CrexTechs Blog

In todays world, Internet Security is a pressing issue.  Everyone who ventures on-line, it seems, is at risk to some degree which is why we are constantly writing about this issue.  Most of our users have only minor scrapes with the world of malware and viruses but other users have real, persistent issues.

We see some computers coming back again and again with infection after infection.   There are a number of reasons this could be happening:

• Not running Vipre anti-virus software correctly
  • Failure to update Vipre software to the latest version and to run in automatic updates mode (so the virus definitions are updated throughout the day), active protection mode (so it is scanning all incoming data), and email protection mode
  • Setting Vipre to run full scans at night but turning the computer off (Vipre can not run at night if the computer is turned off)
  • Disabling Vipre when visiting certain sites
  • Disabling Vipre to install software or hardware and not re-enabling it.
• Downloading and running bogus anti-virus programs that will disable Vipre
• Disregarding warning messages that a file may be infected or may be risky (kids--little ones and big ones-- do this because they are so curious)

There are times when the only thing to do is go to more aggressive anti-virus protection.  A "firewall" incorporated into the anti-virus program offers this more aggressive protection. Firewalls block unknown or dubious materials gaining access to your machine.  Firewalls, however, can cause issues with downloading or installing some software or using some applications.  Firewalls can also slow your system down with more aggressive scanning which uses more of your computing resources.  But if you are plagued with viruses and other malware, a software firewall may be just what you need.

Vipre offers Vipre Premium which includes a firewall.  You can upgrade your Vipre subscription when it is up for renewal.

We are also working with at another anti-virus program called Comodo.  The free version of Comodo is a great option if you want more aggressive protection.

Here are some of the features Comodo has to offer:

• Detects, blocks, and destroys viruses
• Immediate feedback on suspicious files
• Prevents malware from being installed
• Auto Sandbox Technology™  (runs any questionable files in a restricted zone)
• Cloud based Antivirus scanning
• Protects with On Access scanning
• Schedule your scans
• 60 Days of FREE GeekBuddy live remote PC support

If you think a more aggressive approach to anti-virus protection is warranted, check out Comodo.  Download it and try it out.  Then drop us an email to let us know how you like it.

http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/antivirus.php

When you have a Vipre subscription you can go directly to Vipre anytime you think you might be having virus or malware issued.  Support is available 24/7.

Here are two handy websites that will give you all the information you need to know about getting help from Vipre:

http://www.sunbeltsecurity.com/dl/How_do_I_get_help_removing_this_infection.pdf

http://www.sunbeltsecuritynews.com/NK7DJ1/110617-SupportForm

As usual, we support machines with current subscriptions to Vipre.

If you have an anti-virus program that you like plenty well, you may be wondering about a lifetime subscription. Consider the following before you decide to opt for the lifetime subscription:

• Lifetime is the lifetime of the  machine it is on.  If your machine is a few years old, the lifetime of your machine could be only a few more years.  Your machine could last longer than that but what you want from a machine could change--you wouldn't want a lifetime subscription to keep you from upgrading to a newer computer.
• If your machine is brand new, it will likely last you a good number of years.  A lifetime subscription might make sense.  But, the way you use your machine could change.   For instance, as kids get older they want to be on the internet more and roam all over the place downloading anything that looks fun or interesting which exposes your machine to a lot more malware than your anti-virus subscription may be designed to handle.  You may need a more aggressive approach to virus protection as your household computing practices change.
• We like Vipre at CrexTechs for most users but we have liked other anti-virus programs in the past only to become disenchanted. That's how we found Vipre.  We became dissatisfied with the program we were recommending and found Vipre offered a great product, easy to use,  less obtrusive and at a reasonable price. The world changes and while Vipre has kept up quite well, and we recommend it for most users, we aren't necessarily sure it will continue to be the best of what is available down the road (sorry Vipre).
• A lifetime subscription, while convenient in that you don't need to renew each year, is a commitment.  Be sure it is a commitment you want to make before opting for it.

Vipre is offering a new lifetime subscription option in both the home and premium versions.  Various options are available that cover up to 10 PCs in one home.

If you are convinced that a lifetime subscription is the right product for you, give us a call and we will handle the transaction and support you .  However,  we will not be offering this option from our website.

There is so much chatter in the news about who is hacking whom--from Sony in Belgium and the Netherlands to our own government being hacked, one wonders, is anyone really safe.

Banks and credit card companies are trying to get everyone to drop paper statements in favor of on-line banking.  It is cheaper and faster for the bank.  But how safe is it to be conducting business on-line?  The question seems moot as so much is on-line now that we can really only take steps to minimize the risk.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Have more than one bank account and more than one bank.  If you are hacked in one account you will still have access to the other while you are dealing with the problem.
• Same goes for credit accounts.  Have more than one.  Use one for on-line transactions and the others for your other purchases.
• Use the measures suggested by your bank or credit company to promote security.  Sign up for alerts, use login security questions, use a strong password with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, change your password regularly.
• Never save your passwords to your computer or any other computer.
• Never access your accounts from public computers such as cyber cafes, hotels, libraries.
• Keep phone numbers for your bank and credit companies handy in case you are hacked and can't gain access to your account.  Call immediately if you are suspicious about  someone gaining access to your account.   And change your password right away.  Freeze or close your account immediately if there is a problem.
• Safeguard your checks, cash cards and credit cards.  Checking account numbers and routing numbers on your checks can be used by thieves to make purchases on-line.   Cash cards and credit cards can be used on-line as well.
• Monitor your accounts regularly, be sure you know what each transaction is.  Notify your bank or credit company immediately if there is problem.
• Never trust an email or phone call from your bank or credit company if they are asking for any personal information or if they want to verify personal information.  Such calls or emails, if they are legitimate, are probably just trying to sell you something.  Your bank will inform you by letter if there is a problem.
• Clean up your browser data regularly especially if you accidently enter your password where the login ID is supposed to go.  Then change your password.
• Get a credit report at least once a year.  For a free credit report go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/freereports/index.shtml

It is better to be overly cautious.