Mythbusters: Dangerous Security Advice You Shouldn't Follow
When it comes to internet security, everyone and their cousin has advice to offer you about the best software packages to install, dodgy sites to stay clear of, or best practices when it comes to passwords. Or perhaps you've never listened to others and have your own beliefs about internet security? In that case - this post is for you. Let's take a look at some of the most common beliefs - some might say myths - about internet security.
Is Your PC A Zombie? And What's a Zombie Computer, Anyway? [MakeUseOf Explains]
Have you ever wondered where all of the Internet spam comes from? You probably receive hundreds of spam-filtered junk emails every day. Does that mean there are hundreds and thousands of people out there, sitting around sending them out manually? Unfortunately, no. The process is mostly performed by zombie computers. Whoa! Zombie computers? That sounds dangerous, scary, and a bit apocalyptic, doesn’t it?
3 Skype Security Issues and Threats You Should Know About
The world’s favourite voice over IP, text, voice and video chat system, Skype is one of those rare things, an app that has found a place in the hearts and minds of computer and smartphone users regardless of what operating system and manufacturer they have allegiance to. Of course, as any scam-aware users (and indeed, scammers) know, where there is widespread use of a piece of software, there is an opportunity to rip someone off, usually with malware.
4 Steps To Completely Remove Troublesome Or Bad Software [Windows]
We’ve all had that one program that no matter what we’ve tried, it wouldn’t go away. Or perhaps you didn’t even know what to try and thought you were simply stuck with this annoying program (or programs, if you’re really unlucky) for the life of your computer. Well, worry no longer – there’s hope. And it is fairly easy to achieve as well.
AdwCleaner Makes Adware Removal Easier Than Ever [Windows]
When confronted with adware or other junkware, the average person is going to tell you that you're going to need an application like SUPERAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes to get rid of the problem. While those are two of the best names to protect your PC from these annoyances, you should know that there are easier solutions available. Sometimes, a freeware seems too good to be free. It comes with a cost that you may not realize.
Kill Windows Viruses With an Ubuntu Live CD
Today's anti-virus solutions are pretty reliable, protecting you from most of the common threats out there in the world. With safe browsing habits, there's a rare chance that you'd ever get infected with malware. However, there's never a guarantee that you'll be completely safe if you are simply careful and run your anti-virus software. Especially when it comes to zero-day threats, sometimes things just happen to you that you can't blame on yourself.
Slimming Down On Your Windows Security Regiment: It Could Help
Though they're almost essential, some of the worst offenders in bogging down your Windows machine are actually the applications made to keep your computer safer and faster: those made for security. If you're a MakeUseOf reader, I trust that you use some form of anti-virus or anti-malware. As operating systems progress, it's practically being forced upon you. But do you have to?
The MUO Security Checklist: What You Need To Do Right Now To Be Safe
Security can be an overwhelming subject – there are so many potential problems we need to think about when securing our computers, our online accounts, and our wireless networks. This list should help simplify things – follow this checklist and you’ll be well on your way to staying safe on a dangerous Internet. Many security problems are caused by other people, whether it's a company releasing software with dangerous security holes or a website getting hacked.
What Search Engine Poisoning Is & How It Spreads Malware [MakeUseOf Explains]
If you thought malware popups and relentless email spam were the worst of it, think again. There’s a new contender on stage and it’s spreading malware like butter in desert heat. It’s called search engine poisoning and hundreds of thousands, even millions, of people have fallen victim to it all over the globe. Here’s the thing about malicious intent: the worst forms of villainy occur when the bad guys take something that is good and use it for evil.
5 Common Security Mistakes That Can Put Your Privacy & Money At Risk
How vulnerable are you? Ask any person who’s been robbed if it came as a surprise - I guarantee you it did. As the saying goes, the thief always comes in the night when you’re sleeping, when you’re least prepared. But even when you’re awake, you might be passively committing security mistakes, thus inviting hackers and crackers to fiddle with your things. Privacy and money are arguably the two most important things.
Free Anti-Virus Comparison: 5 Popular Choices Go Toe-To-Toe
What is the best free antivirus? This is among the most common questions we receive at MakeUseOf. People want to be protected, but they don’t want to have to pay a yearly fee or use bloated security suites with unwanted features. I myself am a free antivirus user for these very reasons. Discovering the best anti-virus isn’t easy, however.
8 Ways to Make Sure a Link Is Safe Before You Click It
Hyperlinks as we all know are the strands that make up the web. But just like the spiders, the digital web can trap the unsuspecting. Even the more knowledgeable among us click on links which are potentially harmful. You really cannot control you clicking, because that’s how the whole business of browsing happens. What you can control is making sure that the link or webpage you are clicking through to is as safe as a mother’s lap, and not a malware infested demon lying in wait.
What Is the Benefit or an Online/Cloud-Based Anti-Virus?
It seems like all the apps we use on our computers are migrating to the cloud these days. Email, chatting, editing documents and pictures – increasingly, we're using cloud-based solutions for almost everything.. There are even cloud-based antivirus solutions that run in your browser. Online antiviruses can be useful, but they’re no replacement for an installed antivirus program – antivirus is one area browser-based apps just don’t cut it.
How To Avoid Getting Tricked By Viruses That Want Your Money
Malware that attempts to part victims from their money is nothing new.There is another threat, called ransomware, that attempts to leverage the authority of some well-known organization to extract money directly from victims. Here’s how it works and what you can do to avoid it.
Stay Safe Online with the New Bitdefender Total Security 2013 [Giveaway]
Bitdefender Total Security 2013 is packed full of features without the impossible learning curve. This thing is a gargantuan software package that has everything you’ll ever need when it comes to computer security. This week, we’ll be giving away 25 copies of Bitdefender Total Security 2013 worth a total of $2,000 for FREE! Do you want a copy? Of course you do.
What To Do If You Think Your Computer Has Been Hacked Into
Have you ever had your computer hacked, or wondered if some off mouse movement was down to an online intruder? The threat remains a potent one, but with adequate security software installed on your computer you should find that your data remains intact and private.
The 3 Best Antivirus Apps To Protect Your Android Security
As we’ve reported frequently at MakeUseOf, Android is no longer safe from malware. The number of threats is on the rise. This shouldn’t be surprise to anyone. Smartphones and tablets can carry all sorts of personal information and users often don’t understand the potential threat. The state of anti-virus software on Android doesn’t make the situation better.
The Microsoft Malware Removal Tool - How Well Does It Work?
If you keep an eye on the updates Windows installs, you may notice the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool appearing every month. It removes some malware programs, but only a few -- it doesn't replace the need for an antivirus.
What Everybody Ought to Know About Securing Their Mobile Phone
As the processing power of mobile phones continues to increase, so their use as a de facto communications and storage device gains more and more users. The end result is a society of connected individuals carrying around expensive hardware holding all of their most important data from contacts to document, music to movies and photos and games.