Internet Security Tips/Daily Weblog

The Federal Trade Commission will host hearings this fall on emerging technologies being exploited by Internet spies and identity thieves.

The FTC last held similar hearings in 1995, when the technology to create now familiar problems such as spyware and spam was still in its infancy.

Some interesting internet security snippets:

Spyware in the news:

• “A hacker was able to access potentially 40 million credit card numbers by infiltrating the network of a company that processed payment data for MasterCard International and other companies.” InfoWorld, July 17, 2005
• “About 10 million Americans have their personal information pilfered and misused in some way or another every year, costing consumers $5 billion and businesses $48 billion annually.” Federal Trade Commission, June 21, 2005

Spyware Removal Tool

5 tips that spyware may be compromising your internet security:

Question: Why clutter a computer with adware and spyware? Each evening before shutting down, I delete all the cookies stored in my browser. I use a firewall and antivirus software. This procedure takes less time than using those two products. Granted, it takes away acceptable cookies, but they are replaced. — Tom Jordan

Answer: Deleting the cookies doesn’t do a thing when it comes to spyware and adware. So you’re not protecting your computer.

Besides, cookies got a bad rap years ago when they first came on the scene. I wish controlling spyware and adware were as simple as deleting cookies. You need to use a special program, as is true with fighting hackers and viruses, to tackle the problem.

I consistently recommend one of two free programs: SpyBot Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware. You can download either at www.download.com.

Now, more about cookies: Some hacker and porno sites can be dangerous when it comes to cookies. If you stay away from places like that, cookies from most mainstream sites should not be a concern.

A cookie is a tiny text file that lets a Web site identify you on your next visit. So the cookie makes it possible to — for instance — customize the Weather Channel’s opening page at www.weather.com to give you the temperature in your old hometown each time you log on. Once you’ve customized the site, the cookie lets the site pull up the correct page just for you.

Question: Having heard and read the admonitions to be careful about what to do to avoid e-mail spam, I wonder whether there is there a list or source that does enumerate those specific spots on the screen on which not to click in order not to expose the e-mail address to a spammer?
— Fred Lutz

Answer: It isn’t a case of finding the right spots on the screen. Clicking or not clicking on some spot won’t make any difference. However, there are ways to at least minimize the amount of spam you get. Here’s a list of tips:

• Avoid listing your e-mail address on Web pages. Spammers use software that harvests addresses.

If you must use your e-mail address on the Web, avoid using the AT symbol — it’s what spamming software looks for. Type an address this way — bill(at)spamstory.com — on a Web page.

• Get a free e-mail account at Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) or Hotmail (www.hotmail.com). Use it to order merchandise or leave public comments. You’ll still get spam, but most of it will go to the free account.

• Never answer a spam e-mail. Don’t order, don’t write to complain, don’t use the link that offers to remove your name from mailings. Answering proves the e-mail account is active and may generate more spam.

• If you participate in online contests or fill in registration forms on the Web, use your free account.

• If your Internet provider offers free anti-spam software or services, use them.

• Don’t check that box: When you sign up at a Web page, look for text toward the end of the form that says something like: “Yes, I want to be contacted by select third parties concerning products I might be interested in.” If the box has already been checked, remove the check mark.

• If you receive a spam offer that sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Bill Husted
Palm Beach Post.com
January 30, 2006