Archive for the ‘Computer Security’ Category

Protect Your Children on the Internet

Published by Crystal on September 19th, 2011 - in Computer Security, Home Safety



AVG Family Safety 

AVG Family Safety

AVG Family Safety

Keeping your children safe while their online can be a monumental task.  AVG Family Safety offers just that, with their Family Safety software suite originally $19.99 now priced at $.99 which they will  donate to the Red Cross (at the time of writing). AVG’s Family Safety software you have the peace of mind knowing your children are safe online.

AVG Family Safety helps protect them against online predators, blocks inappropriate content, and sends you instant alerts if there’s a problem.

Help prevent online bullying and cyber-grooming

Know if your child is a victim of cyber bullying or grooming.  AVG Family Safety uses key-stroke technology to monitor your child’s activities in chat-rooms and on social networking sites. If it spots words, phrases or language that are known to be used to victimize children online, it will notify you immediately via SMS or email.

Set up profiles by child

Create unique logins and accounts for every child, enable Block, Warn, or Monitor modes according to their age and maturity, and adjust them over time as your household’s use of the Internet and understanding of Internet threats increases.

Keep an eye on content

Take steps to protect your children from inappropriate material by enabling 58 categories of protection spanning over 60 million websites. Know what your children are looking for by monitoring searches on popular engines like Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Help keep them from being exposed to questionable words, terms, and phrases by filtering their search terms.

Track social media activity

Take steps to protect your child by filtering objectionable material from over 80 social networks like Facebook, restricting access to chat rooms and functions, and monitoring instant messages and social network threads.

Protect your children when using iPhones or iPads

Download AVG Family Safety from the Apple App Store and you will have the same level of protection when they are searching and surfing. AVG Family Safety replaces the standard browser and will block harmful and inappropriate sites in the same way the PC version does.

Manage time & apps

Make sure your children aren’t spending too much time online by scheduling or limiting their Internet access. Restrict questionable software by monitoring inappropriate applications and blocking PC games with mature themes.

Stay informed

Keep aware of your children’s online activity by receiving detailed, easy-to-read text and email reports, staying informed of their searches, posts, and downloads, and learning if questionable sites are being accessed intentionally or visited by mistake.

Access on the fly

Be able to protect your child remotely by controlling group or individual content from any web enabled device, and stay informed of their online activities by receiving detailed reports on your cell phone or work PC. With a complete library of how to video’s and an unbeatable price, AVG Family Safety  is worth a try if you have ever been concerned about your children and their online activity.

Download or visit AVG for more information on this value packed security tool.

http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-family-safety

Security for your SmartPhone

Published by Crystal on September 8th, 2011 - in Computer Security

Cell phone security

 

 

 

If you are using a smartphone or a tablet, then you need a Security App just as you need anti virus software on a personal computer.  You want to protect your personal information that you have on your phone and protect yourself against malware, spyware, and viruses that could be lurking in your apps that you download or links that you click while browsing the “mobile” web. Lookout Mobile Security offers an application that scans every app that you download.

“Lookout offers a free version for essential security and a premium version for comprehensive protection.”

Lookout is a cool program that offers more than just “security” the services include:

  • protection against phishing, malware and spyware ( free essential security)
  • backup protection, restore data (free) backup photos and phone calls (premium)
  • find your lost or stolen phone if possible, or you can wipe the data,  from another smartphone or computer
  • scream is the alarm you can set off with Lookout, even if your phone is on silent it will set off an alarm so you can find it nearby :) (free)
  • lock your phone from the website or wipe the data if its lost forever (premium)

Head over to read more about the Free and Premium Services Lookout Provides to Android, Blackberry, and Windows.

Which Security App for smartphones do you use?

 

Managing Passwords with KeePass Ver. 2.16

Published by Crystal on July 28th, 2011 - in Computer Security

KeePass an open source password manager

 

 

KeePass

Everything we do on the internet or on our computers requires a password, and a lot of them tell us how we must create our passwords which is even more frustrating. I have several dozen passwords and remembering them all is close to impossible. A lot of times we only get a few tries before being locked out of a site because of incorrect entries. Nothing makes it worse than having to call your mortgage company to reset your password, which really defeats the purpose of using the internet to simplify the payment process. I know of people who have notebooks with all their passwords written down. Which is even worse, your password exposed to anyone who stumbles upon this book. KeePass is a free, open source, light-weight and easy-to-use password manager for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and it also works with most mobile devices. Operating System Requirements: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7

Today you need to remember many passwords. You need a password for the Windows network logon, your e-mail account, your website’s FTP password, online passwords (like website member accounts), etc. etc. etc. The list is endless. Also, you should use different passwords for each account. Because if you use only one password everywhere and someone gets this password you have a problem… A serious problem. The thief would have access to your e-mail account, website, etc. Unimaginable.

KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can store your passwords in highly-encrypted databases, which can only be unlocked with one master password. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish).

KeePass is really free, and more than that: it is open source (OSI certified).

Keepass Screen Shot

You Can download from The official website of KeePass, the free, open source, light-weight and easy-to-use password manager.

How to Protect Your Computer Security on the Internet

Published by Crystal on July 10th, 2011 - in Computer Security

Almost everyone believes that when it comes to Internet Security once antivirus software is installed all is good; this is a huge misconception that many antivirus software vendors would like you to believe! That if you buy their top of the line software suites and all is safe (NOT TRUE).

Threats and infections can come from the most unexpected places.  One example my daughter’s Nintendo DS had become my dogs chew toy, so my wife typed into Google “DS Repair” and clicked on the returned search result; next thing that happened was her computer was infected with a virus resulting in a complete restore of her operating system.

You should still install Anti-Virus software (read my recommendations on free antivirus software.)

First Recommendation: Always keep antivirus software definitions up to date.
Always scan every foreign file brought into your system: all downloads, attachments, and files from USB drives. To do this, save the file then right click on it and select “scan file with”.  I personally scan everything, even if I know the person whose file it is; better to be safe than sorry!

Along with your Antivirus software, you should keep your Operating System and Browser Software up to date. Security holes are constantly being exploited and patches are constantly being distributed: Stay Updated!!!

Never load a program in which you are not aware of its manufacturer or purpose, question yourself if you need this program; if you believe you do need the software, always create a restore point before install.  Do your research on the program, does the program have a valid digital signature or any bad reviews?

Second Recommendation: Stay out of the red light district of porn.  More times than not, I will be asked to recover a computer from various types of attacks primarily because they stray into the red light district of porn sites.

Third Recommendation: Downloading either pirated software or other types of copyrighted material, you can eventually expect to be infected. Nothing is free my friends.  Don’t get me wrong torrent sites and file sharing can be very useful, providing a wealth of useful and legitimate material. Tread lightly and again always scan your downloads!

Forth Recommendation:  Always Backup regularly! With Windows 7, you can use the built-in backup program to save an image backup on an external hard drive or media. With a Mac can also create the same type of backup routine using Mac’s Time Machine.   Also, it is good investment to purchase an external hard drive. Most now come with very simple backup programs and their prices have dropped considerably. A few well reviewed recommendations.

Seagate Storage Solutions

Seagate Storage Solutions: Seagate HomeFreeAgent® GoFlex™ Ultra–portable Drive

Seagate Portable Drives:  Seagate Portable Drives

Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra-Portable Drive (500GB)

FreeAgent® GoFlex™ Ultra–portable Drive

This ultra–upgradable, ultra–portable hard drive makes it ultra–easy for you to store, backup, encrypt and access your files anytime, anywhere.

  • Features USB 2.0 or 3.0 plug–and–play connectivity
  • Includes pre–loaded easy–to–use backup software
  • Lets you upgrade to USB 3.0, FireWire® 800 or eSATA
  • Allows you to access your content on your TV, network and on–the–go when combined with other GoFlex devices

Western Digital

Western Digital: Western DigitalWestern Digital My Passport_Essential_SE

Western Digital External Drives:  Western Digital External Drives

Western Digital My Passport Essential SE

WD quality inside and out.

My Passport portable drives are the world’s best selling drives. There’s a reason. We’ve been making hard drives for 20 years and we know how to protect your data.

USB 3.0 plus USB 2.0.

A single drive with universal compatibility today and next-generation speed for tomorrow. Use it with USB 2.0 now and step up to USB 3.0 speed when you’re ready. High capacity in a smaller drive. Massive capacity in this small, stylish drive that is powered directly from the USB port on your PC. No separate power supply is needed.  You can enjoy the movies, music and photos you store on this drive on your TV?

 

Verbatim Storage Solutions

VerbaVerbatim Store’n'Go SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (500GB)tim Storage Solutions: Verbatim Home Page

Verbatim Portable Drives: Verbatim Portable Drives

Verbatim Store’n'Go SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (500GB)

Experience transfer speeds up to 10x faster with the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0! This Verbatim compact external portable hard drive features a sleek piano-black finish and comes with the fastest USB connectivity available. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 lets you blaze through demanding tasks by reading and saving files faster. This external hard drive features Nero BackItUp & Burn Essentials software that allows full system backup and restore functions, the ability to schedule automatic backup by date/time and an encrypted backup option with password control. Save your precious photos, videos, graphics, games, music, data and more in ultimate safety with Verbatim.

  • Compact, portable drive features a sleek piano black finish
  • SuperSpeed USB 3.0 increases transfer speed up to 10x faster than USB 2.0
  • Backwardly compatible with USB 2.0 ports
  • Includes Nero BackItUp & Burn software*
  • Bonus Norton Online Backup (5GB) free trial
  • Industry-leading 7-year limited warranty
    *Software compatible with Windows operating systems only 

Fifth Recommendation: Spam You should never trust the sender of an e-mail if you do not know the sender or did not request the information or ask to be put on their mailing list. Spam filtering services are a very effective and do a good job reducing Spam by having it bypass your inbox. The spam filters can be taught and adapt to changing threats. Depending on the spam filter you use, the better chance you won’t receive fraudulent emails. Spam is the primary delivery methods of malware, financial scams and phishing attacks.

Spam is the use of  email systems (including most broadcast media, digital delivery systems) to send unsolicited bulk messages indiscriminately. While the most widely recognized form of spam is e-mail spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media: instant messaging spam, Usenet newsgroup spam, Web search engine spam, spam in blogs, wiki spam, online classified ads spam, mobile phone messaging spam, Internet forum spam, junk fax transmissions, social networking spam, television advertising and file sharing network spam.

Spamming remains economically viable because advertisers have no operating costs beyond the management of their mailing lists”

Spam Filtering Software

Cactus Spam Filter (Free)

SpamAssassin

Spy Sweeper 2011

Sixth Recommendation: Don’t lose your cool or panic.  Don’t do anything drastic until you know what threat you’re dealing with.  Don’t be afraid to contact someone for assistance (friend or family).  Don’t purchase any tools (pop ups) that are advertised by your threat; you can tell it is a threat if you click the “x” and the pop up will not close and is persistent. Any threat that gets you to purchase their software is not a legitimate software vendor. Most of the time they hijack your computer and want you to purchase your own documents back!

Seventh Recommendation: NEVER, EVER provide passwords to anyone. NEVER, EVER provide your financial information to any un-trusted sources.  If your uncertain it’s better to call with your financial purchase.  A Little Common sense goes along way!

All current browsers have indicators or visual icons within the address bar whether you are in a trusted area or a secure connection. SSL  Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), are cryptographic protocols that provide communication security over the Internet TLS and SSL encrypt the segments of network connections above the Transport Layer, using asymmetric cryptography for privacy and a keyed message authentication code for message reliability, providing SSL”

Browsers ssl security indicators

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Free AntiVirus For Computer Security and Protection

Published by Crystal on July 1st, 2011 - in Computer Security

Microsoft Security Essentials

microsoft security essentialsAbout Microsoft Security Essentials (their claims)

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home or small business PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and is automatically updated to protect your PC with the latest technology.

Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.

Before installing Microsoft Security Essentials, we recommend that you uninstall other antivirus software already running on your PC. Running more than one antivirus program at the same time can potentially cause conflicts that affect PC performance.

Read the Microsoft Security Essentials Privacy Statement and License Agreement.

CLICK HERE TO INSTALL

Avast! Free Antivirus 6

Avast AntivirusAbout Avast (their claims)

Our avast! Free Antivirus often outperforms our competitors´ paid-for products and is the minimum protection anyone should have against viruses and spyware.
* avast! Free Antivirus is free only for personal and non-commercial use. Home use only!

* Requires registration and has tricky download tactics where a novice user can be tricked into purchasing full version or other types protection. CLICK HERE TO INSTALL

 

AVG Antivirus Free Edition 2011

AVG Antivirus Free Edition 2011About AVG (their claims)

Antivirus Free is perfect if you use your PC for casual surfing, searching or social networking.

Internet Security 2011 is essential if you bank and/or shop online. It comes with a firewall that blocks all attempts to sabotage your system, as well as AVG Identity Protectionâ„¢ which shields your passwords, credit card numbers and other private information from online predators.

* I have numerous people mention that removal of AVG once installed is real pain

Click HERE to install

 

Facebook Security

Published by Crystal on June 28th, 2011 - in Computer Security

facebook security

Defensio secures your personal profile and your facebook page and your followers against threats that target social media, such as links to malware that can be posted on your Facebook and blog pages. Defensio also helps you manage and control objectionable content, such as posts that you consider unsuitable for your readers.

Defensio is a service, so there’s no software for you to download, install, or manage. And it’s remarkably accurate and effective. That’s because it’s powered by Websense – the global leader in web security.

Nowhere else can you find such accurate and personalized protection from comment spam, malware, and other threats embedded in user-generated content. It’s little wonder that Defensio is the leading security solution for today’s social web.

Defensio includes the following features:

URL Category Blocking — Manage comments with embedded URL links that point to sites infected with security risks and control potentially questionable content.

Reputation Security Coverage — Prevent comments from untrustworthy domains and sites.

Dictionary Filtering — Remove specific words automatically that you choose to be omitted from comments.

Script and Executable File Blocker — Block posts which include potentially harmful scripts and executables.

Facebook Security Application — Protect your Facebook pages with real-time monitoring and removal of all unwanted content.

If you’re interested in getting the Defensio web service for your corporate site, sign up with Defensio today. They do offer a Free Service as well as paid ones.

 

Social Networking and Safety

Published by Crystal on June 22nd, 2011 - in Computer Security, Home Safety

Did you know that facebook is a way that your “friends” can figure out when you’re home, at work, on vacation, etc? Protect yourself this holiday weekend and always. Don’t broadcast when you plan to be gone. It’s fine to say you had fun on vacation when you get home. But if you are going camping don’t post that on facebook! This tells people that your house is wide open for criminals to break in and steal from you! Especially if you have people from your past on your friends list. You add them as a friend, but you don’t know what they are up to now. People get desperate. Don’t leave yourself open for disaster.

 

Share this post with your friends on facebook as a reminder to protect themselves!

© SavIsa Solutions, LLC. 2013