Spyware's on the rise - Rules to keep your computer safe

Submitted by Adam on October 29, 2007 - 10:41pm.

Riding Shotgun with Adam

We have posted a number of tips for getting rid of spyware, but most spyware is totally preventable. Most of it comes as gullible, over confident teenagers surf the web. Here's a list of rules you can print out and post by the computer to keep the computer safe. These are not in order or importance.

1. Use Mozilla Firefox to surf the web

2. Do not click on anything that claims that you have won something

3. Do not click on anything that claims that you might win something

4. Do not click on anything that asks your to vote (except for the HelpMeRick.com poll)

5. Do not download free ringtones, screensavers, games or wallpaper - especially if you are required to install a program for them to work

6. If you get a popup claiming that your computer might be or is infected with spyware, ignore it unless it has the name of your security program at the top (i.e. AVG, Norton, McAfee)

7. Do not run file sharing programs

8. Deleting cookies and browser history will not prevent spyware

9. Do not visit porn or gambling sites - one hour of porn surfing or online gambling can easily translate into a $150 computer cleanup cost

10. If you must use MySpace, don't download anything or click on any ads

11. Evil programs to watch out for include, but aren't limited to: WinAntiSpyware,PrivacyProtector, WinAntiVirusPRO, DriveCleaner, ErrorProtector, ErrorSafe, SystemDoctor, SpyShredder, Run of Network (RoN) - in other words, many spyware programs pretend to be anti-spyware programs. So, don't download anything unless you KNOW it's safe or you asked us first.

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I would add a point on phishing emails

Submitted by Smart Computer User on October 30, 2007 - 4:34pm.

I just received a very clever phishing email (they're designed to steal your identity) which said:

"Dear PayPal Member,
This email confirms that you have sent an eBay payment of $47.85 USD to jburrows@yahoo.com for an eBay item using PayPal.
Transaction ID: 8H293150XN522260H
Item Price: $47.85 USD
Total: $47.85 USD
Order Description: Digimax 130
Item/Product Number:
(4198025020)
Note: If you haven't authorized this charge ,click the link below to dispute transaction and get full refund
DISPUTE TRANSACTION (Encrypted Link )
*SSL connection: PayPal automatically encrypts your confidential information in transit from your computer to ours using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 128-bits (the highest level commercially available)"

Per the instructions on PayPal's website, I forwarded the fraudulent email into spoof@paypal.com, and their security team is deactivating it.
If you get one of these kinds of phishing emails, DO NOT click on the "dispute transaction" button, because if you do, the phisher scum will know your computer email address, and have a big leg up on stealing your identity.
Great tips, Adam! Thanks!