Identifying Possible Attacks
The three primary fraud methods currently in vogue are : Unsolicited email invitations, virus-spyware infections, and fake websites. I’ll deal with each of these in turn and outline the preventative steps to avoid them. Before I do a word on anti-virus software which is your primary defence against virus attacks.
Anti-Virus Software
Here are a couple of simple truths about anti-virus software. Firstly free anti-virus products will not protect your computer from a serious virus attack. Secondly do not rely on a computer shop assistant to advise you on what anti-virus/security tools you should buy. They are not technicians and their advice, for the most part, is worthless.
Lastly do not rely on so called “computer whiz kids” to advise you on your anti-virus needs as a “little knowledge is dangerous”.
Email Fraud
Email fraud attempts to get you to hand over your money in exchange for a supposed greater reward. In the past these included inheritance scams but today the criminal may use other less well known methods.
Prevention: Do not in any way engage the sender of the suspected fraudulent email. Do not open the email, browse to any included web links, or view any attachments that came with the message. If you inadvertently open the email turn off the pc, disconnect it from the internet, and seek professional advice immediately. It takes less than a second for your machine to become infected so don’t take chances.
Virus-Spyware Infections
Virus and spyware infections increasingly use two methods to defraud the victim. The first is to get you to pay for their virus/spyware removal tool by scaring you into thinking your machine is near the point of collapse. The second method is to install software to steal financial details on your computer.(commonly referred to as hacking). Once the criminal gets hold of your information it will be almost instantly used to purchase good/services.
Prevention
Fake Websites
Increasingly used as a quick method to get your credit card/bank details the criminal will attempt to get you to reveal your account details by sending you an email asking you to visit the website to confirm your details.
The fake website will look and act like your online banking/credit card site or it may be a fake social networking site. If your machine has been hacked then there is no need for the email they simply redirect you to the site and wait for you to attempt to login. As with the other attacks you will be unaware that your security has been compromised.
Prevention
Recommendations
- Avoid all illegal gaming, gambling, video, music and adult content sites.
- Do not install Limewire ,Bearshare or other internet sharing programs and do not download any illegal content from the internet.
- Install and use Firefox as your primary program for browsing the internet.
- Do not allow your computer to be used by anyone particularly teenage visitors to your home.
- Purchase and Install a solid anti-virus program (I recommend support and sell Escan Anti-Virus software)
- Have your machine checked if you suspect any type of virus or spyware infection.
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