There are many concerns using embedded software to watch what computer
users
do with their installations and report it to their distant masters.
These are called "spyware."
A decent freeware program is called Spyware Search and Destroy,
downloadable
on the 'Net. The software provides frequent updates of known spyware and
their
routines, so running the program with a weekly update, in addition to the
"innoculation" program the software offers, keeps most syware routines
from
your computer.
In running this I find two to eight spyware routines per week on a
regular basis,
even though I update regularly, run antivirus firewalls, etc.
Another problem is JAVA script spyware. A JAVA spyware destroyer
program I use is called Spyware Blocker. It's also free and provides
updates.
Have any of you ever seen a screen called a Script Error? This is a gray
window that opens up in your browser that asks if you wish to continue
running scripts, "Yes or No."
This is an indication that there is a program in your computer that is
attempting to grab personal information like passwords and account names.
Always answer "No." Yesterday, when going on line with my bank,
seven different routines were identified.
Never answer the e-mails sent by PayPal or E-Bay. You can tell they are
fraudulent when they don't list your name in the Dear "......." PayPal
and E-Bay both advise never answering their e-mails even if you're
positive it's from them: Check into their secure sites and use the
communication
facilities. I have received dozens of E-bay and PayPal spoofs and have
reported them all.
If you are not a webmaster level internet player, please don't think you
can
"play" with these criminals and cause them grief on your own. If you
answer
any of their messages they will have your computer's I.P. address, and it
won't
matter what mail server or internet server you switch to. These fiends
stay up
day and night trying to cause trouble. They are electronic terrorists,
preying upon
the innocent, and are no different than the scum who stick a knife or gun
in our
ribs on city streets.
Hal Mandel
W4HBM
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