Thwart the Three Biggest Internet Threats of 2007
The same Internet connection that lets you reach out and touch millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and other digital entities across the globe also endangers your PC and the information it contains about you. Here’s how to stymie the three gravest Internet risks.
Threat1: IE
Internet Explorer heads the list of top Internet security attack targets in the most recent joint report of the FBI and security organization SANS Institute.
One reason: As the most widely used browser, IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers who set out to exploit its flaws. The biggest problem with IE is its reliance on Microsoft ActiveX technology, which allows Web sites to run executable programs on your PC via your browser.
Security patches and upgrades, including Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the recently released IE 7, make ActiveX safer, but the inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those security measures–combined with the reality that we computer users are often a credulous lot–make ActiveX a risk not worth taking.
Happily, with very few exceptions (such as Microsoft Windows Update site), you can browse the Internet effectively without ActiveX.
To disable ActiveX in IE 6 and 7, choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, scroll to ‘Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins, and select Disable.
Click OK, Yes, and OK to close the dialog boxes. To enable ActiveX on a known and trusted site, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, choose Trusted Sites, click Sites, enter the site address in the text box, and click Add. Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone, and click Close and OK.
If you leave ActiveX enabled, you may quickly encounter malware-harboring sites and e-mail attachments that ask you to let them install their ActiveX controls on your system. Unless you are 100 percent certain that the control is safe and legitimate, do not allow it.
Regardless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk.
To keep Windows XP up-to-date, visit update.microsoft.com (you will have to use Internet Explorer) and install Service Pack 2, if you have not already. Next, choose Start, Control Panel, System, and click the Automatic Updates tab.
Select Automatic (recommended) If you trust Microsoft implicitly, Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them if you trust the company a little bit, or Notify me but do not automatically download or install them to play it safest. (Click “Do not Let a Windows Update Bring You Down” for more on Windows updates.)
Whichever option you choose, click OK to download and install the most recent security patches.
If you stick with IE, upgrade to version 7, which improves ActiveX security. Still, the best way to reduce your PC vulnerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser.
Mozilla Firefox is the most popular IE alternative. Unfortunately, Firefox growing popularity has enticed malware authors to exploit its own flaws. While no software is perfectly secure, many experts think the Opera browser is safer than either IE or Firefox.
Threat 2: Phishing and Identity Theft
You have probably seen your share of phishing attacks, which look like communications from your bank, PayPal, eBay, or another online account. The message may ask you to click a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log-in fields, or it might ask for a credit-card number.
The fake address often resembles the real institution URL–’citibank.fakesite.com’ in place of ‘citibank.com’, for example. The phishers site and e-mail message may even load images from your bank, or have links to the institution own Web site.
When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account right away. A variant called spear phishing identifies you by name in the lure message or Web site, making the sham even harder to spot.
You may have read that your bank will never send you an e-mail asking you to log in to your account, and it should not, though it does happen on occasion. The vast majority of messages that appear to come from financial institutions are phishing attacks, so assume that such messages are bogus and avoid opening them at all, let alone clicking any links they contain.
If you are concerned that the bank or other service is really trying to notify you of a problem with your account, open your browser manually and log in to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent (if you can find one via the bank automated phone system).
The place you are most likely to notice that your credit card or bank account has been compromised by a phishing attack or identity theft is on the statement you receive from them via mail. Check it carefully for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately.
IE 7 asks you a couple of times if you had like to enable its phishing filter during installation; say yes. To enable this feature, choose Tools, Phishing Filter, Turn On Automatic Website Checking, and click OK.
Firefox 2 phishing filter is enabled by default, but it uses a static downloaded list of known phishing sites. Many firewalls and other security programs include identity-protection features that scan the stream of data leaving your PC for sensitive information, such as passwords or social security and credit card numbers, and then block the unauthorized transfers.
Resist the temptation to post personal information on your Web page, blog, or social site (Facebook/MySpace) account. Identity thieves, spammers, and online predators are always on the lookout for such data. Browse to “Safeguard Your Reputation While Socially Networking” for an explanation of the risks to both adults and children, and for tips on what you can do to avoid the dangers.
Threat 3: Malware
Every day, virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC.
These steps will help keep you safe:
Think before you click.Use a spam filter. Update your antivirus software.Download with discretion.Use a bidirectional firewall.Use antispyware.Cher K Markov articles on various subjects and has a treasure chest of information and resources onSoftware Downloadsat http://online-downloads.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/52135.html
Digital Scrapbooking – Create a Comic Book Digital Scrapbooking Layout in Photoshop Elements 7
|
|
d:book All-in-One 8x8in Digital Scrapbook Album Kit #9518825SBK $36.95 |
|
|
Dog and Pet Lover Kit Create A Pet Story Gift Book New $15.50 |
|
|
AMERICAN GREETINGS SCRAPBOOKS SOFTWARE 2 CD’S & 5 VG SCRAP BOOKING DIGITAL BOOKS $19.99 |
|
|
SCRAPBOOK TRENDS ONE BOOK ONLY BOOK DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING $2.99 |
|
|
Bookbinding Book fore-edge paintings art images on cd $9.99 |
|
|
RECIPE BOOK~DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK *CD*~ FAMILY COOKBOOK/*CD $5.59 |
|
|
DESIGNING With DIGITAL New Scrapbooking Book CD Include $10.69 |
|
|
Digi-Scrappin’ 101 CD & Book – New $14.99 |
|
|
Memory Book Protectors 12″X12″ – Super Heavyweight-NEW $14.99 |
|
|
Digital Memories: Scrapbooking with Your Computer, Carla Rose, Good Book $4.99 |
|
|
Creative Memories Story Book Creator Plus with 3 content discs $10.99 |
|
|
DCWV “Quote Reference Book with CD-ROM book 2″ OOP over 500 quotes 18.90 HSN $6.99 |
|
|
Lacy’s Book of Historical and Dramatic Fashion Antique Book on CD $6.95 |
|
|
Antique Book History Of Womens Fashion France prints CD $6.95 |
|
|
Digital Scrapbooking for Beginners Windows PC Software Scrap Book $4.74 |
|
|
Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0- Software and “how to” book in perfect condition $8.00 |
|
|
Digital Scrapbooking by Maria Given Nerius Craft Book NEW $10.00 |
|
|
E.J. Detmold – The Book of Baby Pets $3.49 |
|
|
2800 Vintage Labels Images Clipart Clip Art on CD! Scrapbooking Scrap Book $3.99 |
|
|
2000 Vintage Animal Images Clipart Clip Art on CD! Scrapbooking Scrap Book $3.99 |
|
|
DJ Inkers ~ Dazzle Daze ~ cut & copy CD and Book $14.99 |
|
|
Digital Designs For Scrapbooking Making Your Own Renee Pearson Book $19.99 |
|
|
nEw! DIGITAL Scrapbooking GUIDE Book ARTICLES Beginners $18.99 |
|
|
2 sets Zoom album 3 colored covered photo album kits scrapbook brag book grandma $30.00 |
|
|
NEW Making Family Websites SCRAPBOOKING Memories BOOK $14.99 |
|
|
Digital Scrapbooking, Sally Beacham, Lori J. Davis, Good Condition, Book $4.99 |
|
|
Creative Scrapbooking With your Computer Book~Great! $9.99 |
|
|
Creative Memories Story Book Creator Plus $10.00 |
|
|
DIGITAL BABY BOOK – Computer Scrapbook PC CD-ROM NEW $7.95 |
|
|
Digital Designs for Scrapbooking, Simple Scrapbooks, Good Book $5.91 |
|
|
Digital Scrapbooking The Digital Way CD & Book Michele Shefveland OOP $12.99 |
|
|
Storyteller Photo book creator $20.00 |
|
|
Beginner Scrapbooking Guide – How to Preserve Your Cherished Memories with Scrapbooking $8.99 … |
|
|
Pioneer Memo Pocket Album Refill $4.30 Patented pages feature six 4” x 6” optically clear pockets with a shaded paper background. Above each pocket is a memo area to write important names, dates and information. Archival, Photo Safe: Acid, Lignin and PVC Free…. |
|
|
Ranger Tim Holtz DVD, An Altered Journey $12.95 Discover the world of inks, papers, and beyond! This award winning DVD includes projects such as how to create timeless, distressed artwork with Distress Ink and other Ranger products on paper, clay, silk, dominos, Memory Glass, and more. Jam-packed with over 2 hours of projects tips and ideas. An Altered Journey demonstrates step-by-step instructions. There is also an interactive gallery overflow… |
|
|
OEM Canon Powershot SD630 Digital ELPH Camera FullManual & Set Up Kit Books $5.99 … |
|
|
Epson Perfection V33 Photo Scanner (B11B200201) $89.99 Versatile Scanning at an Extraordinary Value. Weight: 4.85 lb. Scanner Type: Flatbed color scanner. Dimensions: 11.2inch x 16.9inch x 1.6inch . Scanner Resolution: 4800 dpi. Type of Interface: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 . Duty Cycle: N/A. Bit Depth: 48-bit color, 16-bit grayscale. Maximum Document Size: 8.5inch x 11.7inch . Scanning Speed: N/A. Achieve exceptional clarity and detail, 4800 x 9600 dpi optical… |
|
|
Flip-Pal mobile scanner $149.99 For Memory Keepers who want to conveniently and reliably scan photos, images in books and magazines, and works of art so that they can be stored digitally, then shared with family and friends for under $150. The patented flip-and-scan technology allows you to scan photos safely while still in the album or frame. Unlike alternative solutions that don’t have the combination of mobility, accuracy, ve… |
|
|
Wacom CTH461 Bamboo Craft Tablet $64.99 Digital scrap bookers, memory makers, and crafter: Bamboo Craft is the perfect tool for unleashing your creativity! Get hands-on with your projects using both pen and Multi-Touch input for your computer. Multi-Touch enables you to navigate and work with your creative assets quickly and easily. The pressure-sensitive pen lets you create your own art, edit photos, add embellishments, and provide a p… |
|
|
Pioneer Postbound Top Loading Page Protectors 5/Pkg, 12 Inch by 12 Inch with White Inserts $2.50 Protect your favorite memories!… |
|
|
Pioneer Embroidered Stitched Leatherette Photo Album, 9-Inch-by-9-Inch, Black Live/Laugh/Love $10.78 Embroidered Stitched Leatherette Photo Album holds up to 200 (4″ x 6″) photos. Inside cover pocket allows easy access for cover photo. Clear side loading pages have a space for journaling. Clear protective cover keeps fabric clean. Archival safe, photo safe, acid-free, lignin free, and PVC free. Color: Black. Size: 9″ x 9″…. |
|
|
Creativity For Kids It’s My Life Scrapbook Kit $12.99 Keep your special memories in a scrapbook you design — this spiral-bound scrapbook with a hard cover. It has decorative paper, vellum stickers and mini envelopes and includes scalloped-edge scissors, a stencil, a glue stick and a marker.Product Dimensions (inches): 10.5 (L) x 2 (W) x 12 (H)Age: 7 years and up … |
|
|
Creative Digital Scrapbooking: Designing Keepsakes on Your Computer $6.27 New – With the explosion of digital cameras and the wealth of accompanying digital images, digital scrapbooking has emerged as an activity that brings people together to tell their stories, preserve their memories, and perhaps share a little gossip over the act of creating digital scrapbooks. Here to help you do so with creativity and panache is one of the first books on the topic from veteran technology and lifestyle writer Katherine Murray. Using a combination of friendly how-to instruction, f |
|
|
Digi-Scrappin’ 102 Brushes & Actions: Learn to Install, Incorporate and Design Using Brushes and Actions on Digital Scrapbook Pages $12.16 New – This book is the follow-up to Digi-Scrappin 101. Some knowledge of Adobe(R) photoshop and Adobe(R) Elements is assumed. A CD with tons a freebies is included. Take your digital scrapbooking to the next level! |
|
|
Digital & Hybrid Scrapbooking & Card-Making With Photoshop Elements $91.55 Used |
|
|
Digital Delights for Scrapbooking: Simple Techniques–Dynamic Results $5 Used – Digital Delights for Scrapbooking makes it easy to take better pictures, enhance them digitally, then print them on new and different materials. What if that color picture were black-and-white, or sepia, or hand-painted, or had antique effects? What if it were printed on fabric, vellum, handmade paper, even transparencies? Digital effects mean less fussing with scissors and glue, and more freedom to express ideas. It’s a technological revolution in crafting! |
|
|
Digital Designs for Scrapbooking $5.69 Used – If you’ve ever wanted to add digital to your scrapbooking too kit, this is the book for you. Everything you need is here in one package-the software, the instructions and four professionally designed digital kits, along with extra project ideas from your favorite design celebrities. |
|
|
Digital Designs for Scrapbooking $15.64 New – If you’ve ever wanted to add digital to your scrapbooking too kit, this is the book for you. Everything you need is here in one package-the software, the instructions and four professionally designed digital kits, along with extra project ideas from your favorite design celebrities. |
|
|
Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own $6.4 Used – In Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own, best-selling author, designer, and instructor Renee Pearson sows step-but-step how deceptively simple it is to create stunning digital design elements like backgrounds, tags, brads, frames0even digital chipboard! This sequel to her wildly popular first book Digital Designs for Scrapbooking, takes you beyond the basics of digital layout design, Each time you finish the easy-to-follow steps in one of the books’ ten lessons, you’ll have |
|
|
Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own $93.22 New – In Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own, best-selling author, designer, and instructor Renee Pearson sows step-but-step how deceptively simple it is to create stunning digital design elements like backgrounds, tags, brads, frames0even digital chipboard! This sequel to her wildly popular first book Digital Designs for Scrapbooking, takes you beyond the basics of digital layout design, Each time you finish the easy-to-follow steps in one of the books’ ten lessons, you’ll have |
|
|
Digital Family Album Basics: Tools for Making Digital Memories $6.9 New – With the boom in digital cameras, video cameras, and computers, Americans are making memories by the truckload. And they’re organizing those memories in increasing numbers–scrapbooking has become a $1.4 billion-per-year market. Where digital cameras and scrapbooking meet, there’s only one book: Digital Family Album Basics. This easy-to-use, easy-to-understand handbook shows how these two trends are a match made in heaven, because the ultimate tool for storing, manipulating, and displaying |
|
|
Digital Scrapbooking $5.16 New – Digital scrapbooking has numerous advantages over the glue and paper alternative. It’s cheaper; less messy; easier to store, share, and replicate; and, once you get the hang of it, more fun. And you probably already have a big head start: The average household has nearly a gigabyte of photographs stored in their PCs! “Digital Scrapbooking in Easy Steps” lives up to its title claim. In compact, easy-to-understand tutorials, this full color paperback teaches you the basics of putting picture |
