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Would I know if my computer is infected with spyware

Spyware is a type of software that is installed on your computer to watch and record your activity. Some types of spyware record your keystrokes and information that you type into websites or other programs and then use that information for targeted advertising or identity theft. These programs can be installed on your computer in many ways, but often they are hidden inside of software such as free games, screen savers, or animated cursors.

Here are some signs that your computer might be infected with spyware:

You notice new toolbars, links, or favorites that you didn't intentionally add to your web browser.

Your home page, mouse pointer, or search program changes unexpectedly.

You type the address of a specific website into your web browser, but you're taken to a completely unrelated website.

You see pop-up ads, even if your computer isn't connected to the Internet.

Your computer suddenly starts running slowly. Not all computer performance problems are caused by spyware, but spyware can cause a noticeable change.

Sometimes, your computer will show no symptoms, even if a spyware program is running. To help protect your privacy and your computer, we recommend that you run and update an antispyware program at all times.

If you think you can fix it on your own, see Remove spyware from your computer, if not we can help you.

What is phishing and no it does not involve a worm or a hook.

Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, banks, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure unsuspecting public.

Phishing emails may contain links to websites that are infected with malware. Phishing is typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to deceive users, and exploits the poor usability of current web security technologies. Attempts to deal with the growing number of reported phishing incidents include legislation, user training, public awareness, and technical security measures.

Phishing is a continual threat that keeps growing to this day. The risk grows even larger in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc. Hackers commonly use these sites to attack persons using these media sites in their workplace, homes, or public in order to take personal and security information that can affect the user and the company (if in a workplace environment).

Phishing is used to portray trust in the user since you can usually not tell that the site or program being visited/ used is not real, and when this occurs is when the hacker has the chance to access the personal information such as passwords, usernames, security codes, and credit card numbers among other things.

The consequences of neglect

Sadly my frequent observation is that many businesses and home PC users have not embraced the concept that even if they have antivirus software, that they need routine security and performance maintenance from an expert.

More often than not I get calls from businesses and consumers when their PC is in critical condition when windows won't start or they cannot access the internet and it suddenly dawns on them that they could lose all of their vital files, pictures and documents.

Depending upon the nature of the issue sometimes their data can be retrieved and sometimes it cannot. Retail tech outlets commonly will just erase everything, reinstall windows and tell you to reinstall your programs from the install CD and your data from your backup (if you have one).

Even when I able to retrieve their data, some computers have so much spyware that they are likely to have any accounts they access hacked unless they change their passwords right away.

I urge you to have an expert review your computer often whether it is us or someone else. The choice is yours, but the heartache you may save yourself is immeasurable. If nothing else backup your data with Carbonite.

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Protect yourself before the CryptoLocker virus gets to you

This ransomware is still around and still affecting people across the country. In March alone, more than 11,000 computers have been hit. There is nothing you can do to prevent hackers from taking over your files and holding them ransom ... but you can protect your files before they can get to them. That's why I recommend Carbonite. It will automatically back up your files up to the cloud. Don't get held for ransom - protect yourself with Carbonite
As of April 8, 2014 Windows XP is an unsupported version of Windows and a target for hackers. Are you one of many users who are still running Windows XP after Microsoft ended support and security updates for it? Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus no longer protects Windows XP anymore and there are no longer any security updates for Internet Explorer 8 the most current version XP supports. Many users have PCs that are not able to run newer versions of windows and not able to buy a new computer yet. There are ways to secure Windows XP after the end of support. Some can follow good counsel on their own, but we can help you if you need assistance. At a minimum if you must run XP for now, stop using Internet Explorer immediately and switch to Google Chrome or Apple Safari as options and turn off admin privileges for the windows USERID you use for internet access. Microsoft blinked…XP updated one last time (May 2nd)

Is your computer safe, secure and performing well?

Depending on your environment computers should be serviced at least once per quarter, though monthly service is optimal. This will ensure your computers securely run at their peak performance.
Service is also important to ensure you are protected from viruses and "malware" which can compromise your computer and online banking transactions. Some viruses and other malware have symptoms noticeable to the computer user, but many are surreptitious or simply do nothing to call attention to themselves.
They can track keystrokes, steal passwords, use you computer as a zombie, even hold your PC hostage and a host of other malicious things without your knowledge.
Having antivirus software does not ensure you are protected and virus free. Just a click on a malicious link in an email or on a website can infect your PC. Only periodic professional scanning with a series of detection tools and cleaning can ensure that your PC is clean.
What solution do you use to backup the data on your computer if it crashes or is wiped by a virus? I use Carbonite
Wireless network setup, home network set up, PC/Printer installation services are also available. Prices are based on project scope and complexity.
Need help? Email us at mail @ harveydavis.com to start the conversation or click here for Technical Support Service Options.