Data Security in the News...Again

Here we are again on the perennial topic of viruses, malware and data security.   The recent incident with the Flame Virus in the Middle East is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stealing information from computers.   These viruses are increasingly sophisticated, can cover their tracks, and require teams of experts to research and develop new protections to stop further attacks.
The takeaway is that once your computer is infected, the damage has been done. The best protection is to prevent infections in the first place.  Here are some tips for helping you avoid common types of attacks.

Tips for Avoiding 'Malvertisements'

Malvertisements are pop-up ads on websites that can steal bank account passwords, slow down or disable computers,and prevent your computer from getting .  We unwittingly expose ourselves to malvertisements just by visiting an infected website.   This type of scam is getting more popular and has already affected millions of users.  The ads are insidiuous because you don't even need to click on them to activiate them.

• Make sure your computer is set for automatic updates for your browser and applications.
• Employ an pop-up add blocker. There are many choices out there;  some are built into your browser and others are available as third party software.     
• Protect your computer with robust antivirus software, such as Kaspersky or AVG. 
• Be aware of pop-up ads that sell antivirus sofware. These unsolicited ads can be infected with malware or are scams that entreat you to buy software from the cybercrooks themselves.  

Tips for Avoiding Text Scams

Now that texting is a preferred form of communication, scams are increasingly on the rise.   We receive texts that tell us that we are "the winner of the day" or that we have just won something desirable if we just respond with a code or phrase.   To claim your prize, you'll have to divulge personal information that the spammer will sell to marketers or use to access your bank account.  In the U.S. last year, something on the order of 4.5 billion spam texts were received by cell phone owners.  Here's some advice on how to deal with text spam.

• Don't reply with "STOP" or other requests to remove your number.  Any response will confirm that yours is a working number that can be sold to telemarketers.
• Make sure your mobile number is registered with the FTC "Do Not Call" list.  This makes it illegal for telemarketers to call or text you without permission unless they are exempt.
• If your carrier is AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon, you can report spam by copying the original message and forwarding it to 7726 (spam) free of charge.
• You can file a complaint with the FCC by filling out their form.
• Check your cell phone bill monthly to see if you have incurred any charges from unwanted third-party spam. Call your carrier immediately and they should remove the charges from your bill.
• And finally, you should investigate the many spam-blocking apps that are available.

When it comes to choosing which anti-virus solutions works best for your business, TeamLogic IT can assess your systems and find out what anti-virus software you have, whether the licenses are still active, and if the scans are happening on a regular interval.  We are experts in virus removals and can recommend what software should be put in place so that your computers and mobile devices are protected.

TeamLogic IT of Mountain View, CA, is part of a nationwide network of computer consultation and managed services businesses providing outsourced IT services. Small- to medium-sized businesses rely on TeamLogic IT to handle a broad range of services from urgent computer repair and proactive maintenance to the installation of entire networks and more. For more information, contact Jon Simms at JSimms@TeamLogicIT.com or visit www.TeamLogicIT.com.