So What Is Malware
So what is malware? It comes in a bewildering variety of forms. Computer viruses are probably the most familiar type of malware so named because they spread by making copies of themselves. Worms have a similar property. Other types of malware, such as spyware, are named for what they do: In the case of spyware, it transmits personal information, such as credit card numbers.
So after asking “What is malware?” the next logical questions are, “who is creating it, and why?” The days when most malware was created by teenage pranksters are long gone. Malware today is largely designed by and for professional criminals.
These criminals may employ a variety of sophisticated tactics. In some cases, as technology site Public CIO notes, cybercriminals have even “locked up” computer data making the information inaccessible then demanded ransom from the users to get that data back.
But the main risk that cyber criminals pose to heavy computer users is stealing online banking information such as banking and credit card accounts and passwords. The criminal hackers who steal this information may then use it to drain your account or run up fraudulent credit card bills in your name. Or they may sell your account information on the black market, where this confidential information fetches a good price.
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Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
18701-2500
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Basics Computer Security
The basics of computer security, and how to make sure you’re protect.
Let’s cover computer security.
The first thing we’re going to talk about is something called a dictionary attack which has to do with your passwords. When creating your passwords, some sites require extremely specific and complicated passwords, which is actually a bit unnecessary. The type of attacks they’re trying to guard you from are dictionary attacks.
Dictionary attacks are programmed to try every word in the dictionary, or in its own database of common words and passwords, as the password for a large mass of usernames. If your password is Kangaroo, they’re probably going to break into your account. Most passwords aren’t this simple, but that doesn’t matter. They attack such a massive amount of accounts that they only need a few passwords that are relatively simple. When creating a password, you want to use different cases, numbers, and symbols, but one of the most effective ways to create a good password is to throw some random letters in there (ex: kangarooSyCA67). Also, stay away from sequential numbers.
Phishing, another thing to watch out for, is emails or webpages that mimic other valid sites to try and trick people into entering their personal information, though the site truly isn’t connected to the site it’s trying to mimic. In general, two ways to safeguard from these attacks are checking the address in the browser and to open a new browser and go to the website that is claiming to contact you.
Let’s also discuss encryption and HTTPS. If you are at Starbucks trying to access your bank account, you have reason to be suspicious that someone could see and take your information. You will want to look for a green HTTPS instead of HTTP at the beginning of the web address. That means that the site you’re sending your information to is encrypting your passwords and other information, scrambling up data according to a code that only they know.
In general, whenever you’re showing private or sensitive information, check for HTTPS. A few other general tips: don’t share passwords between important accounts. If a site you use gets hacked into, your password may be compromised regardless of its strength. Also, don’t download strange files. If you don’t recognize the file type like .pdf, .txt, .jpg, be wary. Some of these files you download can be very powerful and even run your computer from the inside.
Lastly, keep your software updated, particularly software that interacts with the internet. One way that information can be compromised is when ‘bad guys’ find holes and gaps in security of older versions of software. Those bugs have been patched in newer versions, so if you keep everything updated, you’ll avoid lots of problems. These are very basic things you should know about how to keep your information safe on your computer.
Jungle Computer LLC.
67 – 69 Public Square
6th Floor
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
18701-2500
Talk to a Jungle Computer Professional …
570.970.6555 | PHONE
info@junglecomputer.com
Jungle Computer
We offer quality service, support & computers at competitive prices. Jungle Computer offers quality computers, monitors, peripherals, power protection devices, Tablet PCs, All-in-One PCs, networking products, input devices, data storage products, hardware and software, backup solutions and a comprehensive warranty with every computer.
We offer all types of custom built computer systems, computer repairs, upgrades, data recovery, networking, configuration, security along with wireless installations services in our office or on-site to both home and business users in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton Pennsylvania area.
We are your local virus, spyware and malware removal and prevention specialists.
We Do Intranets
Intranet
An intranet is a set of networks that are under the control of a single administrative entity.
The intranet uses the IP protocol and IP-based tools such as web browsers and file transfer applications. The administrative entity limits use of the intranet to its authorized users. Most commonly, an intranet is the internal LAN of an organization. A large intranet typically has at least one web server to provide users with organizational information. An intranet is also anything behind the router on a local area network.
Intranet allows company information and resources to be shared more easily among employees. An intranet can also be used to facilitate working in groups and for teleconferences.
Jungle Computer LLC.
67 – 69 Public Square
6th Floor
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
18701-2500
Talk to a Jungle Computer Professional …
570.970.6555 | PHONE
info@junglecomputer.com
Windows Lifecycle
Last updated: February 2017
Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make other changes to your software.
End of support
End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available update or service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. For more information go to Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm.
