Probably one the biggest notions among computer users is that if they are not online, they are safe from identity theft. Their reasoning is that, if they are offline, they are not vulnerable to phishing, viruses, malware, hackers, etc. While, it is true that being offline would protect them from such things, to fall into the belief that they are safe is being somewhat blind to other possibilities for id theft.
Even people who are connected to the Internet fall into a false sense of security. How? Computer users think that once they install a firewall, get adware, malware, and virus protection. Throw into all that, phishing protection. They get lulled into that invulnerable feeling. They think they are safe.
But are they? Among the many ways to steal data from a computer is through the peripheral data ports. They can be hooked up to printers, external disk drives, etc. Still another way to steal data has been the use of cds or floppy disks. This is done by actually stealing the disks themselves or dumping data onto them. In most cases, this can be done without the computer's owner ever knowing.
Along the same ideas, hard drives can be stolen or broken into. This is alot easier than one might think. Here's how. Hard drives fail. There's nothing that can be done about that. We get them replaced, reload the software, and move on with our lives.
But what about that old hard drive? Even if it has crashed, data can still be harvested from it. In some cases, it is not easily done. There are softwares written to help map the crashed disk and retrieve information off of it. This software is used by legitimate, reputable companies as a means of data reclamation for their clients. It is also used by thieves to steal personal and company data.
Another way to break into a computer involves the thief using his or her own floppy disk or cd to boot your system. With this method, they can bypass your security features and gain direct access to your data.
Even more recently, with the advent of flash drives, it is easier to steal data and conceal it. These small devices are roughly the same size as a man's finger and are hard to detect when concealed. They can be stolen or lost very easily due to their small size.
When it comes to dealing with these issues, many businesses are removing the extra disk drives from computer work stations. They are also networking their printers, etc. to monitor information flow.
Hard drives can be rendered totally useless by drilling holes in the cases and drives. Still another way to do this is by burning the hard drive.
Certain types of flash drives are being built with security features in place to aid in preventing theft. By using a security system which encrypts the data, it adds a measure of protection not offered by Microsoft. This encryption feature is called Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) symmetric encryption. It is considered to be the best encryptions systems for flash drives. It should also be noted that it is not the only form of encryption available. Many versions of encryption are designed with the user in mind (I.E. ease of use).
The final problem deals with the users themselves. Often times, the user will be careless with with their user name and password information. They sometimes will paste it to their computer or somewhere close to it. In this case, it is always best to either commit this information to memory or store it in a very secure place.
What is spyware?
Spyware is when a program is placed on your PC without your consent. The most common way for this to happen is when you install a separate application such as a file sharing program or free download utility on your computer. The program you install also places some "extra" programs on your PC. These extra programs perform tasks from recording what websites you visit to popping up ads on your screen. More worrying are the spyware programs that record everything you type on your keyboard. That's right. Your most private instant messages, emails and chat room discussions can easily be stored and transmitted without your approval. Scary stuff!
Are there different types of spyware?
There are many different classifications of spyware but the following are the most dangerous types:
Adware
The most common type of spyware. These are small programs which sit on your computer waiting for you to go online. Once the adware detects that you're connected to the Internet it starts sending you popup, popover and popunder ads for anything from airline tickets to porn site membership. Not only that but information on your viewing habits is then sold on to marketing companies who will then send you more junk email and popup ads than you ever thought possible.
Browser Hijacker
These are just plain annoying. These install themselves on your computer and change your default homepage and search engine to something else. Every time you start your web browser it will bring you to a page filled with ads, porn or other unwanted material. This interrupts your web browsing and is intensely annoying. Most browser hijackers are also data miners. A data mining program reports your web browsing habits to a central database. This information is then sold on to marketing companies.
Keyboard Logger
These programs are designed for one thing - theft. When you log in to your online banking these can record your PIN number. When you check your private email account these programs can record your password. Keyboard loggers are potentially one of the most damaging pieces of spyware because of the potential financial dangers and theft of personal information.
Modem Hijacker
Potentially the most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are also referred to as diallers. Diallers normally install themselves to your computer via a virus infection or from warez, mp3 or adult websites. A dialler is a small piece of software that will dial long distance, premium rate phone numbers when you're not at your PC. These phone numbers are normally for adult chat line services located in Russia, China, South America and the Phillipines. I have personally seen unlucky victims receive $2,000 bills for one month of telephone calls.
How do you remove spyware from your PC?
Thankfully several responsible companies have made it their mission to help eradicate the menace of spyware. You'll need 2 - 3 programs to remove spyware from your PC. The first of these is Ad Aware which is a free download. The second application is Spybot Search and Destroy which is also a free download. Last but not least I'd recommend also getting yourself a copy of CrapCleaner 1.0. These applications can only remove the spyware already on your PC - they cannot protect your PC from being cluttered with new spyware.
How do you stop spyware infecting your PC?
1. Do not click on links offering free movies, competitions, prize draws, free software or anything that looks suspicious. If it looks like a dog, smells like a dog and walks like a dog... well it's a dog.
2. Install firewall software. This is absolutely critical for Broadband or Highspeed users. All computers connected to the Internet today should have firewall software installed - regardless of your connection speed.
3. Make sure your antivirus software is updated. Good antivirus software can find and delete the most
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Ryan Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Valentines Day, Dating and Romance and SEO Articles. Ryan Smith is the author of the hot, new, blog "The 10 Commandments of ID Theft Protection" Learn more at . Ryan Smith's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Parveenn Kumarr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, How to Sell on Ebay and Online Business. Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to computer tips, do please browse for more information at our websites.. Parveenn Kumarr's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.