Category Archives: Security

Security Issues

Malware Warning: Avoiding Personal Security / Security Tool

Posted on January 15, 2010 by John Woodman

Malware Warning: Avoiding Personal Security / Security Tool

There is currently a pretty widespread attack going on by two variations of the old “your computer is infected with viruses” scam.

personal-security-virusThis scam consists of a program that will infect your computer and then harass you in an attempt to extort money from you. The program attacks your legitimate antivirus software and Windows itself, and makes your computer nearly unusable until it is dealt with.

It informs you that you are infected with numerous viruses, and that scanning with Personal Security (or Security Tool) is the answer that will fix the problems.

For a price, of course.

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AVG users: It’s time to update to the new version, 9.0…!

Posted on November 25, 2009 by John Woodman

AVG users: It’s time to update to the new version, 9.0…!

avg-logo

November 2009 — If you’re using AVG as your antivirus, you’ve probably seen some popup windows appearing lately telling you that it’s now time to “upgrade” your AVG antivirus.

In this post, I will tell you how to get the new free version of AVG. And we’ll also run through how to update if you’re using the paid version.

First, though, a few words on the current antivirus (and virus) situation in general.

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Multiple Layers of Computer Security

Posted on November 20, 2009 by John Woodman

Multiple Layers of Computer Security

16-layersThis week I talked with a man who’s concerned about security. That’s not at all unusual — most of us have some computer-related security concerns.

But this particular man’s small business requires him to deal with some confidential customer information that he in no way wants compromised. So for him, it’s a bigger issue than it is for the typical home user.

As with most things security-related (whether it be home security, airline security, personal security or national security), there’s no single all-in-one solution. Any good solution to security (in whatever realm) is likely to involve multiple layers.

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