MeKnows

Security is a very important issue for all computer users. Most people don't realize that they should pay special attention to the security of their computers.

Why should you care? Because your computer is a risk for intruders looking for credit card numbers, bank accounts, other personal information which could be used for identify fraud, or even to use your resources to attack other computers on the network.

How do intruders break into a computer? They may use any of several methods. They may hack into a computer by portscanning it in order to find vulnerable open ports which aren't protected by a firewall.

An exploit may even come in the form of a virus or trojan that arrives in an email or is accidently downloaded. Viruses are programs that enter your computer without your permission and without your knowledge of their real function. They replicate themselves and cause damage just like human viruses. They work by attaching themselves to normal programs and files and then spreading to other computers. Viruses range from the pesky to the completely destructive. Viruses can destroy valuable information, create a range of system problems, and waste time and resources. Virses are best avoided, here are some tips for avoiding viruses.

A Trojan, short for trojan horse, is a malicious program that masquerades as being a legitimate program. Often users are tricked into insalling the Trojan horse thinking it is a file from a genuine source. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.

Trojans differ from viruses in that they do not replicate themselves, nor do they reproduce by infecting other files. However they can be just as destructive. Trojans are known to create a backdoor on your computer that gives malicious users access to your system, possibly allowing confidential or personal information such as passwords for bank account information to be compromised without your knowledge. I recommend using a Trojan Scanner along side your Anti-Virus application.

Another scheme is to send the victim a fake email which looks as if it is from a well-known site. These emails usually ask the user to input their bank account or credit card details for "verification". If the user falls for this trick he or she could be in for a big surprise when their next bank statement arrives. Follow this link to learn how to check if an email is a fraud.