Anti-CIV

First let’s cover the basics.

Definitions

*Virus: a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer …

*Spy-ware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the users interaction with the computer, without the users informed consent.

*Junk Files: Over the course of time, your computer accumulates unwanted and unremoved junk files that are no longer necessary. These junk files remain unused by the operating system, but occupy much disk space.

The first step to optimizing your computer is removal of any virus, malware, spyware, and adware infecting your computer. You may notice pop-ups, error messages, difficulty navigating on the internet, a change in home page, a slowdown in computer functions, and other undesirable behaviours. You need programs designed to eliminate these threats. Once the threats have been neutralized and eliminated you will be ready to take the next step in optimizing the performance of your computer. First let’s look at what we are dealing with.

A computer virus is a malicious program that can do irreparable harm to your computer. An anti virus program is necessary to prevent, and or remove these. Ad-ware and spy-ware are also troublesome. They can create unwanted pop ups and also track the way you surf the web. Over time, if not addressed, they can significantly slow down the operation of your computer. An antivirus or anti-spyware program is necessary to remove these from your computer. Some companies offer what is called a ‘suite’ which encompasses all this into one program and usually has preventative protection as well. This makes it easy and uncomplicated for the regular user to combat and prevent these threats.

I’m sure we’ve all had warnings and cautions of ad ware and/or spy ware threatening to shut down our computers. The computer is one of the most important items to most people and protecting it should be something everyone should read more about. Most ad ware and spy ware programs are cheap and an efficient way to make sure your information is safe. Most of you are still probably asking the question.

What is ad ware and spy ware?

Ad ware is a virus like program that gets on to your computer and you will most likely be infected with pop-ups, banners, and ads. Spy ware is when your personal information is gathered from your computer. They generally both work together to scam you with advertisements saying something like “Your computer has been infected with ad ware, to fix this problem purchase our anti ad ware program”. Ad ware will often be attached to programs you may have downloaded from shareware sites with the author trying to sell something to you.

So why protect my computer from ad ware and spy ware?

Well to tell you the truth spy ware is more dangerous than ad ware because it gathers your personal information, which can be used to scam you and send spam to your email address. Ad ware on the other hand is mainly just a nuisance, which is constantly producing pop-ups on your screen. It won’t shut down your computer but it will slow it down and more and more pop-ups will occur over time.

I want ad ware and/or spy ware but what program do I buy?

Both adware and spyware are nuisances to computer users. Aside from slowing the computer speed, it threatens our privacy by infiltrating through our computer and pirating our private files. Everyone with computer infected with it surely wants to remove adware and spyware.

Adware and spyware are both viruses designed to advertise unwanted ads through computers. Adware causes disturbing, yet catchy and interesting, advertisements come out of the computer screen on top of all the windows opened. Adware advertisements use words, phrases or pictures that will surely get your attention and make you want to follow the link it provides making you caught in the adware trap. Spyware is literally a “spy ware” that spies on your personal information you used or accessed through your computer such as usernames, passwords, email addresses and other files and send these to a third-computer. The third-computer user will use the information as recipients of unwanted ads, which usually end up in the spam section of email accounts.

Not all computers infected by adware or spyware need to be professionally repaired or the computer trashed away. An average computer user can do something to restore the computer to its original state just by following few simple steps to remove adware and spyware.

Most adware and spyware are taken from the internet by accidentally downloading it and installing it in the computer. Other are secretly attached to another program which will be installed in the computer by installing the said program. Since adware and spyware are installed in the computer, the installation can be undone by simply uninstalling the program. The infected files or better yet the source of the virus could be found in the Add/Remove Program of the control panel. Just click the virus-program and click ‘remove” to uninstall it. After doing so, restart the computer to have it start running without the virus.

This is a paper about securing your home computers and networks.

The goal of computer security is to keep unauthorized users from using your resources. This can be anything from your computer to your printer or even your web camera. Detection is another important aspect that should be monitored as well.

I often get asked “Why should I worry?”

Maybe you shouldn’t. If you are concerned about any of your files or the possibility of losing them you should care. There is also online banking that many people use to watch their accounts. Malicious users can also use your computer to launch attacks against other networks, or put files on your computer as a means of storage. Even if you have the computer just to send email to Grandma don’t think that you are not at risk. Attackers like to hide there tracks by jumping thru multiple locations such as your computer. Malicious users can take over your webcam and watch and even listen to you!

Attackers like to use multiple systems to launch denial of service attacks-sending tons of packets to bring a network to its knees.

Identity theft is huge right now. Your credit report should be reviewed frequently. Identity thieves can gain allot of information from your home computers. FTC said there are approximately over 10 million victims a year. If your ID is stolen or think it is visit [http://www.consumer.gov/idetheft]. Never send out your personal information in email it is not secured.

The risk is getting greater daily as more people connect to the Internet. Script Kiddies download tools that make breaking into computers as easy as pressing a button. Security patches are offered thru vendors but most people do not bother to patch there systems or have the time.