Using Public Wi-Fi Safely

The British telecommunications company BT has recently announced that it is on target to turn on 500,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in London in time for the start of the Olympics in July. This news has only served to demonstrate the prevalence of the internet in today's society. More and more people are connecting to the internet while they are out and about in coffee shops, libraries or even on the train. The use of these hotspots or open wireless access, however, is not without risks. The release of the Firefox extension 'Firesheep' has helped demonstrate how easy it is to find and take over the sessions of people using open, unencrypted Wi-Fi and gain access to Facebook, email, and bank accounts. Convincingly named networks can also lead people to connect their computers to that of a hacker. You should not be dissuaded from using public Wi-Fi altogether, but can follow some simple rules and guidelines to keep your information safe.

Firstly, and most obviously, try not to visit websites that have sensitive information while you are using public internet. It may be tempting to buy something new or check your bank balance while you are out but it is in your own interest to wait until you get home. If you do need to access these websites on public Wi-Fi make sure that the data you are sending is encrypted. Most banking or e-commerce websites will use SSL ('Secure Sockets Layer') to encrypt important data. You can also use SSL on many other sites, although some will not use it by default. Both Twitter and Facebook will let you enable the use of SSL in your account settings while email clients such as Gmail and Hotmail will use SSL automatically. You can tell if SSL is being used if you see 'https' instead of 'http' in the address bar.

Choose your network wisely, if there are several networks that could be the free Wi-Fi offered by your local coffee shop, double check with someone who works there to find out which one it is. Try to choose hotspots using security technology WPA2 rather than WPA or WEP as it is stronger. Make sure that your computer will not automatically connect to unknown wireless networks and ensure your firewall is turned on. You can also check that 'sharing' is turned off; this is a useful feature for connecting to printers and other devices wirelessly when using a secure network, but when connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot it could leave your computer wide open to unauthorised access.

One of the most important ways that you can use a public Wi-Fi network more securely is through the use of a VPN. VPN stands for 'virtual private network' and will create a 'tunnel' of encrypted data. VPNs are particularly popular with businesses; they are used by workers outside of the office in order to keep any data and information as secure as it would be inside the office. Many VPN providers offer 'business VPNs' to companies - this means that their members of staff who are out of the office can work securely and stay connected to the rest of the office. Personal VPNs or 'VPNs-for-hire' are equally available. There are hundreds of different VPNs on offer so you need to choose wisely and find one that you can trust as it will be handling your data and information. Using a virtual private network is a quick and easy way of securing your online activity in a public place and is a useful way to work away from the office securely.

Keeping your information safe on your own secure home network is extremely important, so it follows that you need to be extra vigilant while you are online out and about. Using public Wi-Fi safely need not be stressful; you just need to make sure you are aware of the potential risks and take steps to avoid them.

© Izzy Evans 2012

If you would like to find out more about Virtual Private Networks in the UK you can visit UK VPN

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A Crash Course in Using ComboFix

ComboFix is a malware detection and elimination program that can do manual and automatic scanning and removal of malware from a computer. Its user-determined options means that only expert software users who know how to resolve malware intrusions or those who are using the software with the help of a professional can use it effectively and safely. It is a free antivirus solution that must be used with caution.

How to get ComboFix

Before you decide on doing a malware fix in general, you must register in an Internet forum that helps users like you with the task. You will then have to post a new topic thread in your chosen forum for you to seek help in malware removal. Be advised that every forum has its own particular rules for you to follow, so you will need to keep this in mind when you post your message asking for help in using ComboFix. If a forum member offers to help you out by putting in a request for a log about ComboFix, you must follow these steps in making that log.

First of all, you will need to have this instructional article printed. Keep this printed-out copy handy because you will need to take down your Internet browser and any open applications before starting up the ComboFix free antimalware program. After you're done with this step, you can then download the ComboFix free antivirus software from either BleepingComputer.com or InfoSpyware.net. You will be see a page that shows you the link for downloading ComboFix in these sites. After clicking on the link, you will be shown a "Save" interface that you must select. It then gives you the option of selecting what section of your hard drive would you like to have the free software downloaded to; make certain that you download it straight to the desktop of your Windows PC.

When this step is done, the ComboFix icon will appear on your PC desktop, but before you open it right away, you will have to shut down any active Windows program, Internet browser, and antimalware and firewall software that you are currently using. This will ensure that ComboFix will run smoothly and without any outside interference. Then proceed to install it on your computer by opening its icon in your PC desktop. Be careful not to click on any portion of the program window or do anything with your computer as this will cause ComboFix to slow down. It will take some time for the free antivirus program to run through this process, so you will need to wait it out.

If a Windows prompt window pops up, do not be alarmed; this is because ComboFix lacks its own digital footprint. You will only need to press the "Run" tab to carry on with the installation. If you have Windows Vista or Windows version 7 installed in your PC, you will see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt; simply select "Yes" to continue. Then the disclaimer appears and you might choose not to agree with it; this will terminate the program.

To complete the installation you will have to select "I Agree" in the disclaimer. Once the procedure is finished, a blue-colored screen will be shown and then the ComboFix program initiates its scan by establishing a System Restore point on its own; this will ensure that the computer will revert back to its original framework if anything untoward happens. At the same time, it will create a copy of your PC's Windows Registry and look if there is a Windows Recovery Console available. If there is one available, you will be shown another window with the "Yes" or "No" tabs; click the latter to continue with the process. If there is no Windows Recovery Console to be found, the program will advise you on the steps necessary to set up the Recovery Console. When this is done, you will be shown another "Yes" tab that you will need to press to let the installation continue. If during the setting up of the Recovery Console you see a window informing you that it did not install itself successfully, just let ComboFix go ahead with the rest of the installation process.

Steps to Take After Installation

Upon completing the installation, a log will be made and you will be directed to set up the Recovery Console by yourself by following the procedure that is listed in the Windows Recovery Console portion of the installation. ComboFix will then momentarily cut off your Internet connection. Do not be alarmed by this as the program will proceed to restore your connection in a couple of seconds. The antivirus solution will now conduct a formal and lengthy scan of your PC to look for any type of infection.

While it is doing this, it will momentarily alter your computer's clock; you need not be alarmed as ComboFix will bring back the clock to its former settings once it is done with the scan. It will also show a text box that shows the scan in more detail. After ComboFix has completed its scan, it will compile a log of the whole process. As with almost every part of the procedure, you will need to wait this out for a while; afterwards your desktop will flicker out momentarily and it will be replaced with a screen prompt that tells you that ComboFix is about to be done with the scan. It will then inform you that the log report or file of the whole process is at "C:\ComboFix.txt." ComboFix will then close down by itself and have the clock revert back to its initial time and then will display the contents of the log report.

You will need to put this log in the topic thread of the forum that you accessed to ask help in using ComboFix. The forum member who offered to help you out will then examine the log to determine the next step that you will need to do. If by any chance you are encountering issues with your Internet access after using ComboFix, you will need to bring it back by yourself.

There would be times that ComboFix has resolved your malware issues at the first try but it would be prudent if you send out the logged results of the scan in the topic thread for the forum member to look over; he can check to see if your PC has other issues that he can help you address. If you decide to uninstall ComboFix from your computer, do remember that in doing so you will eliminate any backup and quarantine files that ComboFix has generated during its scanning and cleaning session. Thus, uninstall ComboFix only if you are totally confident that your PC or laptop is restored to its original configurations.

By choosing ComboFix to help you deal with your computer's malware problems, you should be prepared for the rather lengthy and tedious process that accompanies its installation and use. Nevertheless, you can be sure that by using this free antivirus program, you can do a complete and detailed scan and malware removal of your computer if you carefully follow this guide.

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Corporate IT and Employees Using Their Own Mobile Devices - The Risk Is Real

The other day, I was discussing the challenges of all the 1000s of mobile devices out there and how all of these devices were being used by employees to access their company's computer system. That's a scary proposition, and it's serious. Okay so, let's talk.

Not long ago, MIT Technology Review Blog had an interesting post about how IBM was dealing with all these devices, and they obviously cannot afford to be infiltrated, and regardless of the reality that IBM sees this at as an issue, which it is most definitely, it's not just the Fortune 100, 500, 1000, but all the suppliers, little companies, service vendors - lose lips sink ships right? So, what's the solution - dual IT systems, rapid virus scan checks, or perhaps some new strategy?

Is there another way to run a bare bones unconnected set of servers for basic personal tech device common uses, still with quick scan features prior to access (quick as in 10-20 seconds max) after any changes to the apps on the device - then more important data on a need-to-know basis for execs, while in secure locations, with special devices given out from the company with full security? I asked my acquaintance; "How does your company do this?" Obviously, my acquaintance is not a liberty to say, and even if he did, I probably wouldn't put it into an article here.

Still, is there a service or website which can scan a device or software of similar nature for companies? Is such a thing available on the Oracle or SAP platforms and enterprise software? This is serious business.

Is there a way to divert hackers into traps, and see what files they attempt to access, while trying to track them, then those trying to get in via the personal tech malware apps are caught or all their tricks are learned in the process, not that we don't know as so many have switched sides now, but the information flow is a war-time scenario all to its own - aka they design a new technique or weapon to get in, we build better defense, which they exploit, which we reinforce and so on, never ending game - but who is winning depends on what day it is.

Suffice it to say that most consumers are not very careful with their own computers, and these same folks have mobile devices with weak passwords, and often use open access WiFi systems, or unsecured lines to access company IT systems, so, well, "Ah, Houston, we have a problem." Until, this is fixed at all companies, no one is safe - not our companies, government, people, military, or infrastructure - our very way of life depends on solving these problems and meeting these challenges head on. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Internet Security. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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Protect Your Network From Malware Using Anti Spam Services

Studies show 90% of the 200 billion emails sent out and received each day are spam messages. These spam messages are often harmless, but some may include malicious software (commonly known as malware) that compromise your security. You need reliable email filtering or anti spam services to protect your business.

There are two types of malware that are serious threats to businesses: spyware and Trojan horses. Spyware collects information about your network's users without your knowledge, while Trojan horses conceal other malicious programs that can do everything from keystroke logging to stealing passwords and credit card information. These malware aren't just threats to you, but to your business associates, customers, and anyone else you send emails to. This is why you need to find an email filtering service that has both inbound and outbound filtering.

Inbound Filtering

When talking about spam protection for email, inbound filtering is what usually comes to mind. This type of filtering scans all emails you receive for threats, and alerts you about them or automatically put the infected emails into a designated spam folder. Inbound filtering is usually included in most email hosting services, such as Gmail and Yahoo Mail. Certain anti spam services may keep records of the email or IP addresses sending you spam messages, which makes it easier for you to block them.

Outbound Filtering

Instead of scanning messages you receive through your email, an outbound email filtering service scans the messages sent from within your email system. Some hackers are able to gain access to your computer network without being detected, and could be using your own servers to send out malicious emails. Outbound filtering prevents this from happening by monitoring any potential threats in the messages you send, and detecting any suspicious activity such as sending out massive amounts of emails. This allows you to determine exactly where the spam or security threats come from, and enables you or your IT team to come up with an immediate solution.

Finding a Good Email Filtering Service

The tricky thing about security software is striking a balance between eliminating threats and making sure you still receive all your legitimate emails. Some filtering systems go over the top with their security measures, and may block messages from your business partners or customers. You want to stay protected but not risk losing any business relationships or opportunities because of your email's anti-spam protection.

There are many companies and software developers offering filtering services for businesses. When looking for reliable service providers, look for those who have years of experience and proven results under their belt. Doing a quick search on Google should reveal which among the available spam protection services are the most popular and effective, but you need to do more in-depth research than that. Find customer reviews and testimonials that talk about the software you are looking into, or ask your IT team for their recommendations.

Do not forget to keep your budget in mind as you search for filtering software. Some of the more effective packages are often pricey, but it is easy to find alternatives you can use until you manage to build up the funds for the best filtering services.

Mae O'Connell is a software developer who helped create an effective email filtering service and anti spam service.

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