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
How to Become a Digital Scrapbook Designer
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Slice Cordless Digital Design Cutter By Making Memories Scrapbooking Kit 30750 $79.99 |
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Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooking Designer Software XP $11.79 |
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Design Originals – Tim Holtz – Distressables – Papers and Frames ~ NEW $9.99 |
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Scrapbooking Design software photo scrapbook templates fonts windows 7 Vista XP $12.95 |
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Digital Designs for Scrapbooking by Renee Pearson (2007, Other, Mixed media… $54.99 |
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Design Originals – Tim Holtz – Distressables – Papers and Frames $14.99 |
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Digital Scrapbook Memories Software, Collection 2 – Hundreds of Designs $20.00 |
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Digital Scrapbook 1 Graphic Background many designs $1.25 |
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Digital Scrapbooking Magazine June July 2008 Page Designs 4 Mobile Devices $4.99 |
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Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own (Simple Scrapbooks) by Rene $7.05 |
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XYRON DESIGN RUNNER DISC TRAVEL FONT DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING DIES #24132 $7.95 |
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Digital Designs 2 for scrapbooking $8.74 |
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Digital Designs For Scrapbooking Making Your Own Renee Pearson Book $19.99 |
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CD-ROM w/VINTAGE CRAFT DESIGNS & INKJET PRINTING KIT $24.50 |
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CREATING KEEPSAKES SCRAPBOOKING DESIGNER – BRAND NEW $6.29 |
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NEW ULTIMATE SCRAPBOOK DESIGNER OVER 10,000 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING ACCESSORIES! $12.99 |
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Design a Series – Scrapbook Images by Cheryl Seslar $10.00 |
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Autumn Leaves digital-designs, CD, 12 Scrapbooking Font $6.99 |
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Custom Digital Scrapbook Album Design Service – 20 pages $75.00 |
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Addies Designs – Collections of Digitals CD VOL.1 $9.99 |
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DJ INKERS DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING CD & DESIGN BOOKLET $18.00 |
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Design Originals – Digi-Elegance – 357 Digital Images – Tim Holtz $14.99 |
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Aladdin Blank Canvas Travel Mug 16oz $9.99 Aladdin Blank Canvas Travel Mug 16ozGet creative. Use the insert provided, or make your own. Online insert templates. Upload photos and print.Double wall insulated. Hot inside. Cool outsideClosing lid. No more messCar-cup friendly. Take it to go. Make it your own. Take your creative side by the hand (or handle) and get to work on your Blank Canvas Mug. It can display just about anything you can dr… |
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Crayola Story Studio Fairy Tale Maker Princesses $4.95 Crayola Story Studio will allow you to turn a photo of yourself into a princess and appear in the pages of a Disney Princess adventure. Then print, color and bind your pages in a real storybook.Product Dimensions (inches): 10.5 (L) x 1.2 (W) x 14.5 (H)Age: 6 years and up… |
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ScrapSMART – GYMnastics Software Clip Art and Scrapbook Pages for Gymnasts, Teams, Coaches, and Camps 875 Designs in Microsoft Word & Jpeg Formats (CDGM19) $19.99 The “GYMnastics!” CD contains fun-filled designs created to inspire sparkling scrapbook pages of every somersault, roll, flip, tumble, and leap. You will find everything you need to design and create a record of individual and team accomplishments to share with family and friends for years to come. Keep track of every practice, trial, and competition. — — Design invitations, name badge, an… |
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4000 Fonts [Download] $10.60 A collection of the highest quality OpenType fonts that maintain their sharpness at any size and are compatible with all of your applications, including word documents, greeting card & scrapbook programs and other print publishers. Easily keep track of your fonts and protect your system with the included Font Management System. Install, preview, uninstall, print and organize all the fonts on your … |
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Nova Development US Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0 [Old Version] $4.24 Preserve precious memories to share with loved ones and future generations with Version 4.0 of America’s #1 selling scrapbooking software. Art Explosion Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0 has everything you need. It offers the ultimate collection of templates for scrapbook pages and other keepsake projects, featuring beautiful photorealistic graphics sure to capture the excitement of any occasion or eve… |
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Avery Magnet Sheets, 8.5 x 11 Inches, White, 5 Pack (03270) $7.19 Avery 3270 Printable Magnet Sheets make it easy to ensure important information and favorite photos stay stuck on appliances and magnetic boards. Use your inkjet printer to create magnetic signs, business cards, and lists of critical phone numbers for the office, or print out to-do lists, emergency contacts, and vacation photos to stick on your refrigerator at home. Free templates from Avery Websi… |
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Avery Sticker Project Paper, White, 8.5 x 11 Inches, Pack of 15 (03383) $7.44 Avery Dennison Dennison Sticker(s) 3383 Printing Media… |
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Wacom CTH461 Bamboo Craft Tablet $64.99 The Bamboo Craft includes over $200 in value with in-box inclusions.Combining intuitive design and versatility, Bamboo Craft is a powerful creative workstation that lets PC and Mac users create digital art with an organic, hands-on feel. Using an innovative tablet and Wacom’s “Multi-Touch” system, users can manipulate images and navigate the Web using simple gestures and finger taps. When combi… |
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HP Photosmart 385 Compact Photo Printer (Q6387A#ABA) $149.00 CL) H/P PS385 4X6 PRINTER… |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own $6.25 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 |
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Digital Designs for Scrapbooking 2: Making Your Own $86.11 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 |
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Digital Scrapbooking $69 New – Showing how to design and produce digital scrapbooks, which can be printed, posted to the web, or shared on digital media, this book covers basic photo preparation and editing, along with tips for taking better pictures. |
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Digital Scrapbooking for Dummies $56.07 New – Get creative with graphic elementsTackle photo techniques at any levelReady to preserve your memories digitally? This interactive reference explains the basics of this fast, versatile new hobby, giving you the lowdown on the equipment and programs you need to create beautiful pages. You also get expert tips on digital photography, graphic design, scanning, journaling, filters, and fonts.Discover how toCreate a digital layout from scratchSelect the best softwareUse popular scrapbook stylesD |
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Digital Scrapbooking for Dummies. $6.59 New – Get creative with graphic elements Tackle photo techniques at any level Ready to preserve your memories digitally? This interactive reference explains the basics of this fast, versatile new hobby, giving you the lowdown on the equipment and programs you need to create beautiful pages. You also get expert tips on digital photography, graphic design, scanning, journaling, filters, and fonts. Discover how to * Create a digital layout from scratch * Select the best software * Use popular sc |
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Joy of Scrapbooking $5.87 New – Discover the fun and joy of scrapbooking with this essential guide from the editors of Creating Keepsakes scrapbook magazine. Its all-new content expands and updates the 1998 classic. Perfect for beginners and inspiring for experienced croppers, the book teaches basic page design and shows how to do beautiful layouts, take better photographs, add journaling to pages, create digital pages, and more! |
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Joy of Scrapbooking $6.31 Used – Discover the fun and joy of scrapbooking with this essential guide from the editors of Creating Keepsakes scrapbook magazine. Its all-new content expands and updates the 1998 classic. Perfect for beginners and inspiring for experienced croppers, the book teaches basic page design and shows how to do beautiful layouts, take better photographs, add journaling to pages, create digital pages, and more! |
