Internet Security

Graham Roberts Home Computer Services

Reputable & reliable computer repairs and servicing for Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover & surrounding villages.

Internet Security Please Read the Disclaimer

In my opinion, the biggest threat to your home or business computer system right now comes from viruses, spy-ware diallers and hackers. Two years ago, only one in ten calls that I attended was initiated by virus infection. Now, with the onset of Broadband in the area and more aggressive viruses, seven out of ten service calls are caused by rogue programs. In some cases, customers have lost irreplaceable files and pictures, had their hard drives trashed or found unexplained calls to expensive premium telephone lines on their telephone bills.

Some early signs that your PC may have been infected with any of the above rogue programs are:

	You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.
	You computer keeps trying to access the internet, (note this can also be caused by some legitimate programs looking to update).
	You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
	Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
	You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
	The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.

Viruses and certain types of spy-ware are at best a nuisance and at worst disastrous. Just like human viruses, they often start inoffensively and then grow in power often taking onboard other strains as your computer’s defence weakens. Also as with humans, it is often too late having the “injection” (in this case antivirus software) after your PC is infected. Please remember that if you do have antivirus software, it will only protect your system if it is right up to date. Very often I find that customers have antivirus software install with a new PC and is 4 years or more out of date. This means that they are open to infection from any one of the thousands of new viruses that appear each year.

Spy-ware and it's allegedly less dangerous relative Ad-Ware can pose their own particular security threats. In addition, numerous programs and files of this type can "swamp" a computers memory and resources bringing machines to a virtual standstill. The highest amount of spy-ware/ ad/ware that I have personally detected in 2004 was 462 running in the background on a single computer without the owner's knowledge or approval. Needless to say that the PC concerned was virtually unusable.

It is for this very reason that I put such great emphasis on internet security during my service call outs, tune-ups, training and within my twice yearly newsletters. You can read more about viruses spy-ware and ad-ware in my 2004 news letter excerpts below.

Fortunately, there are various types of antivirus, anti spy-ware and anti- hacker (firewall) software that can help you reduce the risk of infection or attack. Whilst installing some or all of the above will not guarantee total protection (remember the U.K. coast guard virus), each one if up to date, will considerably reduce your PC’s risk of damage or security breach. It is more likely that you your system will be attacked at random as an easy target if left unprotected.

Less providentially, some systems are so badly corrupted and infected that the PC needs to be "cleaned up" prior to installing the security software, as the program itself can become infected or modified on installation. Unless you are fully competent in such matters, the pre-clean up is probably better carried by an IT professional.

Rogue Diallers are an ever growing problem and several of my call-outs have been instigated by customers who have been duped into accidentally downloading malicious premium line dial up programs. Because of these malevolent programs, some of my customers have received phone bills of up to £850.

Rogue diallers are computer programs that reconfigure your modem to surreptitiously to dial either a Premium 090 number or occasionally, long distance telephone numbers, either whilst you are trying to access the internet or when your computer is left unattended. If left undetected on your PC, they can cost you a lot of money.

They are commonly downloaded by accidentally clicking on or trying to close internet pop-up programs; they’re the ones that seem to appear out of nowhere, often advertising dubious web sites. Another common way of “infection” is when the Microsoft warning “Do you want to install this program” box appears and you click “yes”. They can also “hijack” music and video downloads or come onto you pc via a Trojan (a program that appears desirable but actually contains something harmful). Some (like viruses) can even be downloaded onto your PC by visiting an unsafe website.

The good news for some is that these diallers can only use the old type dial up modems, so broadband users should be alright (at this moment in time) provided they take a few simple steps shown below.

So what can we do to help protect ourselves from these modern day Highwaymen? Well nothing’s ever certain or fool proof in IT security, (remember the virus that disabled the UK coast guard network earlier this year), but the steps below will considerably reduce the odds of you being one of the unfortunate ones.

	Make sure your Antivirus, Firewall and internet Security programs are up to date. Remember that you are at risk from all new viruses created after your program’s virus definitions expired and that it is often too late to renew them after infection; the damage may be done!
	Use a pop up stopper. There are many good free ones to be had on the internet including one with the search engine, Google. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has a built in pop-up stopper but make sure that it is enabled.
	If you have broadband, make sure that you disconnect the old modem lead from the ‘phone line and/or physically disable/ remove the old dial-up modem.
	If a Microsoft warning pops up when you’re on the internet asking you “do you want to install this program?” and you don’t know what it is, always say no and exit the site.
	Look out for anything unusual like a new internet connection shortcut appearing ether on you desktop or in you “Favourites” possibly to Sex sites, “Free” downloads or gambling.
	Check the dial up telephone number in your the dial up box is correct and look at “Internet Connections” in “Control Panel” to make sure no new connections have appeared.
	Avoid visiting inappropriate or unsecured websites.
	If you have children or younger family members who share you PC, try to be aware of what their up to and downloading. Explain to them what to look for and the consequences of their actions. Remember there are programs within later Windows versions, Internet Explorer and some antivirus manufacture’s software that can help limit your children’s internet access.
	If you fear you have a rogue dialler, then advise your telephone provider to disable the 090 Premium service and disconnect your computer from the telephone line until it has been checked. Then, (if you’re not personally confident what to do), get an IT proficient family member, friend or engineer to remove the program for you. My personal experiences are that these programs will often keep reinstalling themselves if they are not removed completely and correctly.

Nothing can be 100% certain in IT security, but I sincerely hope the above helps you in the fight against these rogue programs.

Graham Roberts

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Disclaimer:

Information and advice are provided on an “as is” basis and taken at the recipient’s own risk. Any views expressed are personal and do not represent any other parties.

Contact Numbers

Telephone: 01246 819392. Mobile: 07989 687047.

E-mail: graham@sittas.com Website comments: postmaster@sittas.com

Office: Chesterfield, Derbyshire.