Windows Security

1
Windows Security

• A better understanding of Viruses and Spyware.

2
What is a Virus?

• A virus is defined as
• Any program which can replicate itself.
• A Virus will typically infect your system and
  copy itself then send a copy out through your
  email to other people in your address book.

3
How do you get a Virus?

• You can get a virus simply by opening an email
  from an unknown source.
• Or visiting websites that contain a virus
  embedded in the programming code for the website.
• Using file sharing programs such as Limewire,
  Kazaa, or Bearshare.
• As well as various others.

4
How to keep from getting a virus?

• The BEST way to keep from getting a virus is to
  not share files and stay off the internet.
• Unfortunately in todays world you cannot keep
  from going on the internet, so lets try a better
  solution.
• Detecting and removing a virus when it comes in,
  before it can damage anything.

5
Detecting a virus

• The best thing you can use to detect a virus when
  it does come in is an UPDATED antivirus program.
• You can have antivirus software on your computer,
  but if it is not updated and used on a regular
  basis it will not do you any good.
• You must update the virus definitions to the
  latest possible. Then run a scan at least once
  every two weeks. More often if possible.

6
Removing a virus

• There are several ways to remove a virus. Some
  easy, some not so easy.
• The best way to remove a virus is to simply let
  your updated antivirus software do it for you if
  possible.
• If not possible, then follow the directions the
  software will lead you to.

7
What is Spyware?

• Spyware was initially created to advertise
  products to the users preferences. When you would
  look at items online the site would leave a small
  trace element (a cookie) on your system. This
  would make easier for companies to tailor
  advertising to your interests.
• Some groups have taken this idea and started
  sending advertisements for there own items,
  similar to junk mail.
• With all of the advertisements being sent to your
  system it slows the system down. Sometimes so
  much that the system becomes unusable.

8
Detecting Spyware.

• The absolute only way to detect Spyware these
  days is to use Spyware detection software. There
  are several on the market with some being better
  than others.
• I would NOT recommend a software suite that
  detects viruses and Spyware combined. Because
  most companies are good at one or the other, but
  most are not that good at both.

9
Removing Spyware

• The best way is to let the Spyware software
  remove it for you if possible.
• If you are not able to remove the Spyware,
  contact a certified computer technician / repair
  shop.

10
What are some other threats?

• Other threats include hackers trying to steal
  your identity or information from your system.
• This generally doesnt happen to specific
  individuals unless you have upset someone
  personally.
• Most often it happens as a side effect of Spyware
  or Viruses.

11
How do they get your information?

• Most times when they get your information it is
  due to entering information on a fraudulent
  website. Most websites that want your information
  will start with https//www.somewebsite.com
• If you are typing your information in and the
  address is like https//123.123.123.123 you are
  probably giving your information to a hacker.

12
Why https//

• https// means Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
  Secure. The s at the end is an identifier
  saying it is a secure site which should be able
  to be trusted.
• Unfortunately hackers also setup fraudulent sites
  to get your information and steal your identity.

13
Questions?

• I will try to answer all questions regarding
  security issues. If I cannot give you an answer
  at this time give me your name and phone number
  or email address and I will get back to you with
  a answer.

14
Recommended Virus tools

• Trend Micro PC-cillin www.antivirus.com
• McAfee Antivirus www.mcafee.com
• AVG www.avg.com

15
Recommended Spyware tools

• eTrust Pest Patrol www.computerassociates.com
• AdAware
• www.adaware.com
• Windows Defender
• www.microsoft.com/windows/products.winfamily/defe
  nder/default.mspx