If you are a person who works with a computer on a daily basis then you will gather a lot of data on your computer that you are going to want to keep secure.

The first level of protecting your data is to create back ups that will make sure that your data is available if anything goes wrong.

Also, if your operating system supports it, you can create a kind of restore point for your data and installed programs on your computer.

This will create an image that will bring your computer to its form on the date of the restore point that you set.

Virtual Machine

If you do not have time for that or a back up, a great way to protect your data when you are surfing the web or doing other dangerous activities is to use a virtual machine.

A virtual machine is a program that you can set up on your computer that will allow you to use another operating system on top of the one that you are already using.

It will give you the same rights and abilities that using the host operating system gives you.

You can run programs and surf the web, all in an protected environment.

There are ways for hackers to get around this security blanket but they are very complicated and not widely distributed.

With software like this you can now run a Windows machine and if you feel an operation is not safe for that machine you can open up the VM and run it in Linux.

VMWare

The most popular virtual machine that is out there right now is called VMWare.

This is the leader in the world of Virtual machines as of right now.

They give you a very good free version of their software that you can run indefinitely.

This is great when you already have a VM Image already set up.

If you want to create your own virtual machine then you will have to use the paid version of the software.

Alternatives

Other companies that are in the same space include Microsoft and several open source versions that are available on Linux and Windows.

The Microsoft version is called Virtual PC.

They also give away a free version that will allow you to run other operating systems.

There are several different variants of virtual machines on Linux.

The most popular being Xen and Virtual box (which also runs on Windows).

Also if you want to run a VM without a lot of hassle, there is a Linux distribution that is call Wubi.

It is sort of a virtual machine but instead of being a program that runs an operating system, it is itself the operating system.

You can install this on Windows just like any other program and when you open it up it will be running the Ubuntu distro of Linux.

This is also a very reliable way to keep your data secure from any dangerous operations.

I have given you several ways that you can keep your computer’s data secure from any unruly virus that might infect your computer.

If you have important files and you need to go the extra mile past antivirus then running a virtual machine is a good way to go.

Using A Virtual Machine To Protect Your Computer is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Perhaps the most important defense is to be proactive in securing your WLAN.

Don’t wait for threats to emerge before taking action.

Now that you know the threats to your WLAN and some ways to deal with them, you can take what you know and put it to work.

Each vendor maintains patches and updates on its Web site.

You could go to every Web site and search for all the vulnerabilities that affect your devices.

You may even find most of what you’re looking for after quite a while.

The best place to start is the Security Focus Web site.

Security Focus maintains an exhaustive list of vulnerabilities for hardware and software from every vendor.

If it’s vulnerable, it’s listed on their site.

Often vulnerabilities are listed on Security Focus even before the developers of an application or device know about the problem.

In those rare cases when a company refuses to acknowledge an issue, this Web site may be the only place where you’ll find it listed.

Make it a habit to check the site regularly for new threats.

Many vendors will send you an email warning you of vulnerabilities if you took the time to register your product (and lets face it, most of us don’t).

For the 90 percent of users that use a Microsoft operating system, the Windows Update feature will help you keep the operating system patched and save you from becoming a casualty when the next worm surfaces.

Most cracker tools exploit holes that have not been patched.

If you don’t maintain your systems, you are remaining vulnerable when you should be safe.

Taking the time to patch software and update the firmware on devices will minimize your risk and reduce your headaches.

Being Proactive About WLAN Security is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Data recovery can be a really hard process if you don’t understand or know what it is that you are doing.

When a person is having to perform data recovery that means that either their folder or file has become encrypted.

After your file or folders are encrypted, it can cause damage to your computer and you must take certain steps to get the data back that was lost.

There are lots of ways that you can recover data from your computer.

Some people download freeware that walks them step by step on how to recover their data while others do it straight from their computer.

If you decide to do it yourself you will find that the method of data recovery will vary depending on what kind of computer that you’re using.

Mac, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are all a bit different when it comes to this process.

That’s another reason why people decide to use a free program to recover their data.

For beginners, the best way to go about getting your data back is using the free software program.

Most of the programs require you to download the software.

Before you begin, they usually ask for your email address.

Once you provide them with your email address you can review the directions that they give.

When you have problems, you can contact customer service and they will be there to help.

That is another reason why downloading and using software to recover data is a really good thing when you are new.

If you decide to do this by yourself, you won’t be able to have any help.

In order to make sure that you have a really good program, do some research on it first before you decide to download the software and see what people are saying about it.

After you have downloaded and finished the data recovery, make sure that you back things up.

You can back them up with buying a flash drive or floppy disk.

If you haven’t backed up your files and pictures, you should do it soon.

Mistakes can happen at anytime and they are called mistakes because we didn’t plan on them happening.

Another word of advice is to make sure that your computer is password protected and that you have your firewall on plus virus protection turned on too.

Using Software To Recover Your Data is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Do we actually need cyber security?

I strongly believe that we do.

Everybody has their own thoughts on cyber security, some of which are valid facts, and some of which are misconceptions.

The Internet is a dynamic technology and you can never predict the changes that are constantly occurring.

Furthermore,  every change can lead to more dangerous threats that had not been previously imagined.

That is why there have been number of incidents in the past where the Internet has been used as the medium for some serious crimes which are named as ‘Cyber Crimes’.

If proper means are not used to tackle this problem then the rate of cyber crime will just continue to increase.

Below are some of the reasons behind the need for cyber security -

1.) Who are hackers and what do they do?

We all are aware of hackers.

But do you actually know how they operate?

A hacker could be anyone.

He might be your business rival, your friend or any other person who is trying to hijack your computer’s resources.

They somehow enter into your computer with the help of many malicious programs and scripts, all of which can be found on the internet or easily coded by someone with a little know how.

Once he succeeds in hijacking your computer, then he can misuse your confidential information such as e-mail accounts, bank accounts, credit cards and any other useful information he finds stored on your system.

2.) Online fraud and identity theft.

Cyber criminals follow a number of techniques in order to acquire e-mail Ids, credit card numbers, bank account numbers and passwords which are then misused by them.

These kinds of scams are known as ‘phishing‘.

These criminals cheat people by pretending to be spokespeople of big organisations or deceased millionaires and sending emails to their victims which will try to trick them into revealing confidential information.

3.) Cyber thefts are increasing daily.

Conventional thefts can be compensated by insurance cover but once you lose your confidential data from your computer, no-one can help you.

These kinds of incidents are not only restricted to individuals but huge companies and institutions are falling prey to cyber theft too.

4.) Computer viruses can really mess up your system.

Viruses can not only slow your system down, they can make it crash too.

There are number of ways in which viruses can enter your computer.

One of them is through accessing insecure web sites and downloading infected files.

Its not only household computers that can be infected as even big business can be affected too.

For example, in 1999 the Melissa virus lead to the termination of many services in Microsoft and other huge companies.

5.) Spyware keeps tabs on your activity.

Spyware is a form of malware that can enter your computer and install itself automatically.

It is not only meant to spy on you but also steal information from your computer.

The dangerous part is that people do not even realize its presence on their computers.

Some reports suggest that about 92% of computers are infected by spyware and that users are unaware of it!

6.) Adware is annoying.

The main purpose of adware is to pop up unwanted ads as you are surfing the Internet.

This can quickly become extremely annoying and frustrating.

Nowadays adware is often integrated with spyware in order to exploit your computer to great heights.

These are just some of the different ways cyber criminals steal your resources and information.

They are always a step ahead and the security industry is forever trying to keep up with their new plans and codes.

Therefore, it is very necessary to protect your system for all the threats caused by cyber criminals.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Cyber Security: Why Is It So Important? is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Comparing the relative levels of security between two vastly different operating systems is, of course, a rather subjective matter.

After the much hyped, and sometimes maligned, Windows Vista the spotlight has once again been placed over Microsoft who have recently released Windows 7.

This is hot on the heels of Apple’s latest operating system for the Mac, Snow Leopard.

Nowadays security is one of the biggest concerns for any operating system.

Security Issues

According to security experts Secunia, Mac OS X is much safer than the Windows operating system as they found only 9 security issues with Mac OS X compared to 29 issues with the Windows product.

Does this paint a fair picture though?

Everybody knows that the Windows operating system is installed on many more computers than Mac OSX and that makes it a big and lucrative target for malware authors.

Therefore isn’t it just a case of scale that makes Windows appear to be less secure on first glance?

Windows 7 is, in my opinion, a far better product (in terms of security) than its previous versions.

Security Features

A whole host of features, such as Biometric Framework, fingerprint scanners, BitLocker and others make Windows 7 an amazingly secured operating system.

At the same time, the smaller market share of Apple Mac OS X, and the absence of third party programs, makes their operating system harder to hack (or less appealing at the very least).

For this reason, systems powered with Mac OS X suffer less attacks than their Windows counterparts, making the Mac appear to be extremely secure.

On the other hand, Windows 7 comes with dozens of security tools but its openness makes it’s monster security system look like an ordinary one.

Recently Windows Vista post-Service Pack 2 has been named as the safest operating system on the planet.

And it is quite obvious that Windows 7 will incorporate all the features of it’s successful predecessor.

If you are not satisfied by the security parameters of Windows 7 then you can tweak it further by using third party firewalls, antivirus and other protection programs whereas such a feature is absent in Mac OS X.

Hackers

But, Windows Operating Systems are easily undone by hackers, so the story MIGHT remain the same with Windows 7.

So this might compel you to use Mac OS X.

Comparing the security levels of Windows 7 and Mac OS X is difficult as both have their benefits and weaknesses.

Although operating systems have a major role to play in the security of your computer the ultimate responsibility lies with you, the user.

Having a secured Internet connection and good surfing habits are probably a more important consideration than which operating system you use.

Which is the most secured Operating System, Windows 7 or Mac OS X?

That is a never ending debate and one that can get quite emotional, as evidenced by the comments last time I wrote on the topic of whether an Apple Mac was more secure than a Windows machine.

What do you think?

Security – Windows 7 Vs Mac OSX is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Since the addition of a Firewall in Windows XP, Microsoft has been working to improve it with each new version of their operating systems.

Windows 7 is expected to the best operating system designed by Microsoft so far.

Windows 7 comes with a robust firewall included and this can be tweaked by the user according to their needs and computer resources..

Firewall plays a huge role in protecting your computer from external malicious programs.

So until and unless you grant permission, external programs will not be able to use the resources of your computer.

Like Windows Vista, the fundamental (basic) settings of the Windows 7 firewall can be configured from Control Panel.

But unlike Windows Vista, Windows 7 allows you to tweak the advanced settings of it’s firewall directly from your Control Panel, instead of accessing empty MMC.

Manually Configure Your Windows 7 Firewall

Below is the procedure to manually configure the firewall Settings of Windows 7 -

Step 1: Click on the START button and then click on the CONTROL PANEL option.

Step 2: Now, in the Control Panel window, locate System and Security and then click on it.

Step 3: Once you open the System and Security window from the Control Panel, you can see a direct link to Windows Firewall. Click on it.

Step 4: Now, you will be able to access the Windows Firewall window. There, you can see number of options like Turn Windows Firewall on or off, Change notification settings, Restore defaults and Advanced settings on the left side of the panel.

And on the right side of the panel you can alter the type of network associated with the firewall settings of your computer which are Home or Work (Private) networks and Public networks.

And the Firewall will be ON / ACTIVE for both the networks, which is a default setting.

Step 5: Now, you can see the Change Notification settings link on the left side of the panel. Click on it. You can use this option to Turn OFF the firewall settings of your operating system by simply clicking on Turn off Windows Firewall button.

Step 6: If you are unhappy with any settings you have selected you can retrieve the default settings by clicking on the option labeled as Use recommended settings which can be located on the right side of the panel or by clicking on the Restore Default link on the left panel.

You need to confirm your choice once you click on the Restore Default button.

Step 7: You can also alter the Advanced Setting of the Local Computers by clicking on the Advanced Settings button visible on the left panel.

Step 8: If you want to tweak the inbound rules, you can click on the link labeled as Inbound Rules on the left side of the panel. If you click on Disable Rule, it will disable the selected rule and if you click on Enable Rule, you can choose the actions you want from the list displayed in Actions Pane.

Step 9: You can even keep an eye on the things like Logging settings, General Settings, Firewall State, Active Networks by clicking on the Monitoring option on the left side of the panel.

I hope this guide has given you a basic idea of how to set up your firewall in Windows 7.

How Do I Configure Windows 7’s Firewall? is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

This is a guest post from Dwarka at Review Unit,  a blog with reviews and the latest NEWS about Gadgets, Software, Hardware, Games, Mobile Phones and useful Web Applications along with freebies, promotional offers.

As a parent, there is no doubt that you want to provide your kids with the best facilities available.

Whether it would be books, toys or technology, you always look for the best for your children.

Qimo is actually a Ubuntu Linux based operating system, which is designed to entertain and teach your kids about computers in the best possible way.

If you are looking for a way to allow your kids to make the best possible use of a computer, Qimo is the best solution.

Qimo is based on open source Ubuntu Linux which can be installed or run from a Live CD or a flash drive directly.

Qimo is a comprehensive operating system for kids.

Qimo is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with big icons and amazing kids games.

Designed by a husband and wife in Florida, Qimo can be operated with outdated computers as the minimum system requirements is -

• 400MHz processor
• 256MB of RAM
• 6GB hard drive (if you choose to install it instead of booting directly with the Live CD)

There are many applications included in this Operating System which include TuxPaint, Childsplay, eToys, GCompris and many more.

It is an amazing way to re-use an old notebook or computer.

Booting from Live CD does not require installation, so even if you use them on your computer, you can be assured that it will not break anything.

Qimo has got all the features that a parent would look for in a safe and secured operating system for their kids.

Qimo does not allow your kids to access any of the administrative tools so it allows you to dust your worries off your head while your kids are enjoying their time on computer.

This Linux operating system is designed in such a way that it offers stuff to your kids from 4 or 5 years old till they grow up to 12-13 years.

I would love to recommend this amazing operating system, as it is the best way to get you kid get started with the Linux operating system and get them to interact with the computer in the best possible way.

Please have a look at PC’s PLACE, which is a blog with Reviews and latest NEWS about Gadgets, Software, Hardware, Games, Mobile Phones and useful Web Applications along with freebies, promotional offers, tips and tricks and tutorials related to technology.

Click here to Download Qimo.

Qimo – Free And Safe Operating System For Kids is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Its a sad thing to say but it seems that earning money illegally is becoming easy these days.

One such method I’ve noticed, and it really upsets me, is disability fraud.

Personally I think it is right that we, as a society, look after those who are unfortunate to be disabled.

However, there are many individuals who feel that it is ok to play the system and claim benefits for disabilities they do not have.

In both legal and medical terms disability does not mean that a person is physically handicapped.

Just because a person is able to do all the things that a normal man can do it does not really imply that the person is not disabled.

There are a number of medical conditions which are not physically visible but they are still termed as disabilities.

Invisible Disabilities

Such disabilities are known as “invisible disabilities”.

This is the area in which criminals are taking advantage of the system and literally cashing in.

Below are some of the common types of invisible disabilities -

• Chronic Dizziness: This kind of disability is related to an improper functioning of the inner ear. Such a problem would cause problems to a person whilst performing some of the basic tasks like walking, sleeping or working.
• Chronic Fatigue: If a person does not feel like working and always feels totally tired, then he might be suffering from Chronic Fatigue. This can have a very negative impact on the person’s daily life routine.
• Mental Illness: Some forms of this disability can make a person mentally so vulnerable that they find basic and common daily tasks very had to perform. Disabilities like agoraphobia, depression, lack of concentration and schizophrenia are categorized under mental illness.
• Chronic Pain: Some bone or physical injuries and back problems can lead to chronic pain. This kind of pain or disability might not be visible to everybody but people linked with the medical fraternity will easily detect such disability.

Of course there are a great many people with invisible disabilities such as those above who are perfectly genuine and who are suffering.

Unfortunately, however, there are also many people who fake such conditions for financial gain.

Types Of Disability Fraud

Below are some of most common types of disability fraud -

• Doing legitimate work despite claiming to be suffering from disability: It has been found that people suffering from various invisible disabilities are working in jobs they claim they cannot do while enjoying the benefits offered for the disabled.
• Pretending to be suffering from any kind of Injury: People do pretend to be suffering from some kinds of illness and even doctors can’t prove that wrong. So they intentionally pretend to be disabled, in order to enjoy the benefits offered to them by various agencies.
• Continuing to claim benefits even after recovering from disability: Not all disabilities are permanent and people are cured every day. Some, however, continue to claim benefits for many years afterwards regardless though.

Tackling Disability Fraud

Disability fraud is extremely hard to prove and prosecute.

Many governments have already initiated various methods to tackle disability fraud but cynics, such as myself, wonder if they are doing enough, especially when recategorising such people as being merely unemployed could prove detrimental to their boasts of keeping jobless figures to a minimum.

Doctors cannot always detect whether a claim of disability is genuine or not and the politically correct society we live in now means you really ought to be very careful about questioning whether benefits claimants are legitimate or not.

Having said that, here in the UK we are encouraged to grass on our neighbours (another ploy designed to destroy society no doubt) but could you tell whether the disabled person living next door to you was faking it?

Probably not.

I don’t know what the answer is but I do know that we need to cut out disability fraud.

I’m of the opinion that far too many people claim benefits for fake disabilities in order to avoid working and we really ought to get them off their lazy backsides and into work so that they can contribute to society, allowing us to divert the money saved to those who really need it.

What Is Disability Fraud? is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

Trend Micro Internet Security is an antivirus and internet security program developed by Trend Micro who are based in Tokyo, Japan.

It is one of the fastest growing such products and is a strong product with which to protect your computer.

It is one of the most comprehensive security suites available and offers great protection at an affordable price.

Trend Micro has recently unveiled two new versions of its Internet Security products, Trend Micro Internet Security and Trend Micro Internet Security Pro.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2010 is very user friendly and provides security to your computers without using too much of your computer ’s resources.

It covers basic threat detection to a behavior-based prevention system and security for Symbian and Windows Mobile devices.

Here are some of the best elements of Trend Micro’s new Internet Security 2010 pro -

• The download size of this program is 20% smaller and the quick scan feature on Windows XP and Vista is 20% faster.
• The program’s booting time is 20% faster and uses 40% less RAM.
• The program is affordable and offers good protection.
• The installation of the software is very easy and doesn’t take much of your time. After the installation is finished it performs a quick scan and updates the definition files.
• Low CPU usage means you can protect your personal information with ease and surf the Internet without slowing down your computer.
• It safeguards multiple computers – you can install this software on up to three PCs per household.
• Trend Micro Internet Security has a behavioral engine which is an exceptional tool for preventing malware.

Safe surfing on the web -

• Trend Micro automatically detects and removes viruses, spyware, and other malicious threats from your computer, emails, instant messages, and downloaded files.
• Automatically prevents suspicious software on USB devices from opening and installing on your computer.
• Finds and blocks untrustworthy links in email and instant messages
• Quick Scan allows you to quickly find and remove most malware when you are running short on time.
• Blocks spam that tries to evade filters by delivering images instead of just text.

Protects your internet connection from leechers -

• It features an important function called Home Network Security Management function which allows you to see and remotely manage other computers in your home network through a graphical home network map and block wireless network trespassers.
• This is a great feature for blocking people who are trying to access the internet through the connection that you are paying for.

Protects your Smart Phones -

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro also protects smart phones against viruses, spam, data theft, service disruptions and other malware attacks.

Protection against web Threats -

With this package you are able to protect your personal information, such as credit card numbers, phone numbers, etc, against data theft.

There is an option called data theft prevention settings – using this you are able to protect your information.

Exciting new look and good user interface -

• The new Trend Micro Internet Security has a very good look and excellent user interface
• The Security Activity Dashboard also lets you view a customizable snapshot of all the security activities on your computers through easy-to-understand charts and graphs.

Protect your children online -

• Trend Micro internet security has enhanced parental controls and helps you to protect your children from inappropriate content when they go online.
• It automatically blocks websites that contain inappropriate content.
• You can choose the times when your children are allowed to go online.

Trend Micro Internet Security protects you and your family against cybercriminals and inappropriate content without slowing down your computer.

Finally, with Trend Micro internet security 2010 you can get Enhanced Protection to Keep Your PC Spyware, Spam & Virus Free.

Enjoy surfing the internet safely and peacefully with Trend Micro Internet Security 2010.

Take 10% Off Trend Micro Internet Security 2010 Now! Coupon Code: trendsecurity

Trend Micro Internet Security 2010 is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009

If you paid attention to yesterday’s post about website security then you should have already minimised the chances of having your own site hacked.

But what if it has already happened?

How Would I Know That My Site Has Been Hacked?

You may have had your web site hacked if one or more of the following is true -

• The search engines now says you run an attack site
• You’ve noticed spam email being sent from your account
• When you search for your own site (yes, we all do it!) your antivirus program suggests it may be being used for phishing
• You now have some political statement or graffiti all over your pages

Of course there may be other signs but the above are the main ones that I can think of.

What now?

Change Them There Passwords

Do it.

Do it now.

Assuming you still have any kind of access to your website then you need to change all of your passwords – cPanel, email, admin passwords, etc.

Remove Old Scripts

Next, go through your hosting space and remove every old script installation that you find.

Also, update or remove old plugins too because they are also at risk of being hacked.

Check Your Error Logs

By checking the Error Logs in cPanel you may be able to discover suspicious requests.

Typically, a hacker will give themselves access to your website by adding code or files so look for such within your public_html folder.

If you find any code or files then take a note of the details, such as date and time that the file was uploaded, the file name, folder it was in, etc and then inform your web host as they may then be able to offer some assistance.

Of course it goes without saying that you should then also delete said codes or files.

Minimising Risk

Web sites are hacked all the time and all you can do is ensure that you have made it as hard a task as possible and then hope that the hacker moves on to an easier target.

By keeping your files up-to-date and secure you will have increased the workload for a potential hacker.

You then just need to cross your fingers and hope that encourages them to pass you by.

What Should I Do If My Website Has Been Hacked? is a post from: Scam Types dot Com Check out The Best Internet Security Programs Of 2009