malware & safe browsing
TRANSCRIPT
The Internet is Scaryby: Joshua Swift
What kind of risks are there?
How to detect problem programs
Prevent problems before they happen
STOP!
Top 5 Excuses I don't have anything valuable on my
computer anyway Running a firewall slows down my computer
or video games The programs are too complicated I am broke and programs are expensive I have never used security programs and
have never been infected
Risk by Country (2010)
Types of Malware Virus
Self-replicating General term for “malware”
Worm Self-contained virus Works in conjunction with other viruses
Trojan Disguised at legitimate software
Spy vs. Spy
Spyware Secretly monitors anything and everything
you do Estimated 90% of computers infected Bundled with legitimate software Keyloggers, Screenloggers, Rootkits Tracking cookies (i.e. EverCookie)
Ads run amok
Adware Pop-up advertisements Hijacks web browser homepage Sends spam using your email Slows down computer or makes it unusable Usually just annoying, but may be bundled
with other viruses
Fake Alerts
Scareware Otherwise known as Ransomware Meant to shock and threaten users, causing
anxiety or panic Holds computer hostage, demanding
extortion for restoration Threat is usually fictional and fix is virus
itself Typically behave like legitimate anti-virus or
firewall program
Security Programs
Detection & Response Anti-Virus Anti-Spyware
Scans computer and cleans infections Firewalls
Prevents attackers from in-bound and/or out-bound communication
Alerts users of suspicious internet activity
Free Programs Anti-Virus
AVG Free Edition Avast! Kaspersky Trend Micro HouseCall Panda ActiveScan Microsoft Security Essentials
Free Programs (cont.)
Anti-Spyware Spybot Search & Destroy Malwarebytes SUPERAntiSpyware Ad-Aware Spyware Doctor
Free Programs (cont.)
Firewall ZoneAlarm Comodo Outpost OnlineArmor PrivateFirewall Windows Firewall
Prevention It's obvious: better to prevent viruses than
fix them. Why? The going rate for clean-up is $150 Safe browsing practices
Know what to avoid Disable vulnerable plugins or applications Update! Update! Update!
Web Browsers
Safe Browsing Do not open e-mails or attachments from
users you do not know Never open .exe, .pif or .bat files unless
you specifically know the files are clean Do not click spam, pop-ups, or ads in
general Some pop-ups may look like windows
saying your computer is “unsafe”
Windows Update (XP)
Windows Update (7)
Safe Browsing (cont.) Do not visit ethically questionable sites
WAREZ, CRACKZ, SERIALZ & PORN Download from trusted sites only Religiously update your web browser,
browser plugins, virus definitions and operating system
Disable Cookies, JavaScript, Flash & ActiveX (use plugins like NoScript & Adblock)
Computer Insecurity(final thoughts)
Security is lacking in general, so don't be embarrassed if you get hacked
When there is a will, there is a way. All security software does is place speed-bumps before determined hackers
Security by obscurity is not security! A little knowledge can go a long way for
your sanity and wallet