Computer Support Blog

The way the smartphone market is heading, those things that once allowed us to make phone calls and send text messages (what where they called again?) will quickly be forgotten. In their place (oh, that’s right, phones) the standard communication device will be the smartphone. Smartphones are becoming more like computers and less like phones. Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android, the two systems currently dominating the market, already work like mini computers. Given this slow but inevitable shift in the functionality of phones, it is important to remember that they are becoming more susceptible to Internet security issues and may encounter problems that require virus removal.

As browsing capabilities on smartphones become more sophisticated, users are able to access more websites, many of which pose a risk to a smartphone’s Internet security. Downloading email attachments, for example, carries Internet security risks. Internet security is also threatened by using unsafe networks. The biggest threat to Internet security, though, is mobile apps. According to an article in The Telegraph, malicious software attacks on smartphones are on the rise.

Cyber criminals are rushing to write new virus software that can breach smartphones’ Internet security and record private and sensitive user data such as bank account information or login passwords. Such increasing threats require users to employ the necessary measures to ensure their phones’ Internet security.

Unfortunately, sometimes even the best Internet security precautions fail, causing smartphones to require virus removal efforts. Virus removal for smartphones is relatively new territory, which is why users shouldn’t gamble with their devices and risk losing valuable data and money because of amateurish virus removal. Smartphone users should seek out professionals in virus removal, like Rescuecom who have a long history of providing Internet security services, as well as virus removal services for a variety of computers and computer-based devices.

The transformation of the phone into the smartphone marks an exciting and important time in the development of technology. It signals the marriage of complex technology and basic tools. But while we drool over the potential that these devices bring with them, we should remember that as computers, they require more advanced tech support to stay healthy. They also require us to pay more attention to Internet security and to get the right kind of virus removal if that ever becomes necessary.

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

Most people have some form of virus removal software on their computer.  Despite that fact, a significant proportion of those users will have to deal with an Internet security issue at some point in their computing career.  This is because the threat environment online is dynamic; it evolves constantly, trying to outfox the Internet security providers and get to your data.  How can you be sure that your virus removal software is providing the most comprehensive protection?  Here are some questions you should ask in shopping for virus removal software:

1)  Is the virus removal software you’re considering from an established, reputable provider?  It’s important that you be able to trust your virus removal software.  Most brands will have reviews posted online, which can help you decide if that particular program will fit your needs.  Conversely, choosing a virus removal program without investigation carries many risks, not least among them the risk of having your Internet security compromised by a bogus “diagnostic scan.”

2)  What happens when the software detects a threat?  It is important to make a distinction between virus detection software and virus removal software.  Virus detection software will find a threat and then notify the user, leaving them to deal with the threat by themselves.  Virus removal software will detect the threat, isolate it, and then remove it from the computer, usually with little or no input from the user.

3)  How often does the software update its threat registry?  As mentioned above, the ways in which hackers test your Internet security are constantly changing.  It is important, therefore, to make sure that your virus removal software updates its threat registry regularly and often.  These updates will allow your virus removal software to detect and cope with the newest Internet security threats as they appear.

4)  Exactly what features does your virus removal software offer?  Before committing to a particular program, take a look at what it can offer you.  While it is true that some Internet security companies offer only bare-bones virus removal packages, others include things like personal firewalls for added security, or spam filters for your email accounts.  Just as with any other purchase, the goal when shopping for Internet security programs is to get the most value for your dollar.

5)  Does the software company stand by their product?  Let’s be clear: no matter how comprehensive your virus removal software is, no matter how careful you are with your permissions, there is still a chance that you will eventually have to deal with a breach of your Internet security.  Another important question when shopping for virus removal software is: what happens then?  Does the Internet security company have support personnel standing by, or is it up to the user to fix the problem?

These are just some of the important questions you should ask yourself when shopping for Internet security software.  Answering these questions before you buy will ensure that you get the best possible protection for your computer.

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

A new Facebook app has been circulating the web just in time for Halloween, and it’s offering a spooky reminder of how susceptible our Internet security is these days.

The app is among the most sophisticated to appear on Facebook. A blue lollipop with a razor inside it greets users. “Connect to Facebook” reads the button beneath it. Next comes the usual permission request that asks users to grant access to their private information, in other words, to put Internet security aside. A few seconds later, a video begins to play. The scene opens to a dark, musty looking corridor with creepy music playing in the background. A dirty, sweaty man sits behind an ancient computer. He logs into Facebook, but what shows up on the screen is not his account. It’s yours.

For the next minute or so, he clicks through your photos and reads your actual wall posts as he appears to be tormented by some kind of rage, anger, or jealousy. Before long, he types in your location, pulls up an online map, and heads to his car. He’s coming for you.

The scariest part of the video is that the crazed man out to get you doesn’t hack into a network service in order to breach your Internet security. Nor is he even part of your immediate network. He has access to your information because it’s all public. Even when you think you’re protecting your Internet security by adjusting your privacy settings, “Take This Lollipop” is an example of how we frequently opt out of maintaining high Internet security to allow apps Facebook access. Every time we allow an app access to our information, we are essentially signing a waiver to allow our Internet security to be breached.

To generate the video, users need to access it from an external website that connects to Facebook. This shows that Internet security problems extend past internal Facebook apps, especially since we now regularly link Facebook to external websites. We also access it through a variety of network services. In fact, threats to Internet security don’t even need advanced network services anymore. Even a creepy stalker in a basement that shows no evidence of a sophisticated network service can access your private information.

As Wi-Fi and 4G become standard in so many devices, accessing Facebook has become a right, not a privilege. We now expect to find Facebook embedded into smartphones and tablets. The increased reliance on Facebook for even the most basic communication brings with it a heightened threat to our Internet security.

The name of the app is in itself a message against the dangers of careless Internet security practices. Allowing Facebook apps to access your account may not be a primary threat to your network services the way virus are, but it is still a major threat to your personal and 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

Sometimes, ensuring strong Internet security depends on more than just a secure home or office network service or even a strong anti-virus program. Sometimes, strong Internet security depends on human vigilance, not just firewalls and virus software. This is because phishing, which is one of the most common threats to casual users’ Internet security, can occur even in the most secure network service. Though some Internet security programs or email features can prevent phishing, for example, it still poses a stealthy threat, since it relies on human naiveté.

Phishing is the attempt to breach Internet security and steal your passwords, usernames, and other information by tricking you into giving them up in some form or another. According to Wikipedia, the term “phishing” relates to the idea of falling for bait, the way fish do. So hackers and cybercriminals trying to compromise your privacy via your network service are metaphorically fishing along the river of network services for your information.

Phony or fraudulent emails that try to lure users into giving out their passwords are a common phishing technique. Phishing emails can look like they’re from a bank, a business, or even a government agency. Some emails present users with a phony story and ask them to respond with information that can be used to target their private online accounts.

Phishing emails are getting increasingly sophisticated, which makes them an even bigger threat to Internet security. Because some emails still reach our inboxes, it is important to look for the warning signs. These include poorly written emails with obvious typos or nonsensical information. Also, vague emails that don’t include any specific information about their recipient are usually scams. For example, an email from a financial institution that start with “Dear Customer” instead or your name is clearly trying to breach your Internet security.

Cybercriminals also try to trick users to log into a webpage that looks like an authentic page that actually records the submitted data and exploits it. Even when using a trusted network service, you could be susceptible to this form of phishing. If your Facebook or email login page looks subtly different, be cautious before you enter your username and password as it might be an Internet security scam.

Stay on the lookout for small details that predict phishing scams and threats to your network service like typos, vagueness, unprofessional appearance and tone, sloppy design, and nonsensical requests. But remember that threats to your Internet security aren’t always obvious—many are sophisticated. Change your password often as a regular means of protecting your network service and Internet security. Most importantly, remember that phishing doesn’t force you to give out your information; it tricks you, so don’t fall for the bait.

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

It can be tempting to “share” songs via software like Kazaa or LimeWire rather than buying them. Such practices are not only illegal most of the time, but pose a serious threat to your Internet security. Downloading files using P2P (Peer-to-Peer) sharing software is one of the worst Internet security practices that users can employ. By downloading music or other files using such software, you could be inviting a conglomeration of malware to infest your computer. Even a small breach of your Internet security can cause you to spend lots of money on virus removal and, in some cases, identity theft problems.

Though LimeWire is no longer available for download due to legal reasons, users with older versions of the software on their machines can still use it, and can therefore still endanger their Internet security. Even when users don’t use LimeWire to share files, their Internet security is susceptible because the program automatically runs in the background, allowing strangers access to a user’s files!

When you opt to participate in P2P sharing, you can’t normally control what files you share. This lack of control can lead to your participating in copyright infringement, having your device infected with malware, and consequently requiring virus removal.

Perhaps the worst part of getting viruses from P2P sharing software is that we willingly invite them in. It’s like volunteering to spend time and money on virus removal. Sometimes, Internet security problems are hard to identify, but when threats are this obvious, there’s no excuse to fall for them.

If you’re looking for free music, YouTube is a great alternative. Watching music videos on YouTube poses far fewer threats to your Internet security, as viruses cannot usually target media files. Internet security problems that occur while on YouTube might be related to bugs in Adobe Flash player, but these are rare. Besides, Flash is constantly updated to eliminate bugs and ensure Internet security.

On the other hand, if you’re feeling overtly philanthropic and want to support the music industry by more than just illegally downloading songs, then consider buying the music! Amazon and Apple both sell music by the song, as do dozens of other sites. The great news is, music services like these are legal and don’t come with the added expense of virus removal.

Given the time and effort needed for virus removal, it is always better to make sure you have strong Internet security and to avoid using software like Limewire and Kazaa. After all, paying for a song or three is a lot cheaper than paying for virus removal.

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

No computer is infallible. Hardware failure or virus damage can happen to even the best-kept computers. Physical damage to a laptop, for example, can damage the hard drive, causing stored data to be lost, while viruses can erase important documents, photos, and videos. As is often the case with computers and the process of system recovery, prevention is the best cure. When prevention doesn’t work, it’s important to handle data recovery correctly to avoid further damage and minimize costs. Here’s what you should keep in mind even before you need a system recovery:

1)      Backup: There’s really no way to stress this point enough; back up your data regularly and consistently. Nothing makes data recovery easier (or cheaper) than having a backup copy of your information. Use an online service or website to store copies of all your valuable data. Such services are readily available, but pick carefully, as some services like those offered by Rescuecom are more secure than others. Alternatively, you could buy an external hard drive and copy your data onto it. External hard drives are becoming increasingly less expensive and come in a variety of storage capacities. If you do lose your data, you will be grateful that data recovery involves simply copying your files back onto a new or repaired device.

Make sure you understand the differences and limitations of functions like system restore that come with your computer. System restore doesn’t really help with system recovery or with data recovery because it only stores files related to a system’s settings and parameters. If you delete a photo album (and empty the recycling bin), restoring a system to a previous week’s settings will not help with data recovery. Remember, there’s no alternative to backup, and system restore does not provide complete system recovery.

2)      Don’t store files on the same drive as your OS: Have a tech expert partition your hard drive into two (or more) partitions and store your photos, videos, documents, and other important files on a separate partition than the one that holds your system information. In case you need to erase all your system data and reinstall your OS, you won’t have to affect your personal data, making your system recovery easy, perhaps even avoiding the need for data recovery in the first place.

3)      Get professional help: When disaster does strike, stop using your machine, and seek out a professional data recovery service. Especially when your data is invaluable, don’t take your chances with a free online application. Instead, take your machine to a professional. In fact, services like Rescuecom’s can offer remote data recovery aid, which means that you can get professional system recovery without even leaving your home.

No matter how you approach system recovery in general, and data recovery in particular, remember that both can be made easier and cheaper if you have the right kind of backup. So keep your files safe to avoid the awful feeling of knowing that entire photo albums, work documents and other important data have been erased, possibly forever.

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

Watch out for Free Wi-Fi

Many people find it hard to go even a few hours without an Internet connection. Shops, restaurants and a variety of other venues are adapting to this need by providing free Wi-Fi. Whether you’re at your favorite coffee shop, shopping at the grocery store, or waiting in an airport lounge, you’ll probably find that you have access to a free Wi-Fi network. If you decide to use it though, you should be aware of the dangers of using a network service without proper Internet security.

It may be tempting to quickly connect to a public network service and log into a social networking site such as facebook or check your bank account, but unless you can trust the network service provider’s Internet security, you should only do casual surfing. If you find yourself using a questionable network, avoid logging into websites and services that require you to type a username and password. Faulty Internet security leaves room for cyber thieves or hackers to infiltrate your network service and steal your private information without your knowledge.

Good Internet security practices can spare you potentially disastrous outcomes like identity theft. So when choosing a public network, always make sure you select a secure connection. If you’re at a Starbucks, for example, ask an employee to verify the name of the network service before connecting. Avoid using unsecured network services because they are easily prone to Internet security breaches.

Keeping your anti-virus software up to date and your computer’s firewall turned on are just two of the basic principles of achieving Internet security and using public networks safely. Besides, having anti-virus software does not guarantee your device’s safety; it’s merely a basic component of Internet security.

Another common Internet security problem occurs when cyber thieves record keystrokes, giving them access to your usernames and passwords. Changing your passwords periodically can help counter this kind of threat, especially if you use a public network regularly.

Even with these precautions, the strength of your Internet security can be hard to gauge, and networks that appear safe can still place your device at risk.  If you do suspect that a virus or malware has breached your Internet security, get professional help immediately.  Some viruses can seriously damage your device if they’re not caught quickly. In fact, because the average user cannot detect malware, it is essential to have a computer or network services specialist look at your system from time to time.

Always try to balance the advantages of using public network services and the potential threats to your Internet security that accompany them. What appears to be a free Wi-Fi service could end up costing you a lot in virus removal costs and privacy breaches.

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

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

Fraud is not new to humanity.  Impostors and counterfeiters are as old as the idea of property.  The only new developments occur in the scams we see and the venues where they are attempted.  The birth of the World Wide Web created a digital world loaded with sensitive information where clever con artists could ply their trade.  Today, Internet security is paramount to protecting financial information from theft by nefarious individuals.  Everyone needs to consider seeking computer support to ensure effective Internet security.

Internet security as a way to identify and prevent fraud, started simply.  Over time, increased Internet security and the computer support it requires have become more and more a priority for people doing business on the Internet.  As Internet security becomes more sophisticated, so do the methods used to steal information.  Internet security, cybercrime, and the constant computer support needed to help in this conflict represent a daily battleground.  Personal users, out of concern and genuine fear, need the help of expert computer support, and they need continuous education in effective ways to maintain their own Internet security.  As an example, banks and private companies have begun offering identity protection to consumers worried about the safety of their transactions.

The most current and troubling threat to Internet security is the growing number of mobile web users.  Smartphones and tablets alter the digital landscape once again, and wireless options and expanded coverage are right alongside them.  Knowledgeable computer support is all the more important as threats to the Internet security of mobile users multiply due to the lack of anti-virus software on many devices.

Improving Internet security against mobile fraud continues as a top priority for commercial entities and the computer support personnel they employ.  Simple prevention is still the best solution to reduce the possibility of a cybercrime affecting you, and effective, reliable computer support is the key to peace of mind.  Take the time to install protective software on that smartphone.  Do your shopping while on the go, but wait until you get home to make that purchase.  The Internet security of your home machine is probably far superior to your mobile device.  A little education and proactive computer support can help prevent the huge hassles caused by a breach in your 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

Hackers continue grabbing headlines with high profile attacks against the Internet security of governments and major corporations.  Hacktivists (hacker activists) attempting to make statements attacked various targets this year, again showing the importance of good virus removal and protection in a digital world.  Targets have ranged from PayPal and Visa to FBI associate Infragard, not always with obvious reasons.  Recent hacker arrests in the United States and Europe are attempts to combat the problem.   Google announced on Wednesday, July 20, they were the latest victim as hackers compromised their Internet security.

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