Browsing security reminder - be careful out there!

[Dragonsreach]

This is just a reminder to everyone to make sure your browsing sessions and internet devices are all protected.
My best mate just got seriously hammered with Spyware and Malware, not to mention the unexpected (and unwanted) Porn images on his laptop.
His missus wasn't impressed by that, or his protestations of innocence!

Regardless of what ever device you use PC, Laptop, Apple Mac, Ipad, Touchpad, Internet Phone all can be at risk.
(And its a common misconception that Mac's and Linux are immune.)

Keep your Windows (or whatever) Updates up-to-date and run scans regularly, not just once a year either!

Even the most simplest of Software protection is better than nothing.

Edit: I forgot to mention one of the best sites I've come across for helpful security information is http://www.bleepingcomputer.com

 

[Beastben]

Hi Dragonsreach my virus software ran out recently and i forget how important it is to keep it update etc so i checked out the website you recommended and downloaded the AVG antivirus software really nice site some great info on there to help you get some good protection for your pc/laptop as you said something is better than nothing anyway would you recommend any software that you have used?
Thanks Ben

 

[Dragonsreach]

Hi Ben;
Well I've just spent 6 hours in Preston sorting out my mate's laptop, so a list of good stuff that I've been using today:-

Microsoft Security Essentials.......(YES Microsoft, its free and it does what it should quite efficiently)
Spybot Search and Destroy 2.1
Ad-Aware
Abexo Registry Cleaner
Wise PC Engineer
(Free versions downloadable; pay for the maximum security)

The first four are Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malware cleaners the last to do a DeFrag once you've cleaned the machine.
AVG is good but please remember No ONE single product will do everything.

 

[Kelly Kim]

Great advice, and it reminded me of a book I just read recently, "Worm: The First Digital World War" by Mark Bowden (the author of "Black Hawk Down"). Not his best book ever, but for me, it was a bit of an eye-opener. It explained a few things about how the major tech companies respond to various Net threats, and just how bad it could get. Dragonsreach, I'd say your mate got off easy. Imagine what COULD have happened, and he'll be laughing about the pop-up porn in the future.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11396195-worm

BTW, your advice goes double for anyone using a public computer. ALWAYS clear the history and cache before logging off any computer that has multiple users.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Dragonsreach, I'd say your mate got off easy. Imagine what COULD have happened, and he'll be laughing about the pop-up porn in the future.

Nope! He's a Cop!

 

[Beastben]

Hi again Dragonsreach thanks for the recommendations i will check out those products and see whats what thanks again

 

[machine_recovered_meat]

It's worth avoiding Internet Explorer where possible as it is the most frequently attacked browser.

Malwarebytes and Superantispyware used to be quite good (and free!).

 

[kathrynloch]

Sandboxie is your friend.

I LOVE that program. Yes, I use Chrome, and yes it supposedly already runs in its own sandbox - but when I had to do some research for my workshop, I had to explore some not so nice areas of the net. Sandboxie kept everything contained.

I love Bleeping Computer! Those guys are cool. There are certain programs I used to love and used them faithfully, but there is nothing more disheartening than to see said favorite programs slowly turn into the bloatware-memory eating-resource stealing-oh my God why in the hell are you activating my disabled Remote Access function-and I can't believe I paid good money for this piece of bleeping bleep crap-program.

Gee, Kath, one might think you're rather bitter over the stupid-ripoff-I-want-my-money-back antivirus software.