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Why Should You Be Afraid of Malware?
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3/1/2010
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Why Should You Be Afraid of Malware?
What is malware?
Malware is a general term for software that is meant to cause harm. Computer viruses, spyware, adware, and Trojan horses are all examples of malware. Computer security experts like to compare malware with human diseases (which is why computer viruses are called “viruses” in the first place).
The purpose of malware can be something as seemingly harmless (yet annoying) as popping up a window to show you unwanted advertizing, or as dangerous as snooping on the keystrokes as you type your internet banking password.
How do computers get malware?
Computers become infected with malware through a number of mechanisms – sharing files on jump drives or floppy disks, opening suspicious e-mail attachments, or visiting websites that are themselves infected with malware. Additionally, malware can arrive via downloaded files, such as music or videos from a peer-to-peer file sharing networks (such as Kazaa or BitTorrent), or simply by visiting a website that has been hacked and infected. No longer is it a matter of staying away from “bad” websites. Unfortunately any website that is not properly secured can be hacked and infected with malware that could infect your PC.
How do you avoid getting malware?
Doctors tell you to avoid getting the flu by washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with those who are already infected, and by getting immunized. Precautions against getting malware are remarkably similar to trying to stay healthy.
•The single most important step that you can take to protect your PC is to install and use well-known anti-virus software. Update the virus definitions regularly and scan your computer regularly. Most anti-virus scanners will provide tools to automate these tasks so that they take place when you are not using your computer. This software will help you when you visit a site that has been hacked and infected.
•Use a software firewall. If you are using Windows XP or Vista, enable the Windows Firewall. If you have a Mac and are running OS X 10.2 or above, enable the built-in firewall.
•Avoid fake anti-malware. Unfortunately, there are rogue anti-malware vendors that promise to rid your computer of malware, but actually install malware instead, often holding your computer hostage until you pay them. Don’t buy anti-malware software advertized in pop-up ads. Legitimate software isn’t sold this way. GetNetWise.org (maintained by the Internet Education Foundation) has a list of legitimate security tools (http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/).
•Don’t open suspicious e-mail attachments. Historically e-mail attachments are one of the most popular ways to spread malware. If you don’t know what it is, delete it immediately rather than open it.
•Surf the web carefully. Malware often comes from “dodgy” web sites. Download and install software only from websites you know and trust. Scan any downloaded files for viruses before you open them.
How will I know if my computer is infected?
If you have a Mac, your chances of being infected with malware are lower than if you are running Windows, although the incidence of Mac malware is on the rise. Some security experts predict that 2009 will see a large increase in the amount of malware targeted at Macs.
It is possible that malware will make its existence known through pop-up windows or messages on your screen. If your computer exhibits this sort of behavior, your computer is certainly infected. Otherwise, you should look for the following symptoms.
Programs running slowly, crashing: many types of malware like to piggy-back on other applications, like web browsers, to monitor what they are doing. This can use a lot of your computer’s resources, causing it to slow down considerably. On the other hand, some malware is just badly written and can slow down your computer or even crash other applications.
Suspicious network traffic; slow internet connection: If you are running Windows, press the CTRL, ALT and Delete keys at the same time, then select “Task Manager” from the resulting window. When Task manager opens, click on the Network tab and see if your PC is using the internet network connection, if it shows more than a few percent usage then this could be evidence of something using your internet connection without your knowledge.
Anti-virus warnings: Antivirus software cannot be expected to find all malware, but it does detect about 75%. Some malware will attempt to download other malware to do more damage. Antivirus software may detect one of these applications but not both. An anti-virus warning, combined with other signs, is a good indication of an infection, especially if you’re not currently browsing the web or copying files.
What should I do if my computer is infected?
First, stop banking, shopping, or other online activities that involve sensitive information. Confirm that your anti-virus software is enabled and up-to-date. Scan your computer for viruses. Allow the anti-virus software to do its job, cleaning up and deleting viruses. Some malware is very sophisticated and can be difficult to remove even with the tools mentioned here. If you suspect that your computer is still infected, you may want to contact a professional. Many of the stores that sell computers also have services to repair them; this may be a good place to find assistance.
There are some helpful, legitimate (and free) resources that can aid in getting your computer healthy again:
•Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) has a number of tools that can help identify and remove malware from your computer.
•Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://onecare.live.com/scan) is a free service offered by Microsoft that can clean up malware as well as tuning up your PC.
UPDATED 3/2/2010
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NetTeller Online Banking- Safe & Secure
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1/1/2008
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Online banking can offer greater security than traditional banking. The ability to receive bills and statements online essentially eliminates the paper trail that leads thieves to your credit, debit and account information. Also instead of waiting for your bank statements to arrive by mail each month, you can review your transactions online whenever you please. This 24/7 access allows you to spot suspicious activity before it gets out of control.
8 Reasons to Use NetTeller Online Banking
1. You'll save time and money. You'll be writing fewer checks and avoid postage costs. Bank of Ripley / Bank of Tipton offers FREE Bill Payer! If you write and mail 10 checks a month, that's a savings of $4.10 a month, that's about $50 a year!
2. It's convenient. Forgot to pay your mortgage payment before leaving for your trip? No problem! You can send that payment from your hotel room or anywhere you have an internet connection.
3. It's easier to track funds. Pay your bills online and you'll know exactly when the payment was issued and when it cleared.
4. Transfer funds immediately. Instead of standing in line for teller service, driving to the ATM or attempting to push the right telephone buttons, you can log on to NetTeller Online Banking and transfer from one account to another instantly.
5. You can review new and old statements. With E-Statement Delivery, you can open a password secured e-mail, receive your monthly statement and save it to your PC. Also NetTeller holds 3 months of past statements online.
6. You can use your account information off-line. From NetTeller you can download banking information to financial software, such as Microsoft Money and Intuit QuickBooks. This makes record keeping easier.
7. Getting started is simple. Online applications are located on our websites for your convenience. For those who like instruction, we offer online "Help" menus or you can come in to any of our locations for a demo.
8. You can still enjoy personal service. Bank of Ripley / Bank of Tipton NetTeller Online Banking offers customer support if you need to speak to a "real person". We are only a phone call or email away!
We invite you to give NetTeller Online Banking a try. Once you try it we are sure you will agree with another one of our customers who said "It's better than sliced bread!"
UPDATED 1/22/2008
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Home Equity Line of Credit
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1/1/2008
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We understand that you work hard to make your house a home. But did you know your home is more than just a roof over your head? It's also a financial haven you can turn to for the money you need to really live. A Home Equity Line of Credit provides you with a convenient source of cash you can use anytime, for just about anything.
What Is A Home Equity Line of Credit?A home equity line of credit works like a credit card.It allows you to continually borrow and repay funds within your approved credit limit. Your monthly payment is based on the amount you borrow. You have the option to pay the entire balance, pay the minimum monthly payment or any amount in between. It works well for a specific purchase or for unexpected borrowing needs. It also provides peace of mind for possible emergencies.
Great Ways to Use Your Home Equity
*Consolidating Bills
*Home Improvements
*Autombile, Boat, RV Purchases
*Investments
*Education Funding
*Business Expansion
*Medical Costs
*Vacations
We're committed to helping you make the most of your hard-earned equity. So come in and talk with one of our team members today about a Home Equity Line of Credit. It really is a better way to borrow!
UPDATED 1/22/2008
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Free Credit Report in Tennessee
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1/1/2008
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Tennessee consumers can now receive a free copy of their credit reports from the three major credit-reporting agencies. This new policy allows consumers to receive copies of their credit history once every 12 months from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A congressional law passed is being phased in from the West Coast to the East Coast. For Tennessee and 10 other states, June 01,2005 was the implementation date.
Reports can be obtained at
www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the only authorized source for the free report. Consumers will not receive their credit scores when they receive the credit reports. Consumers will still have to pay if they want to receive their credit scores.
With identity theft at an all time high, this report can only benfit you, the consumer. This free copy will allow you to check for unauthorized charges or entries.
UPDATED 1/22/2008
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Avoid Getting Netted
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1/1/2008
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Internet "phishing" scams are one of the fastest growing frauds today. Phishing involves a bogus email message that uses a legitimate company's logos or graphics to obtain personal financial details such as your credit card number, bank account number and Social Security number.
The Department of Justice advises email users to "STOP, LOOK AND CALL".
STOP. Resist the urge to immediately respond to an unsolicited email despite urgent claims.
LOOK. Read the email several times and ask yourself why the information is really needed by this organization.
CALL. Call the organization using a telephone number that you know is legitimate.
If you believe you have been "phished" you should:
1. Immediately contact your financial institution.
2. Contact the three major credit bureaus to request a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. The bureaus and phone numbers are:
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
The bottom line:Don't get hooked by fraudulent phishing attempts!
UPDATED 1/22/2008
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