“Loose lips sink ships,” …but some mouse clicks are causing economic chaos.
Earlier this week Geeks In A Flash! www.GeeksInAFlash.com brought you the story about “Phishing” see “Gone Phishing”. Now there’s a lot of buzz about Phishing and other Internet scams and it’s does not seem to be slowing down.
Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) August 23, 2004 -- According to a recent report from
www.InternetWeek.com, there are now cyber crooks showing
people how to set up their own Phishing schemes...so be careful what you 'click
for' as you may get more than you bargained. Internet scams can hurt or kill
your bottom line.
Small business represents over 70% of all businesses in
the US. According to the business and IT reporting agency Gartner Group, more
small businesses rely on their computers and SOHO networks than ever before.
Five million SOHO businesses start each year and yearly millions of new websites
are being published. The more these scams go unexposed and unprevented, the more
our recovering economy could be crippled by a few mouse clicks from the over 300
million daily Internet users...from tiny tots to savvy seniors who are all
surfing the ‘Net.
All this leads to faster rip-offs, fewer arrests, and
more money being stolen either directly or indirectly, according to Information
Technology expert Manuel W. Lloyd.
Manuel W. Lloyd, CEO of Geeks In A
Flash! (www.GeeksInAFlash.com), a Wilmington, NC based online
technology support and training company, says, “Most Internet users need more
cyber crime education. People assume their telephone companies and ISPs will
keep them safe. Some companies like EarthLink do a pretty good job by offering
popup blockers, spam filters, and other anti-malware programs, but the vast
majority of users are under-protected and under-educated about the threats and
how not to become a victim.” Lloyd continues.
Since there are hundreds of
software tools to protect users from being victims, we asked Mr. Lloyd why so
many Internet users become prey to Phishing scams, Spyware, popup ads, viruses,
worms, spam, and other forms of malware? “Truthfully alongside firewall
protection and "malware" programs, you need education, awareness, and to use
good old fashion common sense.” Lloyd states.
If using the Internet for
personal use, Mr. Lloyd recommends downloading tools that will protect your PC
such as a firewall. Visit c|net's www.cnet.com and www.download.com to compare free and paid versions of personal
firewalls. Click this link for immediate firewall results http://www.download.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=personal+firewall&tg=dl-2001.
He also suggests getting your computer or home network scanned and cleaned
periodically and running regular software updates and patches. It is also
prudent to change your password every 60 – 90 days. Microsoft has a quick guide
that you can view: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/default.mspx.
If you surf the 'Net at java/coffee houses hotspots, make sure they are secure
since unfortunately these places often have very little or even no security in
place. Look for Airpath (http://isps.net/Directory/Default.aspx) at paid and free
hotspots, as Mr Lloyd informed us they have a network of secured Internet shops
around the world. Lastly, you should always "think before you click." Good old
fashion common sense tells you NOT to open postal mail or an email attachment
from someone you DON'T know. "Unthoughtout mouse clicks cost us all by spreading
viruses and worms; so we all need to do our part."
Mr. Lloyd says that
business owners can do many of the same processes to protect their businesses
but may require additional tools and resources for network related concerns. He
encourages businesses to get an IT staff, "whether it is outsourced services
like our company provides, or you hire someone locally to help you protect this
vital resource in operating your business."
About Geeks In A
Flash!
Geeks In A Flash! www.GeeksInAFlash.com is a
24 hour computer help desk, dedicated to helping the Internet community
malicious computer problems.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/8/prweb151292.htm