Keyloggers explained
A keylogger is a type of surveillance software that can record every keystroke you make. A keylogger recorder can record instant messages, e-mail, and any information you type at any time using your keyboard. The information collected by the keylogger is stored in a log file which can then be sent to the hacker or thief). Some keylogger programs will record e-mail addresses you use and Web site URLs you visit. They will use this information to compromise not just you and your data, but all of your contacts – friends, family, co-workers – as well.
Other identity theft efforts, like phishing attacks, rely on the users being tricked into giving away their secrets. Not so with keyloggers . You can be diligent and careful with your online activity, even install an ant-virus yet a keylogger could strike without your knowledge.
The SANS Institute, a group that trains and certifies computer security professionals, estimates that as many as 9.9 million machines in the United States are infected with keyloggers of one kind or another, putting as much as $24 billion in bank account assets — and probably much more — literally at the fingertips of fraudsters.
Control what is plugged in to your computer
In addition to data theft, PC users still need to be concerned with attacks on their computer. Hackers have been known to target media files, such MP3 files and various graphics files. These files can be downloaded from a variety of sources, from cellular phones to public WLAN networks. They are also commonly shared – meaning you really don’t know where they originated. An increasingly common way for people to share files is through removable media such as USB drives or MP3 players.
Once someone plugs in an MP3 player or loads a corrupted CD, your defenses are immediately compromised. As a simple example, the Sony rootkit has infected an estimated 500,000 machines, all as a result of users simply playing music CDs which they trusted – from Sony. Today, these same types of attacks have been extended to allow a user to access your computer remotely – stealing your data out from under your fingertips.
Don’t expect your firewall or other traditional security programs to protect you. Most conventional security products still adopt a “border” mentality. The basic premise of these products is that malware comes from outside the system, be it the Web, an email attachment, or an improperly opened port. The problem with this approach is that USB devices, CDs and DVDs can all allow spyware and other malicious software on to the PC in a way that cannot be blocked by a firewall.
ClearShield Privacy Edition will prevent external storage devices from being allowed to access your computer - unless they are approved by you first. This prevents the compromise of both your computer and your personal files. Download ClearShield now to protect your privacy.
|
|
|
|
