There are a seemingly endless number of risks to our computer’s security on the World Wide Web. From pop-ups to viruses and malware there are many types of programs and applications that can not only access your personal information, but also seriously and permanently damage your computer and its hard drive. Trojans are some of the most common and most serious risks to your computer. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from downloading a Trojan, and on keeping your online activities safe.

What is a Trojan?

A Trojan or a Trojan Horse is a type of non-replicating malware that makes your computer vulnerable to hackers. It allows hackers access to your computer and, depending on the actual program itself, can allow access to your personal information, install software that can make your PC part of a botnet or spamming scam, or viewing your online activities, just to name a few.

Trojans are often unknowingly downloaded to your computer in a number of ways. They include

• · Software downloads from unknown or suspicious sources
• · File sharing on torrent networks
• · Active X scripts that can run automatically on various websites
• · Email attachments

Drive-by Downloads

One of the most common ways that you can encounter a Trojan online is also one of the trickiest to avoid; the Drive-by Download. In most cases these types of Trojans are activated when you simply navigate to a webpage that contains an ActiveX script or Java applet that will automatically run the malware and upload it to your PC. The best and easiest way to stop a Drive-by Download is to shut down your browser. This will stop the application from completing the download, though this will only work in Internet Explorer or Chrome. It is also a good idea to disable these types of applications from automatically running on your computer via your browser’s security settings and your antivirus software.

Unsafe Email Attachments

Another common way that you can upload a Trojan to your PC is through email attachments. While setting up spam protection for your email account is a good way to protect you from malicious emails, it is also a good idea to not open emails from unknown senders. This will help prevent these types of programs from being downloaded on your PC.

In general, making sure that you have up-to-date and effective antivirus software on your computer is the most effective way to protect it from downloading a Trojan. It is also a good idea to only open emails from individuals or companies that you trust and that you have given your email address to. It is also a good idea to stay away from websites that look suspicious and always have a pop-up protector in place.

Spyware is a generic term for a specific type of software that can either display unwanted advertisements or track your personal information, all without your consent. One of the more serious dangers of spyware is that it can collect information about you, including your web surfing habits and even worse, your usernames and passwords. Obviously, spyware is not good for your PC or yourself, but there are ways that you can protect yourself from it.

Some Common Spyware Symptoms

If you notice your PC running slower than usual or exhibiting any other unusual behavior, it may be a sign of spyware. Spyware has been known to bounce back e-mails or send emails without your knowledge. It can also appear to “haunt” your PC, opening your CD drives or placing unknown icons on your desktop.

Let’s start with the basics including: What is a security scanner? So glad you asked! Security, or vulnerability, scanners are tools used to determine whether and where your PC is vulnerable to, shall we say, outside “influences.” Interestingly enough, security scanners actually originated as tools for bad guys trying to break into PCs. The scanners were so effective, they soon became a proactive defense for good guys.

Today PC owners run security scans to find out where the problems are in their system before a bad guy exploits them. Security scanners are preventative, they will not help you once your system has already been infiltrated. They are purely detectives that predict weaknesses in your system so you can fix them before someone or something exploits them.

How Do I Choose a Security Scanner That’s Right for Me?

There are hundreds of these tools out there for sale. So it’s important to know which one will work best for your needs.

Hardware vs. Software Scanners

Security scanners come as both software products that run through Windows and actual appliances that you plug into your PC. You’ll find a little more flexibility with software scanners as you can choose what you are running the scanner on, while still performing other functions with the PC.

Hardware scanners on the other hand are very easy to set up and install. Generally you are able to just plug it into your network and voila! Often you’ll find that the hardware scanner is faster than the software.

Normal Scan Vs. Deep Scan

There are two different types of scans that can be performed, a normal scan (aka passive) and a deep scan (active). Normal scanners perform their passive scanning in the background, running continuously and constantly monitoring systems checking for security issues. Your PC may slow down a bit, but you’ll still be able to use it normally while the passive scan is running.

Deep scanners run a more aggressive scan that can interrupt network services because they are actively trying to break into the system. This is a much more thorough kind of scan for your PC.

We recommend running both, with the normal scan running continuously and a regularly scheduled deep scan for times when you don’t need to be using your PC.

Results, Data, and Support

Running a security scan will usually begin with the discovery phase. Devices on your PC are identified, data is collected, and the vulnerability is tested. A good scanner will provide a report of its results so you can figure out the best way to prioritize potential threats and future security issues. Often, discovered problems can be fixed with appropriate patches or system updates.

You will want to choose a security scanner that is backed by solid customer and technical support. When looking to purchase a scanner, make sure you do extensive research to find the right match for you and your PC.

What is a Phishing Scam?

I don't know if you've ever heard of Phishing before - but it's essentially what it sounds like. A fraudulent group of hackers, advertisers or scammers will write up an email that pretends to be from some well-known vendor. They then send out thousands of these emails all over the world, fishing for a response. The email will say something that is likely to elicit a reaction out of sheer habit. Examples include: