Fighting off Viruses: Advancements in Antivirus Software Suites

<P> </P><br /><P>Protecting your computer from a virus is getting harder and harder each day, making it very difficult to fight off viruses attacks. While it may border on the paranoid, it goes without saying that you can't leave your guard down for one second. Even corporate giant Microsoft has found its own systems compromised on more than one occasion.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Remember the "good old days", before the advent of the Internet and downloadable programs? Life was simple then in terms of computer viruses. With the primary way in which a virus could be transmitted being limited to floppy disks, the ability to catch and eradicate the virus was a lot easier. By today's standards, it used to take quite a while before a virus was able to infect a computer and slow down the system. The antivirus software of that time was typically able to identify and eradicate viruses before they caused too much damage. Additionally, computer users were pretty savvy on how to protect themselves in terms of scanning all floppy disks before copying them to our desktop.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>The Internet helped change all that. The Internet provided a conduit by which viruses could move from host to host with lightening speed. No longer could a computer user just worry about floppy disks as points of entry, but they now had to worry about email, email attachments, peer-to-peer file sharing, instant messaging, and software downloads. Today's viruses can attack through multiple entry points, spread without human intervention, and take full advantage of vulnerabilities within a system or program. With technology advancing everyday, and the convergence of computers with other mobile devices, the potential of new types of threats also increase.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Protecting Your Computer</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Luckily, the advancement of antivirus software has kept pace with current virus threats. Antivirus software is essential to a computer's ability to fend off viruses and other malicious programs. These products are designed to protect against the ability of a virus to enter a computer through email, web browsers, file servers and desktops. Additionally, these programs offer a centralized control feature that handle deployment, configuration and updating. <BR>A computer user should remain diligent and follow a few simple steps to protect against the threat of a virus:</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>1. Evaluate your current computer security system.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>With the threat of a new generation of viruses able to attack in a multitude of ways, the approach of having just one antivirus software version has become outdated. You need to be confident that you have protected all aspects of your computer system from the desktop to the network, and from the gateway to the server. Consider a more comprehensive security system which includes several features including antivirus, firewall, content filtering, and intrusion detection. This type of system will make it more difficult for the virus to penetrate your system.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>2. Only install antivirus software created by a well-known, reputable company. <BR>Because new viruses erupt daily, it is important that you regularly update your antivirus software. Become familiar with the software's real-time scan feature and configure it to start automatically each time you boot your computer. This will protect your system by automatically checking your computer each time it is powered up.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>3. Make it a habit to always scan all new programs or files no matter from where they originate.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>4. Exercise caution when opening binary, Word, or Excel documents of unknown sources especially if they were received during an online chat or as an attachment to an email.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>5. Perform regular backups in case your system is corrupted. It may be the only way to recover your data if infected.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Recommended Antivirus Software</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>There are numerous applications available to consumers. With a little research, you can pick the program that is right for you. Many programs provide a trial version which allows you to download the program and test its abilities. However, be aware that some anti-virus programs can be difficult to uninstall. As a precaution make sure to set up a System Restore point before installing.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Here are a few programs which typically receive high marks in terms of cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and customer service.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Invisus Internet Security 2006 provides best of breed technologies, using Kerio Firewall, Sophos Anti-virus, CounterSpy as well as BigFix..Virsus scans done every day with live updates <BR>scheduled scan options available, software has been known to discover virus attacks three hours to two days before its competitiors.. Invisus offers unlimited free tech services a needed addition in todays online environment.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>The Shield Pro 2005(TM) provides virus protection and hacker security through ongoing support and updates. When a virus breaks out, The Shield Pro 2005(TM) promises to provide a patch within 2-3 hours and a fix for the virus within 5 hours. You can set your computer to update viruses weekly and run a complete virus scan.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>BitDefender 9 Standard provides antivirus protection, as well as Peer-2-Peer Applications protection, full email protection, and heuristics in a virtual environment. This provides a new security layer that keeps the operating system safe from unknown viruses by detecting malicious pieces of code for which signatures have not been released yet.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 5.0 program is simple to install and use. The user only needs to choose from three levels of protection. It allows updates as frequently as every hour while promising not to disrupt your computer. The program also offers a two-tier email protection feature and round-the-clock technical support.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>PC-cillin Internet Security combines antivirus security and a personal firewall--for comprehensive protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers. It also detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. It even guards against identity theft by blocking phishing and pharming attacks.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is a free downloadable antivirus program that has received high marks for its reliability. In the past, free downloadable antivirus programs have been viewed skeptically because of issues relating to its reliability. However, AVG from Grisoft, remains one of the best-known free anti-virus programs available. While AVG can not be installed on a server operating system and there is no technical support, it still makes a good choice for many home computer users. The best part is that since it is free, you can try it with no further obligation necessary.</P><br /><P> </P><br /><P>However, I do NOT suggest to use free anti-virus software or off the shelf security products, as you will only be getting basic security levels met and most likely outdated by the time you get them on your computer. It is best to purchase the best you can afford as in the long run it will be less expensive if something slips through your system. Also it takes only 8 seconds for a hacker, spyware, adware or any other malicious attack to enter your computer. Computers slowing down, freezing, software not working properly, emails overloaded with spam, computer starting on its own, computer crashing, these are all signs that you have been hit with a virus.</P>

Fighting off Viruses: Advancements in Antivirus Software Suites

  Protecting your computer from a virus is getting harder and harder each day, making it very difficult to fight off viruses attacks. While ...

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The Secret to Fighting Cybercrime

<br /> <p>I was shocked to learn how fast the threat of cybercrime is growing. I couldn't believe a report from the Department of Treasury that the profits of Cybercrime are greater than the profits of the sale of illegal drugs. When President Obama informed us that cybercriminals have stolen $8 billion dollars from Americans in the past two years and the cost of repairing computers has risen to $11 billion a year. Cybercrime is not about vandalism. It is about our economy.</p><p>Beware of free or store bought security software installed on your computer that claims to protect you from cybercriminals. Your chance of becoming a victim is 7 out of 10. Companies like McAfee, Symantec (Norton), and Trend Micro, Inc. spend a lot of money advertising how good their products are, but Computer World Security writes that they "confirmed vulnerabilities in their security software that could let hackers hijack systems.</p><p>The security software and suites that these companies sell do not prevent cybercrime. They mainly focus on worms, Trojans horses, and spyware that allow hackers to infect your computer. It takes many hours for the security companies to capture and analyze the problem, write a new solution, and get it to you. Therefore, hackers are always one step ahead of the security companies. This explains why 172,000 computers are hacked each day.</p><p>Security companies do not focus on vulnerabilities, e.g. weak passwords, software bugs, a computer virus or other malware that allow hackers to install malware on your computer, take your sensitive data, convince you to open an email message with attached malware, or copy a hardened, encrypted program onto a thumb drive and crack it at home. Not focusing on these vulnerabilities can bring the 'blue screen of death ' and make your operating system unusable.</p><p>When your computer is hijacked, it becomes a zombie computer. The cybercriminal now has full control of all your personal information and can use it for criminal activities. You don't know that this has happened. Your computer slows down and you go to the tech to get it fixed. It costs a lot of money and happens a few times a year. You wish there was a better way to manage your computer, but nobody tells you how.</p><p>I know exactly how you feel as I once had 7,500 malware on my computer and it was slowing down. I then enrolled in a managed internet security program where a team of techs remotely cleaned it up. They then installed professional grade software and a bi-directional firewall on my computer, scanned it daily and I was notified immediately if malicious malware had been placed on my computer. I then deleted it. I just love my Managed Internet Security Service.</p><p>Check this list to help decide to consider a new concept in Computer Protection, Managed Internet Security, and to learn about the latest technologies that can protect you, your family and your business from cybercrime and cybercriminals.</p><p>1. When you first sign up, you will have a tech team who will spend hours to remotely remove viruses, spyware, Trojans, and malicious codes from your computer that the security software you have on it did not remove. <br /><br>2. You will get professional grade software that bypasses the Windows Operating System, directly scans locations of the hard drive, and removes the infections that are found.<br /><br>3. You will have a clean and fast computer.<br /><br>4. Notification pop-ups and warnings will be at a minimum.<br /><br>5. You are immediately warned of any major security outbreaks.<br /><br>6. Your emails and attachments will be protected from malware.<br /><br>7. You can have all of the above for just a small monthly fee.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

The Secret to Fighting Cybercrime

I was shocked to learn how fast the threat of cybercrime is growing. I couldn't believe a report from the Department of Treasury that...

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Fighting Cyber Crime With Cyber Technology

<P>As it has become apparent in today's technology age, spyware, malware, and internet privacy are becoming more and more prevalent. Individuals and groups of individuals thrive on stealing information about a person, for their own financial gain. </P><br /><P>According to IC3 (The Internet Crime Complaint Center) and the FBI, monetary losses in excess of $239 million dollars have been accumulated by 72,226 victims in 2007. This does not take into account how many people suffered monetary losses but didn't report them to the IC3 website or the FBI. Contact with complainants predominantly stemmed from e-mail (73.6%) or a webpage (32.7%) communication.</P><br /><P>Knowing that so much information can be obtained about a person, across the internet, people still browse the internet, use online instant messaging, download music, even engage in online multiplayer games without relying on any additional security then what is built into their operating system.</P><br /><P>With this being the case, it's surprising that people are afraid of <a href="" rel="nofollow">identity theft</A>, yet they choose to surf naked. Browsing the internet (or Web Surfing) and is a dangerous thing, because from the minute you connect, you are leaving a foot print of who you are, where you are, and what you are doing.</P><br /><P>If a person is surfing the internet anonymously using Covert Surfer, then their personal information would be harder to retrieve, because hacking the victim's computer becomes more difficult since the perpetrator cannot find the true location or their real IP address.</P><br /><P>Cover Surfer allows you to surf the internet anonymously and securely by encrypting the data that leaves your computer through the program, and decrypting it when data is received. It is truly the Global Internet Security Tool which keeps your data safe and cyber spies away from your personal information.</P><br /><P>Simply Put - Surf Naked and become a statistic, or use Covert Surfer and limit your chances.</P>

Fighting Cyber Crime With Cyber Technology

As it has become apparent in today's technology age, spyware, malware, and internet privacy are becoming more and more prevalent. Indivi...

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The Secret to Fighting Cybercrime

<br /> <p>I was shocked to learn how fast the threat of cybercrime is growing. I couldn't believe a report from the Department of Treasury that the profits of Cybercrime are greater than the profits of the sale of illegal drugs. When President Obama informed us that cybercriminals have stolen $8 billion dollars from Americans in the past two years and the cost of repairing computers has risen to $11 billion a year. Cybercrime is not about vandalism. It is about our economy.</p><p>Beware of free or store bought security software installed on your computer that claims to protect you from cybercriminals. Your chance of becoming a victim is 7 out of 10. Companies like McAfee, Symantec (Norton), and Trend Micro, Inc. spend a lot of money advertising how good their products are, but Computer World Security writes that they "confirmed vulnerabilities in their security software that could let hackers hijack systems.</p><p>The security software and suites that these companies sell do not prevent cybercrime. They mainly focus on worms, Trojans horses, and spyware that allow hackers to infect your computer. It takes many hours for the security companies to capture and analyze the problem, write a new solution, and get it to you. Therefore, hackers are always one step ahead of the security companies. This explains why 172,000 computers are hacked each day.</p><p>Security companies do not focus on vulnerabilities, e.g. weak passwords, software bugs, a computer virus or other malware that allow hackers to install malware on your computer, take your sensitive data, convince you to open an email message with attached malware, or copy a hardened, encrypted program onto a thumb drive and crack it at home. Not focusing on these vulnerabilities can bring the 'blue screen of death ' and make your operating system unusable.</p><p>When your computer is hijacked, it becomes a zombie computer. The cybercriminal now has full control of all your personal information and can use it for criminal activities. You don't know that this has happened. Your computer slows down and you go to the tech to get it fixed. It costs a lot of money and happens a few times a year. You wish there was a better way to manage your computer, but nobody tells you how.</p><p>I know exactly how you feel as I once had 7,500 malware on my computer and it was slowing down. I then enrolled in a managed internet security program where a team of techs remotely cleaned it up. They then installed professional grade software and a bi-directional firewall on my computer, scanned it daily and I was notified immediately if malicious malware had been placed on my computer. I then deleted it. I just love my Managed Internet Security Service.</p><p>Check this list to help decide to consider a new concept in Computer Protection, Managed Internet Security, and to learn about the latest technologies that can protect you, your family and your business from cybercrime and cybercriminals.</p><p>1. When you first sign up, you will have a tech team who will spend hours to remotely remove viruses, spyware, Trojans, and malicious codes from your computer that the security software you have on it did not remove. <br /><br>2. You will get professional grade software that bypasses the Windows Operating System, directly scans locations of the hard drive, and removes the infections that are found.<br /><br>3. You will have a clean and fast computer.<br /><br>4. Notification pop-ups and warnings will be at a minimum.<br /><br>5. You are immediately warned of any major security outbreaks.<br /><br>6. Your emails and attachments will be protected from malware.<br /><br>7. You can have all of the above for just a small monthly fee.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>I am Miriam Bobroff, President and CEO of Bubby's Business, Inc. an international marketing and distribution company that offers information and education about Cybercrime and Identity Theft. A Managed Internet Security Service iis offered that prevents these crimes but should the inevitable happen, trained professionals help solve the problem.Everyone can now fight the war on Cybercrime and be safe and secure from Cybercriminals.</p><p>Check out my blog at [http://www.crimeandjustice4all.com].</p><p>For more information, you can reach me at 888-809-3798 or <a href="mailto:crimeandjustice4all@gmail.com">crimeandjustice4all@gmail.com</a>.</p> <br />

The Secret to Fighting Cybercrime

I was shocked to learn how fast the threat of cybercrime is growing. I couldn't believe a report from the Department of Treasury that...

Continue Reading>>