Are You Using Protection?

Cut to the chase: Links to sites and software.

Nope, you don't have to send your kids from the room. We're going to provide information on keeping your computer safe, not discuss intimate social interaction.

Unless you use your computer in a strictly stand-alone environment, with no connection to the internet, no use of email, and never exchange floppy disks, keychain drives, or CDs with files from other computers, YOU NEED PROTECTION.

At a minimum, you need to protect your computer from viruses, with anti-virus software. This software must be regularly updated with new "virus definition" files, which provide protection against newly developed viruses, variations on old ones, and other nasties. Many current anti-virus (AV) programs automatically check for new definition file updates whenever the host computer contacts the internet. However, you need to insure that feature is turned on. Other typical options that should be selected are the scanning of incoming and outgoing email messages for viruses.

You should insure that your AV program is configured to automatically scan your computer for viruses at least once a week. Set aside time at least once a week to download any updates for your AV program, and review the program's status page to verify that your AV definition files are up to date, and a full system scan has been performed when scheduled, or you can initiate a scan of the system manually.

AV programs are available in retail packaging, as downloads, and in some cases, as freeware for non-commercial users. Some AV sources have provided on-line scanning services, but with today's huge hard drives, a high speed connection would be an absolute requirement for on-line scanning. Having two AV programs resident and running on your computer is probably a mistake, because you'd risk conflicts, and one program might mistake the other's virus definition files for the real thing. However, some programs (for example, F-Prot) may have a version or mode which allows them to be invoked manually rather than being memory resident, and could be allowed to perform a scan as insurance that you've caught all viruses.

Another class of programs protects against spyware or spy bots, programs that send information from your computer to other computers via the internet without your knowledge or permission. These may be tracking your surfing habits to allow companies to send you advertising in concert with your interests. The really malicious programs may capture your keystrokes, including user IDs and passwords, and send them to someone who'll misuse them - or steal from your bank accounts, for example.

Firewall programs can help defeat attacks on your computer when you're connected to the internet by hackers trying to exploit a variety of openings into your computer that are typically unprotected by your operating system. They may also prevent spy ware from sending information from your computer to malicious information collectors.

Users of Microsoft's Windows, Internet Explorer, Outlook & Outlook Express, and Office suite product must install all critical and security updates for their products. Microsoft's success has made its products the malfactor's primary target. Unfortunately, new security weaknesses are found almost daily, so regular updating is essential in this arena as well.



In the tables below, we've noted ratings and rankings from magazines for many of the products mentioned. We advise reading the articles in full at the publishers' web sites, or the library, to better assess the suitability of the product for your application.
Product
Supplier
Remarks
Anti - Virus Programs
AntiVir PersonalH+BEDV DatentecnikCommercial, server products available. [Germany] (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 78/100)
AVG 7.5GrisoftFree single home user edition
Paid versions; firewall product [Czech]; (Prof. Ed. 7.1Smart Computing, 02/06, 4.2 / 6) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 73/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 77/100)
avast! HomeAlwil SoftwareSpecific plugin for Outlook; supports skins[Czech] (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 77/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 78/100)
BitDefenderhttp://www.bitdefender.com/Firewall & Anti-virus products, from Softwin [Romania] (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 92/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 84/100)
ClamAVhttp://www.clamav.net/Multiplatform Open Source (GPL) antivirus software
eTrust EZ AntivirusComputer AssociatesFirewall and Armor suite of products available.
F-Prot AVFrisk Software InternationalFree home user edition
Paid versions; DOS Version - use to back stop other AVproducts [Iceland]
F-Secure AVF-SecureFirewall product; Network encryption [Finland] (2006, Smart Computing, 02/06, 4.2 / 6) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 83/100)
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 6.0Kaspersky LabsAnti-spam & Firewall products; Claims 8 downloads a day virus definitions [Russia] (Personal 2006, Smart Computing, 02/06, 4.2 / 6) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 85/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 85/100)
McAfee AVMcAfee, Inc.Firewall, Spamkiller, and antispyware products. (McAfee Internet Security 2005, Smart Computing Jul 05, Score 4 / 5) (Virusscan 2005, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 5 / 10) (VirusScan 2006, Smart Computing, 02/06, 4.5 / 6) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 87/100)
Nod32EsetKnown for scan speed, high detection rate. A DOS version fits on floppy. [Czech?] (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 84/100)
Norton AV 2007Symantec, Inc.Firewall & Anti-spam products; broad range of utility products. Excellent computer security web site. (Norton Internet Security 2005, Smart Computing Jul 05, Score 3.8 / 5) (Norton AV 2005, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 7 / 10) (AV 2006, Smart Computing, 02/06, 4.2 / 6) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 80/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 84/100)
AV & AntiSpyware Trend Micro Includes firewall and anti-spam in base product. (PC-Cillin Internet Security 2005, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 8 / 10) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 77/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 71/100)
Titanium AntivirusPanda SoftwareFirewall, spam blocker, and privacy protection available in "Platinum" product. [Spain] (Platinum Internet Security 2005, Smart Computing Jul 05, Score 3.8 / 5) (PCWorld, 03/06, rating - 79/100) (PCWorld, 06/07, rating - 79/100)
Zone Alarm Anti-VirusZone LabsNot surprisingly, incorporates firewall product as first line of defense. Product sections of web site incorporate graphics showing how they work.
Product
Supplier
Remarks
Fire Wall Programs
(see remarks above)
Black Ice DefenderInternet Security SystemsOne of the original firewall programs for home use.
eTrust Personal FirewallComputer Associateshttp://my-etrust.com
F-Secure Internet SecurityF-SecureFirewall and AntiVirus combo product
Kaspersky Personal Security SuiteKaspersky LabsCombo: Firewall, AV, Anti-Spyware
Kerio Personal FirewallKerioPersonal Firewall - Purchased by Sunbelt Software, 12/2005
McAfee Personal FirewallMcAfee(Personal Firewall Plus 6.0, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 6 /10)
Norton Personal FirewallSymantec(Norton Personal Firewall 2005, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 7 /10)
Outpost FirewallAgnitumLimited free version available [Cyprus]
Panda Platinum Internet SecurityPanda SoftwareCombo Product: Firewall, AV, Anti-Spyware, other features
PC-cillin Internet SecurityTrend MicroCombo Product: Firewall, AV, Anti-Spyware, also includes wireless security
Personal Firewall ProSygateBought by Symantec, 11/2005; Personal products discontinued; Professional product support continues.
Zone AlarmZone LabsNow offers bundle of AV product with Firewall. (Zone Alarm Security suite, Smart Computing Jul 05, Smart Choice award, Score 4.4 /5) (Zone Alarm Pro 5.5, Maximum PC, Aug 05, KickAss Award, verdict 9 /10)
Product
Supplier
Remarks
Anti-Spyware Programs
Avoid Rogue Anti Spyware AppsSpyware WarriorThere are applications that pretend to be anti-spyware and are, in fact, spyware and malware. Check here before downloading an anti-spyware application. Go to Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
Ad-aware 2007 PlusLavasoft.deRemoval program for datamining, advertising, and internet tracking. [Germany] 9Smart Computing, Jan. 05, Score 4.4 / 5) [Smart Computing, Oct. 05; Score 3.8 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 57 threats) [SE-1.06, Rating - 64, PCWorld, 10/06]; V2007 Plus (paid version - better than free version) - PC World, Rating - 77 Good, 10/07
AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5GrisoftV7.5 - PC World, Rating - 81 Very Good, 10/07
Trend Micro Anti-Spywarewww.trendmicro.com (Smart Computing, 02/06, 47 threats)
Counterspy Sunbelt Software(PC World's Best Buy, 04/05) [ Beta version 1.5, A PC World favorite, tho' unrated in Aug. 05] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 22 threats) [V2.0 Beta, Rating - 76, PCWorld, 10/06]
Pest PatrolPest PatrolEvaluation copy available - scans only. (Etrust PestPatrol 2005, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 8 /10) [Smart Computing, Oct. 05; Score 4 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 104 threats)
SpyWare BlasterJavacool SoftwareInnoculator program; prevents, doesn't remove spyware. Assorted utility programs.
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.4From PC World SiteNote: With Norton Internet Security 2007, must be loaded after Norton product. Free removal program [Germany] Smart Computing, Jan. 05, Score 4.4 / 5 [Smart Computing, Oct. 05; Score 3.8 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 74 threats) [V1.4, Rating - 63, PCWorld, 10/06]; V1.4 - PC World, Rating - 59 Poor, 10/07
SpyCatcher 3.0Tenebril, Inc.Makers of GhostSurf [Smart Computing Review winner, Jan. 05, Score 4.8 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 54 threats)
Spy Subtract ProIntermuteAlso, Spam and Popup products.
Spy Sweeper 5.5Web Root SoftwareAlso, firewall, anti-spam, other utility products. (Ver. 3.2 - Smart Computing, Jan. 05, Score 4.6 / 5) [ Ver 4.0, PC World, Aug 05, Score 4 / 5] [Smart Computing, Oct. 05; Score 4.6 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 111 threats) [V5.0 Beta, Rating - 87, PCWorld, 10/06] V5.5 - PC World, Rating - 76 Good, 10/07
Spyware Doctor 5.0PCTools(PCTools Spyware Doctor 3.2, Maximum PC, Aug 05, verdict 7 /10 ) (Smart Computing, 02/06, 63 threats) [V3.8, Rating - 85, PCWorld, 10/06]; V5 - PC World, Rating - 95 Superior, 10/07
Windows Defender 1.1MicrosoftOnce again, the camel's nose under the tent. [Smart Computing, Oct. 05; Score 3.8 / 5] (Smart Computing, 02/06, 34 threats); V1.1 - PC World, Rating - 72 Good, 10/07
Zero SpywareFBM SoftwareAnti spam, popup, Internet utilities (Zero Sypware 2005, PC World, Aug 05, Score 3.5 / 5) (Smart Computing, 02/06, 22 threats)
Zone Alarm Anti-Spywarewww.zonelabs.com(Smart Computing, 02/06, 47 threats)

Security Suites
Supplier
Product
Remarks
Aluria SoftwareAluria Security CenterPCWorld, July '06, Score 68
BitDefenderBitDefender 9 Internet SecurityPCWorld, July '06, Score 73
CACA eTrust Internet Security Suite 2006PCWorld, July '06, Score 75
F-SecureF-Secure Internet SecurityPCWorld, July '06, Score 79
Kaspersky LabsKaspersky Internet Security 6.0PCWorld, August '06, Score 86, "Best of Breed"
McAfee, Inc.McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006PCWorld, July '06, Score 83 [Internet Security 2007, Rating - 85, PCWorld, 01/07]
MicrosoftMicrosoft Windows Live OneCarePCWorld, July '06, Score 76
Panda SoftwarePanda Platinum 2006 Internet SecurityPCWorld, July '06, Score 81
SymantecSymantec Norton Internet Security 2006PCWorld, July '06, Score 84 [Internet Security 2007, Rating - 87, PCWorld, 01/07]
Trend MicroTrend Mirco PC-cillin Internet Security 2006PCWorld, July '06, Score 79
Zone LabsZone Labs ZoneAlarm Internet Security SuitePCWorld, July '06, Score 77; MaximumPC, Sept. '06, 9 of 10
Protection References
Hoaxbustershttp://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/Check here before you forward email virus warnings
Shields UpGibson ResearchDiscover your vulnerabilities, from Steve Gibson, author of SpinRite, one of the Classic PC repair utilities.
CERThttp://www.cert.orgPrimary US Gov't. Computer Incident response center; Home Users section
Dangerous ProcessesLIUtilitiesIf you find these running on your computer, you're in trouble! Get WinTask product to help. [Malta]
BookThe Symantec Guide to
Home Internet Security		Symantec Press - Books of Security Interest
Anti-Virus ReviewPC World MagazineJune '07
Anti-Spyware ReviewPC World Magazine
PC World Magazine		November, 2005
October 2007
On Line Antivirus Scannersfrom PCWorldenter 50586 in the PC World Find tool
Security Suite ReviewPC World MagazineJuly, 2006
Computer ProtectionSmart Computing MagazineAV, Spyware, Adware articles, Feb. 06
Stop Badwarehttp://stopbadware.org/Reference Site for specific kinds of badware - spyware, malware, and deceptive adware. Badware is malicious software that tracks your moves online and feeds that information back to shady marketing groups so that they can ambush you with targeted ads.
Spyware Referenceshttp://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/Learn about specific threats.
Spyware Infohttp://www.spywareinfo.comHome of Spyware Weekly

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