Forum: SpywareDr - Resources To Help Keep Your Computer Secure

If anyone is unfortunate to be caught by fake Anti-Virus malware, here are some ideas that you can try to get the PC working again: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/43090/heres-a-super-simple-trick-to-defeating-fake-anti-virus-malware/

Here is a new site where UK residents can learn about and report all types of fraud. Hopefully the information will be useful for folks from the rest of the world too. http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/

Here is a method for (reasonably) safely entering passwords on a public computer, or any computer where it's possible that a keylogger may be present: Vesik method revised

Microsoft Online Safety

In this article you can see exactly how the bad guys try and get you to part with your cash. It also explains the many tell-tales to help you spot that it (and the many like it) is a scam: Anatomy of a malware scam

Welcome to the SpywareDr forum :) The purpose of this forum is to be a reference library of articles, primarily about computer security, to assist members and guests in keeping their computers safe and running smoothly. Please do not ask for help with any computer problems that you may be...

Microsoft have created a new security related blog here: Security Vulnerability Research & Defense Here is a news article about it: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39291828,00.htm

Here are a number of good articles to help keep your wireless network secure: Secoring your wireless network Complete guide to wi-fi security Essential home wireless security practices How to secure your network (Linksys)

There are other things apart from malware that pose a risk to the data on your hard drive, including physical damage. Part of having a secure computer is having your data backed up safely, that way whatever happens, whether malware related or some other cause, you can recover from it. Testing...

Here is a fascinating account of a cyberstalking incident: Linkin Park's Mysterious Cyberstalker There are lessons to be learnt by us all here - it all started with the use of an easily guessed password in an online account :eek:

It is very easy to crack WEP now, which can lead to all kinds of ramifications, as this article shows :( How to keep your wi-fi network safe

A spoofed site is one that appears to belong to a particular organization or individual but really belongs to someone else. Spoofed sites hide their true identities in several ways, including by disguising their URLs. There are ways that you can help protect yourself from spoofed sites (and the...

If you aren't using Script Sentry, run, don't walk to Jason's Toolbox, download and install it: http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/programs.asp?Program=Script%20Sentry Scripts are: * wonderful things that can automate many computer tasks * terrible things that can destroy your computer ...

Here's an excellent site with many different tests that can tell you how good your firewall defences are: Firewall Leak Tester

Here are some good tips from a top ex-hacker: Kevin Mitnick's Security Advice

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.11/botnet.html

There's plenty of good advice here: Reclaiming your identity

Here are the first two articles in a series on what happened to a deliberately unprotected virtual machine. Regrettably there are all too many real machines that are like this - don't let yours be one of them :eek: Tracking down hi-tech crime Trapping hackers in the honeypot

Security Glossary http://www.download.com/Security-glossary/1200-2023_4-5157394.html Liam

There is plenty of good info here: Don't take data-wiping methods for granted

Excellent resource for reviews, along with the basics explained for good online security from tightening Windows, and Phishing to recommended routers. http://www.firewallguide.com/ Liam

Here is a site that will do all the hard work: Phishing Incident Reporting & Termination If everyone does this it could help rid the 'net of this scourge. And even preventing one person from losing all their money would be satisfaction enough for the small amount of effort involved.

Here is an excellent article explaining how WGA works, about "false positives", and what do do if your PC fails: Windows Genuine Advantage

The full article is here: http://insight.zdnet.co.uk/internet/security/0,39020457,39277967,00.htm

10 things you should do to protect your network against wireless devices

Here's an interesting article on the reasons that people get taken in by phishing (in PDF format): Why Phishing works

If your kids are just starting to explore the online world, here are 10 rules that they should follow to keep them safer on the Internet.http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4897545

Using Internet chat rooms, e-mail, and instant messaging can put children at risk of encountering online predators. Learn what you can do to reduce the threat of your child becoming a target.http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4897544

Microsoft Security Help and Support for the home user is dedicated to helping you obtain support for security-related issues such as viruses and security updates. http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=SecurityHome

Microsoft Security Help and Support for the IT professional is dedicated to helping you obtain support for security-related issues such as viruses and security updates.http://support.microsoft.com/gp/securityitpro

Here are some excellent resources to help with writing secure code, whether for Windows Forms or web development: Microsoft Application Security

The Internet makes it easy to shop, bank, and communicate online, but it also puts you at risk for identity theft. By using some basic precautions, you can reduce the odds of being a victim. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/default.mspx

Using the Internet is a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, browse and shop, get help with homework, and more. Learn how to help protect yourself while still enjoying everything the Internet has to offer. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/default.mspx

Spam, viruses, identity-theft schemes, and hoaxes are just some of the threats to e-mail users today. The following resources will help you reduce the risks, while enjoying the benefits. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/default.mspx

Whether your kids go online to browse, research school projects, play games, or chat with friends, you can help to keep them safer while they explore online with the following articles and tips. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children/default.mspx

Learn more here: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/remote_access_trojans.mspx

Internet firewalls: Frequently asked questions http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/firewall.mspx Why you should use a computer firewall http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/fwbenefits.mspx

How to defend against viruses and worms (Video) Watch this video to find out how viruses and worms can infect your computer, and learn about the three main ways you can help to protect yourself from computer viruses.http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/video_virusworm.mspx

Watch this video to find out more about spyware -- What it is, ways your computer can become infected, symptoms of infection, and the top three things you can do to prevent spyware.http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/video1.mspx

After you open and run an infected program or attachment on your computer, you might not realize that you've introduced a virus until you notice something isn't quite right.How do I know if a virus has infected my computer? An introduction to computer viruses: Part 2 ...

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is free program from Microsoft that helps you detect, disable, or remove spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender (Beta 2) and subsequent definition updates are available free to users of genuine Microsoft Windows. How to download and use...

Learn how to get a variety of antispyware tools that detect and remove unwanted software from your computer at no charge:http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/antispy.mspx Many more free, (and safe), anti-malicious_software tools listed...

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software and helps remove any infection found. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a...

The Windows Security Center runs as a background process and shows the status of three important security components: an Internet firewall, antivirus software, and Automatic Updates. It also serves as a starting point for getting to other security-related areas and for finding security-related...

To help protect your computer from the latest Internet threats, it is important to install new security updates as soon as they become available. The easiest way to do this is to turn on Automatic Updates. Learn how here:http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880065

The first line of defense in keeping your computer as secure as possible is through regular software updates and routine system maintenance to help avoid data loss, new viruses, and other potential risks. To find out what updates you need to keep your computer up to date, visit the Microsoft...

Security & Privacy Freeware Anti-: Virus, Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Worms, Hijacking, Hackers, Rootkits ... Anti-VirusAlwil avast! Home Edition http://avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html Avira GmbH AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic http://www.free-av.com/index.htm

Everyone should have antivirus and firewall programs installed on their PC's and set to start at boot. The virus definition files for antivirus programs need to be updated every few days. There are many antivirus programs to choose from--most charge, but a few are free. Which is best is the...

Is available here (freeware): Strider URL Tracer And is also explained in this article: Microsoft tool hunts down typo squatters

Thanks to Ecross for finding this excellent article: Anatomy of a "Drive-by-download"

Here is an extremely interesting article on botnets (thanks to Poppy4 for finding it). It's quite lengthy, but well worth the read: Invasion of the computer snatchers If nothing else it indicates the importance of keeping your PC fully patched, behind a good firewall, and with a good...

This is really meant for those working in corporate environments, but could also be useful for others as well. The cost of cleaning up spyware is an expensive business :eek: Blue Coat Spyware Cost Calculator

Here's a UK government site dedicated to helping folks spot scams of all kinds. The info should still apply whichever part of the world you're in. Scams

More Similar Links Below: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Resources Anti-Virus Resources Phishing and Fraud Prevention Resources Windows XP Security and Performance Resources

Here is an excellent new site which is dedicated to the fight aginst malware. There is plenty of good advice advice here :) http://www.stopbadware.org/

Here is a very interesting article, written by Eugene Kaspersky (of Kaspersky AV fame), which shows that even the very best AV programs will let some nasties slip by. I've seen posts by folks in the past who claim that there is no need to patch Windows as long as there is a good AV program running....

Here is an excellent article: http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=177100010

This is a genuine phishing email that I recieved, I thought it might be educational to show the things that give it away. A couple of things gave it away though. Firstly, the grammatical mistakes: "This notification expires on 48" (speaks for itself) "E-gold customer department!"...

Here is a new UK government sponsored site with some excellent advice for keeping your PC safe: Get Safe Online

Here is an interesting article that puts the dangers of identity theft into perspective. Full article here: Separating myth from reality of ID theft

Table of Contents Introduction Using security zones Adding and Removing sites from a zone Creating a Custom Security Zone Configuring Security Settings Global Security Settings Using Content Advisor Managing ActiveX Controls

Windows provides variety of methods which security software can filter and other security related tasks. A number of articles discuss and compare features of different software firewalls, but there is a few sources that explore the filter techniques. Understanding filtering techniques will help...

Anti hacking tips for home based online business. Read the full article: HERE Liam

Here is a good article with some good links giving sound advice on spyware: Spyware: What you need to know

Frequently Asked Questions About Passwords -- by Jesper M. Johansson Read about how passwords are stored in Windows and how passwords can be attacked. You'll also learn steps you can take to prevent your passwords from being cracked. ...

This illustrates just how vulnerable unpatched PC's are. With no user intervention whatsover, an insufficiently protected machine was hacked in just a few minutes. Own3d in 200 seconds, Unprotected PC's can be hijacked in minutes For those of you with Windows XP, upgrade to Service Pack...

Mike Healan of SpywareInfo has started a "jargon database", which will be expanded over time, to try and define the various teminologies used in describing malware: Jargon Database

All about DDos attacks and prevention Protecting Web Servers from Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

Cyber attackers are constantly scanning the Internet looking for vulnerabilities in computer systems that will enable them to take control and use the systems for illegal or unethical activities such as identity theft, industrial espionage or distributing spam. For those trying to prevent such...

Here are a series of three outstanding articles on how WEP is cracked, and how it can be secured: Part 1, Setup & Network Recon Part 2, Performing the Crack Part 3, Securing your WLAN

Get information on spyware, and see what is the most prevalent spyware here: Etrust Spyware Information Center

Here are some online quizzes you can use to check your security awareness: For individual users 1 For individual users 2 For Companies

Then you should read these articles first. If you have sensitive information on the hard drive then you need to be aware of the fact that it is recoverable unless you go to some effort. Skeletons on your hard drive Disk Sanitization (PDF document) Here is a freeware program that can be...

Lately I have been reading more and more horror stories about unsecured wireless networks. Indeed I have heard of people who have abandoned their ISP's altogether and are now using other peoples open Wi-Fi connections for all their surfing/downloading needs. I'd like to leave everyone with a...

Then here is a great "one-stop shop": DNS Stuff

Look up and get information on computer pests here: PestPatrol Center for Pest Research

with tests of your defences, news, good advice, etc. PC Flank

Essential reading for all Windows users: Microsoft security home page

The UK government has launched a new service to help alert computer users to current threats and offer security advice. They are also offering text alerts to mobile phones, which I'm sure will be to UK mobiles only. The rest of the advice should be useful to members throughout the rest of the world...

Here is a superb tutorial on how to secure the IE6, Netscape and Firefox browsers, aimed at the less technical user: Web Security

Using this useful tool: Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer Please note, this tool will only run on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 installations.

Although this is a UK site, it offers excellent advice on avoiding the potential dangers of online banking which should apply worldwide: Bank Safe Online

Is here: Berkeley Lab Computer Protection Program

Here: Computer Network Defence Operational Picture

can be found here: University of Cambridge Computer Security Group

Aimed towards the more experienced user, there are some very useful and interesting links in this article: Must reads for hacking prevention

Webopedia---All About Phishing Scams

Here is an outstanding article that covers all aspects of securing a PC: Home Computer Security

Here's a definite fix. It's a little in depth but it works. I've attempted to use Spybot, Adaware and CWShredder and none of those worked to remove CWS. This finally did the trick. Enjoy! http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial85.html p.s. Print the tutorial FIRST! Download all...

Whether you have one yourself, or know somebody who has, here is some excellent advice: Trojan Horse Christmas

The Internet has made e-cards a convenient and inexpensive alterative to traditional paper cards. Nobody knows how many illegitimate e-cards are being sent. Hackers and scam artists have started into a e-card terroritory to trick to unwary. Here are some basic things that you can do to help avoid...

These old chestnuts are still doing the rounds, sometimes many years after they were released into the wild. Here is one that one of the other moderators received, and it's a classic of its genre: Note, the line in all caps asking you to send it to your contact list - this is a dead giveaway...

Here is an excellent site, with both quick and thorough tests for testing your computer's ports for security: Sygate Online Services If any of you are using a router to connect to the Internet, your ports may well show as "Closed" rather than "Blocked" - that is because the probe isn't able...

http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2004/firewall_types.asp

Here is an excellent web page, with links to many well known anti-spyware apps and tutorials: Malware Countermeasures

Is here in PDF form: Outbreak response times: putting AV to the test

Some excellent advice is given in this article from PC Pro magazine: Beat the scammers

http://www.private.org.il/harvest.html this made my head spin

Here are two excellent sites that will let you see just how much information you are allowing others to see when you go online. The first is rather basic, the second site goes into as much detail as you could want. Anaslyze your Internet Privacy Browserspy Remember that some...

If you met a stranger dressed in a business suit who said they worked for a large corporation, would you, if they asked, give them your address, telephone number and the hours you worked? If so you should NOT be too surprised to come home to an empty house. Of course these types of people are...

Here is a webcast explaining how PC's can be used as zombies for various illicit purposes. It's aimed at the less experienced user and gives quite a good explanation and advice. For some bizarre reason it's been split into two, click on the link at the top of the page for part 1, and the link at...

1. Never use a real word for a password. There are password cracking programs that try every word in a dictionary. The average desktop computer can search an English language dictionary in minutes. Since English has more words than any other language, it may take even less time to search other...

About.com > Internet/Network Security > Computer Security 101 This provides the links to an informative 10-part series that walks a user through a basic understanding of the acronyms, technology and the how's and why's of securing their computer. A Quiz is included with each lesson along with a...

Panda ActiveScan HouseCall Free Online Virus Scanner eTrust AntiVirus Web Scanner Use these for a second opinion or when you believe something has slipped by your antivirus program. They supplement, BUT they do not replace a onboard antivirus program.

Here is an excellent article for anyone about to move to WinXP. It's a 1.2MB PDF: http://www.sans.org/rr/papers/index.php?id=1298

This article is primarily for businesses, but is still a very interesting read for the home user who wants to understand security issues better. The full article is here: http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Threats-Assets.html

The full article is here: http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Web-Browser-Vulnerabilities.html

Microsoft.com: Computer maintenance tips Microsoft.com: Backing up your computer files