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Top 15 Malicious
Spyware Actions
Spyware
authors have ramped up their malicious code to invade users' privacy
at unprecedented levels. The following list describes some of the
most malicious activities of today's spyware, illustrating the need
for solid antispyware defenses.
Changing network settings: To prevent signature updates for
antivirus and antispyware tools, some spyware alters the infected
machine's network settings. This type of attack could edit the
infected machine's hosts file, apply outbound IP filters or alter
the system's DNS server so that all names are resolved by an
attacker-controlled DNS server.
Disabling antivirus and antispyware tools: To prevent
disinfection, some spyware disables antivirus and antispyware tools
to lengthen the time the attacker can control the victim machine.
Turning off the Microsoft Security Center and/or Automatic Updates:
Some spyware disables the Microsoft Security Center because its
warnings about an inactive firewall or antivirus program could alert
the user. Also, a few spyware specimens disable automatic updates to
prevent the installation of patches.
Installing rogue certificates: Web browsers are configured by
default to trust a small number of certificate authorities to vouch
for SSL certificates from Web sites and code-signing certificates
for software distribution firms. Some spyware extends the browser's
trust by adding the attacker's own SSL and/or code-signing
certificate to the browser's trusted store.
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Quote from Melissa
Don't accept your
dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.
- Ann Landers
1918 - 2002
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1801 Tully Road Suite E
Modesto, CA 95354
Voice: (209) 578 9739
800 845 4628
Fax: (209) 578 5463 |
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The 4
Must-Dos to Keep Your Printer Printing
Used with permission from
the HP Small & Medium Business Center
You shouldn’t
be surprised to hear us say that HP printing and imaging
equipment is built for reliability – because it’s true!
These printers undergo rigorous testing to ensure you
have a minimum of hassle and repairs. However,
experience also shows that a few simple maintenance
steps can further improve the reliability of your
printer, giving you the best print quality and the
fewest headaches. Here are four maintenance “must-dos”
for different HP printers.
For HP
Inkjet printers: Clean the ink nozzle
When using an inkjet printer, you’ll want to ensure that
the ink nozzle stays clean and free of any obstructions.
One easy way to do this is with the HP Deskjet Toolbox
that was installed with your printer. For most printers,
the Toolbox will have a "Maintenance" or "Printer
Services" tab. Choosing this tab reveals a "Clean the
print cartridges" option. Choose this option and follow
the instructions presented. You may need to run the test
multiple times.
For HP
Deskjet and inkjet printers: Ensure printheads are
aligned
This simple step will keep all the nozzles pointing in
the right direction so that the ink gets to the right
place. A hint that your printheads are misaligned: white
repeating lines or a grid-like pattern on your printout.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to do
this for your HP Deskjet, HP Business Inkjet, or HP
Color Inkjet Printers, visit this HP support page.
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From the
heart of ancient Polynesia
A lesson for busy Americans - work and have fun too"
Used with permission from Joel Weldon - Success Comes In
Cans
A number of
years ago, a United States Peace Corps volunteer,
teaching English on one of the tiny, remote Tongan
islands in Polynesia, learned a valuable lesson that you
too might benefit from.
His class was
giving him fits—giggling and playing as usual, and, as
far as he could see, refusing to do any serious work. He
asked them to “stop the nonsense.” Threatening
punishment, he ordered them to “get down to business.”
He pleaded with them to “be responsible for once.”
Finally, in
utter frustration, he turned his back on the class,
walked to the door and stared out at the sea. “You’re so
difficult to understand,” he mumbled to himself.
“No. Easy to
understand,” came the unexpected response from one of
the students. “We work and have fun too.”
Do you work
and have fun too? Or are you so busy working hard that
enjoyment just doesn’t seem possible?
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How to Secure Your
Handheld Device
 Losing
your PDA or Smartphone can pose a security risk, but the
evolution of viruses, Trojans, and worms means that your
handheld devices can be subject to insidious online threats as
well.
Below are a few
guidelines on how to secure handheld devices in your small
business:
Establish a
security policy that outlines how handheld devices should be
used. Include where the devices can and cannot be used, what
information can be stored on the devices, who is allowed access
to what, how to create strong passwords, and specific programs
and applications that may be downloaded and used.
Use file encryption
and authentication. If data is lost or stolen, that information
will be unreadable without authentication and use of a
decryption key. Most devices are equipped with these security
features, but third parties also offer data encryption that's
more difficult to crack.
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You and
Your Browser
What
exactly is a browser anyway?
Let’s start
with what it’s not. A browser is not Google, not a
search engine, not AOL, and not broadband. A browser is
software that you use to see and hear what’s available
on the World Wide Web. (You can use a browser for other
things, too, but let’s stay with their more common uses
for now.) Browsers take you to websites and WebPages
where you can read and send email, see images and
movies, and listen to music. You can also download and
upload files using your browser. Your browser allows you
to navigate to information resources that are organized
as URL’s (Uniform Resource Locators) or web addresses.
The major web browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, and Opera.
Why do I
need a browser to connect to the Internet? Why can't my
computer just do it?
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Keep Your Printer Printing