Carroll County Times Articles
Don't Be a Victim of Online Crime
by David Hodgdon – March 27, 2008
If your computer is connected to the Internet, it's only a matter of time before you fall victim to spyware, viruses, or hackers. Cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to harm you and hide their software's existence making it difficult to identify and remove. Even legitimate websites have sophisticated methods of snooping into your private information.
There are three categories of threats. Spyware - programs advertisers and others install on your PC with and without your permission to gather information. Malware - short for malicious software represents all programs, viruses, Trojans, and worms that are designed to damage or disrupt your PC. Hackers - computer programmers turned evil looking to steal information and disrupt your business. There are four common and costly misconceptions about spyware, malware and hackers. I will cover three here. Download a free thirteen-page Consumer Awareness Guide: How To Keep Your Computer Safe at www.HFITservices.com for more information.
Myth #1 - Spyware and Malware are easy to remove. Much of it is easily removed or blocked using free products like Spybot Search & Destroy (spyware) and Avast! (malware). These products are free for personal use only. Most free spyware programs do not scan automatically and because you are human you will forget to do it each day. If your PC gets infected it's usually time consuming and expensive to fix. Prevention is the key here. Get advice on the proper way to protect your business network from an IT professional and resist the temptation and advertising pressure to buy all-in-one security suites.
Myth #2 - It's the PCs fault I continue to have problems. In all cases, malware, spyware, and viruses are a result of some action taken by the user. Ever download a free program, play free games, "clip" on-line coupons? They come with a price… spyware. Ever make a mistake typing a website address and land on a pornographic site? Very likely you will get malware loaded on your PC while you stare in shock and horror at the images and the pop ups that fill your screen! Do you use the preview pain in Outlook? Programs hidden in the message run just as if you opened the mail. Do you or your kids love sharing music with Limewire, Kazaa etc.? That's like parking your car and leaving the doors unlocked with the keys in it then hanging a sign on the door saying "steal me please"! Talk to your computer person about ways to practice safe software and use protection on your PC.
Myth #3 - If my computer is working fine right now, I don't need to perform maintenance on it. This is the biggest and most deadly misconception most computer users fall victim to. If asked when your next doctor appointment is, most of us answer "the next time I get sick." But asked when your next dentist appointment is, most respond "sometime in the next six months". Why the difference? We have learned that regular preventative maintenance by a professional is critical to keeping our teeth and reducing expenses. The same is true for your PC. It's always more difficult and expensive to fix it than to keep it running well. Some maintenance you can do yourself but there is some that is best left to the pros.
About the Author
David Hodgdon is the owner of Hassle Free IT Services (www.HassleFreeITServices.com) of Westminster and a member of the Carroll Technology Council. Send email to David with any questions or comments to info@hasslefreeitservices.com or go to the Tech Council website, www.carrolltechcouncil.org, for more information.
