Another worm has started wreaking havoc on the Internet, so I figured maybe I should dedicate an issue to PC security.
 

This issue was written for PC users, specifically, Windows users. It is designed to inform you about security issues, as well as make your PC a little safer.

Unfortunately, you need to be aware of some of the "nasties" online. There are all kinds of ways these things can get into your computer, and I will not go into those details today. But it's safe to say that if you surf the web, use email or download software, your PC is subject to these security threats.

Let's go down the list of top security issues, with brief descriptions. After I run down the list, I'll offer some solutions for finding, destroying and avoiding them.

1. Viruses
A top threat, viruses can wipe out entire hard-drives.

2. Trojan horses
Can destroy data, steal passwords and attack other computers.

3. Worms
Spreads without infecting, but can impact like a virus.

4. Scumware
Changes the content of the websites you visit, taking control of your web surfing experience and generating traffic for companies that advertise within the scumware.

5. Spyware
Can be used to track your actions, your Internet use, and even your keyboard keystrokes, to steal passwords.

6. Adware
Displays unwanted advertising on your computer.

7. Dialers
Connects your PC to high-cost phone numbers, running up huge phone bills.

 What to do:

OK, so what's a PC user to do about security? Well, the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you ignore PC security, you'll get bitten.

And no, you do not have to go out and hire a security specialist! In fact, you don't need to spend much, if any money on securing your computer. Here are four steps you can take today to make your PC safer.

1. The very first thing you DO need to do, if you are a Windows user, is head off to Microsoft's http://www.WindowsUpdate.com - there you will be able to scan your PC for critical updates available directly from Microsoft. Install the critical updates as recommended by Microsoft, right away. This will make your PC more secure.

And don't assume if you have a fairly new computer that you're "safe enough". My Windows2000 laptop is less than a year old and I visited that site this week. It found 37 critical updates! I feel a little safer after installing them.

2. Next, you should have some form of virus protection on your computer. Many PC's come with virus protection, so find out if yours came with a program. If so, open the program and set it up so that it runs automatically. And keep it up to date! Many programs like the one I use, Symantec Antivirus, will update automatically when you're connected to the web. That's the best way to stay current. Remember, your virus protection is only as good as your protection program is current. That's because new threats are introduced every day.

If you do NOT have a virus protection program you can get one at no cost from Grisoft. It is fully functional and top notch.

3. Finally, to remove malicious software from your PC, such as Scumware you should get a copy of Ad-aware - it is an excellent program that costs nothing for home users. It can fix things like browser hijackings and scumware/adware infections.

4. Get a copy of my Friend Joe Robson's PC and Internet Security Kit. While the first three steps above cost you nothing, this one costs a few bucks. But it is well worth the tiny investment. (As a BizWeb eGazette subscriber you get an added discount.) Along with detailed information on securing your PC, such as firewall protection and much more, you'll get some clever tools. These tools include...

- An email address scrambler so spammers can't get your addresses from your website

- An IE History Blitzer to protect your surfing history from the prying eyes of work colleagues or others sharing your PC

- A Password Keeper to keep all your individual passwords in one manageable place - no more guessing or lost passwords. And the software itself can be password protected to prevent theft of your private information.

You'll find the Kit, and the special BizWeb eGazette subscriber price at: http://newbieclub.com/security/jim.htm

That does it for today's issue.
And remember, stay safe!

To your success,
Jim Daniels
Author of the Free, Web-based "How to Make a Living Online" Guide

P.S. Did you find this tip helpful? Come to my just-renovated Guide to Making a Living Online -- you'll discover some of my deepest, darkest secrets about online business.
 

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