Computer Security Threats

This week we’re trying somethig a little different…

I’ve come down with a nasty cold and you don’t want to hear my voice (I sound like “Froggy” from The Little Rascals), so we’re having a first in the history of “I Gotta Tell You”

We’re having a guest “tipster” this week on the topic of “computer security”.

Back when I got started with my first laptop in 1992, computer security meant not leaving your computer on the front seat of your car where somebody could steal it!

Fast forward to today and computer security is a HUGE issue… because thieves can not only steal your computer physically, they can steal your identity, finances, money, credit cards… basically your LIFE!

I’ve had some scares in the last couple years that have made me MUCH more aware of threats to my business and personal finances… and I’ve learned (the hard way) that consciously thinking about computer security needs to be second nature for all of us operating online.

Since I need to go take a nap and get over this cold, I’m going to turn things over to our guest for this week.

His name is Doug Partidge and he’s the co-author of “How to Secure Your Computer Using Free Tools and Smart Strategies”

You can get more information about Doug and his ebook here
=> http://www.SecureYourComputerTips.com

Take it away Doug…

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Hi Jim,

Thank you for the opportunity to share some information with your valued subscribers.

The current state of security for Windows users is at an all time low… even the mainstream media have caught on.

Just about every single day there is another news story about Internet security woes.

The good news is that no one needs to be a victim.

My goal is to share three points from my ebook, “How to Secure Your Computer Using Free Tools and Smart Strategies” that your subscribers can use right now to increase their online security.

Tip #1 – Adware & Spyware Removal

One threat that’s quickly becoming the #1 menace on the Internet is “Spyware”.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Spyware – it’s monitoring software that’s secretly copied on to your PC.

Spyware has one purpose in mind: to sit quietly in the background and record as much information about you as possible.

This is extremely frightening for those of us who love to shop and bank online.

The good news is that there are free ways to deal with this menace.

I’m going to assume that everyone already has an anti-virus program (you do, right?).

In addition to this, you need a dedicated Adware/Spyware removal program – you can’t rely on your Anti-Virus program to find and remove all instances of Spyware.

Ad-Aware Personal from Lavasoft is an excellent free program.

=> http://www.lavasoft.de/

Recommendation: run a full system scan at least once a week.

#2 – Email Security Tip: Send Encrypted Attachments

Email is fast, easy and convenient – what it is not is secure.

The reason email is not secure is because it is sent in what’s known as “clear text” – which makes it susceptible to electronic eavesdropping.

This is an unacceptable risk when you’re sending confidential or financial information.

Help is here:

=> http://www.iopus.com/freeware/secure-email/index.htm

Secure Email Attachment (“SEA”) from iOpus is free tool for creating password-protected and encrypted attachments.

The other benefit is that your recipient requires no special software on their end to decrypt your attachment – they only need the password used when creating the attachment.

Note: SEA only works on Windows computers.

#3 – Fight Spam With Temporary Disposable Email Accounts

=> http://www.mytrashmail.com/ — OK, this is one of my
favorite free resources around!

In brief, here’s how it works (and how it fights Spam).

Anytime you need to provide a valid email account to get a password or download link, instead of using your real email account (for fear of Spam) you can use an account @mytrashmail.com.

It could be anything – e.g. “doug1979@mytrashmail.com” – just like that – i.e. on-the-fly, the mailbox will be created for you. There is no need to pre-create your account.

Please visit their website to get a detailed explanation of the service.

One important caveat: since a password is not required to access these mailboxes – this is definitely not the place to send any confidential or financial information.

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…. thanks for the great tips Doug!

For more information on how you can use free tools and smart strategies to secure your computer, check out Doug’s ebook right now by clicking here => http://www.SecureYourComputerTips.com

Thanks

Jim

PS – What do you think of this “Tips” format?

Did you like it? Would you like to see more?
Let me know in the comments below and we’ll see if this is a trend that we should continue

Have a great weekend!