Computer Security
How secure is your Computer ?
Got any Spyware programmes lurking in your Computer? How about Trojan Horses ? What about Viruses ? Do you find that some of your programmes don't work "properly", that your Computer keeps doing "funny things"?
Well, it will come as a surprise to you to find out that you may have DOZENS of Spyware programmes on your C:Drive all busily sending information about the sites you visit back to the software vendors whose products you loaded at one time or other. Ever wondered why you get all those banner ad's on your Browser ???
Heard about Trojan Horses ? Trojan Horse attacks pose one of the most serious threats to Computer Security. In today's computer world, a Trojan Horse is defined as a "malicious, security-breaking programme that is disguised as something benign" such as a screen-saver, game etc. The most (in)famous Trojan Horse was the so-called "Love-Bug" in May 2000. If this apparent love letter was opened, it would unleash a slew of problems such as sending itself to everybody in your e-mail address book or IRC channel, erasing or modifying your files, and downloading another Trojan Horse programme designed to steal your passwords. Many Trojan Horses also allow Crackers (Hackers) to take-over your Computer and "remote control" it, such as to take over your IRC channels or use your Computer to perform Denial Of Service attacks like those that disrupted the web sites of Yahoo and Amazon.
So, you need an Anti-Spyware programme !
Have you got an Anti Virus programme installed on your Computer ? Of course you have ...it was on the Computer when you bought it ? Have you ever updated it ? (it may not have its auto update turned on). The answer to that question is probably No. What you have to realise is that Viruses are being spawned every week. If you don't update your programme on a regular basis ( I update mine EVERY day) it offers your Computer no protection whatsoever ! Viruses can come in many forms. Some are being used to entertain or merely annoy. Others can be quite malicious and cause serious damage, including loss of data and encroachment on your PC's security. They can be sent as attachments in e-mails, sent via ICQ, DCC'ed in IRC and/or downloaded from Web or FTP sites. Preventation is easier that the cure. Big businesses world-wide lost £BILLIONS due to the "Melissa" and "I Love You" Viruses.
And, last but not least, have you got a Firewall ? These stop Intruders NOT Viruses.
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