The Firewalls-and-Virus-Protection.com
   Security Alert News Reporter   

     October 2005               LANGHORNE, PENNSYLVANIA, USA   Volume 2, Issue (No 17)    
Help! I think we have a Virus.

         Here's your "Security Alert News Reporter" for October, 2005
    The "NewsReporter" is published to keep you up-to-date on the latest information we gather for avoiding and surviving the hectic hacker attacks on your computer security and personal identity that take place constantly on the internet. Many of our comments are based on personal experiences. Protecting your safety, security, sanity, and privacy is not a simple task. We're trying to make it a bit easier for you to accomplish.
    This Newsletter is sent out periodically to everyone who has registered for the Security Alert and Report Alert Services from one or more of the websites published and maintained by www.RichardPresents.com.
   
If you are no longer interested in up-to-date Security Alerts or Safe Surfing Suggestions - please use the  link at  the end of this letter to un-register. 
                                                                                  

Thanks for being a
 Loyal Subscriber

Some Highlights from TODAY'S TOPICS

. Latest Virus and Worm Threats
. The Panda Report - Fake Search Pages
  Cyber Crime Trends
. Revised ALERT -Stinger Updated
. Privacy Theft - Important Updates
 Install Free Anti-virus software
●  Watch out for these dangers
. Family Security - Updated Caring Report
. Family and Kid Friendly Sites
. Recommended - Predator Guard to Protect

   your Children
. Publications for your Family and Friends/
   "23 Critical Security Alerts" / FREE Internet
    Glossary /
5 New Article Announcements/
    Online Security while Traveling / Others
. Resources - Many FREE! / (What is i-cop?)
. Bill Hely's ebook -My Security Bible    
. Reviews of the News- really fresh
      information and encouraging news to keep
      you abreast of latest Security activities
. National Cyber Security Month - October 05
  Free Download / Errornuker Registry Cleaner
 
●  Question from a Junior Reader
   CLICK ON ANY TOPIC YOU'RE INTERESTED IN - OR READ THIS NEWSLETTER FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
 
America has just experienced a double tragedy, and the survivors of the Katrina and Rita disasters need help - our help - and they'll need it for a long, long time. Please open your hearts and help them in the best way you know how. We're doing it through i-Cop.

                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
Latest Virus Threats  reported thru Oct 1, 2005 by McAfee ,
US-CERT, Panda
™ and other advisory services. (US-CERT is the operational arm
of the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) at the Department of Homeland Security)

 
   Full descriptions including virus characteristics, symptoms, aliases and removal instructions are available by clicking on the links. This virus alert is in addition to those posted in previous month's
News Reporter issues. You can review previous Virus Alerts in the Archive files.
 

      CLICK on Red Virus Name for descriptions and Removal Advice
 
 
McAfee Advisory
  • W32/IRCbot.worm!MS05-039 is a Low-Profiled virus.
  • W32/Sober.p@MM is a Low-Profiled virus.

  •  
        symantec Advisory

    W32.Zotob.E  is still considered a medium threat worm with high
       distribution
    W32.Alcra.D is a worm that spreads through the Limewire file-sharing
      network. It tries to disable several programs and drops a
    W32.Spybot.Worm
      variant on the compromised computer.
     

    US-CERT, September 23, 2005
     
    US-CERT is aware of a public exploit code vulnerability in Mozilla products. A remote attacker who is able to convince a user to view a specially crafted HTML document may be able to execute arbitrary code on a computer running the vulnerable application.

    US-CERT encourages Mozilla users to upgrade to version 1.0.7 and Mozilla Suite users to upgrade to version 1.7.12 as soon as possible.
    .

    TrendMicro
     
    No Malware Alert
     There are no medium or high risk alerts at this time.
     
    Panda  Here's an item from the Panda Report for Oct 1, 2005

    Security experts have discovered a malicious program aimed at tricking users into clicking on phony search results on fake Google, Yahoo and MSN sites.
     
    People with infected machines who try to visit those popular search sites are redirected to spoof versions, antivirus company Panda Software reported. The spoof sites serve up bogus search results intended to generate traffic and revenue for other sites that are presumed to be in on the scheme, said Patrick Hinojosa, Panda's chief technology officer.
     
    "This is a business; this is organized crime," Hinojosa said. "People are making money on it."
     
    Machines can become infected with the program, called PremiumSearch, when visiting Web sites that distribute pirated software and pornography....................


                          
     (Panda is an International anti-spyware provider)

                                                     
    **************

                                                           
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    Cyber Crime Trends
     

    In following the threat activities reported by the major Security companies, I've observed the change in virus activity and severity from fast-acting, broad based global threats to more targeted worm attacks where the focus is on avoiding detection and stealing money and identities. Phishing activities are rampant, as are Trojans dropping spyware Keyloggers.

         Do you remember the  scenario on a  keylogger exploit we discussed
         last month? Here's an update

    International investigators looking to identify the virus writer responsible for the Zotob/Rbot worm outbreak additionally stumbled onto three groups of virus writers, two groups of botnet creators, and an international stolen credit card network. (Carders)

    Carder groups are structured much like traditional organized crime syndicates: new members must provide a certain number of fresh, new stolen credit card numbers before they are admitted; once accepted, they must commit to providing a certain number of stolen credit card numbers each week.

    By hiring virus writers, carders can use the infected computers worldwide to harvest credit card information from that PC or from other computers on a network.

    FBI and other international authorities recently announced the arrests of two individuals, Farid Essebar, an 18-year-old Russian-born Moroccan, and Atilla Ekici, a 21-year-old Turkish man, in connection with authoring the recent worms.

                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~

    Even your firewall is under attack.
    There's a malicious code masquerading as a trusted application that could trick a ZoneAlarm firewall into letting it connect to the Internet, security experts have warned.

    The issue affects the popular free ZoneAlarm firewall and default installations of version 5.5 and earlier of the paid product, maker Zone Labs said in a recent security advisory. Default installations of the Check Point Integrity Client are also affected, but the paid ZoneAlarm 6.0 products, released in July, are not, Zone Labs said.

    What to do about it? Be certain to update when you receive the automatic Update alert from Zone Labs. It's easy and you can update the Free version.
                                     
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Phishers Take Aim At Yahoo Photo Sharing

    In a recent issue of TechWeb News, Gregg Keizer reported on this latest tactic

    Phishers have switched tactics in their ongoing attempt to steal usernames and passwords from unsuspecting Yahoo users, a security company said, by turning to secondary sign-on pages, such as on the Yahoo Photos image sharing service.
     
    San Diego-based Websense said that crooks are sending out spam that claims to contain photos from a friend wanting to show off some recent pics, like ones from a wedding or birthday. The messages include a link to a phony site which captures the user's Yahoo ID and password, then passes the data to the real Yahoo Photos site.
     
    Websense also reported that the majority of the spoofed sites using this trick are hosted by Yahoo's own GeoCities service, which offers  data storage and  transfer at no charge.
     
    Phishing criminals are always searching for sneakier ways to deceive Internet users. Last week, for instance, security vendor SurfControl noted that some phishers were using phony digital certificates to calm users' worries about suspicious sites.
                                      
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~
     

                                      
                                                            
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    IMPORTANT ALERT►Last month,  I revised my recent reminder about the Free virus checking and removal STINGER tool at the Firewalls and Virus Protection site.

    STINGER
    ,
     (compliments of McAfee's Anti-virus and Vulnerability Emergency Response Team -
    AVERT) was updated on August 18, 2005 to detect and remove more than 50 current viruses including Zotob.
     

    It's a great little program that still fits neatly on a floppy disc - a perfect way to clean up your computer if a worm or other 'rogueware' has disabled your ability to get back on the Internet to update your security ware.
     
    Whenever updated versions become available,
    I'll post a notice here, on the Firewalls and Virus
    Protection website and in the Security Alert Blog. 

     
     

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      Privacy Theft  - Be on the alert for the latest spyware and Scams, sources of malware and Zombie (hijacking) programs that often lead to stolen personal and financial information and Identity Theft.
     

    Usually, it's very difficult to repair the damage they cause, however, there are some really fine and very effective Programs available to Home and Small Business computer users to improve online security and minimize adware, Trojan horse/Zombie and general malware threats. You'll need at least two or three.

    Among the many reputable online security resources that I monitor, Suzi Turner's "Spyware Warrior" website is one that does an outstanding job of not only reviewing the latest anti-spyware software, but she advises how best to use it.

    The following recommended anti-spyware programs appear most often on the top rated research and anti-spyware reporting websites, including Spyware Warrior.

      Microsoft AntiSpyware*,  Webroot Spy Sweeper (
    CLICK for Free trial), -
      Spybot Search and Destroy Adaware XoftSpy - and - Pest Patrol
     
    * Microsoft AntiSpyware  is currently available as a FREE Download, but you can't use it
     with Windows 95 or 98. I use it on my windows 2000 and Windows XP PC's, have it set for automatic updates and daily scans. Like
    SpywareBlaster (Download) it's designed to  monitor in Real Time.

    Keep in mind that you must also have up-to-date anti-virus software(*) and a
    strong firewall, plus the latest updates for your browser (Internet Explorer,
    Firefox, Netscape, Opera... whichever one you use).

     
    (*) Here's the best link to Grisoft's AVG  Free anti virus software, in case you missed it in recent issues of the News Reporter.   
     
    When you arrive at the Grisoft webpage, scroll to the bottom and click on the link in the table under the FILE heading. It'll look something like this:
    avg70free344a618.exe  -- Select Save in the Download dialog box that opens.

    Saving it to your desktop will make it easier to find the Install icon placed there as part of the installation process. Click on the icon and follow the instructions to complete your installation. Spend a few minutes becoming familiar with the AVG Anti-Virus Control Center.
     
    Be sure to check for updates, get them and then do a complete virus scan.
     
    I set my AVG program for automatic updates once every day... makes me feel more secure, and I also use two anti-virus programs on each of my computers.
    However, I use only one firewall software program on each computer... Richard

    Check out the Free Resources topic for more information and links to the HijackThis and CWSshredder trojan detection and removal resources.   
             
                                                            
     To Top 

    This might shock you -  No. 1 Source of Identity Theft
    In an article  by By Heather White, The Hollywood Buzz in Picit, she wrote:

    About half of all identity theft is committed by close friends and relatives who gain access to the personal records in your home, office, wallet or pocketbook. They not only steal bills and credit cards, but also "LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT" documents and the identity that goes with it. That's the shocking conclusion of a new survey of 4,000 consumers, about 500 of whom were identity theft victims, that was conducted by Javelin Research and the Better Business Bureau for CheckFree Services Corp., Visa USA, and Wells Fargo Bank.
     
    The most frequently cited sources of identity theft:

    29 percent Lost or stolen wallet
    12.9 percent Fraud that occurs during an in-store or telephone transaction:
    8.0 percent Stolen mail:
    5.0 percent Spyware on the computer
    2.6 percent Sifting through garbage
    2.2 percent Computer viruses
    1.7 percent "Phishing" through fraudulent e-mail

    With just your name, Social Security number and birth date, identity thieves are often limited only by their creativity.

    A few more dangers to watch out for —

     1.
    An Instant Messaging worm that masquerades as Apple Computer's iTunes applications and drops adware on infected PC's. The worm is reported to spread using AOL's Instant Messenger. Although it hasn't been reported as a fast spreading worm, it could easily infect those PC's that it does visit with spyware.

     2. Wireless networks are becoming more prevalent with the spread of broadband Internet access, and many consumers are not aware of how to configure their networks to avoid unauthorized access. 

    Most new computers are equipped for wireless Internet access, and more and more people are opting for Wi-Fi in their homes. But as the networks become stronger and more prevalent, more of those signals are available outside the home of the subscriber, spilling over into neighbor's apartments, hallways and the street.

    Trespassers to your wireless signal can steal a lot of information about you and use your signals for free. Be on the alert for suspicious activity of internet piggy-backers.
       
                              

                                                                                    
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    Family Security and Caring
     
    Family Caring- At some time in our lives, family members and friends may need caring support and special understanding. The FREE Care Giving/Care Receiving manual is still available from the Senior2Senior.org website. Download this Free document, even if you aren't a Senior or aren't now involved in providing care for a loved one. All of my friends that I've shared it with agree that it's a great Resource and Guide.
                                                                                                        ...... Richard

    We post Kid Safe Sites, because like you, we care about the safety and security of our children and grandchildren...
    ...and to help parents, grandparents and guardians guide today's young internet surfers to safe sites. There are many other website creators who feel the same concerns and responsibility. These are just a few of their sites that we have personally reviewed and tested as safe for our Grandchildren. Check them out and share them with the young people you care about.
      Please note the 'AMBER ALERT" scrolling at the bottom of this table
      If you would like to help support the Code Amber project, please click here.

    Reviews of Family Safe Sites

    CRAYOLA
     

    The Crayola website goes beyond being just for Kids with its sections for Parents and Educators, too.

    PBS Kids is a respected and trusted site. We would not hesitate to send our children and grandchildren there for entertainment and education, either.

    Our Firewalls-and-virus-protection.com website is Certified 'Family Safe' by the Institute of Family Safe Businesses.

     
    Ask Jeeves for Kids

    Enter your question here:
    Ask Jeeves is a trademark of Ask Jeeves, Inc., Copyright 1996-2000 Ask Jeeves, Inc. Ask Jeeves for Kids has great Study Tools, Fun and Games and News Resources,
    Kid Safe Site from
    Yahooligans! A really cool Index to the Web for net Surfers ages 8 - 14.

    Check out the Kid Friendly pages HERE and the Parent Friendly Links
     HERE
    Your Site Support Supporting your Play Time with Kids
    for Kid approved activities that grownups love Click to visit Site
      We receive no compensation for displaying these links and you will be under No Obligation when you visit them. They are here because we care about the safety of everyone who uses the internet, especially our Kids.



    Predator Guard protects our children



    Help for Parents and Grandparents. Add to your computer

    Predator Guard
    provides real-time protection for children in chat rooms, instant messaging, and e-mail exchanges.
     
    The Home Edition Features:
    • Real-time protection in Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms, E-mail and Attachments
    • E-mail notification to parents
    • Reviews both outgoing and incoming data
    • User defined library to prevent distribution of personal information
    • Detects, captures, logs and reports violations
    • Works as a stand-alone application or with existing site blocking programs (AOL Parental Controls, Cyber Patrol, Net Nanny, and more.)
     Predator Guard  provides real-time protection for children in chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail and attachments from online predators and pedophiles. In addition, Predator Guard can prevent all outgoing personal information, such as a child's home address, phone number and school information, or other information that is essential for a predator to make contact with a child. Purchase this Inexpensive Protection Now
                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
                                                     
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                    THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO SUBMITTED SUGGESTIONS
                    IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT YET
                         PLEASE ADD YOU OPINION  BY CLICKING BELOW

    Would splitting the newsletter into two separate sections, and issuing 
    them two weeks apart make it easier for you to keep up with all of the news,
    tips, and useful content?   

        One suggestion was to present important current security alerts and advice in each issue of the News Reporter and  make the regular features available as a Supplement that could be accessed by clicking a link.
    (Here's a sample of a separate "Regular Features Supplement" CLICK HERE)

    Your opinions will be very helpful. Please let me know how often you'd
    like to have your newsletter sent to you.    

    CLICK HERE to open a contact form where you can tell me what you think.

                                                                    thanks,   Richard  

                                                                To Top

     

    Publications - Use these Reports to help your family and friends:
     

       
    . For those of you who have visited our Firewalls website and Security Alert Blog, you know that the information there is directed toward keeping you safe from hacker and cracker attacks. Additions to our bookshelf are selected with the same purpose - and we encourage you to share our reports freely. Don't miss the NEWest Free report

    Bookshelf and Special Report Alerts

    23 Critical Alerts free to subscribers


    "23 CRITICAL ALERTS

    You Should Consider when Maintaining
    Your Computer Security and Protecting
     Your Personal Safety"

    FREE Downloadable eReport for ALL Subscribers
     to the
    Security Alert News Reporter
      
    Already a Subscriber?
    CLICK HERE to request your Free copy

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     

    Read how to Protect young children and family from chat room predators

    Protect Yourself and Family from Dangerous Chat Rooms and Instant Messages. If you use them, you and yours are the Hacker's newest targets.
     
    Hackers are already taking advantage of problems with today's IM systems. People not familiar with these new threats could easily open a new, harmless looking IM message that pops up on their screen. With one well intentioned click of their mouse on a Hacker’s phony message, could get infected. It's no longer just the teen age Chat Room users that are in danger. Whole families are threatened
     
    In case you missed this FREE report on the Firewalls-and-Virus-Protection website, you can read it here.  Please print the report and share it with your family, friends and associates. Help them avoid the hidden dangers and threats often buried in IM messages and of predators lurking in Chat Rooms.
                              
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

                                                           
      To Top
     

    Imorive you Online Security when traveling

    If you take your laptop computer with you on your travels, this interview with the Author of "Travel Cheap-Travel Well" contains tips and advice to help maintain your
     Online Security while Traveling in the United States and Abroad.

    The author, Victor K Pryles, discusses computer security and offers first hand advice on maintaining personal safety while on the road, high seas and in the air.

    Click to read it here or Down Load it from this link and share this FREE 10 page report with the travelers you care about. (It's in eBook format; download in less than a minute and zip to open) DOWNLOAD HERE
                                                
       

    This is the book that prompted my interview with Victor Pryles. He included so many money saving Tips and Useful Resources that I sought his first hand advice on keeping my laptop free of bugs and stuff when traveling. There's so much more in his book, though, it would be impossible to describe it all here... but it's summarized on his web page where he describes everything he included, like --
     
    all the travel hot spots, the unknown secrets, the special deals and comprehensive travel savvy, and a great deal more
    ; knowledge that would take years to learn on your own. He put it all in one place --- in the "Travel Cheap - Travel Well!"- Confessions of A Traveling Pauper eBook.
     
    I feel confident you'll find Victor's web page to be a  fascinating review in itself.
    Click here - it won't cost you anything to look.

                                                   ... Richard
     
                
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
          Can you afford the cost of getting the viruses out of your cmputer?                       
       
        Don't get trapped by Rogue Anti-Spyware software
       
    Trying a new anti-spyware program? Avoid being duped
        or robbed by false positives.
       
     
        "Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of unknown,
         questionable, or dubious value if used for anti-spyware
         protection.

         In case you missed this FREE report on the Firewalls-and- Virus-Protection website, you can read it here.  Please print the report and share it with your family, friends and associates. Help them avoid the hidden dangers and threats often buried in software programs that are supposed to clean up, not infect your computer.
                                                
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

     

    Is your Firewalls and Virus protection Safe Enough?

     
     Is Your Firewalls and Virus Protection Safe Enough?

    This FREE report will help you identify viruses, prepare for attacks and infections and guide you in their removal. It's a
     9 page, easy reading guide that covers the threats we all face in our daily use of the internet. It's a basic education in understanding and Avoiding Virus Grief

    Down load it from this link (it's in PDF format):                         
    http://www.RichardPresents.com/safefirewall.zip

    The download includes a ReadMe page with instructions for unzipping and using your Acrobat Reader, and even a link to the Adobe website where you can get your own free Acrobat Reader if you don't already have one
                                                
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

     

    Is a keystroke logger spying on you?
      Is a Keystroke Logger Being Used To Spy On You?
    Many of the tools and tricks in use today to spy on your internet activities are exposed in this 7 page report. This look into spyware will alert you to the ease in which your identity could be compromised, or stolen.

    Open the FREE report in a new webpage by clicking
    Are Keystroke Loggers Spying On You?
    (No downloading necessary, and you can print it right from
    your browser window.)
                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

    Can you afford the cost of getting the viruses out of your cmputer?

            
      How Much Money would it cost you to regain the use of your computer after a serious virus infection?
    It cost one of our friends a whole lot of money, much aggravation and lost time, lost records, and a major inconvenience to recover from the havoc caused by the worms and viruses that had infiltrated their computer over a period of many months.

    In case you missed this FREE report on the Firewalls-and-Virus-Protection website, you can read it here. Our friends have recovered full use of their computer and now encourage everyone to learn from their experiences. Please print the report and share it with your family, friends and associates.
        
                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

                     
     What's an Internet Glossary?
           NEW!
                                                Ours is FREE. It's an alphabetical list of dozens of
    the terms you'll find used in many of the articles
    and news reports that relate to the Internet.

    With our Glossary, you'll be able to decipher
    acronyms, like CGI, CSS, DSL, GIF, ISP, and more

    Do you know the difference between
         Cookies and Crackers?
         Firewalls and flame?
         Internet and Intranet?
         Surfing and Scrolling?

            Get the answers from our FREE Internet Glossary.
            Click HERE to Download yours
                                  
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
                                                             To Top
     
     
    There are a lot more Articles and Reports at the Firewalls and Virus Protection website. Look them over for the helpful 'keeping safe' info they contain. Our most recent library additions include

                  
      PC Cleanup for Windows XP
                  
      Viruses and Worms - The Problems and their Solutions
                  
      Good Password Tips and Password Management
                  
      Avoid Losing Data Files from your Recycle Bin
                  
      Planning for Disaster Recovery -Protecting Your Data Files

                  
      and visit the
    Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website with its many publications relating to protecting the security of your family, both on the internet and off. They are FREE. You can go to their pages covering
     
                     Consumer (family) Protection HERE.
     

                                             To Top
     
     

     Resources - many Free.  It's easy to install the latest Firewall, anti-virus(*), spam blocking, and spyware removal software on your computers. Download all of these programs, and more, mostly for FREE, from our Firewalls-and-Virus-Protection website pages.
     
       
    Check them out. If you need to block Spam, find the links on the 'Spam and Spyware' page. Same thing for Cookie Crumbling tools, Spyware protection, etc. Most of them have a purchasable Upgrade option, and by trying the free versions, you can upgrade the ones that work best for you. 
     
     
     Browser Hijacking
    is still a major problem. One of the outstanding sources for information about browser hijackers and tools to remove these predators is still available on the SpywareInfo.com website.
     
          It's loaded with powerful information and helpful advice that zeros in on the hijacking problem. If you are experiencing any similar problems, be sure to follow the link to their forum. There are literally thousands of postings from which you will learn and possibly find the advice that will help you resolve your own issues.
     
         You can download HijackThis from the Software link on the SpywareInfo website. Be sure to read and follow their instructions to the letter if you want good results.

                   
    We learned about this program from the extraordinary website and forums built and maintained by James Healan, webmaster of SpywareInfo.com.
     

    DOWNLOAD latest cws shredder  which is now a part of Trend Micro
    http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
     It'll find and remove those nasty Cool Web Search trojan horses.

     
                                             
    To Top

     Here's a powerful, inexpensive, and helpful resource

    Did you know that popular, everyday gadget items like MP3 music players (Apple iPod for example) and digital cameras can "walk" your precious data and records off your premises, right under your unsuspecting nose?


    In The Hacker's Nightmare™ the danger is fully explained and an inexpensive, easily-implemented solution offered. You'll learn the dangers and the means of prevention.

    ...and Did you know that your home garbage bin and your office dumpster are gold mines of information to the hacker and the identity thief?


    In The Hacker's Nightmare™ a retired FBI Special Agent will tell you exactly what he — or anyone else who knows the tricks — can do with your refuse.
     

    Hackers, virus and spyware writers and other unethical persons
    are becoming more and more sophisticated every day. Their attacks and the undesirable and often dangerous stuff they sneak into our computers slow them down, and threaten our personal lives with increasing severity.
     
    Ever since I found the eBook, "The Hacker's Nightmare" that tells how to really Keep Hackers, Worms and Germs out of my PCs, it has received my highest recommendation to family and friends.
    It's my Computer Security Bible.
      
     
     
    Bill Hely, 20 plus year veteran of internet security consulting. has loaded it with valuable information and  plain common sense. We could fill this and future issues of our News Reporter for the next few months just talking about them.
        
     Bill has designed a webpage that describes many of the security tricks and tools that will help keep that nasty stuff out of your computer. Review The Hacker's Nightmare Story HERE. Some sample (Free) chapters are available to early visitors.
     
    Among the testimonials Bill received recently-- 
    Just one chapter solved a severe problem for this reader:
     
    "... loved it, it's the first computer related thing I've read that makes sense to me as an IT illiterate — can't wait to read the whole book!"

                                                              Lucy Fisher - Exec. Director
                                                              Private Hospitals' Assoc. (Qld)
                                                              Brisbane, Australia


      and here's My Favorite Resource

     

                      i-Cop is a resource I'm proud to be a part of.
     
    You have probably noticed the various references to it throughout this newsletter, the Firewalls and Virus Protection website and my Blog.

     
    It's the International Council of Online Professionals, i-Cop for short. I believe anyone actively using the internet to provide information, services or sell products will benefit by subscribing to i-Cop's publication - The Internet Marketing Trade Journal. It truly sets the standard for Honesty and Integrity Online. I'm proud to be a member.
     
    This FREE ezine is vitally important to online business owners and anyone even considering making money online! We keep folks
    informed about all online issues and programs to participate
    in, or avoid. Subscribe to
    The Internet Marketing Trade Journal here:: http://www.i-Cop.org/trade-journal.htm                  ...Richard
    i-Cop members are helping the survivors of the Katrina Tragedy here.
    Will you join us? However you do it, please open your hearts and help.
    http://www.katrina-long-term-relief.com/        
    thank you, Richard

                                         To Top

    Reviews of the News (more encouraging news about controlling
         SPAM,  SCAMS, pornography, and protecting Personal Consumer 
         Information)

     

    Spam suppression efforts and results


    A sweeping U.S. Senate measure that would stiffen security requirements and penalties could go up for a committee vote in early October, 2005
           

    In a recent release of the news at CNet Networks, I read that

    A sweeping U.S. Senate measure that would stiffen security requirements and penalties for so-called personal data brokers could go to committee for a vote in early October, 2005,

    In June, Sen. Arlen Specter, (Republican, PA), and Sen. Patrick Leahy, (Democrat, VT) introduced the "Personal Data Security and Privacy Act" as part of a governmental reaction directed at a series of security lapses by big-name companies such as ChoicePoint, Bank of America and Visa.

    Tough criminal penalties--including up to five years in prison for concealing security breaches involving sensitive personal information and economic damage to even one person--could result from this legislation.

    Among other things, the bill would require that, on discovering a personal data breach, any agency or business entity that "uses, accesses, transmits, stores, disposes of or collects sensitive personally identifiable information" notify any U.S. resident whose data was subject to the intrusion "without unreasonable delay."

     
                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
    Anti-Spyware Suits are cause for Adware companies to reconsider many of their software installation methods

    Robert Gettleman, a District Court judge recently issued a preliminary order to allow one of two Class Action cases against two companies facing allegations of installing online tracking software to proceed to trial.

    Many Anti-spyware proponents believe the tide has shifted dramatically in favor of exasperated computer users in the legal battles against the non-consensual installation of adware and spyware programs.

    The issue involves a pair of purported class action complaints against Direct Revenue and 180Solutions, the two companies facing allegations of installing online tracking software through security holes and making it virtually impossible for computer users to remove the unwanted programs.

    No doubt, it will take some time for final resolution, but in the meantime, there's comfort in the knowledge that real action is underway to help us computer users.

                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                             
    Senators Specter and Leahy each get our September 'Good Guys' check marks

        and another goes to
    District Court judge, Robert Gettleman    
    'Good Guy Check Marks' to date )
    √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √(See Archives)
         
                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
                 
                                                            
    To Top
     

    "User Education" is the focus of our Firewalls and Virus Protection website and the "Security Alert News Reporter".  
     
    Are your IM and Chat Room Buddies alert to the growing Instant Messaging and Phishing threats?  In case you missed this FREE report on the Firewalls-and-Virus-Protection website, you can read it here.  Please print the report and share it with your family, friends and associates.
            
    As a P.S. to the above comment, encourage your friends to check out our  "Security Alert Blog". The most recent Blog entries include these helpful and timely posts:

       Finding answers to your questions when you're not sure
    about where to go for help 
        Helping the Victims and Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina
     and Rita
       Warning for Children - The hidden dangers of Dust Off !
       Add our information blog to your list of Must Read spyware
    avoidance resources.
    The more useful information you have about
    the scourge of malicious spyware, the better chance you'll have of
    avoiding he grief and frustration it can bring.
      Our blog is RSS friendly

    There are dozens more posts available in the Blog Archives. Read our Blog Posts HERE. I urge you to Comment, Challenge and add your own opinions to ours.

                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
         
                      
      
                                                
    To Top  
     

    Are you campaigning with us?
       
    Have you participated in the Computer Virus Awareness Campaign?

    It appears as if some positive progress is being made in alerting your friends and family of spyware dangers. Many of the Spyware monitoring organizations and individuals have noted the changes in Hacker and Spammer tactics. Because so many internet users have built up their defenses against malicious spyware, these cyber criminals have had to develop increasingly more devious and sophisticated attack schemes, challenging the anti-spyware software developers. We're caught in the middle of this battle. We cannot drop our guard now.

    Now you can do even more. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has set October 2005 as the
    National Cyber Security Awareness Month
     
    How to help?   Heed their CALL TO ACTION: BE A CYBER SECURE CITIZEN
     

    Securing your personal computer plays a crucial role in protecting our nation's Internet infrastructure. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a public-private partnership focused on promoting cyber security and safe behavior online. It drives awareness and response to pressing cyber security issues; providing tools and resources to empower home users to stay safe online.
     
     More and more consumers are using computers at home to create wireless networks and access the Internet using high-speed broadband connections. In addition, they are using their home computers to conduct their personal banking, shop for groceries and make purchases online. With the expanding possibilities that are being created from powerful new computers and wireless home networks comes increased risks of harmful attacks if consumers are not careful.

    Their website gives you the information needed to secure your computer. You'll find tips on how to safeguard your system, a self-guided cyber security test, educational materials and other Internet resources, as well as valuable information from our supporting organizations.

          National Cyber Security Awareness Month — October 2005

    Working in collaboration with our government and industry partners, NCSA is sponsoring National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2005. The mission for this initiative is to raise awareness of cyber security so that users improve their cyber security preparedness. The National Cyber Security Awareness Month will feature fun, educational programs, events and initiatives throughout the month targeting Home Users, Small Businesses, Education audiences (K-12 and higher education), and Child Safety online.

    NCSA invites you to participate in the National Cyber Security Awareness Month programs so be on the lookout for more information as we approach October. In the meantime check out their Top Ten Security Tips for more information on keeping your computer safe from hackers. For more information contact NCSARon@aol.com. or visit the  National Cyber Security Alliance


                                             
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Please help us help your family, friends, and associates enjoy a safer and less frustrating internet experience. We encourage you to share this information with them or suggest they subscribe to this newsletter. 

                         
     I like to say that Sharing is Caring    ......Richard

     

         All of us, too, need to

    act, by educating ourselves and by making sure we obtain the necessary programs to protect our computers.
     
    Those programs include a firewall; installing and updating anti-virus software; using anti-spyware software that can identify and delete programs that have migrated to our computers; using spam filters to protect e-mail; and downloading patches that update software and web browsers.
    _____________
    It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
    ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
    _____________

    Keep in mind that
    these programs are only as good as their latest updates!
    I hope your machines aren't infected with any viruses that send out spam.
     
    How can you be sure? Do some 'house-cleaning' on your system. Scan for spyware and viruses and while you're at it, install a diagnostic program so that you can discover any viral ills on your PC.
     
    Have you checked the health of your computer's Registry? I have, with
    errornuker.  It's a powerful diagnostic utility that scans the Windows Registry to identify errors and provide ways to optimize it's performance.
     
    Your Registry could need a clean up, too, if you have these Registry Problem Symptoms
    • PC keeps crashing at critical times
    • PC needs frequent rebooting
    • unable to remove a program using add/remove dialog
    • 'unable to load ***.DLL' errors
    • 'cannot find ***.exe' errors
    • PC runs noticeably slower than when you first bought it
       

      Download errornuker now, absolutely FREE
       
      After running errornuker the first time, and seeing how many registry listings needed to be fixed on my computer, and how effectively they were fixed, it is now a part of my booting routine every time I restart.                                                    ... Richard

                                                   To Top  
     

     NewsReporter  Reader's Questions  ??????????  
     
       We recently received this question from a young reader --
     
    ? How can I tell if my computer is infected? It freezes up a lot and some of my programs aren't working right.
                                                   from JPS, (age 12) in Pennsylvania
     
    A 1. The first thing to do is scan your computer for a virus. If you already have an anti-virus program installed, update it before scanning. (You need your internet connection open to do this).
     
    2. If your don't have an anti-virus program, go back and get the free one from the AVG link shown earlier in this newsletter.
     
    3. Do you have a firewall? If you do, update it, too. If not, be sure to add one to your computer. Click to download Zone Alarm's Free Top Rated Firewall

    .
    4. Next, scan for spyware. You can download the Free Adaware program if you don't already have anti-spyware on your computer now. It's a good idea to have at least two anti-spyware programs because there are so many bad pests that it takes more than one spyware finder to discover them all.
     
    5. To combat all future virus and spyware problems, keep your Internet security software up-to-date, be careful exchanging software games with your friends, be real cool when chatting online and don't click on anything that looks strange or unusual.

             Thank you, young JPS. Your question is one that many people have,
            and just by asking it, you have helped them, too.    .....Richard

           With your permission, we'll publish your questions and answers in future 
           issues of the
    "NewsReporter".
                               
       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
     
     
      Sharing ?
    If you have the opportunity to help family members, associates, or friends by sharing any of the information in this "News Reporter", please suggest that they subscribe for their own personal copy.

      They can subscribe here and we'll never share their information with third parties.

      If your friends are hesitant or uncertain about the benefits of visiting with us,
    suggest that they review the help that's readily available at our one page summary of the Online Security Consideration and Protective Tactics that are designed to keep them safe on the Internet. They Can Check out these Considerations HERE.


     
    And finally for this issue,
    we hope you can take our one minute mini- survey (We'll give you a nifty and entertaining Free eBook on Coping With Your Stresses for your time) and visit our Blog Pages, read our postings and contact us with your comments and opinions.

    Everything you have to offer will help us do a better job of helping you.
     Thank you. ...Richard

                                
    Read our Privacy Policy                   

                                                To Top

    As promised in our first issue, we aren't going to stuff your mail box with un-ending mailings every day, week, or whenever. When there's important news about the topics we've noted, we'll let you know, usually monthly. 
    To avoid unwanted and unnecessary filtering of our messages, we will send a very brief text email to you. It will have a link to this News Reporter and an un-subscribe link. The email subject line will identify the contents as "Latest Security Alert News Reporter - Issue ##" and the email "FROM" address will be "richard@richardpresents.com"


    Richard Rossbauer, webmaster and newsletter publisher

     

          Thank you again, for your interest and trust.
          We'll do our best to honor and preserve it
                                        
        Richard Rossbauer     



     

                                                          
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