Firewall may be Blocking it!

Any personal computer running Microsoft™ Windows needs to have a 3rd party firewall of some sort protecting direct access to the computer.  A preferred method is to use the Firewall of a Router.  If you do not have a Router with a Firewall and you have a Cable or DSL Modem from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) a 3rd party Firewall is recommended.  To test the Firewall of a Router or your current protection click on Fire Wall Testing Instructions.  AND, if you want to learn more about 3rd Party Firewalls or have have a 3rd Party Firewall that could be blocking a Programs Internet access the internet Mozilla Firefox support page has excellent information;

http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firewalls

Whoa, People, Don't Click that Link!

Here is the latest article published on EZINES about why it is best not to click on links in emails.

What the POP-UP! Close it Safely!

Gmail, MSN-Hotmail (Windows Live), and Yahoo, to name several free email providers, have been in the news lately since a list of email addresses and their associated passwords were posted on the Internet!  Since the revelation the posted information has been removed and each company has forced password resets for the email accounts that were affected.  This means the user will be required to change their password the next time they access the email account.  [Note; if a password reset is required and you use POP3 email such as Microsoft Outlook or Express be sure to update the password for the email accounts here also.]

So how did this happen in this case?

The official word is that phishing and mimic websites are the hackers tool.  Here’s how it works:

1. An official looking email is sent to the user or the user visits a “hacked” website.
2. The user clicks on the link in the fake “official” looking email or the faked “official” looking pop-up box.
3. The user enters their Username and Password and Whoala!, you’ve been PHISHED!
4. Or, worse you’ve authorized the download of Malware / Spyware to your computer.

How to protect yourself?

1. Educate; locate the security tips for your email type. [Here are some quick links, Left-Click on the image: ,  , ]
2. Install a reliable Anti-Malware Software and Firewall [a list of free resources for home use is available via a free registration HERE.  Need help on how to install and use computer security software consider the BOOK or EBOOK]
3. Secure the Internet Browser and consider using an alternative Browser such as;

• Mozilla Firefox An established Internet Browser DOWNLOAD LINK
• a more recent entry DOWNLOAD LINK [winning awards for hacker proofing]

A now common trick for Phishers, especially, in trying to download Malware or Spyware is a faked POP-UP window.  If a suspicious window appears DO NOT click on it but close it by pressing and holding the “Ctrl” key followed by the “W” key.  This key combination will close the active Window.   If you end up in a fireball of windows, keep using this combination until all the Pop-Up Windows plus the Internet Browser are closed.  If internet style Pop-Ups occur even with the Internet Browser Closed it is likely there is Malware on the computer and it needs to be scanned and cleaned.

In the follow-on article we will address using certain Internet Browser Settings for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome to improve Internet Surfing security.

Do's & Don'ts

DO …Install Anti-Malware Software, a Firewall and configure automatic updates.
DO …Always type in Web Site Addresses.
DO NOT … Click on links in emails even if inconvenient.
DO …Double-Check web site addresses you type ESPECIALLY for financial institutions.
DO NOT … Click on Pop-Ups, download buttons, or warnings to download a plug-in unless you expected the notice because of something you were doing.
DO NOT …submit sensitive or personal information unless it is via a secure HTTPS web page.
DO NOT …send personal or financial information, via email.  A Financial Institution will NEVER request information to be submitted via email.  AND, if an email from your financial institution arrives DO NOT CLICK on LINKS, instead type the Financial Institution’s web site into the Internet Browser.
DO … avoid questionable web sites.
DO … Use Credit Cards for on-line purchases.
DO NOT … Use Debit Cards for on-line purchases.