Cloudeight Internet Security Tips: Protect your computer from spyware, virus, worms, Trojans, keyloggers, phishing and more.

The Internet has changed dramatically over the past 3 years or so. With the proliferation of virus, worms, Trojan Horses and spyware, it may seem that the Internet is not a safe place to be anymore. But, it doesn't have to be an unsafe place. With the right tools and a little knowledge you can enjoy the Internet as it was meant to be enjoyed.

The Internet is a vast well of knowledge, entertainment, and fun. Let's learn how to have fun on the 'Net and learn how to deal with the dangers and annoyances so we can all breathe easier and really enjoy this wonderful place we call the "Internet".

Major threats to your PC:

Virus
Worms
Trojan Horses
Spyware

Viruses: What is a computer virus?

Virus (n.) Code written with the express intention of replicating itself. A virus attempts to spread from computer to computer by attaching itself to a host program. It may damage hardware, software, or information.

Protect Yourself: Never allow your computer to be connected to the Internet without a good anti-virus installed. Always keep your anti-virus program updated with the latest virus definitions. We recommend checking for updates every day. Whatever solution you choose, you should NEVER be connected to the Internet without a good, recently updated anti-virus program installed.

Cloudeight Recommendations

Perform a free, online virus scan
A good way to double-check your computer for virus infection.
AVG Anti-Virus - Free for home use-A good free anti-virus program (free version available for home use).
AVAST Anti-Virus -Free for home use-Another good choice for a free personal anti-virus solution (free version available for home use).

BADSTUFF-WORMS Worms: What are computer worms?

Worm (n.) A subclass of virus. A worm generally spreads without user action and distributes complete copies (possibly modified) of itself across networks. A worm can consume memory or network bandwidth, thus causing a computer to stop responding. Because worms don't need to travel via a "host" program or file, they can also tunnel into your system and allow somebody else to take control of your computer remotely. Recent examples of worms included the Sasser worm and the Blaster worm.

Because worms generally spread through email it is very important you NEVER open an attachment directly from your email program. Rather, if you must open it, save it to a folder on your hard drive and scan with a good anti-virus program BEFORE you open it. Just following this one simple rule would stop the spread of worms drastically. If you click on an infected attachment, worms will tunnel into your system and spread by sending email to all the email addresses it can find you our hard drive, without you even knowing it.

All good update anti-virus programs will detect worms. But, still, the best offense is a good defense. Don't take a chance on getting infected in the first place. Don't expose yourself to worms. DO NOT OPEN ATTACHMENTS DIRECTLY FROM EMAIL unless you were expecting it and you know for certain what is in the attachment. Never judge an email with an attachment by who sent it. Many viruses spoof the "From" address so it may appear a friend or family member sent it. NEVER TRUST THE FROM ADDRESS of an email with an attachment. Unpatched versions of Windows are especially vulnerable to worms so it is imperative you keep your Windows up-to-date by visiting Microsoft's Windows Update Web site frequently or turn on Windows Automatic Update found in your Control Panel.

Trojan Horse: What is a Trojan Horse?

Trojan Horse (n.) A computer program that appears to be useful but that actually does damage. Trojan Horses spread when people are lured into opening a program because they think it comes from a legitimate source. Trojan Horses can also be included in software that you download for free. Never download software from a source that you don't trust. Always download Microsoft updates and patches from Microsoft Windows Update or Microsoft Office Update.

Just like the historical events at Troy where Greek soldiers appeared to come bearing gifts, computer Trojan Horse may appear to be a gift too. But these Trojan Horses have a big surprise inside and it's not a surprise you're going to like. Trojan Horses can allow others to take control of your computer, steal personal information including credit card information and passwords, and even cause your computer to stop working.

Trojan Horses present a different problem than computer viruses or worms because some anti-virus software may not recognize them. Make sure you use a good anti-virus program and keep it updated. Also, install and use a good Internet firewall and keep your Windows operating system updated with the latest Windows critical updates from Microsoft's Windows Update Web site.

Cloudeight Recommendations:

Sygate Personal Firewall
Free home/personal version available.
Outpost Personal Firewall
Free home/personal version available.

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This page is presented as a public service by Cloudeight Internet, LLC. All logos, trademarks, and product names and descriptions, belong to their respective owners and do not represent that such companies have an affiliation with or any connection to Cloudeight Internet LLC. This page is presented only to help individuals protect their computers as well as to assist Internet users with adopting good Internet safety habits; to provide them with basic security knowledge and general information. Cloudeight is not responsible for any errors or omissions on this page. Cloudeight will not be responsible for the efficacy or suitability of any application recommended on this site for any particular purpose. All software downloaded from the links on our Web pages are downloaded at your own risk. By downloading from links on on this Web site, you are agreeing that you have read this disclaimer notice and understand that Cloudeight cannot be responsible for any software program that we recommend.