Viruses, spyware, malware, ID Theft, hacking of your web site, and a number of other security risks which we are all vulnerable to on a daily basis when either browsing the web or running a web site.

If you are like me you receive all types of e-mail each and every day from sites that you have requested more information, safe lists, newsletters, financial institutions and from our beloved "spammers".

The question is do I open the message?

In most cases the answer is yes, when and if the sender is some one I know or if the Subject is of interest. When the Sender is someone you know most of the time the message is safe unless they are forwarding something of interest to you (this is where you need to be careful.)

Attachments to the e-mail would be of most concern, use an updated ANTIVIRUS program to pre-scan or scan the attachment before clicking or opening it. Most of the anti-virus programs include an e-mail scanning function that scans your incoming e-mail before you either open or placed in your inbox.

• AVG Free Edition
  This the one program I rely on. I have used others in the past but they take over the computer system and are difficult to remove if you are not happy how they perform on your computer.
  Grisoft’s primary focus and objective as a company is to provide individual consumers, small to medium sized businesses, and large corporations globally with industry leading software solutions to protect their information and communications through the production and distribution of the best possible anti-virus software and related security products and services.



• Symantec virus protection
  With threats to information systems coming from all sides and growing in number and complexity, enterprise customers know that hardening network perimeters is not enough. Symantec provides best-of-breed security solutions for all tiers of a network: at the gateways between the network and the outside world, at the servers that act as the network's vital organs, and at end-user devices including desktop PCs, laptops and handhelds.
  
  
• McAfee
  The McAfee line of small and medium business products and services offers growing businesses best-in-breed computer security technology in cost-effective, easy-to-use, flexible solutions. So you can focus on your business, not security.



• Kaspersky
  Users worldwide choose Kaspersky Labs' products for exceptional detection rates, timely virus analysis, and quality services. We offer solutions for Windows, Linux, Novell and protect all common email systems. Our award-winning products are certified by the ISCA and West Coast Labs.



• FRISK Software FRISK Software produces the hugely popular F-Prot Antivirus products range offering unrivalled neural network and heuristic detection capabilities. In addition to this, the F-Prot AVES managed online e-mail security service filters away the nuisance of spam e-mail as well as viruses, worms and other malware that increasingly clog up inboxes and threaten data security.



• Virus Keeper
  VirusKeeper uses a behavior analysis method, rather than the basic scanner employed by other antivirus programs. VirusKeeper analyzes the activity of all programs running in memory and flags any suspicious processes. You can use VirusKeeper and another antivirus scanner at the same time for the highest level of security.

With the front door guarded you still have to worry about the back door. Here you need be aware of Spyware, Adware, Maleware, Trojans, HiJackers etc that may by-pass your Anti Virus Program. These come in many forms and can be harmless or destroy data and some, your computer.

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - SpyWare


Spyware is a general term used for software shows you advertising, collects personal information, or changes the configuration of your computer, usually without obtaining your consent. You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:
• You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
• The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
• You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
• Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.

Spyware is often associated with software (called adware) that displays advertisements, or software that tracks your personal information or gathers sensitive information. That doesn't mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads (this information should be listed in the EUL / End User License). If you understand the terms and agree to them, and have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.

Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also often called spyware.

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

There are many free programs available that do a good job of cleaning your computer so join us next month for reviews and recommendations.