Understanding Hidden Threats: Corrupted Software Files

What types of files can be damaged striker?

An attacker can insert malicious code into each file, including common file types that you would normally consider to be safe. These files can be created with documents word processing files, spreadsheets or image. After damaging the file, an attacker may be distributed or published on a website by email. Depending on the type of malicious code, you can use your computer by infecting simply open the file.

If corrupt files that attackers often exploit vulnerabilities they find the file in the software used to create or open. These vulnerabilities can be used forward and execute scripts or malicious code, and they are not always recognized. Sometimes weakness consists of a combination of certain files (e.g., software running on a particular operating system) or only in certain versions of a software program.

What problems can cause harmful files?

There are different types of malware, including viruses, worms and Trojan horses The range of consequences, however, varies within these categories. Malicious code can be designed to perform one or more functions, including

To treat interfere with the ability of information from your computer by consuming memory or bandwidth (the computer is much slower or "freeze")

Install, modify or delete files on your computer

give access to your computer striker

with the computer to attack other computers (see Understanding Denial of Service for more information)

How can you protect yourself?

Operate and maintain anti-virus software

anti-virus software can often detect and protect your computer against most known viruses, so you might be able to detect and remove the virus before it cause damage (see anti virus software for more information). Since the attacker constantly writing new viruses, it is important to keep the definitions up to date.

Be careful with attachments of email 

Do not open attachments you were not expecting, especially if they are people you do not know. If you decide to open an attachment email, first virus scanner (see Using Caution attachments for more information). Not only is it sending an infected file without knowing the attackers "parody" of the original e-mail, but your legitimate contacts. If your email program automatically downloads and opens attachments, check the settings to see if you can disable this feature.

Be careful when downloading, visit web pages

Avoid downloading files from sites you do not trust. If you found the files in a safe place for the so-called site certificate (see Web Site Certificates for more information). If you make a file from a website, you must save it to your computer and manually scan for viruses before opening it.

Put your software up to date - Install software patches so that attackers do not use problems or vulnerabilities (Understanding Patches for more information) known. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you must activate it.

Use security settings

Check the security settings of your email client and web browser.

Enter the highest level of security you still gives the functionality you need.

Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware

What is Spyware?
Not to use despite its name, the term "spyware" something of undercover agents, related by the advertising industry, but rather. In fact, spyware is also known as "adware". It refers to a category of software that, when installed on your computer, you can send pop-up ads, redirect your browser to Un certain websites or monitor the sites that you 'visit. Some extreme, invasive versions of spyware June Track Exactly what buttons are displayed. Attackers can also spyware for malicious purposes.
Due to the additional processing can lead spyware that your computer is too slow or sluggish. There are also privacy implication:

 

What information recognized be?
Home Who is it?
Being How is it used?
How do you know if there is spyware on your computer?
The following symptoms that may enter spyware is installed on your computer:
They are subjected to endless pop-up window
You will be redirected other than the one you entered in your browser Sites
new and unexpected toolbars appear in your browser
new, unexpected icons in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen
Your home page suddenly changed
changed the search engine your browser opens when you have-been "Search"
Un certain keys on your browser (for example, the Tab key does not work when you move to the next field in a form)

Random start Windows error messages to appear
Suddenly, the computer seems very slow when opening programs or processing tasks (saving files, etc.)
How can you prevent spyware from installing on your computer?
PERSONAL breath unintentionally install it yourself, good security procedures in the original:

Do not click on links in pop-up window

Because pop-up windows are often a product of spyware, clicking on the window can install spyware software on your computer. To close the pop-up window, click the "X" icon in the title bar instead of a "close" link in the window.

Select "No" to the question, unexpected questions

Be careful asked if you run a particular program or perform another type of task is to unexpected dialogs. Always select "No" or "Cancel" or the dialog box by clicking on the icon. "X" in the title bar

Be wary of free downloadable software

There are many sites offering customized toolbars or other features that appeal to users. Programs from sites you should not download do not trust, and realize that you "May expose your computer to spyware by some of these programs.

Do not follow e-mail links The claim that anti-spyware software offer

such as your e-mail viruses, the download links serve the opposite purpose and whos install the spyware it claims to be eliminating.
As an additional good security practice, especially if you're worried worry that you might 'have spyware on your computer and want to minimize the impact Consider the following action are:

Adjust your browser settings to limit pop-up windows and cookies 

Pop-up windows are often generated by some kind of scripting or active content. To prevent adjusting the settings in your browser or reduce active content or scripting, the number of pop-up windows that appear to reduce. Some browsers offer a specific option to block or limit pop-up window. Certain types of cookies as spyware because sometimes show which websites you have visited. You can adjust your privacy settings to allow cookies only for the website that you visit (see Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies and evaluating security settings of your web browser for more information) allow.

How to remove spyware?
Run your anti virus software a scan on your computer - Find Some anti-virus software and remove spyware, but it can not find the spyware when it monitoring your computer in real time. September will prompt your anti-virus software you to run a scan on a regular basis (see Anti-Virus Software for more information).
Run a legitimate product specifically designed to remove spyware - Many vendors offer products that you will all spyware software your computer for spyware and remove them. Popular products include Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Microsoft Windows Defender, Webroot Spy Sweeper and Spybot Search and Destroy.
Make certain that supports your anti-virus and anti-spyware software - Take a phased approach to the installation of the software to ensure that you do not inadvertently introduce problems.