05/09/2008 -- Computer viruses sent via email and spyware are some of the unfortunate aspects of the Internet. Like everything else though, a little education goes a long way! This website was created as a place to direct my friends and family when they've run into computer virus or other hacker vomit. If you run across information that you think would be useful to this topic, let me know. Note: The information contained here is presented as my opinions, nothing more.

Intro to spam, virus and spyware.

» Spam - unsolicited email. You know, these tend to advertise phony investments, pornography, mortgage rates, male enhancement, blah, blah, blah. Best practices?

1. Don't post your email address,
2. Set up a spam box and guard your "real" email address like you would your own child.
3. Don't ever reply, and don't "unsubscribe".
4. If you have time to kill, look up the headers and inform the originating ISP of the abuse.

» Virus - usually sent around with email as attachements, these are executable tid-bits of code designed to do all manner of maliciousness. One very common "feature" of viruses is that they replicate themselves by forging a fake email and sending itself to as many recipients from the infected machine's email address book as it can. Best practices? 1) Don't open attachments... don't even preview them. 2) Make sure you have anti-virus software AND keep it up-to-date. 3) Sometimes using a webmail service is the perfect solution, ergo Gmail, or Yahoo.

» Spyware - this is a variation on computer virus. Basically this is some company spying on your online habits... what websites do you visit, etc. These commonly use exploits of the browser or plugin software to install themselves. Best practices? Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. 2) Disable features that permit websites to install software. 3) Disable Java (and tighten up what JavaScript can do if you are super paranoid.) 4) Be careful with popular plug-ins like Flash, Java clients, ActiveX, the list goes on. Many folks use these appropriately, but there a lots of bad guys out there too... some parading as companies you know well. Bottom line, don't trust anyone online.

Avoid Computer Virus - Best Practices Do not open email attachments. (Unless you are expecting an attachment from a specific sender, do not open attachments.) If you use Internet Explorer as a browser, make sure you check the "Windows Update" regularly (click the "Tools" menu, and you should see "Windows Update" as a menu item). Install a reputable anti-virus product AND KEEP IT UP TO DATE. (Anti Virus Software) Links to Email Virus Information Email viruses and YOU! Combating Virus Hoaxes Hoaxbusters - the US Department of Energy's Computer Incident Advisory Capability's (CIAC) Internet hoax and chain letter pages Vmyths.com - computer virus myths, hoaxes, urban legends, hysteria McAfee's Virus Hoax page -   Symantec's Security Response Hoaxes page -   Virus and hoax information feeds -   Links to Virus Information and Anti-Virus Libraries McAfee's Anti-Virus page - A popular source for anti-virus software McAfee's Virus Information Library - fairly comprehensive virus information library Symantec's Security Response page - includes the latest virus threats, security advisories, FAQs and more. Other Web Resources Didn't find what you were looking for? Here are some other great Internet resources and points of interest we've come across. Documents Index Identity Theft - Advice for preventing and reducing the impact of identity theft Web Design, Hosting, Templates, Games Web Hosting Information and Providers