I was recently a victim of Identify Theft. I had Microsoft Security Essentials installed on all of my computers and thought I was safe. I was NOT! I had my email account hacked, my Amazon account hacked, my credit card hacked, and my bank account hacked. Some of these were hacked several times after I changed my passwords. All of this happened in the time frame of about one week. My first thought was to upgrade my Internet Security. So I removed Microsoft Security Essentials and installed AVG Internet Security 9.0.

Next I changed my passwords again. Contacted the credit card company and got a new credit card. Contacted Amazon and after an investigation I got my account back and changed my password again. Contacted my bank and canceled the compromised checking account and got a new checking account.

The biggest headache was having to contact all of my direct debits and direct deposits to update my accounts for the new checking account. Many wanted a blank void check so I have to wait for some before I can update those accounts as I have not received my new checks yet. Hopefully I will get the new checks before my bills are due. These are my utility payments so as a last resort I can go down and pay the bill before they are due if my new checks don’t arrive in time.

I later saw a news story on my favorite TV News station here, Channel 4, and they were saying that the Bankers Association stated that many banking customers in our area were becoming victims of identify theft and having their banking accounts compromised. They highly recommend that you check your banking accounts every few days to make sure no unauthorized charges are added to your accounts. If you wait until your statement arrives then you may have more problems as the unauthorized charges could cause your banking account to be overdrawn. Now you have work to get the overdraft charges removed and not only from your bank but from the company that your wrote the check to which bounced. I was lucky in that I checked my banking account every day or two and I noticed the fraudulent charge right away.

I also recommend that you check your guest account on your computer to make sure that it is disabled, have a password setup on your computer login, lock your computer if you are going to be away from the computer any length of time and especially overnight if you leave your computer on at night. Also make sure your internet security program is updated daily as new threats are created daily! Be careful about what websites you visit and make sure they are safe.

Since installing AVG Internet Security 9.0 I have not been a victim of Identify Theft again. I highly recommend AVG Internet Security 9.0 because it protects you against all know threats including viruses, spyware, adware, worms, trojans, rootkits, and identify protection. It also has a toolbar for your browser that identifies safe websites and the not so safe websites. Plus they have a 3-pack license so I can install it on my home computer, my laptop, and my wife’s computer.

Check out AVG Internet Security 9.0 by clicking on the link or clicking on the banner on the right side of the page.

Post if you have any comments!

Data Protection is a rogue anti-spyware program from the same family as Digital Protection. This rogue is installed through the use of Trojans that pretend to be software updates or codecs required to view online videos. When the Trojan is run, it will install Data Protection on to your computer without your knowledge or consent. The rogue will then be configured to start automatically when Windows starts. When installed, the installer will also attempt to remove various anti-virus & anti-malware programs that are installed on your computer in order to protect itself from being removed. When Data Protection is run it will automatically scan your computer and list a variety of infections, but will not allow you to remove any of them until you first purchase the program. The files it states are infections, though, either do not exist or are legitimate Microsoft files that are required for the proper operation of Windows.

Therefore, do not manually delete any of the files it states are infections as you may cause problems with your computer.

While Data Protection is running it will also display a variety of fake alerts and screens that are devised to make you think that your computer has a security problem. One of the screens it will display is a fake Windows Security Center window that looks exactly like the legitimate one, but instead suggests that you purchase Data Protection to protect yourself. The program will also display a constant stream of of fake alerts and pop-ups stating that your computer is under attack, that malware has been found, or that you are sending private and sensitive information to the Internet.

The text of some of these alerts are:

Danger! Unauthorized access to your computer! Click on the message to install up-to-date antivirus software.  Danger! A security threat detected on your computer. TrojanASPX.JS.Win32. It strongly recommended to remove this threat right now. Click on the message to remove it. 

Warning! Adware detected! Adware module detected on your PC! Zlob.Porn.Ad adware has been detected. This adware module advertises websites with explicit content. Be advised of such content being possibly illegal. Please click the button below to locate and remove this threat now.  

 Antivirus Alert – Critical threat detected

Data Protection will also randomly state that a program is infected when you attempt to run it. The alert you will see is:

Warning! Virus threat detected! Virus activity detected! Trojan-Downloader.VBS adware has been detected. This adware module advertises websites with explicitly content. Be advised of such content being possibly illegal. Please click the button below to locate and remove this threat now.

Just like the fake scan results, all of these security warnings are being created to scare you into thinking your computer has a problem. Therefore please do not purchase this software unless you like to support these hackers. Last, but not least, this infection will also create shortcuts to the the porn sites called youporn.com, nudetube.com, and pornotube.com and place them on your Windows Desktop. Without a doubt, Data Protection was created for one reason; to convince you that you have a security problem so that you will then be scared into purchasing the program. It goes without saying that you should definitely not purchase this program, and if you have, you should contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating it is a scam.

 
How to Get Rid of Data Protection Rogue AntiMalware?

In order to get rid of Data Protection rogue antispyware, you need a powerful tool like Reimage. Reimage is the only PC repair tool that can correct the damage a virus has caused. 

Though some anti-Malware programs like Malware Bytes can delete this malicious fake anti-spyware, they cannot correct the damages it causes to your registry… 

So you need something as good as Reimage, to fix all the damages that was left behind even though you get rid of them with Malware Bytes, to delete all the traces completely….to revive your PC from malicious trojans that may still reside and make your PC slow..

Most importantly this fake rogue antispyware virus, messes up your registry and you may face problems using iTunes and other apps etc..

Reimage not only detects and terminates Adware, Spyware, Trojans, Key-loggers, Identity Theft scripts, Hijackers, Tracking Threats, Rogue Anti-Spyware, Unwanted Software, Phishing and Popups.files- it also fixes ALL the damage they left behind within 30 minutes. It is not just a registry cleaner, anti-spyware, windows repair and an Anti-virus software… it is a full-service, comprehensive “PC-Wash” that retrieves a “Just-Like-New” computer while keeping your personal data secure and protected. 

Visit Reimage For a Free Scan Now and get rid of data protection 

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About the Author:
Tom Parks works for Microsoft. He is currently researching on PC optimization and system security. He is also an avid gamer and owns xbox, PS3, Nintendo Wii, Dsi and PSP
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This way, you are able to easily uninstall and remove this program from your computer. Basically, there are 2 ways to uninstall a program like this. You either do it by yourself, or you let an uninstaller software do it for you. Let’s take a closer look at these options.

What is Windows Security System 2010?
Windows Security System 2010 is a new version of OS-specific rogue  antiviruses. To be more precise, it is a same fake antivirus like XP Or Win 7 Internet security 2010, you will see a different name according to your OS though.  It is a scam that should not be taken lightly. Although threats Windows Security System 2010 shows in its scan logs are false, your Vista PC got serious infection – the rogue promoting trojans.  You might get them by clicking on infected facebook/myspace ads or by downloading  useless shareware or fake codecs.

Remove Windows Security System 2010 By yourself

When you are doing the uninstall all by yourself, you will probably waste a lot of time. Why? Because the removal process can be very complicated. Because uninstalling is one thing, but to actually remove the program is a whole lot harder.

In order to fully remove this program from your computer you’ve also got to scan your drivers and you’ve got to go into your registry too. And this can be very dangerous because if you remove the wrong file, then you can damage your computer. And this will cost you even more time and probably money too!

It’s highly recommended that if you want to fully remove and uninstall Windows Security System 2010 on the fastest, easiest and safest way, that you use an uninstall software.

Remove Windows Security System 2010 While Using An Uninstaller Software

If you want to remove Windows Security System 2010 from your computer then it’s highly recommended to use an uninstaller software. This way, you will be able to fully remove the program on the fastest, easiest and safest way.

A great uninstaller is called the RegistryQuick. It will fully remove any unwanted programs by doing 3 things.

1 – Firstly the RegistryQuick will uninstall the program.
2 – Once that has been finished, it will scan your drivers and your registry to find any left over files.
3 – Once that has been finished and the RegistryQuick has found some files, it will delete them.

This way, you’ve got the program 100% removed from your computer. Why don’t you take a look at this uninstaller? Visit: http://www.registryquick.net

So, in order to remove Windows Security System 2010 from your computer you can do 2 things. You either do it yourself, waste lots of your costly time and risk damaging your computer. Or, you use an uninstaller software to get rid of any unwanted program easily, fast and safely.

Want to get rid of Windows Security System 2010? Today? Right now? Visit: http://www.registryquick.net
 

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This way, you are able to easily uninstall and remove this program from your computer. Basically, there are 2 ways to uninstall a program like this. You either do it by yourself, or you let an uninstaller software do it for you. Let’s take a closer look at these options.

Remove Antivirus System Pro By yourself

When you are doing the uninstall all by yourself, you will probably waste a lot of time. Why? Because the removal process can be very complicated. Because uninstalling is one thing, but to actually remove the program is a whole lot harder.

In order to fully remove this program from your computer you’ve also got to scan your drivers and you’ve got to go into your registry too. And this can be very dangerous because if you remove the wrong file, then you can damage your computer. And this will cost you even more time and probably money too!

It’s highly recommended that if you want to fully remove and uninstall Antivirus System Pro on the fastest, easiest and safest way, that you use an uninstall software.

Remove Antivirus System Pro While Using An Uninstaller Software

If you want to remove Antivirus System Pro from your computer then it’s highly recommended to use an uninstaller software. This way, you will be able to fully remove the program on the fastest, easiest and safest way.

A great uninstaller is called the RegistryQuick. It will fully remove any unwanted programs by doing 3 things.

1 – Firstly the RegistryQuick will uninstall the program.
2 – Once that has been finished, it will scan your drivers and your registry to find any left over files.
3 – Once that has been finished and the RegistryQuick has found some files, it will delete them.

This way, you’ve got the program 100% removed from your computer. Why don’t you take a look at this uninstaller? Visit: http://www.registryquick.net

So, in order to remove Antivirus System Pro from your computer you can do 2 things. You either do it yourself, waste lots of your costly time and risk damaging your computer. Or, you use an uninstaller software to get rid of any unwanted program easily, fast and safely.

Want to get rid of Antivirus System Pro? Today? Right now? Visit: http://www.registryquick.net
 

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SystemArmor is a Rogue Anti-Virus program. The fake antivirus security program only looks like a real antispyware application, but unlike it, can not remove viruses and trojans, as well as protect your computer from possible infections, but scares you displaying manipulated threats, asking you to buy the registered version for just few dollars.

This is similar to Fake Virus Programs like TrustDoctor and SecureFighter. This rogue is installed through Trojans found on fake video sites or fake online scanner pages. The video sites will state that you need to download a video codec in order to view an online video. The fake scanner pages will state that your computer is infected and that you should download the scanner to clean your computer.

Regardles of where you download the Trojan, once it is run it will install SystemArmor on to your computer without your permission and then create numerous files in your system folders with random filenames.

These files will then be detected as infections when SystemArmor scans your computer. The reality is that these files are completely harmless and are only created so that SystemArmor has files to detect as infections.

Therefore the scan results from this program should be ignored.Without a doubt, SystemArmor was created to scare you into thinking you are infected so that you will then purchase the program. Please do not purchase this program (unless you want to support these virus creators), and if you have, you should contact your credit card company or merchant account and dispute the charge stating that the program is a scam. 

So if you want to get rid of SystemArmor….you need a powerful tool like Reimage.

Though some anti-Malware programs like Malware Bytes can delete this malicious fake anti-spyware, they cannot correct the damages it causes to your registry…

So you need something as good as Reimage, to fix all the damages that was left behind even though you get rid of SystemArmor with Malware Byte. To delete all the traces completely….to revive your PC from malicious trojans that may still reside and make your PC slow..

Most importantly this fake SystemArmor messes up your registry and you may face problems using iTunes or some other apps etc..

How to Get Rid of SystemArmor? To Sum Up:

Eventhough you run Malware Bytes, I would still recommend doing a PC -Wash with Reimage to get rid of any traces that are left on your registry that might make your PC vulnerable.

Reimage not only detects and terminates Adware, Spyware, Trojans, Key-loggers, Identity Theft scripts, Hijackers, Tracking Threats, Rogue Anti-Spyware, Unwanted Software, Phishing and Popups.files- it also fixes ALL the damage they left behind within 30 minutes. It is not just a registry cleaner, anti-spyware, windows repair and an Anti-virus software… it is a full-service, comprehensive “PC-Wash” that retrieves a “Just-Like-New” computer while keeping your personal data secure and protected.

Visit Reimage For a Free Scan Now to get rid of SystemArmor

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About the Author:
Tom Parks works for Microsoft. He is currently researching on PC optimization and system security. He is also an avid gamer and owns xbox, PS3, Nintendo Wii, Dsi and PSP
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Virus Protector contains a system scanner and runs it after first computer reboot right when the program is infiltrated. Then, the same action repeats after each system reboot. Once the scan finishes, Virus Protector generates a list of the files mentioned before and reports that they are infections. In order to remove them, you are offered to purchase a so called commercial version of Virus Protector which promises to fix every single protection problem that exist and provide security to your computer in future.

Later, the program generates even more fake notifications. Usually it displays bogus pop up ads and security notifications warning that your computer is infected by spyware. These notifications also provide the links to the websites where you are offered to purchase Virus Protector.

You have to ignore the scan results by this malicious application and any pop up ads promoting Virus Protector. Instead you must remove it with a help of legitimate antispyware tool or manually, consulting removal guide of Virus Protector. If you have already made a payment for this roge program, contact your credit card company and dispute the charges.

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No, seriously, don’t turn your computer on if you want to be completely sure you won’t become infected with a virus.

You see, there are so many threats out there – security vendors find new malware every day, hundreds of times per day in fact – that you can never be entirely sure that you won’t encounter a virus at all.

You can, however, minimise the risk of being infected by any viruses that may attempt to get on your system and here is how -

Email Attachments

Firstly, be very careful when opening email attachments.

Historically, hackers sent their malware via email for best effect. As soon as someone opened an attached file they would be infected.

Whilst this attack vector is less common these days it is still used and so I would recommend that you never open files from unknown senders.

Additionally, you also need to be wary even if you do know the sender – if your friend’s machine has been compromised they they could be unwittingly passing a virus onto you.

Be Careful What You Download

Everybody downloads files from time to time.

Most of the time I would imagine this is quite legal and genuine but some people do download music and films that they haven’t paid for.

Malware authors love these people – they infect such files before uploading them to peer-to-peer sites, knowning hundreds of thousands of people will be too excited about getting something for nothing to worry about the risks.

Don’t do it!

Backup Your Files

Even the best of us pick up viruses.

Or mess our computers up so badly that we have to reformat and start again.

If that happened to you would you have lost years of work, or cherised films and photos?

Don’t let it happen – backup regularly.

Protect Yourself With An Antivirus Program

Bit of a no-brainer this – if you don’t want viruses on your computer then install an antivirus program!

If you buy a good quality antivirus program from a reputable vendor then you will set it up once, ensure it updates itself regularly and then forget about it, safe in the knowledge that it is protecting you from a wide range of threats.

I would recommend that you check out F-Secure Antivirus 2010, the program I have running on my own computer right now.

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Learn more about viruses and how you can protect yourself from them, and other threats, on my infosec blog.
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With some slow PC tips you can do something about it yourself.

You may entertain hiring a computer technician and even purchase the latest hardware or buying a new computer. But before going down this expensive route, first try fixing it yourself. in fact 90% of the time you can do a better job than a technician in less time.

Here are some do it yourself tips on improving your computer performance.

#1 First, on your computer, go to windows start menu, then all programs then accessories and then system tools and the disk defragmenter program. Click on the defragment button then follow the instructions.

Data clutter slows down your computer. Defragmenting puts data in order making it faster for the computer to pull data and execute commands. Doing this will make a big difference and the bigger the program the more it will benefit from this process. You should allow at least an hour for this the first time you run it.

#2 The second step is click the taskbar icons and find programs that are rarely used. These programs occupy disk space, memory space and affects processing power of your computer. Remove them for faster processing and increased performance, free memory and disk space.

To do this, open the control panel. Click the add and remove icon and select the program that you want to delete. If you want to save Programs for future purposes, you can save them to a USB stick or a CD.

#3 Empty the recycle bin and remove all the temporary files stored on your PC with the disk clean up tool. By deleting files found there, again, you free more memory space thus increasing processing speed of your computer.

#4 Run a registry scan to find any problems in the windows registry. This can be done free of charge by downloading a free registry scanner. Once you have done this if it finds any errors you can get rid of them with a registry cleaner.

These simple slow PC tips you can do yourself. Save your money. Just organize the clutter of your files and remove any registry errors, making your PC run faster.

If your computer is slow here is the answer to Windows Running Slow this will make your PC faster, just click here.

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Security essentials 2010 may display some of the following symptoms:
•    Is your computers performance slower than usual?
•    Are you receiving annoying pop ups?
•    Are things changing on your machine, that you didn’t change yourself?
•    Do you see a scan report that has taken place, which you didn’t start?
•    Are you receiving fake scan report results?
•    Is your computer generating scary system security notifications?
•    Are you being asked to buy a full version in order to rectify these problems?
•    Is your internet connection acting differently to usual?

Do not fall for any of it and you need to remove Security essentials 2010 upon immediate detection. In order to remove Security essentials 2010 from your computer, it is imperative that you make use of a decent antispyware removal product that is able to both detect and automatically remove Security essentials 2010 for you. Remember to never download, install or purchase anything related to Security essentials 2010 as it will only cause you vast amounts of misery.

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To me, the term “defense in depth” means my having to do a lot of work. But what work? What steps offer the biggest bang for the buck?

1. To me, the most important thing you can do to protect your computer is to be skeptical. Start with the assumption that you are being lied to. No software can protect someone who lets the bad guys continually scam them.

For example, that email message may not have come from the visible FROM address. Even if it did, the senders email account may have been broken into and the message could be from a scammer. Same for instant messages.

Many tricks can be played with links to make them appear to go one place when they actually go somewhere else, and that was before link shorteners made hiding the true destination even easier. You probably don’t need to install a new codec to see that enticing video. Your computer is probably not infected with 314 viruses. Even notices about updating software to install the latest patch may not be legit.

2. Software-wise, techies are always advising to keep up to date on patches for your installed software. What doesn’t get said often enough is that this is an all but impossible task for Windows users. Thomas Kristensen of security company Secunia reported recently “that in order for the typical home user to stay fully patched, an average of 75 patches from 22 different vendors need to be installed [every year]…” Seventy Five patches/year seems low to me.

Without a standard pipeline through which all these companies can funnel patches, Windows users are forced to deal with many different and inconsistent patch delivery systems. It’s a brutal mess, and one not likely to have a good solution for a very long time.

Secunia offers three patch related products. To me, the best bang for the buck is offered by their free Online Software Inspector. Their other products check more software, but the online service checks the most popular applications, offers a very simple and easy-to-read report and includes links to the latest software updates.

3. There is surprising resistance to my third suggestion, but it’s a great way to protect yourself when keeping up to date on bug fixes is impossible: run as a limited (Windows XP term) or standard (Windows 7 term) user. I’ve been doing this for a while now on both Windows XP and 7. There is a small annoyance factor, but compared to the extra safety it offers, the tradeoff seems well worth it. The annoyance factor is higher in Windows XP. Much more thought seems to have gone into this in Windows 7.

Here’s my approach. My current Windows userid was typically “Michael” and it was an Administrator. First, I create another Windows user called “MichaelAdmin” with the same password as user “Michael”. Then I log off user “Michael”, log on to user “MichaelAdmin” and drop user “Michael” down to a limited/standard user. From here on in, I continue to use user “Michael”, only logging on as “MichaelAdmin” when necessary to install software or otherwise update the system.

Windows 7 is pretty good about prompting standard user “Michael” for the password to user “MichaelAdmin” when necessary. Hardly ever do I have to actually logon as “MichaelAdmin”. Windows XP often requires limited user “Michael” to switch to user “MichaelAdmin” but at least its a switch, user Michael can remain logged in.

On a new computer, I would start out with users “MichaelRestricted” and “MichaelAdmin”.

4. Windows users should avoid Internet Explorer. You can’t delete it, but you can ignore it. IE suffers both from having a target painted on its back, because it’s so popular, and from Microsoft’s being slow, in general, to issue patches. Plus, it has its fair share of bugs and design flaws. I run Internet Explorer once a month on my XP machine, just for Windows Update. Independent security expert Steve Gibson does this too.

Firefox is my preferred browser, but I also use Chrome. In both cases, I opt for portable versions from portableapps.com. A normally installed copy of Firefox can not be updated by a limited/standard Windows user, but the portable version can.

5. The Adobe Reader also best avoided. Like Internet Explorer, the Adobe Reader is extremely popular, so bad guys focus on it. Like Microsoft, Adobe is slow in issuing bug fixes. At least Microsoft issues IE patches monthly, Adobe thinks that every three months is a good idea. You are safer using software that is updated when bugs are found, not when corporate needs dictate.

Among alternatives, the Foxit PDF Reader is probably the most popular. I also like the free and portable Sumatra PDF Reader because it seems to be a low end product. Fewer features means fewer bugs and a smaller attack surface. Plus, by being relatively unpopular, bad guys have no reason to exploit any bugs the Sumatra Reader may have.

Malicious PDFs are very common. If someone sends you a PDF, stranger or not, you are much safer opening it with the Sumatra PDF Reader than with the Adobe Reader.

Full Article: The Ten Most Important Steps You Can Take to Protect Your PC

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