ie8 fix

spyware

Your least-wanted Mozilla plugin? A virus

How would you like settling down in your chair to watch a hilarious video just to have it erupt in dozen of pop-ups?

Nicholas didn't like it either, and with some ingenuity, he went after the malware that toppled his king and turned him into a pawn. Are you curious how? Read up in this week's Spyware Horror Story.

>>See all Spyware Horror Stories

Computer nerds get the last laugh

Jacob is a nerd and proud of it. But his older siblings seem oblivious to his hardware and software achievements. Even after Jacob flies to the rescue when their shared computer is on a malware-induced fritz do they dismiss his advice. How will he make his siblings gain some respect? Find out in this week's Spyware Horror Story.

>>See all Spyware Horror Stories

Identity stolen? Senators want thieves to pay for your troubles

Identity theft victims would be allowed to request monetary compensation for the time they spent getting their lives back in order under a bill approved by a U.S. Senate panel.

The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2007 would allow those who fell prey to identity fraud to seek "criminal restitution"--that is, payouts from the offender in a particular case--for time "reasonably" spent correcting "actual" or "intended" harm.

While potentially significant, it's unclear exactly how much of an impact the legal changes would make, should they be made … Read more

FTC: Let us fine spyware operations, already

WASHINGTON--Federal consumer protection authorities say they want nothing more than to put the financial hurt on deceptive spyware purveyors. The trouble, they say, is that the law still doesn't let them.

Sure, the Federal Trade Commission has the ability to go after spyware purveyors now, and it has done so a dozen or so times. So can state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice.

But currently, the FTC can only force an offending company to turn over ill-gotten profits or to pay a finite amount to affected consumers--"consumer redress," as it's known … Read more

Killer Download: Background apps for security and speed

With so many potential threats on the Internet, it is an absolute necessity to prepare your computer for the Web. Whenever I get a new computer, the first programs I download include antivirus, antispyware, and firewall software. Frankly, if you don't have at least these three types of programs running on your computer, it's like driving at night without your lights on--sure it's possible, but don't be surprised if it ends in a crash (har har).

Fortunately, there are a lot of great security programs available at Download.com. Recently I've written Killer Downloads about both the best firewalls and the top antivirus programs. This week I'm doing a software roundup of a different type. In recent scouting of new (and new to me) software I came across some great Windows programs that work behind the scenes to keep your computer running smoothly and also keep your data secure.… Read more

This second-hand computer gets an 'F' for spyware

Co-owning a computer can be tough, especially if you've got to share time with an Internet-hungry sibling.

That's why Ashley's sister jumps at the offer of a fresh computer for her exclusive use. This means Internet independence for both girls, if the hand-me-down computer passes 14-year-old Ashley's spyware test.

It doesn't. In fact, it fails miserably, so stuffed is it with Trojans, dialers, and worms. Will Ashley be able to disinfect it for her sister, or will she declare the computer a dud? This week's Spyware Horror Story, "My sister's keeper," … Read more

Browser bad boy

Silent and invisible, some malware sneaks up on you to quietly wreak havoc on your system resources and possibly mine your files for personal, bank account-cracking information. Shudder.

Other types of Trojans more helpfully announce their presence by lobbing pop-ups, disabling your Start menu, or in Matthew's case, playing puppet master with your browser.

Matthew has a few ideas for wresting back control. Find out which he tried, which he should he have tried, and which ultimately worked in this week's Spyware Horror Story, "Browsers behaving badly".

Get serious with Internet Security 2008

As Trend Micro releases an upgrade to their PC-Cillin Web security product, they've renamed it Internet Security 2008.

It's a bit less glib and reflects the way in which malware attacks have proven to have serious, life-altering consequences in the real world. CNET's Rob Vamosi has given the trialware five stars, and it's hard to argue that Trend Micro doesn't offer a comprehensive suite of tools to keep you safe.

However, user complaints about previous versions indicate mixed reviews. Some loved PC-Cillin, others felt that the cure was worse than the disease. Take a look … Read more

Closing a pop-up? Nix the "X"

"I dabble in a high-risk area of the 'Net...I click links for money. That, in itself, opens me to tons of security issues."

So begins Patricia's personal Spyware Horror Story (see all.)

But despite the risk, it's Patricia's family that faces undoing, not by a devastating link, but by a harmless-looking "X" button on a sinister pop-up window. Patricia knows how to cap the pop-up--do you? Test your knowledge in "Nix the 'X'."

Is that an IM link or a malware trap?

If an IM link from a friend pops up on your screen, do you click it right away? Most people, like Eivind, do. Most don't end up with a PC-killing worm.

Malicious IM links are a growing threat to users, and Eivind got dished an unpleasant preview of the trend we have to look forward to. Can she warn her friends of the deception before they're compromised too?

Watch the story unfold in this week's tale of Trojan trouble, "Malware's IM hideaway." You can also access the Spyware Horror Story archives for more stories … Read more