Pottz dot net - Web Ramblings

Computer security experts estimate that tens of millions of personal computers are infected with malicious software. Such programs, generally classified as malware, attack companies along with consumers.

Some are keyloggers, recording every key stroke that the user enters — sending valuable bank account information, passwords and credit card numbers to hackers.

And other malware programs turn PCs into “zombies,” literally giving hackers full control over the machine. The zombies can be instructed to act as servers, sending out tens of thousands of spam emails promoting counterfeit medications, luxury watches or penny stocks without the PC owner ever knowing about it.

The computer that controls the zombies — known as the command and control center — is able to change the text of the spam depending on what his or her customer wants to sell.

Security experts say that while companies and consumers need to be vigilant to protect themselves against Internet-borne threats, determined criminals are hard to beat.

Security experts recommend that PC users take basic precautions, including installing up-to-date security software, keeping current with updates that software providers distribute over the Web, and backing up files.

There’s a wide range of PC security software available.

More important than security software, users need to monitor their own behavior. The bulk of malware is installed on computers by users who either click on a Web link or on a file that is attached to an email or instant message.

PC users can greatly reduce the risk of infection by only visiting familiar Web sites and avoiding unknown attachments.

You won’t know you are infected until one day your ISP turns you off or restricts access or money starts disappearing from your bank account.