Virus - Hacking - ID Theft
Virus, Hacking, ID Theft
by Michael Davis
Dear Staff,
There is a big upward move by thieves, hackers and virus roll-outs
of late. With the economy in the state that it is in, many of these
people (if you want to call them that) are after the easy dollar.
Please don't fall victim to their tricks and falsehoods.
VIRUSES
As most of you know, if it looks to good to be true IT IS!
Don't use programs like Limeware, Frostwire, ShareBear and the such
to download "Free" music as this can allow viruses to come into
your system. Not to mention that fact that it is illegal.
I have had a lot of people getting infected by the Antivirus 2009
pop-ups or links. FYI: Antivirus 2008 and 2009 are not legitimate
programs but Spy/Malware programs. DO NOT INSTALL IT.
If you get an e-mail with an attachment from someone you don't know
personally, delete it without opening it.
Always install a anti-virus program on your system, and more
importantly KEEP it up to date. There are free packages out there
that you can use if the cost of the software is to much.
- Comodo Internet Security
- Avast Free Home Edition (also includes free spyware protection)
- AVG Free Anti-Virus
- Avira AntiVir Personal Antivirus
- PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition
- ClamWin Free Antivirus
- Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (if you think you might have some spy/malware on your system, download and use this program. It is free to find an remove spyware/malware but does not provide active protection from getting them unless you purchase it)
- More info on Free Anti-Virus Software
HACKING/HACKERS
They are always out there looking get into your machine and steal
info. A good personal firewall will help deter them from trying to
get into your machine. Below is some links to some free firewall
programs
- Comodo Internet Security
- PC Tools Firewall Plus
- Online Armor Personal Firewall (Free edition) (bottom of page)
- ZoneAlarm® Firewall (right side of the page)
ID THEFT
Number one thing to remember... Banks or Financial Institutions
will NEVER ask you for your personal information via EMAIL.
<---- NEVER!!!
If your financial institution needs anything the will contact you
via phone (they show their caller id as their name) or via snail
mail (regular postal mail).
If you get an email that says it is from you and your just not sure
and ignore the statements above... CALL THEM YOURSELF and see if
they are really trying to contact you.
The above info should be used for any other type of government or
state contact.
If you get a phone call asking you to confirm your information, ask
them to give you it first. If they refuse then tell them to give
you a phone number that you can call back and talk to them. If it
is a valid call then they should be able to provide you with this
number.
I just wanted to pass along some helpful information.
Thank you,
--
Michael Davis
Leakey ISD
Technology Director
mdavis@leakeyisd.net
Tel: 830-232-5595 ext: 258
Fax: 830-232-5535