Does Internet security software really work?

In the recent years there has been many Internet securtity tools to hit the consumer market that claim to be providing excellent protection against online threats such as phishing sites, Trojan horses and viruses. Amongst Internet security packages there are Norton Internet Security, Webroot Spy Sweeper, McAfee Antivirus and many more. Are those products really so efficient in fighting threats and safeguarding our personal information from being stolen?

With the introduction of the Norton Internet Security 2007 that comes with a new interface and a lower price the private user may expect they get a comprehensive online protection and personal information safety whilst banking or shopping online.

These Internet security tools, and Norton Internet Security in particular, come with a bunch of smart features that can give you an additional protection against even unknown, or unrecognized threats by using behavior monitoring algorithms. But, many average users who never stray far from mainstream Web sites will find most of features of the internet security software available today unnecessary - it's like purchasing a BMW to drive it only to church on Sundays.

For example McAfee internet security tools still feel heavy and clumsy even if its new version, failing to find the happy medium between features, ease-of-use and performance.

On top of that, many applications do not play well with other security software you might already have installed on your PC. These are third-party anti-virus, antispyware and anti-adware software you purchased from other vendors that apps that may have been serving you well so far and there's no reason why you should stop using them.

Therefore, I recommend to have a look at the features first, before any purchasing decision is made – if you decide you don't need a BMW to drive to church once a week, a lighter, much more user friendly internet security software, such as ZoneAlarm Internet Security 7, may be a better choice.

Today, there are a few types of risks that may affect your PC's security while you surf the Web and install downloaded software: viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, worms and rootkits. Thes programs can install on your computer when you download software from untrusted sources or visit booby-trapped websites often referred as to phishing sites.

On top of that, malware often spreads itself by sending bogus e-mails to everyone in your address book. But not only pirate copies of software can contain dangerous code - viruses often come from unsuspecting sources; even some Sony music CDs inadvertently inflicted viruses.

All antivirus software packages available today is especially to deal with these threats by scanning downloaded files, running applications, scanning incoming e-mails, attachments and some of them can even scan instant messages blocking and deleting incoming malware. Security researchers say antivirus software has become essential, but it's no longer enough because you come across dangerous sites every day you surf the Web that can use smart techniques to launch an attack on your PC.

Some of the malicious software is designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, passwords, personal information and even credit card numbers. Hackers keep inventing new ways of stealing information penetrating your computer or hijacking keystrokes you type while you shop or bank online.

While online identity theft has become a growing problem, protecting your computer from these kind of threats is essential. Any chunk of information you keep on your computer or send over the Internet may be to cybercriminals. This is why you need strong Internet security protection – an anti virus, a firewall and an anti-spyware software.

Research show, that most security and privacy threats come from adware, spyware and phishing. Security engineers admit these types of threats are amongst the fastest-growing threats to PC and personal security on the Web today. The major problem is that these applications are tiny programs that can be transported over the Internet and installed on the victim's computer in seconds and can not be detected without a proper anti malware program working in the background.

Some spyware and adware can be moderately not harmful, gathering information about what sites you visit or what you do while you work on the PC, however, there are still very dangerous spyware out there that can be used for example to connect your computer to a world-wide network of infected machines – a botnet – that cybercriminals often use to launch DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.

An article called "State of the net 2006," issued in the September 2006 by Consumer Reports cites alarming statistics showing the damage caused by viruses, spywae and advare to computers owned by individuals and businesses. The magazine reports that nearly a million people replaced their computers in the past six months because of spyware infections.


Charles Brooker is IT security advisor and software tester at Norton-Soft – Information Source about Norton Software

Computer Security: Threats and Solutions

When it comes to computer security, many of us live in a bubble of blissful ignorance. We might be vigilant and never open email attachments from people we don't know, we might take care to make sure an ecommerce site is secure before entering our credit card information, or we might even go so far as to install a standard firewall on our computers. Unfortunately, much of the common sense advice we follow when it comes to Internet security does little to combat the cyber-crime that is rampant.

Federal Trade Commission

Even the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a governmental agency that is designed to help consumers, had to issue a press release stating that "consumers, including corporate and banking executives, appear to be targets of a bogus e-mail supposedly sent by the Federal Trade Commission but actually sent by third parties hoping to install spyware on computers."

There's little doubt that spyware, malware, and insidious virus attacks make any computer with Internet access vulnerable. But, because not all Internet security breaches are immediately apparent, people are often unaware that their seemingly hassle-free computing is anything but. The Federal Trade Commission offers seven guidelines to help consumer surf the Web safely:

1. Protect your personal information. For example, when shopping on an ecommerce site, make sure that the page where you enter your personal information is secure, as designated by "https" before the URL. It's important to stop identity theft before it starts.

2. Know before you click. For instance, many cyber-criminals impersonate legitimate businesses, or send "phishing" email that asks you to click a hyperlink. Check out online merchants and never click on emailed hyperlinks unless you're certain of the source.

3. Update anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software often. Hackers and others who engage in cyber-crime seem to always be a step ahead of the good guys. If your computer protection is outdated, you're vulnerable.

4. Use Web browser and operating system security features. Make sure your browser settings give you optimal privacy and security, and ensure that you update your operating system regularly to take advantage of security patches.

5. Safeguard your passwords. For example, create a unique password for each site you visit, and keep them in a secure place. Use letter, number and symbol combinations that can outsmart automated password detection programs.

6. Always do backups. If your computer does get a virus or a worm, your files may be goners. Make sure to regularly back up any important files and store them in a secure place.

7. Prepare for emergencies. If something does go wrong, such as your computer being hacked or infected, or if you accidentally divulge personal information, know what courses of action you should take to remedy the situation and prevent further problems.

A Hassle-Free Solution

Protecting your computer from all of the threats in cyberspace can seem like full-time job. Thankfully, there are companies who make it their business to offer individuals and businesses the most technologically advanced computer security solutions available. The best of these services offer PC maintenance, full system optimization, problem diagnosis and repair, installation assistance, and a full complement of professionally managed security services. Typically, you pay a small monthly subscription fee and in turn can surf the Web knowing that your computer is locked down and that you'll never again have to stay abreast of the latest security software or lug your computer down to a high-priced repair center.

10 Simple Reasons To Remove Spyware From Your Computer

Is your computer been running slower than normal? Are you worried someone may be able to access your computer and steal your private information and use it against you? If so, these are feelings I have shared with you in the past.

Some time back, my 3-year old computer was running so slow that I had to buy a new computer. Or at least I thought I needed a new computer. Then within a matter of weeks of surfing on the Internet, my new computer was also running so slowly. In addition, some programs did not run well on my computer, and I did not recognize some of the programs that were running on my computer. That scared me most. Were these programs that were tracking my keystrokes on my computer or programs I just not remember installing? I knew I had to find a answer and solution fast.

The truth is, we can all put up with a slow computer, but very few of us would want others to have access to the information on our computers, but that is exactly what can happen when spyware or malware is loaded on our computers without our knowledge.

According to Spyware Nuker’s web site, “Spyware applications are programs and files that hide on your PC's hard drive without your direct knowledge. These programs allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both online and even when you work offline. They can track the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, your Instant Message dialog, and worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill. This is just a short list of the harm that spyware can cause.”

The web site also provides statistics that show spyware is a huge problem effecting many people. "27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years, including 9.91 million people or 4.6% of the population in the last year alone."

In addition, it is very easy for your computer to become infected with spyware as "The majority of all downloadable games, music, screensavers, etc., can infect your computer with SpyWare or AdWare. Most people do not know that after simply clicking on a random "pop up" ad, their computers may have been infected with SpyWare or AdWare."

No matter how we get spyware, here are 10 very real reasons you don’t want spyware on your computer.

1. Your computer may start running slower
2. Some programs on your computer will not run correctly
3. You may not recognize programs that are now on your computer because they may have been installed there by a spyware related web site or program you loaded on your computer.

In addition, you might be worried that:

4. Someone might be able to read your e-mails
5. Someone might be able to access your e-mail list
6. Someone might be able to see you track the keystrokes you type
7. Someone might be able to access your credit card information on your pc
8. Someone might be able to access your passwords list on your computer
9. Someone might be able to steal your social security number
10. Someone might be able to track all the web sites you visit

As I mentioned, most of these programs get on your computer with out you even knowing, but another frustrating part is I recognized a few of these programs because I remember installing AND uninstalling them! So now I know that when we install some of these handy little utilities to track passwords online or programs to help with e-mail or keep track of the weather, even if we uninstall them, they may not be gone from our computers. They are still in our computers, waiting to spy on us, at the least.

A great way to find and remove spyware is to run a spyware detector and remover. Most spyware detection and removal software today offers a free scan to verify that you do or do not have spyware on your computer.