Spyware: This is an all-inclusive term that includes the majority of malware like trojans (”Trojan Horses”), adware, pop up ads, modified cookies and key-loggers, to name a few. Spyware is generally constructed to look over your online activity and reveal flaws in security. Hackers have come up with complicated tools like key-loggers that can record every key that is typed — passwords, bank data and email can all be revealed with this software.

Prevent Spyware: Look for an anti-spyware program which is endorsed by a trusted company like CNet.

Identity Theft: It is possible for computer hackers to rob your confidential information with an array of means. After these details are acquired, they are exploited to buy products on the Internet with your credit card information, as well as to steal paychecks or produce fraudulent records. Ordinarily, most leading online security software includes a type of safeguard to protect you from this issue.

Avoid ID Theft: Make certain you know exactly who you are buying from. Before entering any information, be sure that there is a valid SSL certificate on the page. Sites that are secure start with “https:” instead of “http:” and there should be no error or warning icons evident in your browser.

Spam: Email spam can contain harmful links capable of infecting your equipment with a virus or spyware, and drawing even more spam. A good option is to use a good Internet spam filter. You can avoid an inundation of spam mail by using common sense and some security software.

Avoid Spam: Don’t ever ‘unsubscribe’ any email messages you did not solicit or subscribe to. This notifies the spammer that you are an actual person and your spam potentially could double or triple very quickly.

Phishing: This is a term related to identity theft and is a serious Internet security threat. This plays out by sending messages to your email address that appear to be from a trusted site, such as a financial institution or even Paypal. The links take you to a fake site that looks and acts like the trusted one. When you enter your personal information, the hacker will be able to make online transactions using your money or your info that was entered at the site.

Do Not Allow Phishing: Never enter a link that appears “phishy”. Find out exactly what the “.com” is linked to. The URL ought to conclude with the expected name, instead of starting with the expected name. If you go to the Bank of America site, the URL should look like this: http://somesubdomain.bankofamerica.com. But if you are at a phishing site, the URL may look like this: http://bankofamerica.myphishingdomain.com. And immediately exit if the website directs you to an IP address (an IP address looks like: 111.22.333.456) You can be more confident (but it is not 100% effective) if you are using Internet Explorer, as it has a phishing filter that can alert you to suspected phishing sites.

Tags: identity theft, internet security, Phishing, prevent phishing, prevent spam, Spam

This entry was posted on Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 8:25 am and is filed under Spam. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.