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Protect your computer  

While the World Wide Web (the area of the Internet most of us use)  provides almost unlimited access to vast amounts of useful information, one should be aware of the current security risks associated with being online.  You need to know the proper ways to maintain secure control of your computer, or you may find that control taken over by others.  While this information is not meant to alarm, it is meant to educate the average Internet user about safe Internet access.

Proper preventive measures must be taken by everyone who uses the Internet, to keep their computers safe. Using the newest version of the operating system your computer uses is recommended, since this version will receive the most security updates whenever new threats are released.  While Microsoft supports its numerous operating system versions for 10 years, most security patches are only available for its latest version Windows XP.  Macintosh computers are not as susceptible, but this is somewhat due to the fact that they only comprise about 5% of the market and therefore are a much smaller target.
Be aware though, Macintosh computers also can become infected.

While RAIN does provide a level of filtering for its members, it is a good idea to follow the suggestions noted below as additional protection measures to personally configure your computer based on your needs.

A firewall is recommended, especially if you have a broadband connection, which is “always on”.
Additional information on firewalls is available at the link below on the howstuffworks.com website:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm


You should learn how to use the filtering options included with the email program that you use, as well as install and update frequently an anti-virus program, anti-spyware and anti-adware programs and also an anti-spam program based on how secure you wish your computer to be.  Spend some time researching the numerous programs available to provide protection for your computer.  It has been found that at least 40% of the spam that is sent, comes from the computers of individuals and small businesses that are connecting to the Internet with computers that are not properly protected against access from others.  In most cases this access has not been detected by the actual computer owner.

Software that is distributed with the intent to be malicious is called Malware.  Listed below are some of the common types you may encounter.

You may perform an online security scan of your computer by going to the following Symantec website:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/sc_about.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=22&pkj=ZIWEORVWHFHMFNZMBBX

You may perform an online virus check of your computer by going to the following Symantec website:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/vc_scan.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=22&pkj=ZIWEORVWHFHMFNZMBBX

Types of Malware:

Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses, Adware & Spyware, Dialers and Online hoaxes.

Viruses

Viruses are self-executing and self-replicating through the use of another program.

How computer Viruses work is covered by Howstuffworks.com :

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm

Additional information about Viruses from McAfee.com :

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp

Return to Types of Malware

Worms

Worms self-replicate by themselves.  Worms are usually either active or passive.  A passive worm requires some interaction, such as opening an email attachment.  An active worm can be activated by viewing a web page where the worm may be hidden.
Additional information about Worms from viruslist.com :

http://www.viruslist.com/en/viruses/encyclopedia?chapter=152540408

Return to Types of Malware

 

Trojan Horses

Trojan Horses are not self replicating.  These are hidden within seemingly legitimate files, such as screen savers.

Additional information about Trojan Horses from Viruslist.com :

http://www.viruslist.com/en/viruses/encyclopedia?chapter=152540521

Return to Types of Malware

 

Adware & Spyware 

Adware consists of ads appearing on your computer, using the pop-up format commonly acquired when downloading free programs.  Adware may also trigger a browser hijack, that may affect your Favorites or browser home page setting, causing your browser  (i.e. Internet Explorer)  to be directed to a website that you did not choose.

Spyware consists of software that is installed on your computer, without your knowledge, that usually tracks your online behavior.  

Defining and preventing Adware & Spyware from Webopedia.com :

http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2004/spyware.asp

Preventing Adware & Spyware from About.com :

http://antivirus.about.com/od/spywareandadware/a/preventspyware.htm

Just released (March 2005) report from the Federal Trade Commission on Spyware:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2005/03/050307spywarerpt.pdf

Return to Types of Malware

 

Dialers

Dialers are programs that let others take control of your computer to make dial-up calls, many times using 900#’s

Additional information about Dialers from Symantec.com :

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/expanded_threats/dialers/

Return to Types of Malware

 

Online hoaxes

Information about Online Hoaxes from Symantec.com :

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

Additional information about Online Hoaxes from hoaxbusters.ciac.org :

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

Return to Types of Malware

RAIN Network contact information:

For Customer Service and Billing questions email us at:  rsvp@rain.org . 
For Technical Support issues email us at:  help@rain.org .

To contact us by phone call us at: 805 899-4695 or 888 770-7821  Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Links to other websites are intended for informational use only.

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                                                                                   Last updated 3/18/05