Posted 04/25/07 at 08:54:06 PM | by Will Smith
I spend a lot of time talking to "normal" people, who use their computers without really knowing how they work, why they have problems, or even what they're doing to cause the problems with spyware that they're having. They keep getting infected with viruses and spyware, and don't understand why. They're running antivirus and spyware protection apps--shouldn't that be enough? The answer is a resounding no. Blindly trusting any application to keep you safe is a recipe for infection. That's why I recommend people follow a few simple rules for safer computing, because it's better to avoid exposure to malware entirely than to rely on your protective apps to fight it off.
Rule 1: Don't open email attachments
I shouldn't really have to say this, but I will. Don't trust any email attachments that you aren't expecting. If your Aunt Esther sends you a jpg, and you aren't expecting it, do not open it. If an email arrives with no text and just an attachment, don't open it! These attachments are usually nothing more than machine-generated viral payloads, designed to entice the weak-minded into clicking on them. Don't be weak minded!
Rule 2: Don't use default software
Internet Explorer and Outlook Express are more secure than they ever have been before. However, millions of people use these apps, which makes them a juicy target. By simply switching to the Firefox browser and Thunderbird email client, you'll cut your chances of being exploited.
Rule 3: Nothing valuable is ever free
Cynical? Yes. True? Definitely. Every day, you'll see dozens of promises on the Internet, promising everything from free laptops to free dating services to free cash! There's always a catch, and the catch is usually expensive. Sometimes, the services advertised are outright scams, another way to harvest credit cards from unsuspecting rubes. But, sometimes seemingly legit free sites will require you to sign up for expensive recurring charges that are nigh impossible to cancel. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Rule 4: Pay attention to URLs
We've all seen them, the spam emails and websites that look just like your bank's website, but the URL is a character or two off, and is actually hosted on a server somewhere in Siberia. If you upload your username and password to an illicit site, you'll quickly find your bank account drained. That's why it's always a bad idea to click links in emails--especially to access your bank account or Paypal. If you have an emergency notice, manually type the URL to visit the site. If something bad happened to your account, they'll let you know.
Rule 5: Criminals are bad spellers
Even if you do accidentally end up on a phishing site, there are almost always problems with it that you can detect! Either there will be spelling mistakes, weird grammatical problems, or goofy-looking problems with the images. If something feels weird about the site, trust your instincts and do a little digging before you enter your personal info.
Rule 6: Think before you click
Beware of skeezy websites. Frequently phishers use porn and warez sites as a way to farm new information and infect PCs with their malicious wares. Don't install software from these sites, it can include keyloggers and other spyware that will infect your PC and steal your private info.
Now, I wouldn't suggest that you run your PC without antivirus software. It's important, and it will help protect your PC should you (or someone else using your PC) exhibit poor judgement.
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..."Nothing valuable is ever free."...
Submitted by Doctor_WH0 on Tue, 2008-01-29 15:37
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I agree. The irony: AVG, Firefox and Thunderbird you pimp in this very article are free, as well as many other apps MPC pimps and we all use every day.
Submitted by lostcause64 on Thu, 2008-01-17 10:40
As a former Geek Squad tech for just over 4 years, now working a help desk position away from retail, Will nailed it. I rarely run my AVG, Spybot, and Ad-aware programs, which I have used on my various pc's over the years. Yet, I haven't had a virus since 2000, and all I ever get from the adware scans is the occassional cookies of low importance, because I use my pc the way Will describes.
It's incredible the number of otherwise highly intelligent people that get serious infections on their pc's because they think they can get something for free, or trust the email from someone they've never heard of - even though the same kind of story told to them in person would set off every personal instinct to stay away.
John
Try to be smarter than the object you're working with! It will make things easier, and might just save your life...
Submitted by Otaku16 on Mon, 2007-11-12 22:16
Working with numbers.
I find that most of the spam I get will have a set of numbers (sometimes before sometimes after) if you see this most likely it's not going to be worth your time..To Read or Not to Read
When signing up for a contest or even registering at some forums and sites ALWAYS take the time to read the TOS. (or Terms of Service) A lot of times (but not always) your email address is sold to companies and by blindly clicking that box you give them every right to do it. (On a side note someone once won $1000 for just reading a TOS*)So a good way to prevent spam is not to give your email out in the first place.Docking in Port 25?
Stmp mail is sent via port 25 and its one of the bigest targets of spamers.. Even comcast has put a block on it to prevent spam**. If your that concerned about not geting spam. Avoid mail systems that use port 25 for outgoing mail.Know Your Role
Just installing an antivirus isn't really enough. You should take the time to learn how to configure it properly. As well as check it once in a while.. I use Kasperski which its popups will sometimes auto hide after a while. I'm not saying check it every time your on it but once in a while to posslbly catch something that may be a biger problem later.IMO
Steve J. L.source>
*:Proof That (Almost) No One Reads End User License Agreements
**:Comcast takes hard line against spam
DARN RIGHT!!!
Submitted by johnny3144 on Fri, 2007-12-28 11:01
i never use any firewall or anti-virus, yet i haven't being infected once with any major or destructive virus. sure i sometime get little spy ware, but they really don't do much... except being there. and simple deletion fix it.
Submitted by Mastertech on Sun, 2007-05-13 22:36
With the security of Firefox and it's extensions in question:
www.FirefoxMyths.com.
Why would you not mention Opera which has a much better security record?
Submitted by compulsivephreek on Thu, 2007-05-10 16:57
good stuff Will, these tips are exactly what I tell clients when they buy a clean machine, practice safe surfing and you should have almost no problems at all.
Submitted by Bin3ry on Sat, 2007-04-28 03:57
I still use IE 7.0...,but i dont like the fact that i cant change the arrangement of the buttons. I hate the new 7.0 look.
The rule#2, well it does make since tho, if you want to have a better chance at spreading a virus, you should aim at the most used software. That is why there are so many viruses for Windows. Fewer people use linux, expecially day to day. So if you create a virus and want to see it spread, aim for the most used operating system, with the most common used software. I dont think Windows XP is that buggy, it remains my favorite operating system.
Submitted by XRolando on Fri, 2007-04-27 07:47
"However, millions of people use these apps, which makes them a juicy target. By simply switching to the Firefox browser and Thunderbird email client, you'll cut your chances of being exploited."
So if Firefox would get 51% market share worldwide tomorrow you would still advise everyone to switch back to IE?
Re: Rule 2
Submitted by willsmith on Fri, 2007-04-27 17:21
When that happy day arrives, I'll worry about.
Submitted by Bin3ry on Thu, 2007-04-26 06:08
I know what you guys are going to say but, I havent used a Antivirus or Spyware remover for two months now, since i built my new computer. I did an online scan from Norton, and it found nothing on my computer. The only thing i use is a firewall and my brain and it keeps me safe. I have an always on, (DSL), connection, and leave my computer on for days at a time. If you follow Will's advice, that will prevent most infections, but i gotta say you missed one thing about the anti-virus software, I see this alot, If you have an antivirus program and you dont keep it updated, its almost worthless.
Submitted by Deadp1xel on Wed, 2007-04-25 23:56
weak minded link: the vede, too much HAHA...
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