Latest Online Threats to Your Privacy and Computer Security

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As consumers are learning to better protect their personal and financial information online, thieves and scam artists keep finding new ways to steal it. Attackers are using various ways to get you to run or install malicious software on your computer. Once the software is on your computer, it may steal your passwords, personal and financial information or allow someone else to control your computer.

One of the latest methods is to get the malicious software on trusted websites such as social networking sites. Users are more likely to download files or run programs from a site they trust.

Another method is to use browser plug-ins. Attackers exploit flaws in these plug-ins. Microsoft ActiveX components are a favorite target. Other plug-ins that have been targeted include Apple QuickTime, Adobe Flash, Sun Java, and Microsoft Windows Media Player.

Protect yourself by:

• Keeping your security software, browser, and operating system up to date. Your security software arsenal should consist of anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a software firewall.
• Make sure that your browser settings don't allow sites to download and install any software without asking you first. When you're asked to allow the installation don't automatically click yes.
• Before downloading or running any software from any site, check it out on an independent site and not just on the site that offers it.

If you would like more in depth information about the latest threats, Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report has the details.

Breaking news analysis prepared for Corning CU by Remar Sutton & Associates, April 15, 2008.