Internet Security Tips

Jackson74 · 06-28-2008, 03:16 AM

I want to share some important information about a new, very deceptive and very infectious Spyware threat. Over the past couple months, I've discovered many new versions of an old Spyware/Malware strain. I can't emphasize strongly enough that these types of "warning" messages can easily mislead you and your family, because they are designed to visually appear as real Windows components. I have included pictures to help you identify one of the fakes and avoid being infected.

Sometimes while internet browsing, a window may pop up and tell you that your computer is infected with Spyware or Viruses. No one can know the state of your computer's health from outside of your home - unless you've personally authorized a remotely-operated Spyware or Virus Scan program. The people who create this malicious software are using scare tactics. They try to convince you to allow their "Anti-Spyware Program" to remove the infection that they say you have - when in fact, they are actually trying to infect your machine intentionally. If you allow this activity, your computer will become infected and messages will begin to appear in the clock area of your taskbar (lower right of your screen) warning you of the infection, and offering to sell you the upgraded product to "remove" it.

How it works:
For closing a window that appears in front of you while on the internet, Pop-Up or otherwise, the old standard of clicking the "X" at the upper right corner is no longer safe. The bad guys have re-designed the software code to make any area you click on the window equal "Yes" or "OK". It's important that you understand how easy it is to become infected now - leading to repair costs that can be avoided by using a different, safer approach to closing unwanted Pop-Ups. Below is an example of what these new versions might look like:

The window above is intended to look like the real Windows Security Center found in Control Panel of Windows XP. Since the copy of Windows on your machine is owned by you, it follows that a "Free scan now" or "Free spyware scan" is a hoax. Also, there are no real products called "Anti-Backdoor", "Anti-Worm", or "Anti-PornoDial" as shown under the "WinIFixer category", since Worms and Backdoor Trojan viruses all fall under the same heading. Always look for poor composition, grammar, and misspelled words - a sure sign that the window is a fake. Below is an example of the real Windows Security Center, with real settings and configuration tools entries

What To Do:
The only safe way to close any Pop-Up window is by using the Task Manager. Many of you already know that by hitting the Control, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously, Windows brings up the Task Manager program. Following the steps below will help you avoid Spyware infections:

When a Pop-Up window appears in front of you, don't touch it with your mouse cursor - hit Control-Alt-Delete, go to the "Applications" tab, highlight the entry that represents the Pop-Up window, then click the "End Task" button at the bottom of the Task Manager window. This will close the potential threat window harmlessly, and you will avoid infection.

As always, err on the side of caution. For maximum safety, be sure to update your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs regularly as well. If you don't (or aren't sure if you do) have protection in place, remember that there are many very effective free versions available.

06-28-2008, 03:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jackson74 Jack's Florida Bromeliads Jackson74's Photo Gallery Location: Tampa Bay Florida Zone: 9 Name: Jack Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 385 BananaBucks : 12,849 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 3 Thanked 105 Times in 55 Posts Welcomes: 0	Internet Security Tips I want to share some important information about a new, very deceptive and very infectious Spyware threat. Over the past couple months, I've discovered many new versions of an old Spyware/Malware strain. I can't emphasize strongly enough that these types of "warning" messages can easily mislead you and your family, because they are designed to visually appear as real Windows components. I have included pictures to help you identify one of the fakes and avoid being infected. Sometimes while internet browsing, a window may pop up and tell you that your computer is infected with Spyware or Viruses. No one can know the state of your computer's health from outside of your home - unless you've personally authorized a remotely-operated Spyware or Virus Scan program. The people who create this malicious software are using scare tactics. They try to convince you to allow their "Anti-Spyware Program" to remove the infection that they say you have - when in fact, they are actually trying to infect your machine intentionally. If you allow this activity, your computer will become infected and messages will begin to appear in the clock area of your taskbar (lower right of your screen) warning you of the infection, and offering to sell you the upgraded product to "remove" it. How it works: For closing a window that appears in front of you while on the internet, Pop-Up or otherwise, the old standard of clicking the "X" at the upper right corner is no longer safe. The bad guys have re-designed the software code to make any area you click on the window equal "Yes" or "OK". It's important that you understand how easy it is to become infected now - leading to repair costs that can be avoided by using a different, safer approach to closing unwanted Pop-Ups. Below is an example of what these new versions might look like: The window above is intended to look like the real Windows Security Center found in Control Panel of Windows XP. Since the copy of Windows on your machine is owned by you, it follows that a "Free scan now" or "Free spyware scan" is a hoax. Also, there are no real products called "Anti-Backdoor", "Anti-Worm", or "Anti-PornoDial" as shown under the "WinIFixer category", since Worms and Backdoor Trojan viruses all fall under the same heading. Always look for poor composition, grammar, and misspelled words - a sure sign that the window is a fake. Below is an example of the real Windows Security Center, with real settings and configuration tools entries What To Do: The only safe way to close any Pop-Up window is by using the Task Manager. Many of you already know that by hitting the Control, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously, Windows brings up the Task Manager program. Following the steps below will help you avoid Spyware infections: When a Pop-Up window appears in front of you, don't touch it with your mouse cursor - hit Control-Alt-Delete, go to the "Applications" tab, highlight the entry that represents the Pop-Up window, then click the "End Task" button at the bottom of the Task Manager window. This will close the potential threat window harmlessly, and you will avoid infection. As always, err on the side of caution. For maximum safety, be sure to update your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs regularly as well. If you don't (or aren't sure if you do) have protection in place, remember that there are many very effective free versions available. __________________ http://www.JacksBromeliads.com

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