book

Absolute Beginner’s Guide To: Security, Spam, Spyware & Viruses

by Andy Walker

November 2005

Beginner

384 pages

9h 22m

English

Que

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Dedication
Chapter 1—Viruses: Attack of the Malicious ProgramsChapter 2—Spyware: Overrun by Advertisers, Hijackers, and OpportunistsChapter 3—Hackers: There’s a Man in My MachineChapter 4—Identity Thieves and Phishers: Protect Your Good Name and Bank AccountChapter 5—Spam: Unwanted Email from HellChapter 6—Wireless Network Snoops: Lock Down Your Wi-Fi NetworkChapter 7—Privacy Snoops: Cover Your Tracks and Your ReputationChapter 8—Let’s Smash-Proof Windows: Tweak Windows XP Nice and TightChapter 9—Starting from the Beginning: Wiping a Hard Drive and Rebuilding from the Ground UpChapter 10—Ongoing Maintenance: Fend Off Future Threats!Chapter 11—Selecting Software: Steals, Deals, and Software DudsChapter 12—Tools of the Trade: Security Products You Should OwnGlossary

What Is a Computer Virus?What Is It?Who Triggers a Computer Virus?How Does It Spread?What Damage Can It Do?Viruses: As Many Kinds As Sniffles in KindergartenMacro VirusesThe Scary StuffMemory-Resident VirusesThe Scary StuffFile Infector VirusesThe Scary StuffBoot VirusesThe Scary StuffMulti-Partite VirusesThe Scary StuffWorms: Network-Savvy VirusesThe Scary StuffTrojan Horses: Hey Helen, the Achaeans Left Us a Present!The Scary StuffVirus Hoaxes: Fake Viruses that Scare the Heck Out of YouThe Scary StuffHow to Spot a Virus HoaxWho Creates Computer Viruses?What Not to Do!When Viruses Attack!Disconnect As Soon As PossibleVirus Infection Found! How to Cleanse Your SystemMy Antivirus Program Won’t Update!Now I Have Your Attention...Antivirus Checkup: 10-Minute TacticsInstall Windows Security UpdatesUpdate Your Virus SignaturesFortify Your Computer: Strong Virus Defense in a Few HoursInstall or Upgrade an Antivirus ProgramScan Your Computer for VirusesInstall Service Pack 2 and Enable Virus ProtectionFirewallAutomatic UpdatesVirus ProtectionNo Worm in My Apple?Is That a Virus in Your Pocket?
What Is Spyware?What Does Spyware Do and Why Is It Bad?How Does Spyware Sneak onto My Computer?Types of Spyware: Snoops, Adware, Cookies, and MoreSpyware: I Spy with My Little AppAdware: Attack of the Pop-upsSnoopware: I Wanna Know What You’re Up To!Browser Hijackers: Turn This Browser Around, We’re Going to Cuba.comKey Loggers: Snooping on Your Typing SkillsDialers: Dial In, Dial Out, Dial OftenTrojan Horses: Pretty Ponies with Deadly InsidesCookies: Does My Oreo Have a Tape Recorder in It?Who Is at Risk?How Do I Know If I Have Spyware?Defend Yourself Against SpywareSpyware Countermeasures: 10-Minute TacticsDownload a Free Anti-spyware ProgramIncrease Browser Security SettingsRun Windows Update FrequentlyUpdate Your Spyware SignaturesBan All Spies: Strong Spyware Defense in an AfternoonRun a Full System ScanInstall a Second Anti-spyware ProgramInoculate Your SystemUse FirefoxClean CookiesSpyware Infection Found! How to Scrub Your SystemClean, Yes! Spyware, No!What to Do When an Infection Is FoundIf the Removal Routine FailsHow to Fix a Browser HijackHijackThis: An IntroductionRecruit a HijackThis ExpertDo It Yourself HijackThisCheck the Memory FirstHere Spyware, Spyware. It’s Time to DieDecimate the Little Suckers with CWShredderMicrosoft Mimics HijackThis: System Explorers
What Is a Hacker?Who Are the Hackers?What Damage Can Hackers Do?Targets of a Hack AttackCorporate NetworksWeb ServersPersonal ComputersDenial of Service AttacksSpam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, SpamStorageHacker Motivation: I Think Therefore I HackTools of the Trade: Pass Me a Trojan Horse, Would You?Firewall: Shut Out the HackersSoftware Firewalls: Programs That Stop HackersWindows Firewall: Built-in DefenseThird-Party Software FirewallsRecommended Firewall FreebiesHardware FirewallsEasy Defense with a NAT FirewallStateful Inspection: The Meticulous Traffic CopHow to Detect a Hacker AttackHow to Fix a Hacker AttackSteps You Can Take Immediately After Being HackedDisconnect While You AssessInstall a FirewallAssess the DamageWipe the System and Start FreshBatten down the Hatches—10-Minute TacticsTurn on Windows FirewallActivate the Firewall on a Mac OS X SystemWall off the World—Install a Better Firewall in an AfternoonInstall a Two-way Software FirewallInstall a Hardware Firewall
What Is Identity Theft?Techniques Thieves Use to Steal Your IdentityHow They Become You: Identity Theft TechniquesPreventative Measures: How to Not Become a VictimSigns You’re a VictimWhat to Do If You’re an Identity Theft VictimWhat Is Phishing?How Does Phishing Work?Email Address SpoofingLink SpoofingWeb Address SpoofingWhat Is Pharming?What Damage Can Be Done By Phishing?Who Is at Risk? Everyone!Don’t Get Phished: 10-Minute Tactics to Stay Off the HookThey Won’t Ask, You Don’t TellUse Caution and Cut and PasteCommunicate SecurelyInstall an Anti-spam FilterBlock Phishing Sites with NetCraftCarry a Big SpoofstickKeep Your Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Programs Up-to-DateKeep Your Computer Software Up-to-DateEnsure You Are You: Take an Afternoon to Protect Your IdentityCheck Your Credit ReportsUnited StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaIf Your Country Is Not ListedShred It Before You Chuck ItRead Your Statements
What Is Spam?Why Does Spam Keep Coming?Why Doesn’t Someone Stop the Spammers?How Do Spammers Get My Email Address?Website HarvestingDictionary SpammingCommercial Email ListsNewsgroups, Discussion Forums, and Interactive WebsitesContests and Other Free OfferingsEmail ForwardingThe Damage Spam Can DoReduce the Flow—10-Minute Tactics to Reduce SpamDon’t RespondDon’t Post Your Email Address on the WebWebmasters Shouldn’t Use mailtoTurn Off Image Display in Email ProgramsOutlook 2003Outlook Express 6Turn On Junk Mail FilteringOutlook 98, 2000, and 2002Outlook 2003Kill More Spam—In an AfternoonInstall an Anti-spam ProgramFight Back!
What Is a Wireless Home Network?What Damage Can a Wireless Network Snoop Dish Out?Who Are the Snoopers?WardriversHow Wardrivers OperateBandwidth BanditsWireless HackersYour Wi-Fi Network Is Full of Holes!How to Access Your Router Set-upFirst Line of Defense: Secure Your Wi-Fi NetworkTurn On WEPTurn On WPAMAC Address Filtering: Keep Out the ScottishHow to Locate Your MAC AddressWindows XPWindows 95, 98, and MeMac OS XHow to Filter by MAC AddressDetecting a Visit from a Wireless SnoopI’m Under Attack! What to Do If You Discover a Wireless Network SnoopTurn Off Wireless AccessActivate Security MeasuresAssess the DamageWireless Security Workup: Quick Tactics and Some That Take a Little More Time10-Minute Tactic: Change the Router’s User ID and Password10-Minute Tactic: Change Your Default SSID10-Minute Tactic: Turn On the Windows Firewall10-Minute Tactic: Turn Off UPnP10-Minute Tactic: Turn Off Your Router When Not in UseTime Intensive Tactic: Be Careful with File SharingWindows 98/MeWindows XP HomeWindows XP Professional
Why Your Privacy Is ImportantWhat You Leave Behind on Your ComputerWeb BrowserDocumentsMovies and Audio PlayersEmailChat ProgramsWho Are the Privacy Snoops?The Consequences of Being CaughtEmergency Tactics—I Am Being Snooped On!AdministratorLimited UsersGuest AccountsHow to Create PC PrivacyAdministrate Your FateBe Like Fidel: Take Control and Limit UsersPassword Protect the Hidden AdministratorPrivatize Your FilesObscure Your Trail—In About 10 MinutesMicrosoft Internet ExplorerClear Your CacheClear Your HistoryClear Your CookiesClear Search FormsMozilla FirefoxCover Your Tracks—In an AfternoonClean Multimedia PlayersWindows Media Player 10Real Player 10Protect Your EmailTurn Off Saved Sent ItemsEmpty Deleted Items FolderDon’t Leave Email on the ServerWash WindowsEmpty Your Recycle BinClear My Recent DocumentsTurn Off AutoComplete in Windows SearchErase the Contents of Your Temp FolderClear the ClipboardScrub Microsoft OfficeDeleted Files Are Not GoneTurn Off Chat LogsMSN Messenger 7Yahoo! Messenger and AOL Instant MessengerClean Restore Points
If Windows XP Is a Dike, You’re a Little Dutch BoyStep 1: Trash Unnecessary ProgramsStep 2: Install FirefoxStep 3: Install Antivirus Software and Scan for VirusesStep 4: Install Anti-Spyware Software and Scan for SpywareMicrosoft AntiSpywareInstall a Second Anti-spyware ProgramStep 5: Block Out the Bad Guys and Install a FirewallStep 6: Install and Configure Microsoft Updates and Service Pack 2Installing SP2: The Big FixStep 7: Install Netcraft’s Anti-Phishing ToolbarStep 8: Protect Yourself from SpamStep 9: Managing Your File Sharing SecurityWindows XP Home EditionAdding the Security BarWindows XP Professional Edition
Light the Fuse and Stand BackLet’s Get StartedXP Installation CD or System Recovery DiskWindows SP2: The Mother of All Service PacksCollect Your DriversInstallation CDs for Your ProgramsInternet Service Software and SettingsSecurity ProgramsStep 1: Download Drivers and Software You Need for the Re-installGot a Recovery CD? That’s Good News!Retail Copy of Windows XP? There’s Some Work to DoMotherboard or Chipset DriversEthernet DriversVideo DriversSecurity SoftwareMozilla Firefox Web BrowserStep 2: Back Up!OutlookOutlook ExpressMy DocumentsIE Favorites and CookiesFirefox FavoritesSaved GamesPictures, Music, and VideosMicrosoft Office 2003 SettingsWindows Media PlayerOther Odds and EndsStep 3: Pull the Plug on the NetworkStep 4: Wipe Away WindowsUsing a System Recovery CDUsing a Windows XP Install CDStep 5: Re-install WindowsStep 6: Re-install Your DriversStep 7: Install Protection Against MalwareInstall an Antivirus ProgramInstall an Anti-spyware ProgramTurn on Real-Time ProtectionInstall a FirewallHardware FirewallThird-Party Software FirewallWindows FirewallStep 8a: Install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (from CD)Step 8b: Install SP2 from the InternetStep 9: Configure Your Security SettingsStep 10: Install FirefoxStep 11: Configure Your NetworkingHome NetworkDigital Subscriber Line (DSL)Cable InternetDial-upStep 12: Update Windows with All Recent Security PatchesStep 13: Update All of Your Security Programs and Security SignaturesStep 14: Activate WindowsStep 15: Re-install Your ProgramsStep 16: Other Things You Can Do
Note to Self: Keep Computer SecureDaily Routines: Walk the Dog, Feed the Kids, and Secure the ComputerUpdate Your Antivirus and Anti-Spyware SignaturesUpdate AVG SignaturesUpdate Microsoft AntiSpywareUpdate Spybot Search & DestroyWeekly Routines: How to Never Be Bored on Saturday MorningScan for Viruses and SpywareMicrosoft AntiSpywareSpybot Search & DestroyAVGCheck for Firefox UpdatesMonthly Routines: Clean the Garage, Trim the Hedge, and Update WindowsWindows UpdatesInspect Other ComputersRouter Firmware UpdatesPatch Microsoft OfficeSoftware UpdatesBathe Once a Year Whether You Need It and Reformat and Re-install, TooWipe Your Hard Drive and Re-install Windows
Security Software: Nothing in Life Is Free, Except SoftwarePayware: Software You Pay Hard-Earned Cash ForFreeware: Don’t Pay a Cent SoftwareWeirdware: When It’s Not Payware or FreewareGimpware: Free Software, but Not All the Bits WorkTrialware: It’s Free, Until It’s NotShareware: I Trust You to Pay MeWhat Should I Pay for My Security Toolbox?Choosing the Right Security SoftwareAntivirusAnti-SpywareFirewallAnti-Spam
Which Security Software Is Right for You?Antivirus ProgramsFreewareavast! AntivirusGrisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free EditionAntiVirPaywareSymantec Norton AntiVirusMcAfee VirusScanEset NOD32F-Secure Anti-VirusKaspersky Anti-Virus PersonalPC-Cillin Internet Security SuitePanda Titanium AntivirusAnti-SpywareFreewareSpybot Search & DestroyAd-Aware SE Personal EditionMicrosoft AntiSpywarePaywareMcAfee AntiSpywareWebroot Spy SweeperNorton Internet Security AntiSpyware EditioneTrust PestPatrolPC Tools Spyware DoctorFirewallsZoneAlarm FreeSygate Personal Firewall StandardMcAfee Personal Firewall PlusNorton Personal FirewallAnti-SpamMcAfee SpamKillerCloudmark DesktopSpam Arrest

Content preview from Absolute Beginner’s Guide To: Security, Spam, Spyware & Viruses

Chapter 11. Selecting Software: Steals, Deals, and Software Duds

In this chapter

Is Freeware Really Free?
Why Some Software Is Free
Should You Pay for Security Software?
When You Don’t Pay for Software, but It’s Not Free
Tips to Avoid Software Duds
Features You Want in an Antivirus, an Anti-Spyware, a Firewall, or an Anti-Spam Program
Are Security Suites from Your Internet Provider Any Good?

There’s a lot of software out there in the market to help you make your computer more secure. Some of it’s free, some of it’s paid, and some is halfway in between. What’s safe and what’s not? This chapter helps you decide between the various offerings and tells you what features you should look for.