DocAndersen
Security is something I spend a lot of time worrying about.
1. Avoidance is a form of security. As long as you completely avoid having anything on the internet, it works.
2. Security software – there are several packages out there. That is the focus of today’s technology post!
So security software is somewhat interesting. There are several big players in the security space, and you have considered which one works for you. There are free virus scanners. There are free Malware scanners. Then there are ones you pay for. Some are bundled with other things. I suspect most Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) should give you free security software. They are the ones that are at risk for compromised systems overall. Many, ISP’s doe give away free security software.
There are two different things you have to worry about, although now, in the modern world, a third problem is growing.
1. Virus
2. Malware
3. Scam
Virus scanning and Malware scanning are similar but should be handled as separate scans. You scan for malicious signatures. Does the code being scanned do something that isn’t appropriate? One of the reasons why US companies have banned the use of Chinese Hardware company Huawei’s products because of that very issue. When some of the Huawei networking hardware was delivered, it was found to be hosting code that should not have been on the routers. For that reason, you need to scan the inbound and outbound traffic on your computer. You need to keep the signatures up to date so that you don’t get caught sharing a virus!
The last piece is a SCAM; this comes as either an email or as a phone call. Let’s separate the two into distinct operating areas.
To reduce scams via email, make sure your virus scanner is aware of your email. Also, if you get an email with links right click on the link and see where it goes before clicking.
I will put a couple of examples in the poll questions!
The second part is the scam phone calls. Most of the major US and global phone carriers now give you scam protection software for calls for free. If you report a number, the carrier can block that number at the network level. That means in many cases; you will never see that number again!
The most important thing to remind you is to be careful!
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Question of
is https://www.apple.com a valis web address?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Is https://apple.com/bob/today/fun/icpx.com a valid web address?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you right click on links to see where they go before you click?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Did you know that world wide, most government agencies do not call you on the phone?
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Yes
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No
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I often look to see the email address on the email to see if it matches what it says …….Yes you have to be so careful
that is a very good system, I always right-click on any address (email and web) sent to me. Or if it is hidden by code, I right click select copy hyperlink and paste it into notepad.
Interesting addresses often!
Q: is https://www.apple.com a valis web address?
Yes (7 votes) – 100%
Q: Is https://apple.com/bob/today/fun/icpx.com a valid web address?
Yes (3 votes) – 43%
No (4 votes) – 57%
Q: Do you right click on links to see where they go before you click?
Yes (5 votes) – 71%
No (2 votes) – 29%
Q: Did you know that world wide, most government agencies do not call you on the phone?
Yes (4 votes) – 57%
No (3 votes) – 43%
just so everyone knows when you have a / / section in a web address it is not routable unless the server knows where it is.
If you see apple.com in the middle, and a second .com at the end, it is a hacker address, not a real apple address.
The answer to the second question was no.
The constant struggle is bad and good.
It really needs to be extremely cropped.
What’s happening in the Dark Internet?
sadly the dark web is a much bigger problem than people realize.
Informative post, I am a little insecure when it comes to security on the web.
That is truly the best way to be!
there is no patch for stupid, so scams and social engineering will remain a danger until the populace is hip…
That my friend is very true. But the reality of social engineering is that it will always be the issue.
a reality only because the smart are willing to exploit the simple. if we change that paradigm to one where the strong protect the weak, then it will no longer be an issue…
Ah the Lion in your appears!
I believe those who act online, are not always strong. They are not always weak. I think they are often misguided.
Managing a classroom many years ago of 2nd graders reminds me of the following adage:
Nobody starts out life to be a crimmal kingpin.
nature vs nurture, the eternal struggle
Hug a criminal kingpin a day!!!! well that actually isn’t a good idea.
the upside is questionable and the downside is both steep and massive
That my friend is a story of the ages!
not a great upside and lots of slippery slope down!
better than anti-vaxing. insanely dangerous downside with an imaginary upside…
I have a friend that was heavily anti-vax. We talked (it’s been a few months) she isn’t anti-vax anymore.
she just said one word as an explanation – measles!
a lot of the bugs we thought were gone are coming back, many of which are vax resistant. so humanity picked a bad time to pull this nonsense…
There are those who remember history.
there are those who are doomed to repeat it.
I think sadly, we have a huge problem because our mix of people is 80/20 the wrong way.
Education!!!!
seriously, read a history book and then a science book
science and history book read Check.
you get the gold star for the day!
I do need to learn more oriental history. tends to be overlooked by western education…
for me, there is always a conflict. I learned the history of Thailand, and so the history of Cambodia, Vietnam and China do not always ring true. They are true, just that I learned a variation of that.
even if you are getting the real version (whatever that means) there are still multiple ways to parse it…
Very useful information. We have to be very careful online. But many people are very naive.
I would rather a world of naive flowers than one angry turnip.
(Milton Berle).
You are so right!
Very good posting, my friend … I have a simple free security system offered by the operator … I think for my needs enough security
Yes, based on your system of keeping things offline, I agree with you.
Thank you for your opinion, dear friend … I appreciate it very much
It is important to do things online, for security, that you are comfortable with!
Yes I did know this, but many do not and fall victim to the numerous scams out there.
sadly your point, well taken, is the current state. Too many people fall prey to scams.
Even when they are warned over and over on tv about it, oh well.
I think the warning falls on the ears of “it won’t happen to me”
Great Informative and helpful write, Thank you
Thanks. Just trying to get solid information out.
that’s really nice , thank you Doc
You are most welcome, hopefully, these tips help.
There is always something to learn from your article , Thank you Doc
Thanks. I am glad you were able to find value.