Basic stuff - Malware & Botnets...

[AZhitman]

Even though we all *think* we're well-protected from online shenanigans, the truth is, we also get complacent. The Internet is a powerful and useful tool, but in the same way that you shouldn’t drive without buckling your seat belt, you shouldn’t venture online without taking some basic precautions.

Viruses
Viruses are harmful computer programs that can be transmitted in a number of ways. Although they differ in many ways, all are designed to spread themselves from one computer to another through the Internet and cause havoc. Most commonly, they are designed to give the criminals who create them some sort of access to those infected computers.

Spyware
The terms "spyware" and "adware" apply to several different technologies. The two important things to know about them is that:
They can download themselves onto your computer without your permission (typically when you visit an unsafe website or via an attachment)
They can make your computer do things you don't want it to do. That might be as simple as opening an advertisement you didn't want to see. In the worst cases, spyware can track your online movements, steal your passwords and compromise your accounts.

Botnets
Botnets are networks of computers infected by malware (computer virus, key loggers and other malicious software) and controlled remotely by criminals, usually for financial gain or to launch attacks on website or networks.
If your computer is infected with botnet malware, it communicates and receives instructions about what it’s supposed to do from “command and control” computers located anywhere around the globe. What your computer does depends on what the cybercriminals are trying to accomplish.

Many botnets are designed to harvest data, such as passwords, social security numbers, credit card numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and other personal information. The data is then used for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, spamming (sending junk email), website attacks, and malware distribution.

Protect Yourself:

Keep a Clean Machine: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.

Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smart phones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.

Plug & scan: USB and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.

We're super-cautious about security here at NICOclub HQ (for obvious reasons)...

I'm sure that some of you who work in IT, Data Security, or in some other online capacity can share some other tips - What's your best security advice?

[orangeNblue]

have any recommendations on software products to use to keep systems clean...for both macs and PC's

[darylzero]

Use Ccleaner.com. It's free and cleans up and the temp junk on your computer very well. Anything you check on the left it will delete. Should look something like this



After running cleaner use Malwarebytes download the free version. Run a quick scan if it finds anything remove it all. Then do a full scan if it found anything.

If you have Comcast for internet you get Norton antivirus for free, just google Norton Comcast and it should be the first link (also offer it for macs). Other ISP's give you a free antivirus also, you will need to check with them.

If you don't get one from your ISP get it free from Microsoft theirs is very good as well. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/wind ... essentials

Make sure you only have one antivirus installed on your computer or else it will slow to a crawl!

For Mac's use Onyx to clean everything up. http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/11582/onyx

That's the quick basic stuff

[AZhitman]

We use Malwarebytes and Spybot S&D here at NICOclub HQ.

[Dattebayo]

Another tip - Try to install any and all antivirus or antimalware software in safe mode and from a CD verified virus free from another PC. This cuts down on the risk of having compromised software installed from the get-go.

Tip for Mac owners, you are not an island. They will come for you too, better to not ignore the threat and get your own protection as well.

[DJ_B_Easy]

+1 On Malwarebytes. Ive been using it for a few years and it quite often finds problems that Norton did not. Only downside is that it takes a bit longer than normal to scan. Set it and forget it.