photo credit: Adam Tinworth
Probably the biggest single misconception I hear from computer users almost daily goes like this: “I never open anything from someone I don’t know, so I’m safe.”
I promptly offer a retort to this highly uninformed comment by saying that many security breeches occur because of an email or message (think Facebook, Twitter, etc) that appears to be from a friend or family member. The bad guys in the tech world know precisely how to manipulate the minds of unsuspecting computer users…it’s called social engineering.
And because they know that many computer users put a lot of credence into this false thought process, they work harder to make their messages appear to be from trusted people or companies.
Messages that appear to be from your friend can be used if their address was culled from the gazillion forwarded messages sent every day with exposed email addresses or if your friend’s computer has been compromised. I can site dozens of examples I see all the time where the user didn’t think twice about opening an attachment or clicking a link from an email that appeared to be from a friend or trusted source then BAM, their computer gets infiltrated with malware.
Also, keep in mind that the bad guys have also figured out how to get around pretty decent defenses. If you authorize a program to run…even inadvertently, newer forms of malware can tell your security software that you have okayed them for use and to ignore them. The malware then runs rough-shot throughout your computer causing a lot of havoc resulting in loss of sleep, time, and money.
Be careful out there…keep your security up to snuff, but most of all keep your discerning eye wide open and trust no one…not even those you know.
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Great advice. You can never be too careful with all the attacks going around the social networks these days.
Thanks for this post, Rick.
I also know from experience how much people trust things on the internet. It is kind of scary.
Seriously, someone could be on Facebook on a computer with some type of malware already installed. A popup comes up saying that you need the latest version of this or that to view whatever. They click and download, not thinking anything about it.
I think that anti-virus and anti-malware programs are important, but they really don’t mean anything if you don’t have some common sense. Maybe we can get a post about that?
Thanks!
I like your line of thinking and…
http://helpmerick.com/practice-smarter-browsing-to-avoid-malware-video-tip.htm
http://helpmerick.com/5-simple-rules-to-avoid-scd-slow-computer-disease.htm
http://helpmerick.com/beware-of-fake-security-software.htm
http://helpmerick.com/what-everyone-ought-to-know-about-downloading-security-software.htm
Hmmm…maybe I can make list post from these…thanks!
Very well said, many people don’t realize this. Malware can be coded very well and you need to be able to protect your computer and your information.
Amen and thanks for the comment.