Windows 7 - This Can't be stated too often.

Hi all

Even the "Computer Security Gurus" agree about this now -- Virus protection is a diminishing problem on Compters -- "Social Engineering" ( Or in plain English - Common or Garden FRAUD) is the real problem now.

Quote
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Meanwhile, Mac users are just as vulnerable to Web-based attacks like phishing as PC users are, and Mac users who fall prey to phishing tend to lose more money on average than PC users do, the survey found. "Viruses are a diminishing percentage of what we're seeing," said Randy Adams, director of technical education at ESET. "A lot of attacks have to do with social engineering and that kind of attack is platform agnostic."

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This is very difficult to defend against by purely technical means -- so I would urge all those who frequent this forum to understand these types of attacks and be very careful from a "User Best Practice" point of view and don't assume just because you've got the latest and greatest Computer protection installed that you will be immune to these types of attacks.

I'm not trying to scare people - but there does seem to be a certain belief that if you've installed decent firewalls and malware protection you'll be fine.

Attacks and cybercrime is getting much more sophisticated these days - and a lot of it isn't immediately preventable by purely technical means.

Some of the attacks can (and are increasingly done these days anyway) be done AWAY from the "Victims" computer by just using "legitimately acquired" data - for example capturing plain text transmitted over a public WiFi network.

(This can and does happen quite a lot - especially around some expensive 4 / 5 star business hotels where you have "high powered Corporate Suits" staying).

Credit card / Bank details etc are often gathered like this and sold on --it's a HUGE and growing business and the capture hardware is very cheap and easy to get hold of too (and it's NOT illegal in most countries either).

So in addition to your normal software suites ensure you DON'T open junk e-mail, reply to what looks like "official sites", and ensure that any site you download stuff from is the "Real Site" and not somebody's good clone.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks, jimbo, very well said; is there a direct link to the original article. Thanks

The quote appears to be from In their words: Experts weigh in on Mac vs. PC security | InSecurity Complex - CNET News.

I don't and never will keep personal details ie bank account numbers etc on my computer. I use it solely for gaming and browsing and to keep it in extra tip top condition I use an image to install as new once every two weeks.

I do bank online though and also use paypal, ebay etc etc but thats about it.

No details can be gathered from my computer because there are non on there.

Cheers anyway Jim.....

The issue here is not if the information is stored on the PC but if the information is entered from the PC over the Internet.

If you are caught by a Phishing attack you will actually present the attacker with your own information. Also the same applies for banking on-line from an insecure location, Internet café, Hotel etc.

As Jimbo says the form of the attack is changing and more so than ever the user's safe browsing habits are the primary defence here, The days of the attack that trashes your data, for the fun of it, are more and more in the past.

Information is power.

If the value is there criminals will want that information, and they have access to developers who are just as accomplished as those who work against them.

Edit

One tip for security here is to never follow a link to a banking / commerce site, always enter the site address directly into the browser yourself.

Never open unsolicited emails

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

Coincidentally, today is "Safer Internet Day". See SunbeltBlog's article, Think B4 U post!. Additional information is available at www.saferinternet.org.

Thanks Corrine; just seen your addition today