NoScript
If you’re big into using the Firefox Web browser, you probably already know about NoScript, but just in case you’re new to Firefox or if you haven’t started using it yet, here’s a brief description for you. We here at WorldStart have actually mentioned NoScript in a couple other tips before, but we’ve never really focused in on it as much as we should have. And I… Continue reading
Q:
So many programs and Web sites require me to have complex passwords. I feel like I have to write them down to remember them, but that doesn’t seem safe either. Is there any way to make a complex password I won’t forget?
A:
That is a great question! It does seem like password requirements get more and more difficult to meet as the need… Continue reading
A reader asks: The other day, I received a port scan attack notice from my personal firewall. How do I prevent them from coming in at all? Any advice would be very helpful. Thank you!
This is a very good question! I’m sure many of you out there have received a warning like that from your firewall software at one time or another. Those warnings usually say that… Continue reading
January 2008 Updates
As you all know, the time has come yet again for the monthly Windows updates from Microsoft. Most of you have probably already installed the updates on your computer, but just in case you’re not sure what kinds of changes were made, allow me to give you a brief explanation. I must say, this month’s updates were very minimal compared to some of the ones… Continue reading
Wireless Worm
I know I have written before about the importance of securing your wireless network. It’s definitely necessary to make sure your computers are safe from intruders. Without having a secure wireless network, your computers are wide open for others to gain access to and do whatever they want with your data. I know all of that is a little scary, but today, I have a completely new issue… Continue reading
Q:
I know this is kind of an odd question, but do you have any statistics on the phishing attacks that hit in the year 2007? I was just wondering how everything ended up with them. Thanks for any information you may have!
A:
That’s actually a great question and I’m sure you’re not the only one out there who has been wondering the same thing. As a… Continue reading
Everyone knows that securing your computer is important these days. Without securing your system and network, you can run into all kinds of problems. On the other hand, there is such a thing as too much security. If your computer is overly secure, you will lose functionality and your computer will become more of a pain than anything else. Here are a few things that can cause you computer trouble… Continue reading
Google Ads Attacked
So, tell me, how much do you love Google? Do you get excited every time you see their logo? As we all know, Google takes precedence over a lot of the other search engine Web sites on the Internet today and their name just seems to show up everywhere. These days, it seems impossible to go to a Web site and not see the word… Continue reading
Passwords Should Be…
Do you often have trouble coming up with the perfect password? Whether you’re purchasing something online or you’re signing up for some kind of newsletter, etc., a password is usually required. Plus, we all know (well, we should) that it’s best to use a different password for each thing we do online. And with more and more services being added everyday, it can sometimes be… Continue reading
QuickTime Patch
As you may recall, a couple weeks ago, I wrote about a security issue concerning Apple’s QuickTime multimedia program. That problem was pretty severe and was starting to cause a lot of trouble for users. Well, for those of you who keep up with these things, Apple has released a patch for that issue. Yes!
The patch will fix a couple of security issues within QuickTime… Continue reading
Q:
I just set up a wireless network in my home and while I love it, I’m still a little concerned about others being able to use my signal or even hack into my computer. I was told that hiding my SSID will take care of the problem, but I’m not sold on that idea. I’m not even sure what an SSID is or how to hide it. Can
December 2007 Updates
Several of you have been asking about the Windows updates for the month of December, so I thought you might like a little overview of them. The updates should have come across your computer earlier this week (either Tuesday or Wednesday), but it’s still nice to know what was changed on your computer and that’s exactly what I’m going to cover today. So, whether you’ve… Continue reading
Staying Extra Safe
I know how much everyone is concerned about their security and personal information on the Web, so this week, I found a couple Web sites that will help keep your data extra secure when you put it on the Web. The first one is called Guerrilla Mail and the second is called The Cloak. Both of these sites offer great features for extra security options.
Have you… Continue reading
Q:
You’ve talked about laptops going through airport security before, but what about other electronic devices, such as flash drives and CDs? Can those be damaged when going through the security line?
A:
That’s a great question and it couldn’t have come at a better time! With Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, I’m sure a lot of you will be traveling via airplane to go… Continue reading
Another E-mail Virus
I just came across a new e-mail virus that is starting to spread itself around the Web. It comes as an e-mail from the Department of Justice. Keep reading for all the details!
This e-mail virus is similar to other attacks from earlier this year that claimed to be coming from the Better Business Bureau and the IRS. It comes as a very official looking e-mail, stating… Continue reading
Where Do Trojans Stand?
I recently came across some pretty interesting information and I thought you all should know about it too. This topic was actually posted on WorldStart’s message board by user “Harley” and once I saw it, I knew I had to share it with all of you. It has to do with Trojans and where they stand in terms of malware. Please keep reading for… Continue reading
We have all dealt with adware before, but that doesn’t mean we have to! Adware can clog up your computer and even cause irreparable damage if it’s not properly taken care of. Of course, with adware, prevention is better than a cure, but first, it’s important to remove whatever adware is already present on your system. Below are a few simple guidelines that should help you
On the Loose: A QuickTime Bug
I hate having to bring bad news your way, but there is a new bug on the loose that threatens both Windows XP and Vista and you all really should know about it. On Monday (November 26, 2007), Pcworld.com posted a story about a vulnerability in the QuickTime program. It looks like the security hole in QuickTime allows hackers to access your system and… Continue reading
Q:
Is there any way I can check my Web browser for security? I’m just interested in knowing where it stands. Thanks for any advice you can give me!
A:
That’s an excellent question and I commend you for asking! Most of us use a Web browser on a daily basis and if you think about it, all of our security is wrapped up in it. I mean… Continue reading
More on Wireless Security
Having a wireless network (also known as WiFi) is a great way to have networking and Internet connectivity anywhere in your home. Just hook up a wireless router and once and for all, you can be done with all of those dreadful cords! But, along with that router comes a greater security risk. Since you’re able to connect to the Internet anywhere around your house, others… Continue reading
Hard Drive Trojan
If you spend a lot of time on WorldStart’s message board or if you read a lot of online articles, you have probably already heard about this, but just in case some of you haven’t, I wanted to fill you in. This was brought to my attention by one of our message board users, “jholland1964,” and after doing some more research on it, I found… Continue reading
Microsoft Security Bulletin: November 2007
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about a security issue involving Internet Explorer 7 (you can read that here) and I just thought I would follow up on that today. I wanted to let you know that Microsoft is releasing a patch to fix the problem I discussed in that tip.
Just yesterday (November 13, 2007), Microsoft announced that the monthly… Continue reading
Q:
As we all know, Christmas is right around the corner and I’m one who likes to start my shopping early. I’m planning on doing quite a bit of it online this year though and I was wondering if you could give me some safety tips. I haven’t done a lot of online shopping in the past, so I want to make sure I do it right. Thanks for
Hello, everyone! This security article is going to be a little different than some of the others we’ve run in the past. Usually, I write about a security issue that is affecting certain programs or a program that will help fix a security problem, but today, I’m going to talk about the number one threat to computer security.
And that is the person sitting behind the keyboard (including me!)
Now… Continue reading
LaptopLock
Having gone through the unnerving experience of having my laptop stolen a few months ago, I know how devastating it can be. My whole life for the past few years virtually disappeared in one moment of carelessness.
So, when I came across the following free service, I jumped at the opportunity to try it out and now, I want to share it with all of you!
It’s called LaptopLock
Q:
The other day, you gave us some suggestions on how to prevent computer theft, but what if it’s already happened? What are we supposed to do if our computers are stolen? It hasn’t happened to me, but I did have a friend who had their laptop taken from them and I’d just like to know what we’re supposed to do in that kind of situation. Please share any
Mac Security Alert
If you’re a Mac user (me included), I know you’re probably not used to hearing about virus warnings, but unfortunately, it looks like one is now on the loose. Yes, a new virus has been detected and this time, it is starting to loom around Mac computers. Luckily, this one is the first in a long time for Macs, but we all still have to… Continue reading
