Latest Security Articles

How to delete Firefox Mozilla internet temporary files?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:25:04 -0700

The cache of a browser serves for acceleration of browser work, reduces network load and quantity of inquiries to internet site, which therefore increases its performance. That's why any browser tries to keep as much documents as possible in its cache.
If you open one page in a browser, then another, then return to the first one, then apparently the browser will download it from your hard disk, where it was primarily cached. This operation is performed much faster than getting the same document from network.

For page viewing it is necessary not only to get HTML code, but also to download from network all accompanying documents: CSS-files, images, the scripts issued in the form of separate files, etc. As lack, most viruses, network worms and malware-programs execute from temporary files directory, that`s why wrong adjustment of cache work and insufficient anti-virus control may turn temporary internet files into "virus territory". Too large cache also negatively influences the work of a browser and PC hard disk subsystem, as a result, internet cache advantages disappear.

But where these temporary internet files can be found and how is it possible to operate them? For example, Microsoft Internet Explorer uses directory "C:\Documents and Settings\_USER_NAME_HERE_\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files" for cache storage, while Mozilla Firefox for Microsoft Windows stores its temporary files in directory "C:\Documents and Settings\_USER_NAME_HERE_\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\_RANDOM_FILENAME_HERE_\Cache"

The adjustment of internet cache size is possible in Firefox menu Tools - Options - Advanced - Network - Offline Storage. Here it is also possible to limit hard disk space for temporary files` storage or delete them right away ("Clear Now"). If necessary, the present operation can be performed differently: wipe the internet cache directory manually or create file clear_ff_temp.Cmd with the following content:
rd /s /q "%userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles"

This cmd file will delete all Firefox temporary storages on this computer. It should be performed, for example, before anti-virus scanning along with Windows temporary files folder wiping (C:\Documents and Settings\_USER_NAME_HERE_\Local Settings\Temp), because in this case thousands of odd small files (standart quantity of temporary files of Windows and browser) won`t be processed, so it will save you some time. This will also delete viruses and malware if they had already been there.

If it is required, the file clear_ff_temp.Cmd can be added to the Windows scheduler or autorun, then Firefox temporary files wiping will be performed automatically.

It should be noted that too frequent temporary files wiping will decrease internet cache utility. The default Firefox adjustments are usually enough, but sometimes temporary internet files wiping is really necessary and then we recommend to take advice of the given clause.

DisCryptor PERSONAL v2.0.17 - Security & Privacy::Encryption Tools Software

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:53:53 -0800

DisCryptor PERSONAL is a perfect software for your privacy protection.

It allows easy encryption of files, folders and email attachments with a single click. It protects whole disks and creates safe virtual disks (secure space for your private data). It protects portable flash and USB disks using state of the art encryption methods (you do not need to install the software on other computers). DisCryptor includes many advanced functions such as data shredder for safe data removal, password manager, password creation guide and many more. At the same time it doesnt burden the system tools of your PC. When you discard your data, using the data shredder, no one can get to your deleted data, even if using state of the art technology. If you forget the password for your data, you can use the security key. Security profiles wizard will quickly help you with the setup of the whole program.

Try the 15 day free DisCryptor PERSONAL edition now!

DisCryptor PERSONAL, protects your privacy!

www.discryptor.net

Also try:

Virtual and hard disks encryption
Easy and intuitive interface
One click document encryption
Safe document transfer over the e-mail
Safe traveller's disk encryption (no need to install the software elsewhere)
Data shredding scheduler, automatic disk connection
Security profiles
Security keys
Data shredder

What Is Anonymous Browsing

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Anonymous surfing is simply the ability to browse the World Wide Web but having your identity hidden from the outside world. From the outside world I am referring to the websites you visit. You identify can be hidden successfully by using an anonymous browser based proxy. These are just sites on the Internet that you can use to type in the address of the site you want to visit and the service will then take you to that website but keeping your information like your MAC address and your IP address private and hidden from the eyes of the site you are visiting. For example, when the user attempts to access something on a certain part of the Internet, the proxy site will communicate to that file as a middle man for the user, thus maintain that users privacy and anonymity. The ability to browser anonymously also maintains the privacy of the user from potential loggers spying on the users connection. Anonymous proxy servers also allow Internet users to bypass any network restrictions imposed by its college or work place network. Firewalls of certain software installed onto computers or network filter out certain sites that are deemed inappropriate or unrelated. Proxies are often used in schools or offices where there are heavy restrictions on websites that are not accessible to the student. Students will usually do this to gain access to social networking sites and chat rooms which are often blocked by schools tech offices. Office workers use the same methods and will often anonymously browse as this can help them bypass restrictions set by their employer and can help them cover their tracks in case the employer happens to be monitoring their Internet activities. Even though anonymous surfing can seem to be the solution to complete privacy, it can also be potentially very dangerous. The reason for this is because the user using the proxy does not realise that the data remains unencrypted when it is being sent to the proxys server. This means that important information like login information, passwords, credit card information, and bank details could be leaked by a proxy service administrator who has malicious intent. People that are always looking to browser anonymously could quite easily fall into Internet traps where web pages display wrong security measures and the user ends up giving out too much or just plain sensitive information. This could then lead to greater disasters and problems than simple, non-anonymous browsing as the proxy server and any persons associated with the maintenance of the proxy website could end up stealing the users information and doing whatever they like with it. A product with encryption as one of its features should ideally be used for maximum protection on all fronts. I hope the information on this article has proved useful and helps you understand that even though using proxies for anonymous surfing has lots of advantages, it also has many disadvantages that are often over looked by lots of people seeking greater privacy online.

Know When Your Computer Infected by Viruses and Deal with Them

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:05:07 -0700

It is important to always keep your computer free from virus. Computer virus is much like a disease. When your computer infected virus, it will affect your computer operation negatively. If you found it early, you still might be able to clear it smoothly. But, if you found it too late, then it might be a disaster to you. It will make your computer unable to operate totally and you have to format your computer causing you lose all the important data stored in the computer.

A good sign that indicates your computer might be infected by virus is slow in task-processing. You need to stay alert when encounter this situation as there are computer viruses created to slow down your computer processing power.

Another sign is when some of the files in the operation system were corrupted suddenly. An even worst case is when you can't directly browse into your disk drive. You will have to right click and then select 'open' to get into your disk drive.

Also, if you are a frequent computer users, you may have experienced computer auto-restart quite often. Usually the computer will pop up a message informing you that the computer will shut down itself in the next 60 seconds. In this case, the computer probably has infected by a virus called W32.Blaster.Worms.

The easiest method to find out whether viruses have gone into your computer is obviously by installing an antivirus software. The strong and advance antivirus software will notify immediately when your computer just infected by a virus, letting your take the necessary action instantly.

However, there are powerful computer viruses created to shut down your antivirus software in order to get into your computer without a single notification from your antivirus software to you. There are also certain types of viruses that can mislead your antivirus software and make the software treats the virus as an authorized program.

So, it is necessary to take 5 to 10 seconds everyday looking at your computer task manager. Getting your task manager opened is pretty easy; just press Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard. When the task manager shows up, you can see the activity running and CPU usage level in the 'Process Tab'. If you see more than 50% of CPU resources is being occupied by unknown program, then possibly the computer has been infected by virus.

Another method you can use to detect virus is by checking for unidentified.exe file appear in the computer system. Those unidentified.exe files are actually developed to trick you by replicating itself to be similar to some of the file in your computer. For instance, lets say you have a file name â€˜Book' in your â€˜My Computer' folder. One day when you go to your â€˜My Computer' folder again to open the â€˜Book' file but you notice that there is another similar file named Book but with dot exe like Book.exe. That actually is a virus that will be destroying your computer system soon. So, always spend some time to look around your folders and files, see whether there is any unidentified.exe file. If you found one, take action immediately to remove it.

Internet Scam Protection: Tips Everyone Should Know

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Internet Scams? With missing children? Yes, it is true, even the topic of missing children along with faked Amber Alerts are used as traps on the Internet. However, you do not have to be caught by this, or any other type of Internet scam. It's unfortunate but true. Most of these online scams are known now as "phishing" scams and are typically known for masquerading as well know banks and credit card processors. The goal is to steal your information and use it for nefarious purposes such as stealing your identity, emptying your bank account, scamming others and even stealing email addresses. Even child safety experts and their line of work get side tracked by this. It seems as though no one is immune today. There are some scurrilous individuals around that play the "missing child" alert to scrape and steal email addresses for their spamming purposes. One of the latest phishing scams is an Amber Alert. Masquerading as the well known and highly effective alert system to find and save abducted children, this latest is particularly loathsome. The alert mentioned a 13 year old girl missing in Ohio. It was sent via an email chain with innumerable addresses on it. You do not need to be a helpless victim of this or any other phishing scam online. Here are some great tips as to real versus fake. You can learn to know the difference. You can understand what is a phishing scam and what is not in order to keep yourself, your children and your families safer online. First, stay calm. "Oh No! Another child missing! Let's help!" is a natural reaction. The point is, it's a reaction. Make your first rule about any unsolicited email, no matter who it is from, to hold a very healthy skepticism about it. Take time to read further. If you did not request it or it seems to elicit panic or a harsh emotion such as, "Your account is suspended!" chances are it's a scam. Two, true and valid Amber Alerts do not come as singular emails forwarded on from individual to individual. The "chain email" or even funny-looking links to follow are not indicative of real businesses contacting you. Third, check to see if the email address is valid or a dead link. As a rule, whenever you get questionable stuff like this type of email, go to Google. Simply enter it in the Google search box and add the word urbanlegend. Or, you can go to snopes (dot) com. With these two tools you can find out very quickly whether it is real or not. The second thing that people are not aware of is that often these emails are used to gather email addresses for email spamming. If you scroll down you can see everyone who every got this line. When you get those ads for breast enlargement etc, you know where it came from!

The Importance Of Using Anti-Spyware Software

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Like many students, one law school student used Google to come up with a list of online research sources while conducting research for her money laundering thesis. Throughout the writing of her paper, this tool was very helpful to her. After working on the project for a short time, the student faced the annoyance of being directed to a site that had nothing to do with money laundering each time she typed specific key terms. Because the problem refused to go away, the law student could no longer cling to the hope that it was simply a problem with Google or the Internet and had to reluctantly acknowledge that her computer had been bugged. Though nobody enjoys being annoyed, human pests are easy to get rid of. Stopping adware and spyware, the type of bugs that plagued the student, is much more difficult. The student did not have the advanced technology training to deal with this type of problem and like most average students, she uses her laptop only for basic research and the writing of her papers. So she became stuck with annoying ads popping up all over the place. And truth be known, this is not even close to as bad as the problem can become. The case above is eerily similar to that of an increasing number of individuals who find their computers malfunctioning after being infected with spyware and adware. In 1995, spyware premiered as a phrase to describe an especially nasty type of computer infection, and that term has gained increasing popularity ever since. Most spyware are actually computer programs or scripts that infect and imbed on other peoples computers and in this way violation is accomplished, as it allows another party to accomplish spyware objectives or even access another persons personal sensitive financial information. Through studying keystrokes, hard drive material, and web browsing history, this spying is accomplished. Spyware proves that you do not have to be in a James Bond movie to be a victim of intense infiltration tactics. Invading other's privacy is a highly intrusive act that definitely makes the innocents involved victims. Spying on criminals with spyware could possibly be justified as it could help society for the greater good, and though you would probably never get a government agency to admit it, is allegedly taking place everyday, Too often though spyware programs are used to track personal information of totally innocent people, obtaining sensitive credit card information and online banking account login details. Because of the hostile nature of these potential infiltration's, every computer should have an updated anti-spyware program to help keep them safe. Other types of less malicious spyware, such as malware and adware, should also be blocked for full protection against vicious computer infiltration. It is not difficult to find, online, many helpful spyware and adware blocker programs. These programs both remove and disable existing bugs and help prevent the future installation of similar malicious software. Once a computer has fallen prey to malicious infiltrating programs, they usually experience a drastic drop in the speed with which they function. Spyware continues to live up to the appropriateness of its name, as many spyware infections hide their presence - if not their harm - so well that no one can detect that it is spyware causing the difficulty. Spyware blockers can help a lot in keeping your computer safe from invasion and your personal information private.

Computer Security-How To Stay Safe In A World Of Hackers

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Consider the latest "Die Hard". Some teenagers, few masterminds and trillions of dollars being siphoned off the federal fund that has been deposited against people's social security benefits. Do not think that it is a simple cinematic flick! Today hackers are so sophisticated that they can actually bring a law abiding citizen down on the streets. With the advent of technology making life easier for most of us, getting to shop from the comfort of our homes or transfer money from the safety of our living rooms, the fact remains that the nameless faceless cyber world is dotted with criminal minded people whose sole intention is to rob you off your identity, get access to all your important details and use those for their own benefits. How do you fight that? Install an anti-virus. An anti-virus protects your computer from malicious viruses that tend to lodge themselves deep into your hard drive and copy all your data and transfer those to servers where you would not want your confidential information to be a hacker's server. If someone sends you a virus intentionally or unintentionally, the anti-virus detects the virus and destroys it. Keep your anti-virus up-to-date. Set your anti-virus such that there is a weekly scan scheduled for all the hard drives in your computer. Install a firewall: A firewall will always keep a check on the information that is exchanged between your computer and other computers every time that you are logged on to the internet. That way you will be protected from any unwanted code or application getting downloaded on to your PC inadvertently. Any data that do not meet the security requirement set by the program developer will be barred from entering your computer by the firewall. Always keep your firewall updated as well. Act Smart: Do not store personal information in your computer. Information like your social security number, credit card number, pins, bank account numbers, telephone numbers, addresses, etc. Do not click on links that look suspicious. Most spam mails have links that should be avoided. These can lead to downloading of applications that may erase your hard drive. Always scan all attachments using your antivirus before opening it or running it or installing it on your computer. Do not exchange personal information in chat rooms, through mails or instant messages. Divulge your credit card details or social security details only to secured sources or through secured websites. Do not buy pirated products, software or programs. These may send messages over the internet when you are working with the particular software. Do not download executable files to your PC from unknown sources. Be extremely cautious while exchanging information over the internet. Keeping the above points in mind will help you in keeping your computer secure. Although every day a number of Trojan viruses or worms are coded and let loose over the internet, we must always do the best that we can in order to ensure security. A computer is an expensive device. A simple insecure download can render the whole machine useless.

10 Top Free Antispyware Programs

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Spyware are the programs, which covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge. They generally come bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs, which you download from unsecured and un-trusted sites. Once they have been installed on your system, Spyware programs constantly monitor your activities on your computer and send that private information in the background to the person who has planted that spyware on your computer. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. They are the real threat to your online privacy and some of them have been instrumental in causing some of the greatest Internet Scams. Anti-spyware, the Ray of Hope: With the growing trends of E-commerce and online transactions, spyware programs are becoming the biggest online threats. And with their growth, lots of Anti-spyware programs are now available on the Internet. Many of them are free and many of them are paid. Personally, I am not in favor of using FREE anti-spyware programs, because they do not get updated as fast as the paid software and the lack of customer support, which is very essential. Internet Security is not to be taken lightly, and spending a few bucks today on your security, might be an intelligent investment instead of repenting later. Having said that, if you are inclined to use a FREE anti-spyware, I would recommend following Free Anti-Spyware Programs. Best Free Anti-spyware Programs: 1. Spybot Search & Destroy: Freeware spyware removal and detction program for Windows. 2. AVG Anti-Spyware Free: Free anti-spyware program for Windows, created by GriSoft. 3. Spyware Terminator: Free anti-spyware program with real-time protection, manual and scheduled scan, safe quarantine, automatic update, etc. 4. Spyware Detector: Scans for spyware/malware for free; spyware removal is not free though. 5. A-squared free: Removes Trojans, Worms, Keyloggers, Dialer and Spyware/Adware from your PC. The free version does not offer real-time protection. 6. SuperAntispyware: Free anti-spyware program for home use; runs on Windows. 7. Browser Hijack Retaliator: Internet Explorer protection. Prevents IE from being 'taken over' by malicious scripts and ActiveX controls. 8. Arovax AntiSpyware: Free anti-spyware program for Windows; sponsored by user forum. 9. SpywareBlaster: Free windows program which protects against spyware: prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox, restricts the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer. 10. Damage Cleanup Engine: Freeware spyware removal program for Windows. Terminates malware instances in memory, removes malware entries from registry and system files, scans and deletes malware from local hard drives.

How To Protect Your Home Computer

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Home computers are popular among intruders. Home computers with internet connections usually stay connected and this is a good time for intruders or hackers to do their ill will. Intruders may steal your bank records, credit cards information and thus spend your money without your permission. Your computer including the hard disk space, your processor and your internet connection will also be at risk from hackers. Unscrupulous individuals deliver viruses in your computer by hacking your system. In order to protect your home computer, you will need the following: Install Antivirus programs Be careful in opening emails Install a firewall program Backup important files Use unique password Install Antivirus programs Virus may harm your computer including the files in it. If virus enters your computer it may be hard to delete it entirely because virus signature oftentimes lingers in your computer system. Thus, it is important for you to install an antivirus program. By installing an antivirus program you can avoid virus entering your system. Scan your computer for viruses using the anti-virus program to avoid damage virus can do to your computer. Be care in opening emails If you see an email from a sender that you do not know, never open this email. Some viruses are passed on through file attachments. Thus, you will need to avoid opening emails from unknown senders especially those with attachments. If someone you know accidentally passed a virus to you, make sure that your antivirus program is working properly. Install a Firewall program Use a firewall especially if you have internet connections at home. Some malware enter your system when you download free softwares. Even without downloading softwares, some hackers can enter your system through some other means. It is thus important that the firewall works properly. This is to avoid intruders entering your computer and thus affecting the usefulness of your home computer. Backup important files To ensure that you can protect your computer and your files as well, keep a backup of your files in a CD or an external drive. This is to ensure that if your computer system develops issues, you can still retrieve your important files from the backup. Use unique password Your password may work to protect you as a person. Your password may also protect your computer from intruders. The most important protection you will need from using passwords in your computer is the protection of your bank details, credit cards details and even your computer system. Never use your name or the name of anyone in your family as a password. By using capital letters, small letters and numbers in your password, you are creating a unique password that will work to protect your home computer.

Network Security Needs and Tips

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

When you have a computer and you work on a network one of the most important things you can provide for you business is good network security. This term describes the things that make up the underlying network infrastructure, plus policies that have been set up by the administrator of the network system. The security is in place to protect the network against people receiving unauthorized access to databases, communication and other valuable information on your network. Unfortunately, trying to make your network more secure can be somewhat difficult because there are numerous points that a person can attack in their attempt to get access. This act of getting onto a network your not allowed is called hacking. In trying to setup network security the administrator is taking measures that will prevent any attempts or success in gaining network access, even from one of your own computers. In that case, if access cannot be gained to one computer the network is safe. It is possible to stop a hacker during the beginning of the attack, but some may get in further than you would like. Some of these attacks are, of course, a virus that can be set lose in your computer and thus corrupting the network and possibly create a problem with all the computers on the network if it's not caught in a timely manner. Most security precautions for networks require that any users with access to the network need to be authenticated. This means that you will probably have not only a username but a distinct password to use to access the network as well. Once the computer verifies that this information is correct it will allow you access to the network. This is a great way to prevent someone who isn't allowed access from getting onto the system, but it will not block worms that can be transmitted via the network. In order to fight this you should get what is called an intrusion prevention system, it will help to identify worms and anything that may be malicious in nature and stop it from accessing your network. The network administrator may also use a decoy such as a Honey pot that will hopefully act as a warning tool and prevent further access to those unauthorized users. For a home network it is fairly easy to set up security, but with bigger companies it becomes a bit harder. Ways to protect your home are firewalls, and software programs that watch for viruses like Norton. With a medium sized business you will need a firewall that is more advanced with a much stronger Antivirus, in addition to changing of passwords on a monthly basis. Larger businesses will want a very strong firewall, a strong Antivirus, change of passwords bi-weekly, network analyzer. Even schools need to protect their networks with an adjustable firewall, strong Antivirus, and many other things. As you can tell as you go up in size of company the security measures to take to protect your network become more in depth.