Wage Fight Against Computer Criminals
Computers have become a common item in households throughout America and citizens have developed skills in their many possibilities.
These instruments have opened a world of information, entertainment and communication, but it is one populated with cyber criminals, to whom they are vulnerable.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has issued a warning about hackers and spammers secretly invading residential Internet connections. Science fiction sounding names such as robot networks and zombie armies identify actual threats to information systems in Texas and around the globe, he said.
These stealthy invaders can download harmful software, including spyware and computer viruses, onto home computers. These malicious programs turn ordinary computers into robots that can be remotely controlled by cyber criminals, Abbott explained.
Once a robot computer network, known as a botnet, is in place, cyber criminals can use it to spy on Internet users, harvest sensitive personal information and send millions of spam messages.
Last year, the attorney general’s office shut down a Texas spammer who “leased” a substantial botnet to others who distributed illegal spam. Legal action also was taken against two suspects who used botnets to orchestrate spam e-mail campaigns touting near-worthless penny stocks.
Investigators said the defendants sent potential investors millions of unsolicited e-mails with baseless price projections about their stock offers.
Up to one quarter of all personal computers connected to the Internet may be hijacked by botnets, cyber security experts estimate.
Users can watch for signs of an infected computer which often include slow operation, frequent “crashing” and ongoing e-mail boxes filled with messages the user did not send. The botnet’s viruses and spyware usually do not disable hijacked computers, because computers must be functional and connected to the Internet in order for the botnet to work.
There is some good news with this burgeoning menace. Abbott said Texans can take five simple steps to prevent their home computers from becoming part of the zombie network.
Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware programs should be a first step for all home computer users. Many Internet service providers and software companies offer programs to protect against malicious software and most operating systems issue periodic security patches to fix flaws in their software.
Home computers users also should set up firewalls to block unauthorized access while connected to the Internet. Computers not protected by anti-virus programs and firewalls are extremely vulnerable to harmful software invasions.
Consumers are strongly advised to never open e-mail attachments or download files from unknown sources. The links or files could contain hidden programs that could snare the computer in a botnet. Also, spammers often solicit personal information through fraudulent spam e-mails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit union. Caution also is urged when opening e-mail attachments.
Changing passwords to e-mail accounts, online banking accounts and other secure Web sites also is important. Using birthdays or anniversaries as part of passwords, or using the same password repeatedly also is considered risky.
A final important tip is to always disconnect a home computer from the Internet when they are not in use. Closing the Internet connection prevents hackers and spammers from accessing or abusing private information and resources.
If there is reason to suspect a computer has been hacked or infected by spyware or a virus, it should be immediately disconnected from the Internet and the computer should be fully scanned using updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Unauthorized computer access also should be reported to the Internet service provider and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Being aware of the threats involved in using computers, and knowing how to counter invasion threats, help keep the utilization experience more worry free.
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