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New Identity Theft Scams and Recent Proposed Legislation Demonstrate Importance of Internet Security & Identity Protection

Posted on: Wednesday, 20 June 2007, 15:05 CDT

LOS ANGELES, June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- You can never have enough protection when surfing the web as online criminals increasingly turn to malware to attack systems and unearth sensitive information such as passwords and account information, according to CyberDefender Corporation, a computer and Internet security software developer.

Just last week hackers attempted to make off with $450,000 after stealing login credentials associated with bank accounts run by the city of Carson, California. It is very likely that the password for the general fund account was stolen after cyber-thieves planted key-logging spyware onto a PC used by city treasurer Karen Avilla.

This key-logging malware works undetected inside the operating system's kernel, the component that links the system to the computer's hardware. Traditional malware acts like a regular application that runs on top of the operating system.

"This is just the beginning of the damage that this type of malware can lead too," said Patrick Hinojosa, chief technology officer, CyberDefender Corp. "It can operate with the same privileges and share all the same resources as the operating system itself, and compete with any security solutions protecting the system's integrity against any malicious activities."

As the malware tries to evade detection, security software firms are in a race to detect and protect against such attacks in real time. Of utmost concern to CyberDefender is how easily uninformed computer users become victims of spyware and other malware attacks. With the increase in threat levels, more damage will occur.

"With the introduction of malware into the Internet, threats are frequently released that often target the lowest common denominator -- the individual computer user who may not be very security conscious," added Hinojosa.

"But as we learned from the Carson, CA incident, even large organizations need to implement a proactive approach to web security which includes both technology to block access to these types of infected websites and applications, as well as rigorous employee Internet security education programs," concluded Hinojosa.

This worsening situation has prompted recent legislation introduced by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark, called the "Counter Spy Act of 2007" and co-sponsored by Bill Nelson D-FL, which is designed to help restrict spyware and other types of malware. But even a well-intentioned and thorough law does not alleviate the need for strong and updated protection on your computer.

"In some cases, security solutions add to computer problems by slowing machines and draining system resources. Some solutions are also slow to update and won't protect machines as fast as users may need. Often when users want to replace these solutions they may find it very difficult to remove them from their computers," said CyberDefender Chief Executive Officer Gary Guseinov. "With so many security solutions being cost-prohibitive for many consumers CyberDefender has introduced its CyberDefenderFREE 2.0 Internet Security Suite as well as its Early Detection Center 2.0 for $11.99 (FamilyPak 39.95 for 5 users) to protect in real time for spyware, viruses, phishing attacks and more.

To help consumers protect themselves from malware, scams, and identity theft all year round, CyberDefender Corporation offers some suggestions:

-- Don't add friends you don't actually know when using social networking sites. Often the "free" code available in social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook is spyware and will track your activity or even display unwanted ads. -- Do not give out personal information on your social networking site profile, such as your address, telephone number, work address or telephone number, or the name and location of your school. -- Never get together with someone you "meet" on a website, they may not be who they say they are. If for some reason you still choose to meet the person, they should discuss it with their parents first, and arrange the meeting in a public place and bring some friends. -- Don't shop online while using an unencrypted or open wireless network. Hackers and thieves can use your open/unencrypted or a store's wireless network to break into your computer and capture your financial information. -- Secure your computer with latest security software and updates. Before connecting to the Internet, take the following three core precautions: 1) Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and keep them up to date; 2) Install a firewall; 3) Regularly update operating software. -- Don't give away your financial information to unsecured websites. Make sure when providing payment information, the beginning of the Web site URL address changes from http to https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured. -- Protect personal information with common sense and technology. Be suspicious if someone unexpectedly asks for personal information. Identity thieves send out bogus emails about problems with consumers' accounts to lure them into divulging personal information. Consider using multi-factor authentication services when offered by online retailers as a way to secure your information. -- Confirm email correspondences from your financial institution directly. If you receive an email from your bank or other institution that you are unsure of, simply call the bank directly to confirm they need the information requested. Don't just reply with the information without checking first. -- If you are not familiar with the seller or the web site, do some research. You can contact the Better Business Bureau in the state where the company is located (by telephone or at bbb.com), and investigate the number and nature of complaints against the seller. Sometimes, a basic Internet search will reveal an actual chat room or web site (commonly called "gripe-sites") on which civic-minded fellow consumers have posted complaints warning of a company's practices. About CyberDefender Corporation (http://www.cyberdefender.com/)

CyberDefender Corporation's Internet security technology offers the earliest possible detection and most aggressive defense against Internet security attacks. CyberDefender is the only Internet security software company to combat spyware, viruses, phishing and dangerous spam by using a secure client-to-client distributed network, enabling protection that is unparalleled in speed and flexibility. Products employing the early detection technology include CyberDefender safeSEARCH(TM) Toolbar, CyberDefender AntiSpyware(TM) 2006, CyberDefenderFREE(TM) 2.0, CyberDefender Early Detection Center(TM) 2.0 and CyberDefender Early Detection Center FamilyPak Edition. For more information, visit http://www.cyberdefender.com/.

CyberDefender Corporation

CONTACT: Carolina Sanabria, PR Manager of CyberDefender Corporation,+1-310-800-6392, or pr@cyberdefender.com

Web site: http://www.cyberdefender.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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