A new
breed of software can record a computes user’s keystrokes, including bank
passwords and credit card numbers, and send the data to thieves over the
Internet. Some programs are nearly undetectable. Here are tips for safer
computing:
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Keep your operating system up to date. On PC’s use the automatic update
feature in Microsoft Windows.
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Install an Internet firewall.
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Use and update your anti-virus software.
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Install a program that scans your computer for spyware and run it
weekly. Spyware scanners include:
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Spybot Search & Destroy
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Ad-Ware by Lavasoft
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Spy Sweeper by Webroot Software
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PestPatrol by Computer Associate
Never click on Web links
embedded in an email; instead, type the address into your browser.
Change your
passwords regularly.
If possible, keep
sensitive information off computers connected to the Internet.
If your
Personal Computer has been compromised, volunteers at websites such as:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com and
http://www.spywareinfo.com can help repair your computer. Consider
switching credit cards and bank account numbers and ordering a credit freeze
on your accounts from the following three major credit bureaus:
Experian
Equifax
Transunion
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