In the beginning, most computer viruses were simply aimed at causing trouble for users and giving the virus creator bragging rights. But increasingly, these individuals and organizations are writing viruses aimed at making them rich. The most recent example is a virus that threatens to publish your browsing history online unless you pay a ransom of $15.
The virus which is reportedly the work of a Japanese gang, infects computers that connect to a Winni, a popular file-sharing site in Japan that claims up to 200 million users, and enables the download of an illegal game file. Once users download the infected file, the program takes a screenshot of the the sites they have visited online, often including sites that users wouldn't want their spouses, family, friends and employers learning about; and puts it online under their name.
If the user doesn't pay $15 U.S. immediately, the file will go live online and eventually be picked up by Google and incorporated into search results. With more employers turning to Google for a look at job candidates, this type of information could be a deal breaker if you've been surfing the seedier side of the Web.
In the instance of the Kenzero virus, the BBC reports that 5,500 individuals have already admitted to being a victim of the virus, which was distributed in a target-rich environment. The Winni file-sharing site is known for, amongst other file types, pornographic material. Combine the potential for embarrassment with the relatively low ransom and the virus-writing gang has the potential to make a significant amount of money (and gather credit card details as well).
The easiest way to avoid viruses like this is to avoid downloading copyrighted material illegally. In addition, you should also be sure to have an up-to-date antivirus program like AVG Free or the reputation-checking Norton 360, to keep you protected from viruses that make their way to your computer. If you do become the victim of a ransom-ware virus, don't give the criminal your credit card number, unless you want that information sold to the highest bidder.
While you're at it you should look at using your browser's private browsing mode when you are visiting sites that you don't want to share with other users of your computers, or in this case the world. In private browsing mode, the browser doesn't store information about the sites you visit. Here's how to turn on private browsing in Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer.
Now go out and surf -- but be careful out there!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Never Say THIS on Facebook or Twitter
The most dangerous thing you can post to your Facebook page or Twitter account is information about where you're going when you are not at home.
By telling the world you are on vacation in the Bahamas, or even just eating at your favorite local restaurant, you're letting potential thieves know that you're not at home.
Financial writers Ken and Daria Dolan warn that how you use Facebook and Twitter can be hazardous to your wealth!
"Burglars are fond of your constant updates," the Dolans told AOL. "Would you stand up in the middle of a crowd of strangers and announce that you're leaving on vacation for three days and then tell everyone your address? Of course not, but that's exactly what you are doing if you share such information online."
They cite the case of an Arizona man who told his 2,000 Twitter followers that he was leaving town. When he returned, he found his home had been burglarized and video equipment, worth thousands of dollars, had been stolen. "Even saying you are running to the mall, going out to dinner...is too much information," the Dolans explained to AOL.
One Web site recently found itself in the news for bringing attention to the problem. The site pleaserobme.com was designed to show how easy it is for anyone to sift through Twitter updates for a "feed" of people's current locations. The recent buzz caused confusion, because of course the site was not intended to give criminals the keys to your home. But it did achieve its goal of bringing much-needed attention to the potential danger.
Some insurance companies are catching on.
Legal & General Insurance in New England says Facebook and Twitter users could be hit with higher homeowner's insurance premiums. Why? All that blabbing about activities away from home means they face a higher risk of burglary.
The company thinks burglars are actually "shopping" for victims on social media sites, looking not only for an indication you're not at home, but also photos of your home and valuables. That cute picture of your son hugging the dog? A burglar is looking in the background, eyeing your big-screen TV and new stereo system.
And it's not just adults. Teenagers are even more likely to post personal information, so Legal & General has warned that parents who aren't even online themselves could face higher homeowner's insurance premiums if their children are online.
By telling the world you are on vacation in the Bahamas, or even just eating at your favorite local restaurant, you're letting potential thieves know that you're not at home.
Financial writers Ken and Daria Dolan warn that how you use Facebook and Twitter can be hazardous to your wealth!
"Burglars are fond of your constant updates," the Dolans told AOL. "Would you stand up in the middle of a crowd of strangers and announce that you're leaving on vacation for three days and then tell everyone your address? Of course not, but that's exactly what you are doing if you share such information online."
They cite the case of an Arizona man who told his 2,000 Twitter followers that he was leaving town. When he returned, he found his home had been burglarized and video equipment, worth thousands of dollars, had been stolen. "Even saying you are running to the mall, going out to dinner...is too much information," the Dolans explained to AOL.
One Web site recently found itself in the news for bringing attention to the problem. The site pleaserobme.com was designed to show how easy it is for anyone to sift through Twitter updates for a "feed" of people's current locations. The recent buzz caused confusion, because of course the site was not intended to give criminals the keys to your home. But it did achieve its goal of bringing much-needed attention to the potential danger.
Some insurance companies are catching on.
Legal & General Insurance in New England says Facebook and Twitter users could be hit with higher homeowner's insurance premiums. Why? All that blabbing about activities away from home means they face a higher risk of burglary.
The company thinks burglars are actually "shopping" for victims on social media sites, looking not only for an indication you're not at home, but also photos of your home and valuables. That cute picture of your son hugging the dog? A burglar is looking in the background, eyeing your big-screen TV and new stereo system.
And it's not just adults. Teenagers are even more likely to post personal information, so Legal & General has warned that parents who aren't even online themselves could face higher homeowner's insurance premiums if their children are online.
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