Website Viruses

The Problem:

If you think there are thousands of shadowy people out there trying to figure out new ways to hack into your computer, you’re right! The latest threat is a virus that exploits flaws in Microsoft's software and infects web sites. If you were to visit one of these sites - and some may be quite well known – you run the risk of receiving a Trojan. A Trojan virus, like a Trojan horse, is a program that appears safe, but smuggles malicious software onto your computer. The code in this particular Trojan includes a keylogger program that secretly records everything you type and sends it back to the hacker. Engineers for anti-virus software manufacturer Symantic, speculate that these hackers aren’t kids on a digital joyride, but rather criminals intent on gaining access to user names and passwords. Symantic has learned from some of its clients in the banking industry that employee’s passwords have been pilfered and used by hackers to access corporate networks. So, what can you do?

The Solution:

The most certain way to never get a virus from the Internet is to never go online and never connect your computer to one that does go online. Of course, for most of us, tossing out the Internet isn't an option.

A more practical solution is use a less popular Internet browser. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the most common browser used in the world today and for this reason it is frequently the target among hackers.

You may want to consider other browsers, like Mozilla <www.mozilla.org>, Opera (www.opera.com), or Safari <http://www.apple.com/safari/>. These browsers are fully featured and less likely to be hit by the latest virus.

If you're committed to Microsoft, be sure you get the security patches as soon as they are available. Microsoft makes these updates available as free download at www.microsoft.com. The best way to ensure that you’re getting the updates you need is to configure your computer to get them automatically. If you’re uncertain how to do this, launch a Finder search for “software update.” This will give you several options, one of which will be your system preferences, where you’ll be able to select automatic updates.

This latest Trojan virus takes advantage of three known flaws in Microsoft's software. There are patches available for two of these flaws but not yet the third. So, an added precaution is to change your browser's security settings to high:

1. Launch Internet Explorer by double-clicking on the IE icon

2. Click on the Tools menu located at the top of the page

3. Choose Internet Options

4. Click on the Security tab

5. Choose the highest security level

6. Click on Apply

7. Click on OK, and you are done!

As always, be sure you have a firewall plus updated antivirus and anti-spyware software. Likewise, whether you’re guarding against damage from a nasty virus, or preparing for some other possible calamity that might render your computer unusable, it’s always wise to have a current backup of your files, which is best kept in a remote and secure location.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.