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2/26/2010
Anonymous Online SurfingWhen you go online‚ your IP address leaves a digital footprint
as you travel the Internet. Its better if you have a dynamic IP address (changes often) because with static IP’s, Online
retailers and search engines can literally monitor and log all your Web searches and activities whenever you go online. Most
of them do this to display products or advertising that they think you might like. Your in danger with Internet Explorer (IE)
8 (java, javascript, cookies, what’s related etc)…but people just keep using the product. People don’t
really want that kind of overwhelming invasion of privacy as they react, and seek ways to shut it down. Being protected (protecting
your information) is just the smart thing to do.
When I surf the Net using Internet Explorer 8, a third party firewall
and antivirus, I will generally receive 30 to 80 items of adware (cookies) within 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number
of sites I visit based on the amount of research I am conducting. These are usually easily removed with my antispyware software
but, it gives you a measure of what is happening to many users on the Wild, Wild Web. You still leave records and log files
which an online snooper can use to gather information on your online activities.
There are many techniques to cleaning
up your web browsing tracks, (none of which are very intuitive and fail-safe). One way you can do this is use Firefox.
Firefox touts the "Clear Recent History" menu item, effectively clearing out traces of your prior web surfing trail.
The Fox also allows you to instruct it to perform this housekeeping operation when you close the browser. Firefox is the closest
thing many Windows users can get (for the price…Free) to a browser, designed from the ground-up with privacy and security
in mind. The private web surfer needs to get anonymous.
Why you need Anonymizer Universal
Anonymizer Universal keeps all your online activities private and anonymous. You no longer need to worry as you surf the
web with privacy. Anonymizer’s main job is to keep your surfing habits private, giving you a peace of mind that only
comes from knowing that your privacy features are automatically taken care of for you. Its powerful VPN technology‚
(combined with our hardened‚ secure network and proprietary IP rotating technology) keep all your Internet activities—Web
browsing‚ email‚ chat‚ webcam—private and anonymous. No one will have any idea what Web sites you
are visiting or what you are doing‚ except as you choose. It protects you from unauthorized roving eyes.
- It
has Simple Installation
- Easy-to-use ON/OFF Interface
- Seamless Connection
- Universal
compatibility across platforms-Mac®‚ iPhone®‚ and Windows®
- Secure mobile Internet
access from your iPhone
- Concurrent logins that allow you to be protected on your iPhone and computer simultaneously-
whenever and wherever
How it works
Each day‚ an encrypted (VPN) tunnel is established (for all of your internet traffic) as you connect to Anonymizer’s
secure servers (your computer's IP address gets replaced with a different‚ anonymous IP address when you access the
internet). Your daily‚ anonymous IP address comes from a pool of tens of thousands of U.S. IP addresses that are ordinary
and untraceable. All ports and protocols are secured (blocking outgoing mail port 25). This gives you Confidentiality and
Security as your data and personal information travel the Web. This also provides an extra layer of protection for your Wi-Fi
connections, no matter where you connect.
Protected
however you connect
However you choose to access
the Web–at home and on the go–all your Internet activities are private and anonymous. From your computer or iPhone®‚
Anonymizer Universal keeps your online universe protected. All Anonymizer Universal’s servers and authentication procedures
are completely secure and can only be accessed by Anonymizer. No third parties have access to any information about users
or their Web surfing activities. In addition‚ all user Home User IP addresses are located within the United States.
Your wireless connection—secure
Accessing the Internet through Wi–Fi connections at airports‚ shopping malls‚ coffee shops‚
or libraries makes it easy to work and stay in touch from anywhere‚ but hackers can be lurking in these hotspots making
your experience insecure. Anonymizer Universal keeps your activities over wireless connections safe from monitoring by eavesdroppers
and criminals.
Privacy. Power. Simplicity
Anonymizer Universal takes Anonymous Surfing to
the next level giving you the ultimate in online protection from home or when using Wi-Fi‚ anytime and anywhere you
connect. Ease-of-use‚ faster surfing‚ a powerful VPN tunnel‚ and Anonymizer’s proprietary technologies
combine to keep your online activities-email‚ surfing‚ chat‚ all the things you do online-private and secure
on your computer and iPhone. This product offers a 30 day free trial and (priced at $79) this tried and tested Rotator technology
guarantees your anonymity every time you connect online.
2/22/2010
EncryptionOur first encounter with (encryption) secret writing (on record) is Egyptian Hieroglyphs.
Eventually these produced secret symbols that advanced into other languages. Time gave us ceaser ciphers
, Vigenere squares, Jefferson ciphers, transpositions, substitutions, multi-literals, multilaterals, poly-graphics,
poly-alphabetics, syllabics, codes etc. As the systems grew more complex, the attacks developed with them. No cipher or code
is infallible. The Polish and the British proved if it is man-makeable it is man-breakable. Cryptography is a mathematical
science and the making and breaking of codes and ciphers is an art within that science. All codes or ciphers are based on
the mathematical baseline established within the cryptographic community. As computers become more incorporated into our everyday lives--online shopping, bill payment, etc.--it's easy for
your hard drive to become filled with online shopping receipts , electronic statements, miscellaneous login/password information,
and other private documentation that you'll want to keep away from wandering eyes. Some ISP’s and websites routinely
read the contents of your hard drive. What's the best way to keep your personal information private on your computer? Encryption
will supplement your firewall, antivirus and antispyware but it will not replace them. This technical know-how enables you
to maintain your privacy while your enjoying the benefits of the digital revolution. Create An Account Even if you don't share
your computer with other people, it's always a good idea to create an account that you need to manually log into. Windows
does a pretty good job at keeping users' files private and out of reach from other users. No Windows security technique is
rock solid, and certainly shouldn't be relied upon as one's only means of privacy and security, but (if your going to use
Windows) it adds an extra layer of obstruction to further frustrate unauthorized access to your systems. Windows' OS Built-In Encryption Using Windows' EFS--Encryption
File System--technology will obfuscate your files, making them truly confidential and "for your eyes only". EFS
is available in most versions of Windows: 7, Vista, XP, and 2000. Fire up an instance of Windows Explorer and navigate
to a file or folder you'd like to encrypt for privacy purposes. In the popup menu, select Properties, General Tab, Advanced,
and select "Encrypt content to secure data" to begin the encryption process. You'll receive a confirmation dialog
asking you if you want to encrypt the files and child subfolders inside the folder if you're encrypting an entire directory
with files residing inside of it. Once the encryption processes
finishes, your files will be encrypted. The beauty of using Windows' built-in encryption is that you don't need to input a
password or jump through hoops every time you want to access your encrypted files; all you need to do is login to your account,
and you'll be able to treat your encrypted files as if they weren't even encrypted! Other users on the PC won't be able to
access your protected data, as the only way to do this is to have access to your private account, so, as common sense dictates,
keep your login/password confidential and arbitrary enough so that they cannot be easily guessed for nefarious reasons. Microsoft has (lots of bells and whistles) not had a good reputation for security within
the IT field. They have reached into the realm of firewalls, antivirus, encryption etc. I go to the experts for internet security
(firewalls, antivirus and anti-spyware) and I would rather use an encryption method that doesn't depend on Microsoft's engineering
(I’m a LINUX Man). I recommend anyone else to do the same. EncryptStick Give EncryptStick a try.
EncryptStick is is great at creating encrypted "containers" to store all your precious data in; these encrypted
containers can then be mounted via the EncryptStick service to gain access to the container's contents on the grounds that
a correct password is input when prompted. EncryptStick is the easiest
way to protect all the documents, photos, videos and passwords stored on your computer from everyone, including hackers or
thieves. EncryptStick allows you to create unlimited invisible, encrypted vaults [folders containing sensitive files] on the
flash drive itself, on any computer or removable device such as servers or portable hard-drives, as well as writeable media
such as CDs, DVDs or SD memory cards. The
recently published Symantec Internet Security Threat report stated that a hacking technique called keystroke-logging--often
used to steal information such as online bank account credentials--made up 76 percent of all online threats. The EncryptStick
Password Manager tool addresses this important security concern by enabling the user to securely log into sensitive websites,
providing advanced algorithmic protection while sensitive passwords are entered EncryptStick isn't as convenient as Windows' built-in encryption routine, as with the built-in
method, all one needs to do is be logged into their account to access their protected data; with a EncryptStick container,
you must manually mount and enter in your password each time you want to access your encrypted data. The extra step involved
isn't a big deal, and the added benefit of not having to rely on EFS makes EncryptStick even more appealing. By keeping all your important data encrypted and away from prying eyes, you'll create
peace of mind and protect yourself from data thieves. As our lives
become increasingly digitized, with personal and financial information being stored on our computers and online, we create
great opportunities for identity theft. EncryptStick provides the ultimate protection against accidental data loss, as well
as the latest hacking techniques so users can rest assured their critical information remains safe. EncryptStick acts as a
personal key to any computer, without leaving a footprint on any PC. Without the flash drive and your personal password, no
one will be able to access your encrypted files. Even if your flash-drive is stolen or lost, or your computer is stolen, the
data remains safe. The software and your password are never installed on
a computer. Instead, they run directly from your smart drive, which adds another level of protection. Even if someone were
to gain physical access to your computer, without both the required EncryptStick flash drive inserted, and the correct personal
password, your encrypted files are rendered unintelligible. Once the EncryptStick-enabled
flash drive is plugged into the computer's USB port, the software will run automatically and prompt you for your password.
After entering the password, you will be able to open existing vaults, create new vaults and easily encrypt or decrypt any
file by right-clicking and selecting from a drop down menu, or simply dragging and dropping the files into the vault folders.
These vaults are totally hidden unless you wish them to appear as a regular folder. You can store any type of file in your
vaults and they can only be accessed if your flash drive is inserted into the USB slot and you type in your password. The
simple drag and drop function allows you to easily add files to your vaults. These files can also be transferred to your Flash
drive for safe transfer to another computer. Private vaults are great for families who share a computer and wish to keep certain
files private from children, friends and even spouses. EncryptStick also enables "encryption on the fly" with the
ability to edit documents within vaults while the files are encrypted. In the
event of a lost flash drive, the EncryptStick application renders the files unintelligible and provides an immediate Key Recovery
function from the Encrypt-Stick.com website. In the case of your PC or laptop crashing, your files would be unintelligible
to the PC Repair Shop. With these duplicated files on your flash drive, you can now carry on work at a second computer. With EncryptStick, you can leave your laptop at work and simply plug your EncryptStick-enabled flash drive into your
home computer to gain access to all your encrypted files and passwords. The software was developed in such a manner that there
is no trace of the files left behind on third party computers. Automatic timeouts can be user-defined to lock the EncryptStick
vaults and prompt for a password in the instance that you walk away from your computer with the flash drive inserted.
This 512 bit Polymorphic USB system is available for about $40 dollars (that is a Good Deal)!
2/18/2010
Aurora in the WildBackground
In Late January of 2009 A
Kaspersky Lab Technical support site was hacked exposing private
customer information for 11 days. The Moscow based security
company closed the breach after
it was informed of the attack by Romanian Hackers on Feb 7. This was huge for a company
dealing with security. This was huge for the IT industry.
The hackers gained access to a support customer
database that held e-mail addresses and
software activation codes by launching a SQL injection attack. The e-mail addresses of 2500 customers and about 25000 activation codes were at
risk. The hack was made possible by a combination of vulnerable
code crafted by a third party
vendor and poor code review by Kaspersky. Many attacks on commercial entities, focus on obtaining financial data, and the attackers
typically use common
methods for breaching networks, such as SQL-injection attacks through
a company’s web site or through unsecured
wireless networks. Cyber criminals traditionally cut corners.
They don’t spend a lot of time tweaking
things and making sure that every aspect of an attack is obfuscated. Professional Developers
Malware is a business
with developers who make six figure incomes. Script kiddies are a
small nuisance compared to the professional developer.
Our endpoint security is a no
obstacle for these IT Pro's. One of the biggest hacks in history (and a sign of things to come) was carried out from
around Dec 15 to Jan
4 2010 (when command-and-control servers that were being used to
communicate with the malware and siphon off data until
they were shut down). To add insult
to injury, the servers were located in Illinois, Texas and Taiwan. The attackers
were
targeting source-code repositories of many of their victims (Google, Adobe, etc.) and
succeeded in reaching
their target in many cases. Check Point Software Technologies
Ltd issued the first indication we saw of this attack
in the wild (gaining widespread adoption by hackers beyond the
initial China-based
attacks) on January 21, 2010 8:41 AM. The Attack
The hackers had stolen intellectual property and sought access to the Gmail
accounts of
human rights activists. The attackers used nearly a dozen pieces of malware and several
levels of
encryption to burrow deeply into the bowels of company networks and obscure their
activity. The encryption was highly successful in obfuscating the attack and avoiding common
detection
methods. We haven’t seen encryption at this level. It was highly sophisticated. The attack was well-timed to occur during the holiday season when company operation centers
and response teams
would be thinly staffed. The sophistication of the attack was
remarkable and was something that researchers have seen
before in attacks on the defense industry, but never in the commercial
sector. Dubbed Operation
Aurora this zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft IE installs Trojans on networks of large
corporations to steal information. Microsoft has noted that
new variants of the Aurora exploit can circumvent IE's Data Execution
Protection, a feature that prevents auto-run of
active content and applications in the browser.
Once the malicious payload executes, it provides hackers with unauthorized
access. The
vulnerability was found in the wild in late January 2010. The malware components (with encrypted code) are designed to bypass Intrusion Protection
Systems (IPS) and
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). The attack vectors used in the incidents
seen are (targeted) e-mails containing legitimate
looking attachments or links to Web sites
sent to high-level employees. When the attachment is opened, an exploit for
the vulnerability
springs into action and the computer becomes infected. Once the user visited the malicious site (view the list of malware sites at
http://www.malwaredomains.com/files/domains.txt ), their Internet Explorer browser was
exploited to download an array
of malware to their computer automatically and transparently.
The programs unloaded seamlessly and silently onto the
system, flowing one after the other. The initial piece of code
was shell code encrypted three times and that activated the exploit,
Then it executed downloads from an external machine
that dropped the first piece of binary on
the host. That download was also encrypted. The encrypted binary packed itself
into a couple
of executables that were also encrypted. One
of the malicious programs opened a remote backdoor to the computer, establishing an
encrypted covert channel that masqueraded
as an SSL connection to avoid detection. This allowed
the attackers ongoing access to the computer and to use it as a
“beachhead” into other parts of
the network, to search for login credentials, intellectual property and whatever
else they
were seeking. Counterhack
The Google Boys (counterhacked the hackers) broke into a computer in Taiwan, gathered evidence
that the attacks
originated from mainland China (possibly orchestrated by their
government) and reengineered the hack. They found evidence that the hackers had attacked at least 34 other companies and
that the
incursions actually came from China, not Taiwan. The evidence, (including the attack
sophistication) strongly
suggested an operation run by Chinese government agencies which has
caused Google to contemplate withdrawing from the
Chinese market and governments (including
Germany and France) to recommend 'against' using the Microsoft browser. Recommendation
The browser Firefox is unaffected
by the attacks. Many open-source security practitioners are
advising users to switch to this browser. As a public service HBGary (http://www.hbgary.com) has prepared a free utility that will scan
for and, optionally, remove
the Aurora malware from a Windows Domain. Enterprises can easily
scan for infections and remove them. The Aurora malware represents a significant threat to Enterprise security. Get
a Google
Android™ Smartphone...it does not run windows mobile...
If users insist on running Windows
IE, recommend tightening the security settings in the IE
security zones, activating DEP and running IE in “Protected
Mode” on Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft issued an out-of-band
patch for Internet Explorer (versions 6 through 8) to plug
the hole that's allowed hackers to attack several large corporations,
including Google,
Symantec and Juniper Networks Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 10 PM/PST.
Fortune
100 and Federal Govt organizations rely on software solutions from companies such as
HBGary but, what of the small business
or home user? Defend Yourself with ZoneAlarm® Extreme
Security. It uses browser virtualization technology which shields you from such surprise attacks and it
automatically
catches and neutralizes stealth Web browser exploits.
ZoneAlarm browser virtualization technology shields
you from Aurora and other zero-day attacks.
by identifying any downloads that the user doesn't know about or invite.
It redirects unwanted
malware to a "sandbox" where it remains trapped and cannot harm the operating system.
Although
products with anti-virus can stop currently known attack vectors that exploit the latest
Microsoft IE
vulnerability, it still leaves the user exposed to new strains. Check Point
delivers anti-virus protection and then
goes further with browser security technology that
completely stops the threat at the source, blocking not yet known
strains and attack vectors.
Sale Price, $29.95
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3pc/1yr Note: Upgrading to ZoneAlarm Extreme Security will replace your current subscription 
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Q. How do I avoid rogue antispyware and antivirus software?
A. Make sure you 'Choose Industry Certified "Security Program"
Solutions'!
If your PC is connected to
the internet, uses e-mail, has software of an unknown
origin
installed and comes into contact with recordable media (jump drives, dvd's,
cd's, etc) Antispyware and Antivirus protection is a requirement. They help prevent
attacks through e-mail (and/or attachments sent with e-mail) and surfing the web.
They also help you eradicate infections which are the result
of security holes and
bugs in software. (The e-mail, web surfing
and software holes and bugs result in
the most serious internet
attacks).
One
way to know you're purchasing a trustworthy application is to confirm that
the program
you choose has earned certification from the leading labs.
Industry certification
from ICSA Labs, Virus Bulletin, West Coast Labs, the National
Association
of Specialist Computer Retailers, and others all require antispyware/
antivirus programs to meet stringent requirements to receive certification.
Smartphone and Tablet Tips to create a safe passcode.
Smartphones and tablets open the
door to your Work, friends, family, bank details, etc... No matter which device you use, follow these tips to keep your data secure.
1. Always use a passcode. If someone gets hold of your device, the person has immediate access to your apps and
data.
2. Make your passcode difficult to guess. Codes such as 1234 or 2580 can be cracked in seconds. Go for something that’s
unique but easy for you to remember.
3. Longer is stronger. The longer the passcode, the harder it is to crack. Make yours a minimum of six
digits.
4. Mix numbers and letters. If your device allows, use a passcode that combines numbers, letters and punctuation. Avoid dictionary words and
choose a memorable combination.
5. Make it unique. Don’t use the same passcode for anything else, including other devices,
bank cards or online accounts. That way, if one passcode gets hacked the rest stay secure.
6. Be discreet. Look around and make sure no one is watching you enter your passcode, just as
you would protect your PIN at the ATM machine.
Q. What steps need to be taken to secure
mobile devices (smartphones) for
personal/work phones and
tablets.
A. Follow these steps to secure your mobile
devices.
1. Secure your device
a.
Always lock it
b. Apply a complex passcode
c. Shield your passcode
d. Apply the latest patches
2.
Prevent Malware Infections
a.
Don't click on unsolicited links
b. Think before downloading apps
c. Don't "jailbreak" or "root" your mobile
3.
Be data aware
a.
Be careful what you share
b. Encrypt sensitive data
4. Stay compliant
a. Know and follow your organizations
security
policies
Q. Do you have an example of an Organizational 'Mobile Device Security Policy'
A. Here is EZMobilePC's policy.
1.
Introduction
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are important tools for the
organization and their use
is supported to achieve business goals.
However, mobile devices
also represent a significant risk to information security and
data security as, if the
appropriate security applications and procedures are not applied,
they can be a conduit for
unauthorized access to the organization’s data and IT
infrastructure.
This can subsequently lead to data leakage and system infection.
EZMoblePC has a requirement to protect its information assets in order to safeguard
its customers, intellectual property and reputation. This document outlines a set of
practices and requirements for the safe use of mobile devices.
2.
Scope
1. All mobile devices, whether owned by EZMoblePC or owned by employees, that have
access to corporate networks, data and systems, not including corporate IT-managed
laptops. This includes smartphones and
tablet computers.
2. Exemptions: Where there is a business need to be exempted from this
policy
(too costly, too complex, adversely impacting other business requirements) a risk
assessment
must be conducted being authorized by security management.
3. Policy - Technical Requirements
1.
Devices must use the following Operating Systems: Android 2.2 or later,
iOS 4.x or later.
2. Devices must store all user-saved passwords in an encrypted password store.
3. Devices must be configured with a secure password that complies with EZMoblePC's
password policy. This password must not be the same as any other credentials used
within the organization.
4.
With the exception of those devices managed by IT, devices are not allowed to be
connected directly to the internal corporate network.
3.1 User Requirements
1.
Users must only load data essential to their role onto
their mobile device(s).
2.
Users must report all lost or stolen devices to EZMoblePC
IT immediately.
3.
If a user suspects that unauthorized access to company
data has taken place
via a mobile device, they must report the incident in alignment
with EZMoblePC’s
incident handling process.
4. Devices must not be “jailbroken”* or have any software/firmware installed
which
is designed to gain access to functionality not intended to be
exposed to the user.
5.
Users must not load pirated software or illegal content
onto their devices.
6.
Applications must only be installed from official platform-owner
approved sources.
Installation of code from un-trusted sources is forbidden.
If you are unsure if an
application is from an approved source contact EZMoblePC IT.
7. Devices must be kept up to date with manufacturer or network provided patches.
As a minimum patches should be checked for weekly
and applied at least once a month.
8.
Devices must not be connected to a PC which does not
have up to date and enabled
anti-malware protection and which does not comply with corporate
policy.
9.
Devices must be encrypted in line with EZMoblePC’s
compliance standards.
10.
Users may must be cautious about the merging of personal
and work email accounts on
their devices. They must take particular care
to ensure that company data is only sent
through the corporate email
system. If a user suspects that company data has been sent
from a personal email account, either in body text or as an attachment, they must notify
EZMoblePC IT immediately.
11.
(If applicable to your organization) Users must not
use corporate workstations to backup
or synchronize device content such as media files, unless such content is required
for
legitimate business purposes.
*To jailbreak a mobile device is to remove the limitations imposed by the manufacturer.
This gives access to the operating system, thereby unlocking all its features and enabling
the installation of unauthorized software.
Q. What is the first thing I should
do when I turn on my computer.
A. Back up important files
If you follow these tips, you're more likely to be free of interference from
hackers,
viruses,
and spammers. But no system is completely secure. If you have important
files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc or
an external
hard
drive, and store it in a safe place.
Q. How do I protect my password?
A. Protect your passwords
Keep your passwords in a secure place, and out of plain sight. Don't share them
on the Internet, over email, or on the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
should never ask for your password. In addition, hackers
may try to figure out your
passwords to gain access to your computer. To make it tougher for
them:
Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols.
The longer the password,
the tougher it is to crack. A 12-character password is
stronger than one with eight characters.
Avoid common word: some hackers
use programs that can try every word in the
dictionary.
Don't use your personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the
keyboard as passwords.
Change your passwords regularly (at a minimum, every 90 days).
Don't use the same password for each online account you access.
Q. What steps need to be taken when
setting up Wireless Home Network Security.
1) Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)
Changing the default password is important because everyone
that purchases the same
Wireless access device, knows your password.
2) Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP Encryption
By default, your Wireless device comes
without the encryption enables. WPA / WEP are
security programs that forced your computer to provide
an encrypted password before
you are allowed access
to the wireless access point.
3) Change the Default SSID
SSID is the network name of your wireless network;
most people leave the default name,
such as, Linksys or NetGear. By changing the name, intruders have a more difficult time
identifying your system and use known vulnerabilities. (And
of course, use the unchanged
default password.) One
mistake people make is naming their home network their family
name and or address. When cruising a neighborhood of wireless devices, its always
scary to see Bobsnet444.
4) Disable SSID Broadcast
In Wi-Fi networking, the access point or router typically broadcasts
the network name
(SSID) over the air at
regular intervals. This feature was designed for businesses and
mobile hotspots where Wi-Fi clients may come and go. In the home, this feature is
unnecessary, and
it increases the likelihood an unwelcome neighbor or hacker will try
to
log in to your home network.
5) Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices
Most home networkers gravitate toward using dynamic IP addresses.
This means that
the IP Address, (the IP
Address is needed to participate on a network.) is typically
assigned automatically. A dynamic IP address on an unsecure system can also supply
a hacker with a IP Address.
6) Enable MAC Address Filtering
Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the "physical address"
or "MAC address." Access points and routers keep
track of the MAC addresses of all
devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the
MAC addresses of
their home equipment that restricts the network to only allow
connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful
as it may seem. Hacker software programs
can fake MAC addresses easily.
7) Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use
The ultimate in security measures for any wireless network
is to shut down, or turn office
your wireless access point
when you are not using. You are the most vulnerable at work
or asleep, and mischief minded people know it.
8) Position the Router or Access Point Safely
Wi-Fi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount
of "leakage"
outdoors is not a problem,
but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others
to detect and exploit. Wi-Fi signals often reach across streets and through neighboring
homes. When installing a wireless home network, the position
of the access point or
router determines it's reach. Try to position these devices near the center of the home
rather than near windows to minimize
this leakage.
Q: What are the first security steps I should take before I connect my computer to the internet?
A: Practices Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
We advise home users to download and install software patches
as soon as possible after connecting a
new computer to the
Internet. However, since the background intruder scanning activity
is constant, it may not be possible for the user to complete the
download and installation of software
patches before the vulner-
abilities they are trying to fix are exploited. We recommend the
following actions 'before' connecting computers to the Internet
so
that
users can complete the patching process without incident.
Q. Where do I report
Hacking or Malware activity?
A. Here is where to report:
Hacking or a Computer Virus
Alert the appropriate authorities by contacting: Your ISP and the hacker's ISP (if you can tell what it is). You can
usually find an ISP's email
address on its website. Include information on the
incident from your firewall's log file. By alerting the ISP to the
problem on its system,
you can help it prevent similar problems in the future. The FBI at www.ic3.gov. To
fight computer criminals, they need to hear from you.
Internet
Fraud If a scammer takes advantage of you through an
Internet auction,
when you're shopping
online, or in any other way, report it to the Federal Trade
Commission, at ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds
of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Deceptive
Spam If you get deceptive spam, including email phishing
for your
information, forward it
to spam@uce.gov. Be sure to include the full header of the email, including all routing information. You also may report phishing email to
of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies,
uses these reports to fight phishing.
Divulged
Personal Information If you believe you have mistakenly
given your
personal information to
a fraudster, file a complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the Federal Trade
Commission's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft to learn how to minimize your risk
of damage from a potential theft of your identity.
Parents Parents sometimes can feel outpaced by their technologically savvy
kids. Technology aside, there are lessons that parents can teach to help kids
stay safer as they socialize online. Most ISPs provide parental
controls, or you
can buy separate
software. But no software can substitute for parental supervision.
Talk to your kids about safe computing practices, as well as the things they're
seeing and doing online.
Social Networking
Sites Many adults, teens, and tweens use social networking
sites to exchange information about themselves, share pictures and
videos, and
use blogs and private
messaging to communicate with friends, others who share
interests, and sometimes even the world-at-large. Here are some tips for parents
who want their kids to use these sites safely:
Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your
child's website. Some social networking sites have strong privacy
settings. Show
your child how to
use these settings to limit who can view their online profile, and
explain to them why this is important.
Encourage your child to think about the language used in a blog,
and to think before posting pictures and videos. Employers, college
admissions
officers, team coaches,
and teachers may view your child's postings. Even a kid's
screen name could make a difference. Encourage teens to think about the
impression that screen names could make.
Remind your kids that once they post information online, they can't
take it back. Even if they delete the information from a site, older
versions may
exist on other people's
computers and be circulated online.
Talk to your kids about bullying. Online bullying can take many forms,
from spreading rumors online and posting or forwarding private messages
without
the sender's OK, to sending
threatening messages. Tell your kids that the words
they type and the images they post can have real-world consequences. They can
make the target of the bullying feel bad, make the sender look bad
— and, some-
times, can bring
on punishment from the authorities. Encourage your kids to talk to
you if they feel targeted by a bully.
Talk to your kids about avoiding sex talk online. Recent research
shows that teens who don't talk about sex with strangers online
are less likely to
come in contact
with a predator.
Tell your kids to trust their instincts if they have suspicions. If they feel threatened by
someone or uncomfortable because of something online, encourage
them to tell you.
You can then help
them report concerns to the police and to the social networking
site. Most sites have links where users can immediately report abusive, suspicious,
or inappropriate activity.
Q. What is the best way to keep malware
out.
A.
Try to minimize the threat.
Minimizing
the Effects of Malware on Your Computer
Malware is short for “malicious software;” it includes viruses —
programs that copy
themselves without your permission — and spyware, programs installed without
your consent to monitor or control your
computer activity. Criminals are hard at work
thinking up creative ways to get malware on your computer. They create appealing
web sites, desirable downloads, and compelling
stories to lure you to links that will
download malware, especially on computers that don’t use adequate security
software. Then, they use the malware to
steal personal information, send spam,
and commit fraud.It doesn’t have to be that way.
So says a website with tips from
the federal government and the technology industry that is helping consumers be on
guard against Internet fraud, secure their
computers, and protect their personal
malware can wreak, and reclaim their computers and their electronic information.
Computers may be infected with malware if they:
-
slow down, malfunction, or display repeated error messages;
- wont shut down or restart;
-
serve up a lot of pop-up ads, or display them when youre not surfing
the web;
or
-
display web pages or programs you didnt intend to use, or send emails
you
didnt write.
If you suspect malware
is on your computer
If you suspect malware is lurking on your computer, stop shopping, banking, and
other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other
sensitive inform-
ation.
Malware on your computer could be sending your personal information to
identity thieves.
Then, confirm that your security software is active and current:
at a minimum, your
computer
should have anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. You can
buy stand-alone programs for each element or a security suite that
includes these
programs
from a variety of sources, including commercial vendors or from your
Internet Service Provider. Security software that comes pre-installed on a computer
generally works
for a short time unless you pay a subscription fee to keep it in effect.
In any case, security software protects against the newest threats
only if it is up-to-
date.
Thats why it is critical to set your security software and operating system (like
Windows or Apples OS) to update automatically.
Some scam artists distribute malware disguised as anti-spyware software. Resist
buying software in response to unexpected pop-up messages or emails,
especially
ads
that claim to have scanned your computer and detected malware. Thats a tactic
scammers have used to spread malware, and that has attracted the attention
of the
Federal
Trade Commission, the nations consumer protection agency, as well as a
security tools from legitimate security vendors selected by GetNetWise, a project
of
the Internet
Education Foundation.
Once you confirm that
your security software is up-to-date, run it to scan your compu-
ter for viruses and spyware. Delete everything the program identifies as a problem.
You
may have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.If you suspect
that your computer still is infected, you may want to run a second anti-spyware
or
anti-virus
program. Some computer security experts recommend installing one
program for real-time protection, and another for periodic scans of your machine
as
a
way to stop malware that might have slipped past the first program.
Finally, if the problem persists after you exhaust your own ability to diagnose and
treat it, you might want to call for professional
help. If your computer is covered by a
warranty that offers free tech support, contact the manufacturer. Before you call,
write down the model and serial number of
your computer, the name of any software
you’ve installed, and a short description of the problem. Your notes will help you give
an accurate description to the technician.If you need professional help, if your
machine isn’t covered by a warranty, or if your security software isn’t
doing the job
properly, you may need to pay for technical support. Many companies — including
some affiliated with retail stores —
offer tech support via the phone, online, at their
store, or in your home. Telephone or online help generally are the least expensive
ways
to access support services — especially if there’s a toll-free helpline — but you
may have to do some of the work yourself.
Taking your computer to a store usually is
less expensive than hiring a technician or repair person to come into your home.
Once your computer is back
up and running, think about how malware could have
been downloaded to your machine, and what you could do to avoid it in the future. If
your security software or operating system was
out-of-date, download the newest
version and set it to update automatically. Use the opportunity to back up important
files by copying them onto a removable disc. Other
ways to minimize the chances
of a malware download in the future:
-
Don’t click on a link in an email or open an attachment unless you
know who sent it and what it is. Links in email can send you to sites
that automatically download malware to your machine. Opening
attachments — even those that appear to come from a friend or
co-worker — also can install malware on your computer.
-
Download and install software only from websites you know and trust.
Downloading free games, file-sharing programs, and customized
toolbars may sound appealing, but free software can come with
malware.
-
Talk about safe computing. Tell your kids that some online activity
can
put a computer at risk: clicking on pop-ups, downloading free games or
programs, or posting personal information.
Finally, monitor your computer
for unusual behavior. If you suspect your machine
has been exposed to malware, take action immediately. Report problems with
malware to your ISP so it can try to prevent similar problems and
alert other
Q. What Should Parents know about Social
Networking Sites?
A. Social Networking
Sites
"It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your
children are?
"Remember that phrase from your own childhood? It's still a valid question, but now, it comes with a twist:
"Do you know where your kids are — and who they're chatting with online?
"Social networking sites have morphed into
a mainstream medium for teens and adults. These sites
encourage and enable people to exchange information
about themselves, share pictures and videos,
and
use blogs and private messaging to communicate with friends,
others who share interests, and
sometimes
even the world-at-large. And that's why it's important
to be aware of the possible pitfalls that
come
with networking online.
Some social networking
sites attract pre-teens – even kids as young as 5 or 6. These younger-focused
sites don't allow the same kinds of communication
that teens and adults have, but there are still things
that parents can do to help young kids socialize
safely online. In fact, when it comes to young kids, the
law provides some protections – and gives parents some control over the type of information that
children can disclose online. For sites directed to children under age 13, and for general audience sites
that know
they're dealing with kids younger than 13, there's the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
(COPPA). It requires
these sites to get parental consent before they collect, maintain, or use kids'
Information. COPPA also allows parents to review their child's online profiles and blog pages.
Parents sometimes can feel outpaced by their technologically savvy kids.
Technology aside, there are
lessons that parents
can teach to help kids stay safer as they socialize online.
Help Kids Socialize Safely OnlineOnGuard Online shares these tips for safe social networking:
Help
your kids understand what information should be private. Tell them why it's important to
keep some things – about themselves, family members and friends
– to themselves.
Information like their full name, Social Security number, street address, phone number,
and
family financial information — like bank or credit card Account numbers
— is private and
should stay that way. Tell them not to choose a screen name that gives away too
much
personal information.
Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child's website. Some
social networking sites have strong privacy settings.
Show your child how to use these settings to limit who can view their online profile,
and
explain to them why this is important.
Explain that kids should post only information that you — and they — are comfortable
with others seeing. Even If privacy settings are turned on, some — or even all
— of your
child's profile may be seen by a broader audience Than you're comfortable with.
Encourage your child to think about the language used in a blog, and to think before
Posting pictures and videos. Employers, college admissions officers, team coaches,
and teachers may view your child's postings.
Even a kid's screen name could make a difference. Encourage teens to think about the
impression that screen names could make.
Remind your kids that once they post information online, they can't take it back.
Even if they delete the Information from a site, older versions may exist on other
people's computers and be circulated online.
Know how your kids are getting online. More and more, kids are accessing the Internet
through their cell phones.
Find out about what limits you can place on your child's cell phone. Some cellular
companies have plans that limit downloads, Internet access, and texting; other plans
allow kids to use those features only at certain times of day.
Talk to your kids about bullying. Online bullying can take many forms, from spreading
rumors online and posting or forwarding private messages without the sender's
OK, to
sending threatening messages. Tell your kids that the words they type and the
images
they post can have real-world consequences. They can make the target of the
bullying feel bad, make the sender look bad – and, sometimes, can bring on
punishment from the authorities.
Encourage your kids to talk to you if they feel targeted by a bully.
Talk to your kids about avoiding sex talk online. Recent research shows that teens who
don't talk about sex with strangers online are less likely to come in contact with
a
predator.If you're concerned that your child is engaging in risky online behavior,
you can
search the blog sites they visit to see whatinformation they're posting. Try searching
by their name, nickname, school, hobbies, grade, or area where you live.
Tell your kids to trust their gut if they have suspicions. If they feel threatened by someone
or uncomfortable because of something online, encourage them to tell you. You
can then
help them report concerns to the police and to the social networking site. Most
sites have
links where users can immediately report abusive, suspicious, or inappropriate
online
behavior.
Read sites'
privacy policies. Spend some time with a site's privacy policy, FAQs, and
parent sections to Understand its features and privacy controls. The site should
spell out
your rights as a parent to review and delete your child's profile if your child
is younger
than 13.
A Few More Tips to Protect Pre-TeensMany of the tips above apply for pre-teens, but
parents of younger children also can:
Take
extra steps to protect younger kids. Keep the computer in an open area like the
kitchen or family room, so you can keep an eye on what your kids are doing online.
Use the Internet with them to help develop safe surfing habits.
Consider taking advantage of parental control features on some operating systems
that let you manage your kids' computer use, including what sites they can visit,
whether they can download items, or what time of day they can be online.
Go where your kids go online. Sign up for – and use – the social networking spaces
that your kids visit. Let them know that you're there, and help teach them how to act
as they socialize online.
Review your child's friends list. You may want to limit your child's online “friends” to
people your child actually knows and is friendly with in real life.
Understand sites' privacy policies. Sites should spell out your rights as a parent to
review and delete your child's profile if your child is younger than 13.
For More InformationTo learn more about staying safe online, visit the websites of the following organizations:
Federal Trade Commission — www.OnGuardOnline.gov The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business
practices in the marketplace and toprovide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them.
To file a complaint or to get free information onconsumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.The FTC manages OnGuardOnline.gov, which provides practical tips
from the federal government and the technologyindustry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud,
secure your computer, and protect your personal information. ConnectSafely — www.connectsafely.org ConnectSafely is a forum for parents, teens, educators, and advocates designed
to give teens and parents a voice in thepublic discussion about youth online safety, and has tips, as
well as other resources, for safe blogging and socialnetworking. Along with NetFamilyNews.org, it is
a project of the non- profit Tech Parenting Group. Cyberbully411 — www.cyberbully411.org Cyberbully411 provides resources and opportunities for discussion and sharing
for youth - and their parents - who havequestions about or may have been targeted by online harassment.
The website was created by the non-profit Internet Solutions for Kids, Inc., with funding from the Community
Technology Foundation of California. GetNetWise — www.getnetwise.org GetNetWise is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and
public interest organizations to helpensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational
or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition works to provide Internet users with the
resources they need to make informed decisions about their and theirfamily's use of the Internet.
iKeepSafe.org is a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses, law enforcement,
the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other associations dedicated
to helping parents, educators, and caregivers byproviding tools and guidelines to promote safe Internet
and technology use among children.
NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization that helps prevent child abduction
and sexual exploitation; helps find missingchildren; and assists victims of child abduction and sexual
exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them. staysafe —
www.staysafe.org staysafe.org is an educational site intended to help
consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet aswell as how to manage a variety of
safety and security issues that exist online.
WiredSafety.org is an Internet safety and help group. WiredSafety.org provides
education, assistance, and awareness on cybercrime and abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology
use. It is also the parent group of Teenangels.org, FBI-trained teens and preteens who promote Internet
safety. See also: Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens What to Do if There's a ProblemTrust your gut if you have
suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online,Tell an adult
you trust, and report it to the police and the social networking site.The Children's Online Privacy
Protection Act (COPPA) requires websites to obtain parental consent before collecting, using,or disclosing
personal information from children under age 13.
Q. What are
Nigerian con-men or internet scams?
A.
Phony Lotteries, Nigerian 419s, Advanced Fee Fraud, and Scams
While you're online:
Know who you're
dealing with.
In any electronic transaction, independently confirm the other party's name, street
address, and telephone number.
Resist the urge to enter foreign lotteries. These solicitations are phony
and illegal.
Delete requests that claim to be from foreign nationals
asking you to help transfer their money through your bank account. They're fraudulent.
Ignore unsolicited
emails that request your money, credit card or account numbers, or other personal information.
If you are selling something over the Internet, don't accept a potential buyer's offer to send you a check
for more than the purchase price, no matter how tempting the plea or convincing the story. End the transaction immediately
if someone insists that you wire back funds.The Internet gives buyers access to a world of goods and services, and gives sellers access to a world of customers.
Unfortunately, the Internet also gives con artists the very same access. But being on guard online can help you maximize the
global benefits of electronic commerce and minimize your chance of being defrauded. OnGuard Online wants you to know how to
spot some cross-border scams — including foreign lotteries, money offers, and check overpayment schemes — and
report them to the appropriate authorities.
Foreign Lotteries
For years, scam operators have used the telephone and direct mail to entice U.S. consumers into buying chances in supposedly
high-stakes foreign lotteries. Now they're using email, too — either to sell tickets or suggest that a large cash prize
has your name on it. No matter what country's name is used to promote a lottery, the pitch follows a pattern: you should send
money to pay for taxes, insurance, or processing or customs fees. The amount may seem small at first, but as long as you keep
paying, the requests for funds will keep coming — for higher and higher amounts. Some victims have lost thousands of
dollars.Most scam operators never buy the lottery tickets on your behalf. Others buy some tickets, but keep the "winnings"
for themselves. In any case, lottery hustlers generally try to get you to share your bank account or credit card numbers,
so they can make unauthorized withdrawals.If you're thinking about responding to a foreign lottery, OnGuard Online wants you to remember:
Playing
a foreign lottery is against the law.
There are no secret systems for winning foreign lotteries. Your chances of getting any money back are
slim to none.
If you buy even one foreign lottery ticket, you can expect many more bogus offers
for lottery or investment "opportunities." Your name will be placed on "sucker lists" that fraudsters
buy and sell.
Keep your
credit card and bank account numbers to yourself. Scam artists often ask for them during an unsolicited sales pitch. Once
they get your account numbers, they may use them to commit identity theft.Resist solicitations for foreign lottery promotions. Report them to the appropriate government officials, then hit delete.View a sample fraudulent foreign lottery solicitation.
"Nigerian" Foreign Money Offers
The "Nigerian" scam got its name from emails that supposedly came
from Nigerian "officials" who needed your help getting at their money — which was tied up due to strife in
their country. Today, people claiming to be officials, businesspeople, or the surviving relatives of former government honchos
in countries around the world send countless offers via email to transfer thousands of dollars into your bank account if you
will just pay a fee or "taxes" to help them access their money. If you respond to the initial offer, you may receive
documents that look "official." But then, you will get more email asking you to send more money to cover transaction
and transfer costs, attorney's fees, blank letterhead, and your bank account numbers, among other information. Subsequent
emails will encourage you to travel to another country to complete the transaction. Some fraudsters have even produced trunks
of dyed or stamped money to verify their claims.The emails are from crooks trying to steal your money or commit identity
theft. Victims of this scam report that emergencies arise that require more money and delay the "transfer" of funds;
in the end, you lose your money, and the scam artist vanishes. According to the U.S. State Department, people who have responded
to these solicitations have been beaten, subjected to threats and extortion, and in some cases, murdered.If you receive an
email from someone claiming to need your help getting money out of another country, don't respond. After all, why would a stranger from another country pick you out at random to share thousands of
dollars? Report the solicitation to the appropriate government officials, and then hit delete.View a sample fraudulent foreign money offer.
Check Overpayment Schemes
Say
no to a check for more than your selling price, no matter how tempting the plea or convincing the story. Check overpayment
schemes generally target people who have posted an item for sale online. The con artist, posing as a potential buyer from
a foreign country (or a distant part of the U.S.), emails the seller and offers to buy the item with a cashier's check, money
order, personal check, or corporate check. Or the scammer may pretend to be a business owner from a foreign country, needing
"financial agents" to process payments for their U.S. orders; in exchange, they promise a commission.Regardless of the cover, here's what happens:
The scammer sends you a check that looks authentic — complete with watermarks — made payable for more money than
you expected. They ask you to deposit it in your bank account, and then wire-transfer some portion of the funds to a foreign
account. They provide convincing reasons why the check is for more than the necessary amount, and why the funds must be transferred
quickly. Sometimes, the counterfeit checks fool a bank teller, but be aware that the check still can bounce. The scammer vanishes
with the money you wired from your own account and you are on the hook for the entire amount of the worthless check. In addition,
a scammer who has your bank account number is likely to use it to withdraw more money from your account.
Reporting a Cross-Border Scam
If you think you may have responded to a cross-border scam, file a complaint at www.econsumer.gov, a project of 20 countries of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement
Network. Then visit the FTC's identity theft website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. While you can't completely control whether you will become a victim
of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk.If you've responded to a "Nigerian" scheme, contact your
local Secret Service field office using contact information from the Blue Pages of your telephone directory, or from www.secretservice.gov/field_offices.shtml.In addition, report telemarketing fraud and check overpayment scams to your state
Attorney General, using contact information at www.naag.org.Report unsolicited email offers to spam@uce.gov — including offers inviting you to participate in a foreign
lottery, looking for help getting money out of a foreign country, or asking you to wire back extra funds from a check you
received.If you receive what looks like lottery material from a foreign country through the postal mail, give it to your local
postmaster.
For More InformationForeign Lottery Scams
U.S. Federal Trade Commission — The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive,
and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them.
To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.
The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure,
online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.Competition Bureau in Canada — The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency
in Canada that investigates anti-competitive practices and promotes compliance with the
laws under its jurisdiction. To file a complaint or to get free information, visit www.competitionbureau.gc.ca or call toll-free, 1-800-348-5358. The Bureau has the ability to refer criminal matters to the Attorney General of Canada,
who then decides whether to prosecute before the courts.United Kingdom's Office of Fair Trading — The United Kingdom's
Office of Fair Trading is responsible for making markets work well for consumers. They protect and promote consumer interests
throughout the United Kingdom, while ensuring that businesses are fair and competitive. To file a complaint or to get free information,
visit www.oft.gov.uk or send an email to enquiries@oft.gsi.gov.uk.Australian Competition and Consumer Commission — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission encourages vigorous
competition in the marketplace and enforces consumer protection and fair trading laws. To file a complaint or to get more
information, visit www.accc.gov.au. The ACCC advocates consultation and negotiation as the first and
best option to settle disputes, but once the ACCC pursues legal action any sort of mediation becomes less likely.
"Nigerian" Advance-Fee Scams
U.S. Secret Service — The Secret Service investigates violations of laws relating to financial
crimes, including access device fraud, financial institution fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud. To file a complaint
or to get free information, visit www.secretservice.gov or call 202-406-5708.U.S. Department of State — The Department of State's mission is to create a more secure, democratic,
and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. As part of that mission, the
Department of State seeks to minimize the impact of international crime, including cross-border internet scams, on the United States and its citizens. To get free information, visit www.state.gov.
Q. What should I do prior to disposing of an old computer?
A. Computer Disposal
Once you have a “clean” computer,
consider recycling, donating, or reselling it – and keep the environment in mind when
disposing of your computer.If you want to get rid of your old computer, options include recycling,
reselling, and donating.
But before
you log off for thelast time, there are important
things to do to prepare it for disposal. Computers
often hold
personal and financial
information, including passwords, account numbers, license keys or registration numbers for software
programs, addresses and phone numbers, medical and prescription information, tax returns, and other personal documents.
Before getting rid of your old computer, it’s a good idea to use software to “wipe”the hard drive clean. If you don’t, consider
your old hard drive a 21st century treasure chest for identity thieves
and information pirates. The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC), the nation’s consumer
protection agency, says you can deter identity theft and information piracy by taking a few
preventive steps.
Understanding Hard Drives
A computer’s hard
drive stores data, and maintains an index of files. When you save a file, especially a large one, it is
scattered around the hard drive in bits and
pieces. Files also are automatically created by browsers
and operating
systems. When you open a file, the hard drive checks the index, then gathers
the bits and pieces and reconstructs them.
When you
delete a file, the links between the index and the file disappear, signaling to your system that the file isn’t needed
any longer and that hard drive space
can be overwritten. But the bits and pieces of the deleted file stay on your computer
until they’re overwritten, and they can be retrieved with a data recovery program.
To remove data from your hard drive
permanently,
it needs to be wiped clean.
Cleaning Hard Dives
Before you clean your hard
drive, save the files that are important to you on an external storage device – for example,
a USB drive, a CDRom, or an external
hard drive – or transfer them to a new computer. Check your owner’s manual, the
manufacturer’s website, or its customer support line for information on how to
save data and transfer it to a new
computer. Utility programs to wipe your hard drive are available both online and in stores where computers are
sold.
They’re generally inexpensive; some are available on the Internet for free. Wipe utility
programs vary in their capabilities:
some
erase the entire disk, while others allow you
to select files or folders to erase. They also vary in their effectiveness:
programs that overwrite
or wipe the hard drive many times are very effective; those that overwrite or wipe the drive only once
may not prevent information being wiped from being recovered later.
If your old computer contains sensitive information
that would be valuable to an identity
thief, consider using a program that overwrites or wipes the hard drive many times. Or,
remove the hard
drive, and physically destroy it. One more thing to keep in mind: If you use your home or personal
computer
for business purposes, check with your employer about how to manage information on your computer that’s business-related.
The law requires businesses to follow
data security and disposal requirements for certain information that’s related to
customers.
Disposal
Options
Once you have a “clean”
computer, here’s how to dispose of it:
Recycle it. Many computer manufacturers have programs to recycle computers
and components. Check their
websites or call their toll-free numbers
for more information. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
information on electronic product recycling
programs at
program. Check with your county or local government,
including the local landfill office for regulations.
Donate it. Many organizations collect old computers and donate them to charities.
Resell it. Some people and organizations buy old computers.
Check online. Keep
the environment in mind when disposing of your computer.
Most computer equipment contains hazardous materialsthat don’t belong in a landfill.
For example, many computers have heavy metals that can contaminate the earth.
The EPA recommends that you check with your local health and sanitation agencies for ways to dispose
of electronics safely.
www.hypersmash.com
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