you can go to Trend Micro and have your drive(s) scanned FREE online.
