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Ask the Expert: Can a Botnet Really Turn My Computer Into a Zombie?

Q: “I recently read about something called bots and botnets, and that these things can turn my computer into a zombie. What does that mean? Can you explain what botnets are and what they do?”

A: Botnets are a new and scary online phenomenon. In layman’s terms, a botnet is a network of infected computers that are controlled virtually by a botmaster.

With the rapid growth in bot infections, it’s vitally important that everyone get up to speed about this threat.

Night of the Living BotNets

Botmasters can take over computers in a variety of ways, but usually they do it by sending infected emails to unsuspecting users. When the user opens a file attached to the email, their machine becomes infected.

After a computer becomes infected, the botmaster adds it to his or her botnet, which is the network of infected computers. Infected computers are sometimes called “zombie” computers.

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Are Your Shared Files At Risk on a Hotel Wifi Network?

One of the things we’re always told to do when using public wifi in a hotel (or any other place) is to turn off file sharing. Okay, that sounds like a smart thing to do, but what exactly does it entail? And can someone on the same wifi network we are on actually access our files? Click the headline above to find out what you need to do before your next hotel stay! Read More

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Hackers Press the ‘Schmooze’ Button

The Wall Street Journal reports on how banks and large companies are spending large amounts of money to build firewalls — and using complex technology to fortify their systems — but it is often their own employees who are letting identity thieves in the door. The article says the “first line of defense” for large corporations is the customer-service representatives who answer the phones, yet some hackers say they often find these employees easy prey, because of their high turnover, low pay, and a desire to be helpful. Read More

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Wi-Fi Alliance Strongly Recommends Personal VPNs When Using Wifi Hotspots

In a recent press release, the Wi-Fi Alliance, the leading global industry association devoted to WiFi connectivity, noted that 82% of WiFi hotspot users do not protect their communications. These users are vulnerable to having their private information intercepted by anyone in the same hotspot with an ordinary laptop and some simple software, readily available for download from the web. The Wi-Fi Alliance is urging consumers to realize that protecting their data when accessing a public WiFi hotspot is their own responsibility, and that they should not rely on the hotspot or website they are accessing. Read More

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iPads in Kindergarten? Tips for Online Security, Wifi Safety

Some schools are now requiring iPads as part of kindergarten curriculum, but are you aware of the potential privacy risks inherent in allowing your 5-year-old to handle something that runs on wireless radio waves? This Naked Security article reminds parents to “request written confirmation from the school on what steps have been taken to ensure their kids will be safe when surfing on the school’s WiFi Internet connection.” Unless they are using the “three legs” of encryption (antivirus, encryption, and personal VPN), think twice before sending your child to school with any wireless-enabled device! Read More

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ComScore Sued for Massive Online Privacy Violations, Called ‘Intrusive Surveillance Tool’

The online tracking and analytics firm comScore is being sued for allegedly collecting Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, and other data from unsuspecting consumers. As part of a class-action lawsuit, comScore’s software is labeled an “intrusive surveillance tool” that allowed the company to monitor every keystroke and every action taken by Internet users. To collect data, according to this ComputerWorld article, comScore’s software “modifies a computer’s firewall settings, redirects Internet traffic, and can be upgraded and controlled remotely.” Read More

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Out-Smart GPS Tracking: New Online Security Tips for You

Check out this article and read more about the five new entries that are now part of private-i’s “How To” section. From mobile-phone privacy to managing browser security settings, it’s never been easier to protect your privacy online. Want to learn a trick to out-smart GPS tracking via your smartphone? We’ve got that covered too!

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Ask the Expert: Is It Safe For Me to Use Hotel Wifi?

In his latest Ask the Expert column, CEO Kent Lawson points out that most hotel networks are completely unsecured. Read more to discover why the risks associated with using a hotel network — whether wired or wirelessly — are much greater than using a wireless network at your home or office, and some simple steps you can take to protect yourself today. Read More

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Configuring Your Firewall for Optimal Security

Firewall software is not simply one little program, but instead a series of security protocols designed to keep malicious code and hackers out of your computer. A firewall protects your laptop from Internet traffic entering in or information leaking out. Read More

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