Security Matters! (about anti-virus and stuff) Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:09:16 -0600 I'm writing (aka copying) this guide on computer security because I'm tired of people coming to me to help them with "broken computers" mostly caused by viruses and spywares (for free). If your computer suddenly become slow and sluggish your computer probably already infected by malwares. It is actually quite easy to secure and clean your computer from viruses and malwares.
First, you need to know some definitions:
1. Virus, Worm, Trojan - A virus is computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or the Internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. Additionally, viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer. A worm can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer. Trojan horse is a file that appears harmless until executed. Trojan horse installs malicious software while under the guise of doing something else. Trojan horses are more notorious for installing backdoor programs which allow unauthorized non permissible remote access to the victim's machine by unwanted parties - normally with malicious intentions. Unlike a computer virus, a Trojan horse does not propagate by inserting its code into other computer files. (wikipedia)
2. Spyware - computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. (wikipedia)
3. Adware - Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware. (wikipedia)
4. Rootkit - is a programs which work to subvert control of an operating system from its legitimate operators. Usually, a rootkit will obscure its installation and attempt to prevent its removal through a subversion of standard system security. Techniques used to accomplish this can include concealing running processes, files or system data from the operating system. Rootkits is used by malware to help intruders maintain access to systems while avoiding detection. Rootkits often modify parts of the operating system or install themselves as drivers or kernel modules. (wikipedia)
5. Malware - software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a portmanteau of the words "malicious" and "software". Malwares include Virus, Spyware and Rootkit. (wikipedia)
Where all this viruses and malwares coming from?
1. Toolbars - Do not install excessive additional toolbars to your browser, as they may slow down the browser or become a source of adware or spyware. One of the popular spyware toolbar is Hotbar.
2. Messenger/Chat software such as Yahoo Messenger, Live/MSN Messenger, mIRC - These softwares are not malwares by themself but very vulnerable to malwares and I have seen many cases where these messengers were hijacked by malwares and became zombies. (Uhh.. Scary..) When using this messaging applications, never click on any link sent by unknown 'friend' or user. Also never click on a link that look slightly weird or "out of place" even it is from your real friends or family member. What usually happen when you click on those links is that your computer will automatically download malwares (like virus or spyware) into your computer and make your instant messaging application a zombie that spreading the 'weird link' to your friends without your knowledge. Imaging how embarrassing to send "Hey Sexy! Look at my sexy picture at http://www.***.***/mysexypictures" to your ex or your parent.
3. CD-R/Ws, CD-Rs, USB/Pen/Thumb Drive, Floppy or any portable storage - This is usually how trojans and viruses being transferred from a computer to another computer. To prevent viruses and trojans from infecting your computer, do a "Virus Scan" on the portable storage before you open any files on the storage. How to do this? If you have anti-virus installed in your computer follow these steps. In "My Computer" right click on the storage device and click on "Scan" or "Scan with XXX Antivirus" or "Check for Viruses" or "Scan for Viruses" or anything similar. It is also a good idea to install Portable AppsClamWin in your USB Drive and use it whenever needed.
4. Emails - NEVER open or download any attachment from unknown sender. In fact never open any email from unknown sender, and mark those email as Spam by clicking "Mark As Spam" or "Spam" or anything similar. If you are using POP/IMAP protocol to open your emails, use a less popular email client such as Mozilla Thunderbird since viruses usually target popular email client such as Microsoft Outlook.
5. Peer-to-peer softwares - Some p2p softwares are known for its notoriety as "adware agent" such as Kazaa. Stay out of this kind of software and use only software that are known "adware/spyware free" like uTorrent, Azureus and Deluge. Also, scan for virus on every file you download before opening it.
6. "Useless Crap Software" such as Bonzi Buddy, Huntbar, Hotbar and all other useless software/bloatware. NEVER install any software like this. In fact never install any software that you do not need (no matter how cute the monkey is).
7. FAKE Anti-Spyware program - Malicious programmers have released a large number of fake anti-spyware programs, and widely distributed Web banner ads now spuriously warn users that their computers have been infected with spyware, directing them to purchase programs which do not actually remove spyware — or worse, may add more spyware of their own. Known FAKE Anti-Spyware/Virus include: errorsafe (AKA system doctor), Pest Trap, SpyAxe, AntiVirus Gold, SpywareStrike, Spyware Quake, WorldAntiSpy, Spylocked, SpyShredder, SysProtect, Spy Sheriff, Spy Wiper, PAL Spyware Remover, PSGuard, Malware, WinAntiVirus Pro 2006, WinFixer, Spydawn, ContraVirus, UltimateCleaner, MagicAntiSpy, AV System Care, Registrycleanerxp.com, SecurePCcleaner, PCSecuresystem and many more. AVOID these softwares at all cost. Instead, use a known good anti-spyware such as "Microsoft's Windows Defender" and "safer-networking.org's Spybot Search & Destroy." (wikipedia)
8. Networking - Use firewall. Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Vista came with built-in firewall. Make sure you turn on the firewall on your computer. Never allow other user on your network to modified your sharing folder.
What you can do to prevent your computer from infections?
1. Install an anti virus software such as Trend Micro/PC-Cilin AV, Mc Afee AV, Norton AV and regularly update the virus definitions. There are also free antivirus available such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, ClamWin Free AV and Norton Security Scan (available with Google Pack). ClamWin Free Antivirus and Google Pack's Norton Security Scan does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware. I personally recommend you to use AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition together with free Norton Security Scan(Google Pack). Once a week, do a full scan on your computer with the anti-virus sofware.
2. Install anti-spyware software and update it regularly. Three most excellent anti-spywares are free: safer-networking.org's Spybot Search & Destroy, Microsoft's Windows Defender and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. Download, install and update it regularly. Full scan your computer weekly. It is a good idea to use two anti-spyware software if you have a fast computer. I use both Spybot Search & Destroy and Windows Defender.
3. Update your Windows regularly. The updates usually contain "security patch" to make your computer more secure. (Click on Start->Programs->Windows Update)
4. DON'T use Internet Explorer especially IE6 or below. Instead use a less popular browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera. This is because most internet related malware target Internet Explorer. If you are using Mozilla Firefox, consider using AdBlock Plus Add-on to block advertisements and also adwares.
6. STOP using Micro$oft Windows and start using Apple Mac or Linux. I prefer Linux since it is totally free. The top three linux distros that are also user friendly are Ubuntu/Kubuntu, openSuSe(by Novell), and Fedora (by RedHat). [according to Distrowatch.com]. Most of malwares are targeting Microsoft product, so if you avoid Microsoft product, there is a good chance your computer never infected by a malware forever.
Forty years after the Israeli capture of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, journalist Rod Liddle takes a journey through the West Bank and considers whether Israel should still be considered a part of the western club of democratic nations. A long time supporter of Israel, he visits families in both the Palestinian and Jewish settlements surrounding Bethlehem and then meets with Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh to discuss his observations.
Palestine in Focus 3: Occupation 101 Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:14:59 +0000
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A thought-provoking and powerful [...]Read More →
Palestine in Focus 2: Unreported World - Israel?s Wild West Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:27:15 +0000
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Excerpt from Channel 4 Website:
On the West Bank, where a quarter-of-a-million Israelis live cheek-by-jowl with over two million Palestinians, ideologically driven Israeli settlers are exploiting political weaknesses to take back settlements the Israeli government expelled them from only two years before.”
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Palestine in Focus 1 : Battle For The Holy Land-Jerusalem Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:58:09 +0000
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A two-hour documentary entitled Battle For The Holy Land by Paddy Ashdown (Channel 4, UK).
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