Protecting your computer
We've scratched our heads but then come to terms with such names as hackers and spammers. Now Police warn of a new breed
of cyber criminals, 'Bot Herders'.
Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy said Bot Herders covertly infected computers, making
them robots or 'bots' for short.
"Once they infect a large number of computers they can then gain covert control of servers with often catastrophic
results."
These results can include the inability to use or access information on your computer, identity and password theft,
fraudulent transactions and even your service account being closed down by Internet Service Providers (ISP).
"These people can install hidden software on your computer in several ways. First, they scan the Internet to find
computers that are unprotected, and then install software through those "open doors," said Mr Devoy.
"Or they may send you an email with attachments, links or images which, if you click on or open them, install hidden
software.
"Sometimes just visiting a website or downloading files may cause a "drive-by download," which installs malicious
software and turns your computer into a "bot."
But there are some simple steps that can help reduce the chances of your computer being turned into a 'bot'.
Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash
it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely
recommended for single computers. The software is prepackaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for
individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.
- Install or Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from
embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it.
Viruses can infect computers without users' knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update
automatically.
- Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously
installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information
about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free
spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily availaῢle for download on the Internet or at your local computer
store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispywarein some cases these products may be fake and may
actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It's like buying groceriesshop where you trust.
- Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with
technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest
protection.
- Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant
anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of forwarded attachments
from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.
- Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and
ready for action. The downside is that being "always on" renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection,
which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker's connectionbe
it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer's resources to reach out to other unwitting users.
Mr Devoy said while it may be difficult to detect if your computer has been infected there are some warning signs.
"Your computer may suddenly operate more slowly or become sluggish.
"Or you may find messages in your outbox that you never sent or perhaps the most embarrassing, you may receive emails
from accusing you of sending them spam."
END