Computer Support Blog

Threats to Internet security continue appearing in the form of cybercriminals seeking profits from the ignorance of users.  Downloading files from the web, though we do it all the time, involves the risk of infecting your computer with a virus.  A clever hacker may exploit even excellent Internet security.  This necessitates virus removal to clean your system.  Average users suffer through Internet security problems regularly.  Over the past year, the Internet security systems of a number of high profile targets, including American defense contractors, Sony, Google, and many others, fell victim to cyber attacks.  A very recent example is that cybercriminals compromised the internet security of the file-sharing giant BitTorrent.

Widely known as one of the world’s largest illegal file-sharing sites, BitTorrent also hosts a large number of legal downloads.  This time BitTorrent was the victim of illegal activity.  Hackers broke through the site’s Internet security, injecting a type of malicious software known as “scareware” into the download software that powers file transfers.  Virus removal of scareware is potentially difficult, depending on the user’s level of expertise.  The internet security implications of such an intrusion are that they can render the files of a familiar website vulnerable to a hacker’s program access to information which unsuspecting users consider safe.  This requires immediate virus removal action.

The intrusion reportedly occurred at 4:20 am Pacific Standard Time on September 13, 2011 as BitTorrent and uTorrent.com services became compromised.  The company reported this intrusion itself later that day on the company’s blog.  The false download files were only in place for two hours before BitTorrent employees took servers offline and corrected their Internet security flaws.  Virus removal is necessary for anyone who accidently downloaded the fake files.  The scareware installed on users’ systems is a fake anti-virus program called Security Shield.  Infected systems see a notification pop up informing users that their computer is infected with a virus.  It offers virus removal if the program is paid for by credit card.

Users suffering from this malicious software should attempt to utilize their virus removal programs to restore Internet security.  If you are unable to remove the program, consider contacting your proven reliable computer support company.  Their knowledge and expertise could save a lot of time and headaches.  Downloading anything from the web tests your Internet security.  Always keep anti-virus and virus removal software up to date to protect your system from harmful software.  The thieves and bandits are out there, and we have to be careful.  However, we can handle a virus intrusion in a timely manner with experts trained  in quick restoration of internet security.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Zero-day virus attacks get the credit for a hacker group’s entry to websites for PBS and Sony, raising concern about computer security. The average user can remain safe against attacks easily using the anti-virus protection software that already exists.

Read more »

More shoppers buy items online everyday, with entire websites devoted to buying and selling. With the threats of identity theft and viruses, some shoppers still hesitate about making purchases over the internet.

Rescuecom offers five things you can go to protect yourself on and off the computer

1. Keep the browser and anti-virus software updated. Anti-virus software will keep information stored on personal computers safe from online exposure. When entering purchase information, like credit card numbers, a pause in the processing can endanger the information. The order might be lost, and someone else might get a look at the card number.  An updated browser ensures smooth processing of information on websites, and reduces the risk of private information getting exposed.
2. Know who you are dealing with. Stick to well-known stores or online marketplaces like Amazon.com. Legitimate businesses will help resolve an error or false charge and can refund the full amount sometimes. Business and marketplace websites also sometimes employ protective software to ensure customer privacy.
3. Never give out passwords. Private information needs to remain private. The less information available online, the less shoppers need worry about security. Create usernames and passwords with numbers and symbols to make guessing harder.
4. Use one card for transactions. Use only one credit card for online transactions. Shopping records are easier to follow and confirm on one card. Credit cards have to comply with Fair Credit Billing Act, so after reporting the theft of a card or a card number, the owner is only responsible for a small amount of the purchases. Each credit card company has the amount listed in the contract. More than one credit card used online not only increases the chance of stealing the numbers, card owners are also responsible for different amounts on each card. Using a check or bank card gives access to the entire account.
5. Record it. Keep detailed records of online spending by choosing to print the receipt copies. Check card bills every month and be sure that all transactions appear on both the bill and the receipts. Report any items that do not match the receipts to the credit card company and the online store immediately.

Shoppers can easily protect personal computers, identities, and personal bank accounts. Rescuecom’s five steps let customer shop online securely.

Next Windows Almost Ready

Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

The classic design remains.  The classic Windows operations still exits for anyone who needs it. The basic programs like Word and Excel present similarly to Windows 7. Private individuals and businesses that make and store crucial documents in these files can still create and save work the same as before without needing to learn a new format.

New applications appear. The tile interface, a set of mosaic-like boxes showing different applications, lets customers find needed items quickly and choose which tiles appear instantly. The tiles are large enough to reduce mistakes in opening tiles on touch screen products and new information is clearly visible. Tablet and smartphone users can find favorite websites, while computer users shorten searches for files.

Customizable adjustments are possible. Microsoft designed the Windows 8 system to allow individual customization. Users who need certain pieces of information regularly choose which applications appear on the home screen. The constant connection to a favorite news website appears above the file for last summer’s vacation pictures as soon as the device turns on, and either one opens at one touch.

Fewer resources are needed. The Windows 8 operating system’s memory design lets the programs work more efficiently. The ability to multi-task and run several programs at once increases, letting customers do more. Downloads and updates will not cause other programs to run more slowly.

Microsoft is ready for the future. The new focus on compatibility helps the system get ready for future technology. Microsoft’s design includes many facets of smartphones, tablets and netbooks, integrating needs for a variety of devices. Windows 8 adapts to products already, and will adapt to new products. Customers will not need to learn new systems as products appear.

Windows 8 mixes what customers like about the operating system with the needs of new applications and devices. Customers will choose how the system works, instead of the system controlling how the customer works.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Protecting your family’s Internet security is a major concern.  RESCUECOM offers some summertime tips for protecting against online dangers and computer repair.

Summer vacation means more time spent online, and more chances for kids to fall victim to scams or predators, jeopardizing your Internet security.

Imagine your child on Facebook, staring at a video link from a “friend”.  Which do you think wins out – your child’s concerns about Internet security, or curiosity over seeing the “hot” new video?

Online scammers thrive on that curiosity.  That Facebook video link might hide a damaging virus.  Every click your child makes risks your Internet security.

So what can you do? Read more »

RESCUECOM reminds users to utilize only legitimate anti virus software, such as our Internet Security Suite.

A common cyber attack uses fake anti virus software as a means for infecting computers with malware.  These attackers rely on fear to trick users into violating their own Internet security.  Read more »