With the March 2011 announcement that the Rustock spamming network was taken down by a combination of Microsoft, working alongside network security firm FireEye, the University of Washington, the Dutch High Tech Crime Unit and Chinese authorities, an estimated 50% of all network spam was eliminated. It was also estimated that over one million PCs were unknowingly part of this network.
If you have noticed a drop in the spam offers for cheap drugs, Viagra and the like, it is possible that you or someone you know had an affected computer. To protect you own computer and help eliminate spam it is important to do the following:
Maintain an up-to-date operating system.
The current MIcrosoft system is Windows 7, which costs anywhere from $90 to $200, depending on options. Older systems, including XP are no longer supported by Microsoft, although they may still run.
In all cases, it is important to leave all Microsoft security features on, including automatic updating. Microsoft plugs security problems in its software on a monthly basis.
The current Macintosh system is Mac OS 10.6.7, which requires the newer dual core machines. Older systems are still supported and, again, it is important to leave software update turned on and to accept security updates, although these are much less frequent.
If you are planning to purchase a new computer, consider the Macintosh which is much safer so far and subject to far fewer security exploits.
Choose a secure browser
Keeping your browser current is important for two reasons:
1. the newer versions are likely to be designed to handle current web pages
2. the newer versions are built with greater security and protection
Explorer
If running a Windows machine, the current browser is Explorer 9, which is the first Explorer to be compatible with current web standards. This browser requires Vista or Windows 7 to operate.
If you are using Windows XP, the most recent browser is Explorer 8.
FireFox
This is a free down load available from www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/features. It is faster than Explorer and more secure. Being open source, it is updated regularly to meet current threats and standards, unlike the long development cycle for Explorer.
Chrome Also available as a free download from www.google.com/chrome. Developed by Google it is fast and easy to use.
Opera Available free from www.opera.com, this browser, developed in Norway is the preferred browser in many countries.
Safari Developed first for the Macintosh, it is now also available for Windows machines from
www.apple.com/safari/download.
No longer supported
Internet Explorer on the Macintosh - outdated and very buggy
Netscape 9.0 - Earlier versions are still available but Netscape recommends all Netscape users switch to FireFox or Flock.
Bookmarks
If you have a large file of bookmarks for your browser, you can transfer these to a new browser. or keep the synchronized across multiple browsers, with Xmarks, another free application available at www.xmarks.com.
Install and maintain security protection
Some security systems cost money but may be easier to maintain. Among these are Norton from Symantic www.symantec.com, and McAfee from www.mcafee.com/uk.
Free programs for the Macintosh include iantivirus available from http://download.cnet.com/iAntiVirus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10854561.html?tag=main;productListing.
Free programs for Windows machines include AVG from http://free.avg.com, and Ad-Aware available from http://download.cnet.com/iAntiVirus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10854561.html?tag=main;productListing.
Yes, you need one of these.
Safe Computing,Robert MacIntyre
Beaverhawk@mac.com