Category Archives: Computer Protection

2012 Best Antivirus Software Programs

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As 2012 ushers in a new year, so will our computers be faced by threats caused by malware, spyware, and a host of new viruses. Fortunately, antivirus software have been enhanced, tweaked, and improved to eliminate these threats. The best antivirus software for 2012 at this moment, based on forum, reviews, and consumer sites, are featured below.

BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2012

Topping the list of the best antivirus software of 2012 is BitDefender Antivirus Plus. It features an excellent and acclaimed combo of social network defense, live updates, and enhanced malware and virus protection, to make sure that your system gets unequaled protection, at an affordable price. Some of BitDefender 2012’s amazing new features include the Scan Dispatcher, Rescue Mode, and Virtualized Browser.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 reportedly provides comprehensive protection against malware and viruses at a 100% success rate. The software intelligently scans your system for threats and blocks them before they can even access your computer. Virus definitions are updated regularly to ensure your system is shielded against the latest threats. Perhaps the only downside to this software is its price tag.

Norton Antivirus 2012

Norton Antivirus 2012 offers its award-winning antivirus program, beefed up and enhanced to effectively stop new viruses and malware from getting anywhere near your PC. With its top-quality security, minimal resource requirement, and superb tech support, it’s no surprise that Norton Antivirus 2012 remains a consistent top choice.

It would be a good idea to take time to do your research, like what you would normally do when searching for top phlebotomy training schools, to ensure that you will end up with the best antivirus program that suit your needs and computer requirements.

Advanced Malware – Knowing More About These Silent Cyber Threats

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While viruses and Trojan horses are common threats to computer security, a more evolved form of threat called as advanced malware is becoming more and more prevalent these days. Also referred as Advanced Persistent Threat, this type of malware has the ability to enter a computer network in the form of normal web traffic. Since they are innocent looking, the malware can enter the computer without triggering alerts or being detected. This kind of malware can stay in the computer for days, weeks and even months without you knowing it.

Advanced malware infections are considered as serious cyber threats that are now used to target big enterprises. What makes them different from other run-of-the-mill malware infections is the fact that they are capable of bypassing typical security layers. Even companies using sophisticated defenses are not safe from being infected by APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats).

Good news is that, there is a way to combat these evolving cyber and security threats. A product called as FireEye is a malware protection program that uses a unique approach to stop these stealthy threats. What it does is it lets the malware to do what it is programmed to do and then shuts it down the moment it enters the real network. This simply means that the threat is caught before it can wreak havoc to the network. It is highly advisable to check out malware-combating programs like FireEye to prevent your computer network from being infected by APTs.

 

What’s The Difference Between Adware, Spyware & Viruses?

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Adware, spyware and viruses, what do they have in common? Are they one and the same? If you are a computer enthusiast, you surely have heard or encountered these terms but not all know what they really are. A common denominator among the three is that they are computer threats that one should avoid. To have a better understanding on these common threats to data security and computer integrity, it is imperative that you know how to differentiate each of them.

Let’s begin with computer viruses. As the name suggests, they are very destructive and they can cause great harm to your computer since they have the ability to replicate thus allowing them to affect various computer components and corrupt the operating system. They usually come in the form of executable codes and can be carried and proliferated via removable mediums, like USB, CD and DVD. What they do is that they infect files or programs which allow them to multiply and replicate. When a user accesses the infected file or program, the virus will be loaded to the computer and start to wreak havoc. Viruses can bind themselves to executable files that may be a part of legitimate software programs.

Spyware, on the other hand, is not capable of replicating and it is not made to intentionally harm the computer unlike viruses. It is generally a type of malicious program with traits similar to Trojan horses. A common way to get infected by spyware is by downloading P2P files (peer to peer file sharing). Spyware are capable of scanning files on your hard drive, snooping on computer applications, altering home pages on web browsers, and gathering critical information such as passwords, email addresses and even credit card information. Spyware pretty much act and behave like an adware. However, they are usually created to be a separate program or an independent executable file that users inadvertently install when they install a freeware or an application that they have downloaded from the internet. The information that the spyware relays will often be used for marketing or advertising purposes. To know if your computer is infected with a spyware, you should watch out for the following signs:

•    Presence of extra toolbars (that you did not install)
•    Altered homepage settings
•    Sudden changes in your security settings
•    Seeing advertisements even when you are not browsing the net
•    Sluggish computer system
•    Normal time to load windows takes much longer

Adware, meanwhile, are legitimate forms of freeware. It behaves similar to a spyware but adwares are usually bundled into a free program or software which will be installed simultaneously once that particular application or program has been introduced to the computer system. The presence of an adware can greatly affect the performance of the computer and it often slows it down. Adware are used so that sponsored advertisements will run every time the bundled program or software is being used. The ads will disappear when you stop using the software or once you have decided to purchase a product key to run the full version of the free program.