More and more threats targeting your computer

Nov 19, 2007 18:56 GMT  ·  By

The last few days came with an impressive avalanche of threats, obviously targeting your computer and aiming to steal or harm the data stored inside the system. Many of them were already discovered and blocked by the security vendors from all over the world but it's obvious this is a new trend which might become more dangerous than we expected. For example, numerous companies identified Trojan files and malware distributed by instant messaging clients, attempting to steal users' login credentials and conduct phishing attacks. Sure, you can always install a security solution to defend the computer but do you really think they are able to protect your data against this kind of attacks?

Certainly not. And this because some of the users are not able to configure the applications as they should, making their features go crazy. For example, let's suppose a dangerous Trojan wants to install itself on a computer and asks for user's approval. Because it is usually hidden under a common name, let's say explorer.exe, some of the users might allow the execution and obviously the infection.

See? There's no protection assured as long as the consumers are vulnerable and easy to trick. So, what do we really need? It's difficult to say that we're looking for a very powerful technology with easy-to-use features and a fast and simple configuration process. Because it's hard to have such a tool, many of them requiring advanced knowledge and computer experience.

So, is there any chance for a beginner to remain protected while accessing the web? Certainly yes. Because no hacker or attacker manages to compromise the targeted computer unless the user clicks on a malicious link, reads a dangerous email or runs an infected file. The solution would be to ignore unsolicited messages, to avoid running unknown executable files and to refuse opening untrusted links. Yep, I know, it sounds like you would become a paranoiac, but this is it.