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Happy October, Everyone!
Summer is here, finally! Hope you're all thawing out from the treacherous winter, er, I mean, summer we've been enjoying here in the Bay Area.
This month's newsletter is an immune system booster for your computer. The theme is what is called "Malware". What is it, how you get it, how you get rid of it, and who are these evil so and so's spreading these cyber-diseases all around.
Warning: you may need latex gloves and a mask for some parts of this issue.
Best,
Dr. Dave
My Computer Has a Fever!
Worms! Trojan Horses! Malware! Viruses! Words you never want to associate with your computer (or really anything else for that matter).
Unfortunately, in the last few months, my business has seen a rise in the number of malware attacks on my clients. The reasons for this rise is seemingly unknown (sorta). Who is responsible for creating these attacks? How can we avoid them? And how do we get rid of them?
First, let’s define some things when it comes to malware (note: this first part is a reprise from a previous newsletter – but a review is always welcome!).
What are Trojan Horses? (Probably the most common of all malware that I see these days)
Remember the tale of the The Trojan Horse, where the Greeks built something that seemed like a trophy for Troy, but in actuality was a way to enter the Kingdom of Troy and destroy them! WAR! This is what a Trojan Horse is to your computer. At first glance it will appear to be useful software but will actually do damage once installed or run on your computer (usually disguised as Anti-virus software, ironically).
Those on the receiving end of a Trojan Horse are usually tricked into opening them because they appear to be receiving legitimate software or files from a legitimate source. When a Trojan Horse is activated on your computer, the results can vary. Some Trojans are designed to be more annoying than malicious (like changing your desktop, adding silly active desktop icons) or they can cause serious damage by deleting files and destroying information on your system, or freezing it and killing it entirely. Many may ask you for a credit card and charge it!
If you feel that you’ve been attacked by an imposter Trojan Horse, call me or your IT person before you do anything else!
What are Viruses?
A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means the virus may exist on your computer but it cannot infect your computer unless you run or open the malicious program. It is important to note that a virus cannot be spread without a human action, (such as running an infected program) to keep it going. People continue the spread of a computer virus, mostly unknowingly, by sharing infecting files or sending e-mails with viruses as attachments in the e-mail.
What are Worms?
A worm is similar to a virus by its design, and is considered to be a sub-class of a virus. Worms spread from computer to computer, but unlike a virus, it has the capability to travel without any help from a person. A worm takes advantage of file or information transport features on your system, which allows it to travel unaided. The biggest danger with a worm is its capability to replicate itself on your system, so rather than your computer sending out a single worm, it could send out hundreds or thousands of copies of itself, creating a huge devastating effect.
Combating Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses
The first steps to protecting your computer are to ensure your operating system (OS) is up-to-date with the latest security software (your computer asks you this periodically about updating). Secondly, you should have anti-virus software installed on your system and ensure you download updates frequently to ensure your software has the latest fixes for new viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Additionally, you want to make sure your anti-virus program has the capability to scan e-mail and files as they are downloaded from the Internet. This will help prevent malicious programs from even reaching your computer. You should also install a firewall as well. In my experience, the best anti-virus software programs are PC Tools Spyware Doctor (free, but will an option to upgrade), Malware Bytes (free, but will an option to upgrade), Kaspersky and the paid version of AVG. Norton, McAfee and PC-Cillin, the more popular brands take up too much memory and seem to do nothing but fall asleep while on guard.
A firewall is a system that prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall can be either hardware or software. A good software firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access your computer, and usually provides additional protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms. Windows has a built in Firewall that you can find inside your Control Panel. Check to see if it is on and activated.
If I have a Mac, can I get a virus?
This is a common question and the answer is: YES, you can still get a virus. The chances are slimmer, but you should still practice caution while on the internet, and have protection if possible. And the number is increasing since the number of Mac users is increasing.
How do I avoid getting attacked by malware?
What can I DO?
- Aside from keeping your security and operating system software up to date:
- Ensure you have a firewall installed and active
- Run a program like Malwarebytes every once in a while (kind of like a relief pitcher for your computer)
- Consider switching to Google Chrome as your browser, as it has been proven to be a more secure (and faster) browser
- Backup your stuff! Disaster can strike at anytime!
- Contact me or your IT person right away at the first warning sign
- Do not open up email attachments from people you don’t recognize.
- Avoid clicking on FREE stuff on the internet. These are usually disguised ways of gaining access to your computer
- Clicking on pictures of celebrities seems to be a new thing wreaking havoc for your computer. They disguise the attack behind a picture of Cameron Diaz and BAM! Read this for more info on this phenomenon.
- Games: Gaming websites tend to be fraught with shiny and attractive things to click on, usually resulting in something too good to be true. Note to your kids and grandkids coming over for a visit!!!
- Pornography websites are notorious for viruses
Who does these awful things to us?
Usually college kids practicing their computer hacking skills and who are also potentially looking to earn a bit of money from unsuspecting, trusting folks. On the other side is folks from other countries like Northern Africa, Spain, Eastern Europe, hoping to earn a living through the credit card you readily hand over to them. They are skilled, talented, artful and crafty and they have no soul.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING CLASS
Creating Your Own Website (at SF State Downtown Campus)
Schedule #: 94039
Course ID: CE 8909
Want to create your own website? Want to be able to do it for FREE and without having to learn complicated software? In this great class, you will be able to add photos, videos and your own words to your very own live website! This class gives you the tools to get you up and running with a fully functioning website for the whole world to see in no time! We will be using Google Sites to get your site live so all you need is a free Google account to get started. Intermediate computer skills suggested. Though this class will be taught in a PC Windows classroom, applications are universal to both Mac and PC computers.
Instructor(s): David Casuto
Fees: $160
Meeting days and times
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, Nov 1, 2010
Monday, Nov 8, 2010
Monday, Nov 15, 2010
Monday, Nov 29, 2010
Monday, Dec 6, 2010
Monday, Dec 13, 2010
Location
Downtown Campus - San Francisco State University
835 Market St, Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA, 94103
Contact:
dvarner@sfsu.edu
www.creativearts.sfsu.edu/olli
Technical Services/Support,
Project Work (web, graphic design, etc.)
(415) 509-3725
