The FBI is notifying one million computer users
A news article
published June 18th, 2007 details that the FBI will be actively contacting victims that are (unknowingly) apart of
botnets via telephone.
What does this mean for you?
It all depends. For one there are most likely many millions of computers that are
infected by malicious software that act as part of a botnet. A spammer can control an
infected system and send out hundreds if not thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands!) of
spam emails per day. According to the article, the FBI is only contacting one million victims.
How can I prevent the FBI from contacting me (and keep my system clean)?
It is not too difficult to keep your computer system virus free and spam free. There are
a few essential tools needed:
- Anti-Virus Software
- Anti-Spyware Software
- A Firewall (Windows XP/Vista includes one)
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software (A/V) should now be common place among computers. When customers buy a new computer there are most
likely offers for a free bundle of some sort of anti-virus application and while the included
software is probably great and useful, it isn't needed. There are many free anti-virus
applications out there. The one that I use and that I think is great is Avast.
Upfront there is nothing special about the program other than it will do just about everything a
costly anti-virus program will do. Keeping A/V software up-to-date is a key part to keeping
a computer free of viruses and is half the battle. Most A/V's have a user friendly
interface and besides scheduled scans, they also have real-time scanning features to keep
your computer well protected.
Anti-Spyware Software
There are two very popular anti-spyware applications and both are free. Ad-Aware
and Spybot S+D. Both should be downloaded,
installed, kept up-to-date, and used often. Having both an A/V software and anti-spyware software make up the major
process of keeping a computer system clean. The two mentioned anti-spyware programs are very simple to use.
A Firewall
A firewall is nothing more than a barrier between your computer and the internet. Windows XP
and Windows Vista have firewalls built into the operating system. If you have a home network
of multiple computers connected to the internet, than you probably have a router. Routers route traffic
throughout the network, but can also act like a firewall, blocking unwanted traffic. Although they are not a *must have* they
do add to your arsenal of security and the overall goal of keeping your computer free of malicious
software.
People have been exploiting computers for awhile now, don't let them use your system. Protect your computer
and keep the FBI from contacting you!