Computer Defense Strategy
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Spam Precautions
Spam is unsolicited, junk email.
- Delete spam without opening or reading it.
- Never open attachments from unknown senders. Be careful of attachments from known senders, they may be unwittingly forwarding you infected files or their computers may be infected with a virus that is automatically sending infected messages to people in their address books. If you are not expecting a certain attachment, check with the sender before opening it. While any attachment may potentially contain a virus but you should be especially cautious of attachments that end with ".exe," ".pif," or ".scr" file extensions.
- Install and use spam blocking software. You may download free spam blocking software, purchase spam blocking software, or use spam blocking protection offered by your Internet service provider.
- Use anti-virus software that scans your email and attachments. On your web pages, use encrypting when you post your email address. It is very easy to do, jut go to http://w2.syronex.com/jmr/safemailto/
Spyware/Adware Precautions
Spyware is a program designed to track all of your computer activities, from which applications you use to which websites you visit. It often works in conjunction with viruses to record your keystrokes (such as account numbers, usernames, and passwords) and then transmit them back to an evildoer who may then use or sell the information. Adware is a program that pop-up various advertisements and offers, even when you are not connected to the Internet. These ads are independent from pop-up windows that appear when visiting specific websites.
- Install and use spyware/adware protection software. You may download free spyware/adware protection software, purchase spyware/adware protection software, or use spyware/adware protection offered by your Internet service provider.
- Many Internet service providers furnish popup protection. If it is provided, enable the protection.