Even if you dont normally do windows updates it is critial that you do this one to maintain integrity of your RDP access ports. If exploited, remote attackers can run remote code on your server which can do things like send out spam emails or create web pages with malware on them.

Now whilst on paper that may seem obvious as a scam – when you are not experienced on PCs it is easy to be misled by these guys. And it annoys me to know they are overseas and cant be traced in any easy way from here. One day someone will find one of them and let them know what the people being scammed think of them… But let me say the warning signs from the call were the following -

1. Microsoft (or any of the software companies support departments) NEVER call you out of the blue. You will always contact them first.
2. How did they get your number ? Its not listed in a ‘central’ PC database somewhere – so how then ? And then what if you had a Mac or no PC at all…

Id be hanging up at that point (or having some fun with them since i know whats going on). But if you let them in and allow them to install anything – well then you probably need to get the machine checked over by a service centre (once you have realised it was not legit) since there are many different bits of software they can install which you would not want running on the PC. And chase your credit card company and tell them there is a non authorized transaction on your card – let them go find who it is ! And get your money back since you did NOT authorize the purchase.

Have a look at our online security series for some more ideas on keeping safe on the net.

4. Dont click links in emails and on websites unless you are 100% sure that its a clean link. It is quite easy for scammers to display the webpage link with one name, yet when you click on it it goes to another (malware) page. How to tell ? If you put your mouse (hover) over the link – in Outlook it will pop up with where its taking you, and in your Web Browser it will show the true link down the bottom in the status bar. Make sure they match and that its where you mean to go. One way to get around link issues is to type the address yourself into your web browser – that way you are not clicking on a link to get there and so cant be misled. Current Internet Security software also should be able to block you going to known malware sites.

5. Update your browser. Whilst keeping your PC updated with windows update is a good idea there can also be updates to your browser (which dont get included with windows update – especially if you use firefox or chrome) which may include security fixes. Firefox has an auto updating feature but you can always manually get updates from the website of the browser maker eg. www.getfirefox.com for Firefox.

6. Dont give your email out. To anyone. Yes this seems a bit extreme but its the only way to control who spams you. Also alot of spammers use dictionary attacks so dont use a simple name like james@yourdomain.com since its a simple name to guess and based on a dictionary name. So be a bit more complicated – james.joyce1@yourdomain.com or jjoyce21@yourdomain.com will help reduce dictionary attacks. And just give the email to your close firends and those you MUST give it to. It may even be worth getting a second email setup for maling lists and general things that you can close if it gets listed in too many spammers databases.

Keep safe and we’ll look at the last few tricks in the next installment.

1. Make sure you have good AntiVirus (AV) protection. A product that covers both virus and spyware/malware is a must. This program should stop you running infected files and monitor your PC for getting infected. The advanced version of the anti virus product is called Internet Security (IS) – which normally covers AV as well as web protection (from clicking on bad links) and firewall protection (to stop in bound hacking attempts and more importantly block your information being sent out from the PC. Especially required if you do intrnet banking). We use Kaspersky for this. ALSO make sure its updated (there is no point in having a AV product thats out of date – it will miss all the latest threats.).

2. Software updates – this is not critical in the protection game (at least compared to AV/IS) but is important. At minimum you should do the Microsft Windows service packs and update things like Adobe Acrobat and Adboe Flash – since these program are used on many websites andcan be used to install malware on your PC without you knowing about it. The Adobe programs can be downloaded from www.adobe.com

3. Have a strong password ! It is so easy to create a password for your account, and make it sure its not something stupid like ‘password’ or your name… then if anyone tries to gain access to your PC it creates another layer of protection they have to try and get through. Tips for a strong password include having 6+ characters, including upper and lower case letters,  and using numbers.

We’ll look at more donts and dos in the next installment.

Go to the following page and pick you operating system from the list: HERE

It’s difficult to write books for teenagers that don’t fall into the “trying too hard to be cool” trap, but Microsoft has done an admirable job. The text is a comprehensive guide for teenagers (and new computer users) that covers everything from how to spot phishing tactics to setting up your browser to protect against browser-based exploits to dealing with cyberstalking and bullying.

Download HERE (choose the “Own Your Space Teen Book _All Chapters.pdf” option)

http://www.office.com/techg

Good way to give your system a check over when things are not working right.

James

Suffice to say – its time for XP to be upgraded everywhere – the Windows users have been waiting for is finally here ! We will be moving to Windows 7 as our standard system OS shortly for our Hand Crafted PCs and notebooks.