Are You Being Watched?

If your computer is connected to a network (this includes the Internet) you should be very concerned about security. You should be especially concerned if you use your computer for accessing a bank account, placing orders online, or if you have sensitive information on your hard drive.

In recent months spyware and trojans have hit epidemic proportions...And now we are adding root kits to the mix...Not only from hackers and virus writers...But Sony no less...

Some of my most frequently asked questions are: "Why do people create these programs and how do I get this malware on my computer to start with?" Let's start with why. In general there are three main reasons:

• Remote control of your computer: These programs use your computer to perform attacks on other systems, send spam, etc. The hacker has complete anonymity, he is using your computer to do the dirty work. I'll bet you didn't know that your computer is part of a major child porn distribution network. The M.I.B.'s (men in black) will knock on your door, not his.

• Advertising: The sole purpose is to blast you with unwanted ads and pop-ups. Each one of those pop-ups is a hit on some company's web site Marketers will guarantee to triple the traffic on your web site for a small fee. They don't tell you that your site is a pop-up that most of us hate.

• Tracking: Companies want to know where you are browsing...For example, would any of you like a list of everyone in the county that accessed the web to look for a new house in the last month? These same trackers can be used to record anything that happens on your computer: passwords, account numbers, email...every keystroke.

Now that we know why...how do these monsters get on our systems:

It is critically important that your system and network be setup by a competent computer tech...The default install of Windows XP is ridiculous, and the vendors aren't helping the problem, Dell systems come with MyWay search installed. Any program (updater, toolbar, chat, etc.) that talks to the network is a potential open door to hackers.

• Laptops and wireless: Is you laptop a disaster looking for a place to happen? Read this.
• iPods and music downloads: Do you, one of your kids, or someone on your network at work have an ipod? Read this.
• Program security holes: Keep your programs updated with the latest patches...Know what programs are accessing the network. A good firewall will help in this area. Once infected these programs are very difficult, if not impossible to remove. Many of these programs can hide from the best adware and virus scanners. The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want:
  1. Only download programs from websites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
  2. Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
  3. Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.
  4. Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, chat programs, add-on toolbars, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
• Operating system security holes: There is little you can do about this problem other than to be sure to stay updated with the latest security patches, and to have a competent computer tech set up your system...The default install on most brand new systems is ridiculous. If you want to give it a shot yourself, here's a good place to start. Keep in mind that what is going on inside your computer, behind all the pretty icons, is bordering the complexity of a living organism.

Sometimes the only way to tell if your computer is infected is by erratic behavior and slowness of the machine in general. Here are a few programs that will help if you want to try to check your computer yourself.

Adaware: A good freeware spyware detection program.

Cleanup: A good freeware program to clean up the temp files on your computer.

Hijack This: A good freeware program that gives you a startup list from your computer. Be careful with this program, you can make system changes with it. Do not make any adjustments that you do not completely understand.

Rootkitrevealer: A good freeware program for detecting some root kits. Do not make any adjustments that you do not completely understand.

When given a choice between a computer that is secure and one that is not, nearly everyone will say they would prefer the secure computer, all else being equal. But things are not equal. Despite clients' cries for more secure computers, when it comes to writing the check, security and system administration often gets the short end of the stick. When making the decision about setting up your system, remember the old saying, "You never have the time (or money) to do it right, but you always have the time (and money) to do it over."