During week 13 we discussed computer security, ethics and privacy.After completion of this topic, I was able to:
- Identify computer security risks.
- Identify ways to protect computers and data.
- Discuss information theft and piracy as well as how to identify and avoid them.
- Be aware of ethical standards and practices.
- Understand how to protect information.
Anti-virus software scams are putting millions of people at risk by posing as legitimate anti-virus software when in actuality fraudsters are advertising malicious software, known as ‘scareware’, in disguise.
The goal of these fraudsters is to obtain the victims credit card information or compromise their computer for other illegal activity, such as identity fraud.
To read the article in entirety, visit this link: Anti-virus software scams put millions at risk of identity fraud
Here are some sure ways of protecting yourself from computer viruses:
1. Never open a file attachment sent to you from an unknown source. In most cases, the safest thing to do is delete them as soon as you see them in your mailbox.
2. Understand that patches and updates for programs are rarely distributed by email. (Microsoft and other reputable companies use other means, which are more secure.)
3. Never open a file unless you know what it is. If you've received it from someone you know, ask him or her about it. (They may have a virus infection that is mailing out copies of itself without their knowledge.)
4. Files containing virus content are always sent disguised in some way. For example, the message may say a screensaver, bill or invoice is attached.
5. Users of Outlook and Outlook Express should disable the Preview Pane. A recent virus was thought (but not proven) to infect simply by being displayed in Outlook Express. It is be safer to avoid any risk!
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