What is Phishing and How to Protect Yourself from Email Phishing Scams?

Phishing is an e-mail fraud method in which the perpetrator sends out legitimate-looking email in an attempt to gather personal and financial information from recipients. Typically, the messages appear to come from well known and trustworthy Web sites. Web sites that are frequently spoofed by phishers include PayPal, eBay, MSN, Yahoo, BestBuy, and America Online. A phishing expedition, like the fishing expedition it's named for, is a speculative venture: the phisher puts the lure hoping to fool at least a few of the prey that encounter the bait.

Here are some simple steps to protect you from email phishing scams.

• When you receive en email in your inbox from unknown source, do not respond to it or click any links in the email or even download any attachments. Sometimes even opening the email alerts the spammer or put your computer at risk. Delete the contents of your Spam or Junk folder.

• Do not open links from emails even if it comes from a trusted source or friends. You are not sure if your friend's email had been hacked and sends a mass email to every contact in the list. If you click the link, you might be the next victim of the spammer.

• Do not click or download images from an email. Images can actually be harmfully coded that can be used by spammers to determine active email accounts that they can send phishing scams. Although most email providers are default to automatically block these images or better known as "Web beacons", you still have to handle image attachments with extra caution.

• Delete any email that is asking for your personal information, unsubscribe, or forgotten passwords. These types of emails should not be generated unless you asked for it from the website itself. If you happen to accidentally click the links and opened a pop-up window asking you to enter any information, close it immediately. Never ever enter your personal information in a pop-up window unless you are working on a legitimate website at that time.

• Update your antivirus software and your operating system for patches that helps protect your computer from these fraudulent attacks. Email phishing scam is only one of the many activities by cyber criminals to steal information from you so protect yourself by becoming aware.

How to Remove AV Security Suite from your Computer?

If you are experiencing a perceptible dip in the performance of your PC, and your Internet connection has suddenly become spotty, you may have malware on your PC. Have you recently installed AV Security Suite? If so, then you definitely have one virus, as this supposed antimalware software is actually a virus in disguise. Because it is a virus, is does do real harm, and because it's a virus, it can be quite difficult to remove AV Security Suite. While the option to uninstall AV Security Suite will actually appear in the change/remove programs portion of your control panel, it won't do you any good.

What is so scary about this type of virus is that there are so many of them out there. In this case AV Security Suite removal has proven particularly difficult. It writes itself into several directories of your computer and spreads fast. The virus' main purpose is to steal your private information so that it can be sold. It slows down your PC and your internet connection in the process.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, really does apply in this case. If you don't want to have to delete AV Security Suite, then don't get infected by it. To prevent infection you should avoid these things:

* Browsing new and obscure websites- Many websites are set up specifically to hijack your browser.
* Opening email with strange, generic subjects - these are often from people you actually know, if the message is not explicitly personal, you may want to ask your contact about it through other means before opening it.
* Avoid using P2P software- The files you download using such software come from a "swarm" this means that your PC is open to several users who may not all have virus protection.

If you have been infected, there are two ways to remove AV Security Suite; you can do it manually, by deleting all the files the virus has copied onto your system. There will be virus associated files with.exe,.bat,.dll, and.lnk extensions. You need to delete all of the ones related to the virus, but you mustn't delete any other file of this type or you could render your PC unbootable. Next you need to do a registry hack, you need to seek traces of the virus out in the folders HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Again though, care must be taken not to delete anything but the virus related files.

Not too many people opt for manual removal as it is complicated and risky. The safer, easier and more effective method to get rid of AV Security Suite is with a reputable virus remover. This will not only thoroughly scan your computer and eliminate the virus, it will also provide sustained protection.

Tired of viruses infecting your computer? Want to surf the web with the peace of mind that your computer is safe and secure? Get your free scan from the top virus protection and remove AV Security Suite.

How to Keep Your Computer Running Like New?

There are a few steps you as a computer owner can take to keep your computer running like new. This months post will walk you step by step through a few easy processes you can take to clean up a slow machine or keep your new machine running as if you just bought it.When you buy a new computer it is loaded with very few programs and is optimized out of the box. As soon as you start installing new software you begin a slow process of slowing down and clogging up your computer.

Step 1. Run disk cleanup once a month
Here is the process to run this utility - Click on Start>point to Programs>Accessories>System Tools>click Disk Clean Up. The utility starts to calculate the files that are available to delete. After a small wait you will see a second window pop up. Check all boxes and click next. Disk cleanup removes all files you specify and leaves you with a clean machine.

Step 2. Run disk defragment every 90 days
You will find this utility in the same location Start>point to Programs>Accessories>System Tools>click Defragment. This utility takes all the files, software, etc. that you have installed and reorganizes them in order to speed up the time it takes your computer to find what you ask it to.

Step 3. Make sure you have an Anti Virus and keep it updated
There are a few recommendations.

Free - Malwarebytes Anti-malware, Panda Cloud Anti Virus, AVG Free, Avast

Paid - ESET internet security, Norton internet security, AVG, Panda

Keep in mind, free anti viruses keep your computer clean but lack a lot of the security features of a paid version. Such as firewalls and USB scanners.

Step 4. Keep your computer up to date
Make sure all software is updated, this includes Windows, Java, Adobe Reader and Flash Player. Your computer is set up to automatically install these updates but if you see a request for attention pay attention and run the updates.

Keep in mind this is a basic list of just a few ways to keep your computer running well. This in no way is all inclusive and there are many utilities you can use to accomplish these steps and more. Also keep in mind that the sites you view also play a large roll as to the health of your computer.

How to Remove Sysinternals Antivirus Completely?

1) Firstly you need to go to Start, and then to your Control Panel.

2) Once there, find, select and click the Add/ remove Programs button.

3) Once you've did that you'll now see a huge list with all kind of programs that are installed on your computer. Scroll down the list until you've stumbled on Sysinternals Antivirus Messenger and select it.

4) Once selected you only have to hit the remove button and the removal process begins.

What is Sysinternals Antivirus?

Sysinternals Antivirus is a poor imitation of anti-spyware software. Do not buy or download it unless you want to waste your time and money for a computer parasite.

Sysinternals Antivirus it designed to look like a regular security application. However, the looks don't make it functional. Sysinternals Antivirus is able to fabricate infection alerts and system scan reports. It constantly loads the fake messages that make it difficult to use the compromised computer normally. The pop-ups are meant to scare victims into purchasing the rogue program. Sysinternals Antivirus may redirect web browser to websites that promote the tool. It may also block or limit internet access. Sysinternals Antivirus malware as soon as possible.

Why you get Sysinternals Antivirus?
Many users do not know how their computers are invaded by Sysinternals Antivirus until their PCs are in bad performance. Actually, in many cases, it is the users themselves who bring malicious into their PC, not anyone else! Why do I state this point? You know that many people know little about how to maintain computer security and the possibility of getting infected while surfing the net. They just browse any website they like or download everything they want online but never think about the safety! If you also do like this, you need to take the following actions.

How to remove Sysinternals Antivirus?

1. Restart your computer. As your computer restarts but before Windows launches, tap "F8" key constantly. Use the arrow keys to highlight the "Safe Mode with Networking" option as shown in the image below, and then press ENTER.

2. Open Internet Explorer. Click on the Tools menu and then select Internet Options.

3. In the the Internet Options window click on the Connections tab. Then click on the LAN settings button.

4. Now you will see Local Area Network (LAN) settings window. Uncheck the checkbox labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN under the Proxy Server section and press OK.

5. Download an automatic removal tool and run a full system scan.

A highly recommended tool to remove Sysinternals Antivirus is RegistryQuick which is available for free at Registryquick Before you try other programs, give RegistryQuick a try! You will be surprised!

How to remove Internet Security 2010

Internet Security 2010 is a rogue anti-spyware program that is installed through the use of malware. Once installed, Internet Security will be configured to start automatically when you login to Windows. It will then scan your computer and display numerous infections, but will not remove anything until you purchase the program. These infections, though, are all fake and are only being shown to trick you into thinking you are infected so that you then purchase the program. It goes without saying that you should definitely not purchase this program.

Automatic removal guide

Step 1. In the process of eliminating Internet Security 2010 from your machine you will need to shut down the browser.

Step 2. You will have to install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware. In this regard you need to download the software’s setup executable.

Step 3. Double click the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware setup executable. It should be on the desktop under the name mbam-setup. This will launch the installation process. If you already know how to install a piece of software, proceed to step 4. If you do not know how to do this, we’ll walk you through it all:

Step 4. The Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware application will launch automatically. The Perform quick scan option should be checked by default – if it isn’t then check it and then click Scan. You are well advised to close all running apps before clicking scan. This will ensure the scan for Internet Security 2010 will complete swiftly.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will start scanning your files for signs of Internet Security 2010. This may take a while, so be patient. It all depends on how powerful your computer is and how many files Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has to scan.

When the scan for Internet Security 2010 is complete you will be presented with a notification box. Click OK to close the notification box and go to the main Scanner screen. Click Show Results and you will be presented with a list of all the infected files Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.

Step 5. Click Remove Selected and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will remove all the infected files it has detected. It may be necessary to restart your computer in order to remove some of these files. After Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is done removing all the infected files, it will open Notepad and present the scan log to you.

Step 6. Close Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and you’re done. No traces of Internet Security 2010 should be left on your computer.


Manual removal guide:

Stop and remove the processes:
IS2010.exe
41.exe
winlogon86.exe
winupdate86.exe


Access the Windows Registry Editor and delete the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/IS2010
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run "Internet Security 2010"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run "winupdate86.exe"


Locate and delete the following files:
c:/Program Files/InternetSecurity2010
c:/Program Files/InternetSecurity2010/IS2010.exe
c:/WINDOWS/system32/41.exe
c:/WINDOWS/system32/winhelper86.dll
c:/WINDOWS/system32/winlogon86.exe
c:/WINDOWS/system32/winupdate86.exe
%UserProfile%/Application Data/Microsoft/Internet Explorer/Quick Launch/Internet Security 2010.lnk
%UserProfile%/Desktop/Internet Security 2010.lnk
%UserProfile%/Start Menu/Internet Security 2010.lnk


Disable the following DLL libraries:
c:/WINDOWS/system32/winhelper86.dll


Delete the following folders:
c:/s
c:/Program Files/InternetSecurity2010

Symantec unveils SMB protection suite

The Symantec Protection Suite Advanced Business Edition aims to offer SMB customers more choice in how they protect their business information. And in order to help those on a budget, the firm will lower the price of the suite by 40%.

We’ve contacted Symantec for a specific price and release date regarding the New Zealand market.

As well as offering endpoint and messaging security, desktop, laptop and server backup and recovery, Symantec says it will also provide hosted options for email and web security. A 2009 Symantec survey found that SMBs 50% of SMBs do not have endpoint protection and 47% were not backing up their data.

The suite will protect endpoints like laptops and desktops, provide messaging security and prevent data loss with advanced content filtering at the mail gateway.

In case of an outbreak or a system failure, the suite's backup and recovery capabilities will help SMBs recover individual files and folders.

Source: techday.co.nz

How to Remove Antispyware Soft Manually?

Before we get started, you should backup your system and your registry, so it’ll be easy to restore your computer if anything goes wrong.

To remove Antispyware Soft manually, you need to delete Antispyware Soft files. Stop Antispyware Soft processes:

[random]tssd.exe

Remove Antispyware Soft registry values:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\avsoft
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\avsuite
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\avsoft
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\avsuite
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download “RunInvalidSignatures” =”1″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings “ProxyOverride” = “”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings “ProxyServer” = “http=127.0.0.1:5555″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations “LowRiskFileTypes” = “.exe”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments “SaveZoneInformation” = “1″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “”

Delete Antispyware Soft files:

%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\[random]
%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\[random]\[random]tssd.exe
Need help figuring out how to delete Antispyware Soft files? While there’s some risk involved, and you should only manually remove Antispyware Soft files if you’re comfortable editing your system, you’ll find it’s fairly easy to delete Antispyware Soft files in Windows.

How to delete Antispyware Soft files in Windows XP and Vista:

1. Click your Windows Start menu, and then click “Search.”
2. A speech bubble will pop up asking you, “What do you want to search for?” Click “All files and folders.”
3. Type a Antispyware Soft file in the search box, and select “Local Hard Drives.”
4. Click “Search.” Once the file is found, delete it.

How to stop Antispyware Soft processes:

1. Click the Start menu, select Run.
2. Type taskmgr.exe into the the Run command box, and click “OK.” You can also launch the Task Manager by pressing keys CTRL + Shift + ESC.
3. Click Processes tab, and find Antispyware Soft processes.
4. Once you’ve found the Antispyware Soft processes, right-click them and select “End Process” to kill Antispyware Soft.

How to remove Antispyware Soft registry keys:

Because your registry is such a key piece of your Windows system, you should always backup your registry before you edit it. Editing your registry can be intimidating if you’re not a computer expert, and when you change or a delete a critical registry key or value, there’s a chance you may need to reinstall your entire system. Make sure your backup your registry before editing it.

1. Select your Windows menu “Start,” and click “Run.” An “Open” field will appear. Type “regedit” and click “OK” to open up your Registry Editor.
2. Registry Editor will open as a window with two panes. The left side Registry Editor’s window lets you select various registry keys, and the right side displays the registry values of the registry key you select.
3. To find a registry key, such as any Antispyware Soft registry keys, select “Edit,” then select “Find,” and in the search bar type any of Antispyware Soft’s registry keys.
4. As soon as Antispyware Soft registry key appears, you can delete the Antispyware Soft registry key by right-clicking it and selecting “Modify,” then clicking “Delete.”

How to delete Antispyware Soft DLL files:

1. First locate Antispyware Soft DLL files you want to delete. Open your Windows Start menu, then click “Run.” Type “cmd” in Run, and click “OK.”
2. To change your current directory, type “cd” in the command box, press your “Space” key, and enter the full directory where the Antispyware Soft DLL file is located. If you’re not sure if the Antispyware Soft DLL file is located in a particular directory, enter “dir” in the command box to display a directory’s contents. To go one directory back, enter “cd ..” in the command box and press “Enter.”
3. When you’ve located the Antispyware Soft DLL file you want to remove, type “regsvr32 /u SampleDLLName.dll” and press your “Enter” key.

That’s it. If you want to restore any Antispyware Soft DLL file you removed, type “regsvr32 DLLJustDeleted.dll” into your command box, and press your “Enter” key.