The best free antivirus software

There are lots of free antivirus applications. These antivirus software are free and very effective too. Why do these companies give away the best antivirus free? They all have paid versions with more features that they would like you to buy.

All programs offer Windows versions.Only Avast has a version for Macs.

1. Avast Home Edition Free Antivirus :

   Avast antivirus provides a friendly user interface, while also being very customizable and feature complete. avast Home Edition includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, , and ANTI-ROOTKIT detection based on the best-in class GMER technology
   
   Avast also does scanning on boot up if you choose to do so.
   

2. Avira Personal Free Antivirus

   Avira is another one of the best free antivirus products. But the free version gives you a basic protection against spyware, it also gives you: AntiPhishing protection ,AntiRootkit , AntiDialer ,an attractive interface.
   
   
   
   
   

3. AVG Antivirus Free Edition

   AVG is very popular antivirus software product. AVG has a friendly interface to use. AVG free edition detects both viruses and spyware.
   
   
   
   
   
   If you need a higher level of security from AVG, you can go with their paid version which gives your Web Shield and Lets you download and exchange files without risking virus infections, Advanced Anti-Rootkit protection, Game Mode protection. Or you can go further and have AVG Internet Security
   
   
4. Bitdefender 10 Free Edition
   
   This is only an on-demand scanner and doesn't offer "real time" protection, which all four of the other scanners offer. BitDefender Free Edition uses the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines used in the payed version. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who needs any level of regular virus protection, but it's still very fast and thorough.
   
   
5. Comodo Antivirus
   
   Comodo Firewall is very popular. Comodo antivirus is kinda new one but still effective , and gives you a good level of protection for no cost at all. Comodo Antivirus protect you against viruses, trojans , and spaywares. When you use both Coomodo Firewall and antivirus ( you get them both in the same installation package), I believe you get a higher security level than using antivirus alone.
   
   
   
   
   
   If you need more protection behind the free edition gives you, Comodo offers a pro edition which includes : antivirus + firewall+ Wi-Fi encryption + Remote tech support 24/7 for only $39
   
   

6. Microsoft Security Essentials
   

   Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that protects you against viruses, spyware. It is a very good tool from Microsoft ans it is free :) .
   
   
   

Why reading email in plain text is better?

For many reasons HTML email message has become popular , colored fonts, embedded images ...etc. No doubt HTML makes email attractive and easier to read, but from a security standpoint , plain text is better and safer.

Why HTML-rendered email is dangerous?

1. HTML-rendered email can include invisible images, and a hacker can execute a malicious code while loading the image for example :
   
   img src="http://www.hackerdomain.com/getemailcoockie.asp"
   An image like this can be used to execute a server-side script to read your email cookie to get your password. HTML-rendered email to track the message and giving the sender the ability too know whether an email was read,when it was read, and if it is forwarded to others. Spammers use this technique to know whether an email address is valid or not, and if the recipient like to read their spam. Plain text does not support image, so this scenario cannot happen.
   
   
2. HTML-rendered email can open or download attachments to the system. Plain text email prevents email attachments from opening automatically.
   
   
3. HTML-rendered email allows miscreant marketers and criminals to obfuscate the links, making them appear to point to somewhere else other than the user expected. These techniques are common in phishing scams, which often use scare tactics to entice a user to click a link allegedly leading to their bank or a well-known eCommerce site. Instead, the link takes the user to a website controlled by the scammer. It may look and feel like the website the user expected, but it's not. And behind the scenes, their login details and personal financial information are quietly being recorded for the criminal's later use.
   In plain text email, there are no hidden commands - the link displayed is the actual link.
   

Best and free online virus scanners

Free on-demand online virus scanner which scans and automatically cleans viruses, spyware &
malware. An online virus scanner cannot be considered a replacement for an installed antivirus scanner. But you can consider it as a second option. Here is a list of the best and free online scanners:

1. BitDefender Online Scanner (IE Only):
   
   Incorporating the BitDefender award-winning scanning engines, BitDefender Online Scanner is an on-demand antivirus and antispyware tool that shows how safe your PC is. Accessible from your browser, it will scan and automatically clean the system memory, all files and drives' boot sectors.
   
   
2. Kaspersky Online Scanner:
   
   One of the best online scanners. can be configured to scan individual files, folders, and drives - or target all email related files found on local and mapped drives.
   
   
3. Tend Micro HouseCall:
   
   HouseCall can quickly identify and fix a wide range of threats including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. It is now faster, more powerful and browser independent!
   
   
4. ESET Online Scanner (IE Only):
   
   ESET Online Scanner is a user friendly, free and powerful tool which you can use to remove malware from any PC utilizing only your web browser without having to install anti-virus software. ESET Online Scanner uses the same ThreatSense® technology and signatures as ESET Smart Security/ESET NOD32 Antivirus, and is always up-to-date.
   
   IMPORTANT: Administrator privileges are required to run ESET Online Scanner.
   
   
5. Symantec Online Scanner /Norton Online Scanner (IE Only):
   
   Download and install Norton Security Scan. It will automatically scan your computer every week, replacing the need for you to manually scan using Symantec Security Check. It’s quick, easy, and best of all, it’s free!
   
   
6. Comodo AV Scanner:
   
   Comodo AV Scanner is a free service that lets you quickly find out whether your computer is infected with viruses and spyware. The scanner requires the installation of a small browser plug-in. This is a one time operation and takes around 3- 4 minutes depending on your Internet connection speed.
   

What to do when your Windows is infected

Removing a virus infection surely is a difficult job. Anti-virus software can be very helpful, removing most of viruses easily. But sometimes, your computer may get infected with a really annoying virus which will not be removed with ease. Well, is it a dead end?

Viruses always load themselves when windows starts. Adding themselves to windows registry start up keys, or register as the file handler for a certain file type so every time that file type is loaded the virus is loaded first. To solve this dilemma (Starting Windows system without invoking the virus), you have to boot your system from a Bootable Windows CD or DVD and use it to log on your infected system.

Now, you have started your windows system and the virus is dormant, so far so good. Running your anti-virus now is not the best option, I recommend using anti-virus from a USB Drive. Plug in the USB drive before booing, and make sure to disable "autorun" option just in case your the USB drive was infected with an autorun worm. Now, shut down the computer ,plug in the USB drive, and start up your computer. Note that the bootable CD will not recognize the USB drive if it was not plugged in before computer booting. Scan your system and get rid of the invader.

I will not recommend using system restore point to get your system back,because usually viruses infect it too.

Here you are the AutoStart Entry Points in Windows:

1. WIN.INI file:
   
   it's a file belongs to old winows versions (3.x and 9x) to load applications and configuration settings at startup. The pertinent sections to check in the WIN.INI file are the and lines located under the [Windows] heading.
   
   
2. System.ini File:
   
   The system.ini file was used in earlier versions of Windows to load device drivers and the explorer shell. It is no longer used by Windows XP and above. The pertinent line to check in the system.ini file is , located under the [boot] heading.
   
   
3. Startup Folder:
   
   The Windows Startup folder of the current logged on user can view startup folder inclusions through the Start menu:
   Start | Programs | Startup .
   
   You can view items in the Startup folder by navigating to:
   
   %USERPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (where %USERPROFILE%) signals the username of the logged on user)
   
   The common startup folder, applicable to all users:
   
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   
   
4. System Registry Run Keys:
   
   Windows uses specific registry keys values to load applications (including malware) when starting up. The values to examine are located in subkeys Run, RunOnce, RunServices, and RunServicesOnce, located in either of the following registry keys:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   
   
5. ASEPS Specific to ME, 2000, XP:
   
   Users running Windows ME, 2000 or XP will also want to check the following registry keys for any unexpected values:
   
   HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
   HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
   
   HKCU = HKEY_CURRENT_USER
   HKLM = HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
   
   
6. System Registry - Winlogon:
   Winlogon is responsible for supporting the DLL responsible for managing the interactive logon when Windows starts. Pre-Vista, that DLL provides a customizable user interface and authentication process. Malware that hooks into Winlogon can be particularly difficult to remove, as even booting into Safe Mode will not deactivate it. The string values that customize the Winlogon process are located in the following registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
   Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
   
   
7. Active Setup:
   
   Any program specified by the StubPath value will be loaded when Windows is started. Pertinent key location is:
   HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\
   
   
8. Upgrades from Windows 9x:
   
   Users who installed an upgrade version of ME, 2000, or XP over an installation of Windows 9x will also want to check the following registry locations:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
   
   These keys will contain items from the and lines of the win.ini file used by Windows 9x.

Loading Sequence:

Which key runs first when windows starts up:

• RunServices / RunServicesOnce - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER RunServices/RunServicesOnce will be launched concurrently. In the event of a conflict, precedent is given to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. These ASEPS may continue loading during and after the login dialog.
  
  
• Login Dialog (Winlogon).
  
  
• RunOnce / Run for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive.
  
  
• Run key in HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive.
  
  
• Startup Folder.
  
  
• RunOnce in HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive

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Make your Internet Explorer safer

Internet Explorer has a built-in mechanism for controlling threatens and spyware. The good news is it's free.

First of all, make sure that you have the latest version of IE and all necessary updates have been installed. To have the latest version visit Windows Update Center

To begin, ensure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer and that all necessary patches and updates have been applied. To obtain the latest version and required updates, visit the Windows Update Center.

To access the Security Zones, open Internet Explorer, choose Tools from the menu, select Internet Options, and click the Security tab.

Security Zones
Internet Explorer provides four distinct security zones, each of them can be configured to provide custom protection for safer Internet browsing.

• Internet zone - The Internet zone is the default zone for all sites not listed in other zones.
  
  
• Local Intranet - Typically for local files or those coming from local networks.
  
  
• Trusted Sites zone - Use the Trusted Sites zone for sites you visit frequently which require downloading files, playing Flash animations, or active scripting .
  
  
• Restricted Sites zone - Use the Restricted Sites zone to suppress pop-up advertising, minimize the use of cookies, or otherwise restrict the actions allowed by listed sites.

Each of security zones (Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites) can be configured to either a Custom Level or Default Level. All sites not listed elsewhere will default to the Internet Zone.

The Internet Zone :

The simplest - but also the restrictive (and secure) - method is to change the Internet Zone to High. To access the Security Zones, open Internet Explorer, choose Tools from the menu, select Internet Options, and click the Security tab. Make sure Internet is highlighted, then click the Default button and move the slide bar it reflects High.

To Set to Default Level (Medium). Make sure Internet is highlighted, then click the Default button, slide the bar until it reflects Medium. This provides the best compromise between security and browsing comfort. Although , this setting will not stop pop-ups, it will stop active scripting and ActiveX controls that are deemed unsafe and/or are not signed.

After setting the security level to Medium, surf the internet as usual for few days and watch sites behavior .When you find sites that display annoying pop-ups or displaying unwanted active content, copy and paste the URL of these sites into the restricted sites zone. Also, when you find a trusted site that does not work as usual ,copy and paste the URL into your trusted sites zone.

The Trusted zone:

You can add sites you trust or usually visit to the Trusted zone. As I mentioned before, you can set the Trusted Sites zone to Medium or Low, according to your needs.

To add sites to the Trusted sites zone, highlight the desired zone, click the Sites button. In the dialog box, type in the desired site's URL and click Add. To remove a site from the list, simply highlight it in the list and choose Remove.

Restricted Sites Zone :

Highlight Restricted Sites and select the Default Level, make sure that the slide bar is set to High. Conversely, you can customize the settings by choosing Custom Level . For the maximum safety and suppression of pop-ups, all active scripting should be disabled for the Restricted Sites zone.

To add sites to this zone, highlight the desired zone, then click the Sites button. In the dialog box, type in the desired site's URL (or copy and paste it from the Notepad file you created) and click Add. To remove a site from the list, simply highlight it and choose Remove.

Protect yourself from Phishing Sites /Attacks

What is Phishing?

Phishing is an e-mail fraud method in which the hacker sends out legitimate-looking email in an attempt to collect personal and financial information from you. Typically, the messages appear to come from well known Web sites. Web sites that are usually targeted by phishers include PayPal, eBay, MSN, Yahoo, Facebook, and America Online.

How To protect yourself from Phishing Attacks?

Well, there are two methods you can use to protect yourself from phishing:

The first one is: Netcraft Toolbar . Netcraft tool bar is a free toolbar Internet Explorer and Firefox. This tool will definitely help you a lot to catch phishing site. You will get this alert when visiting a Phishing site:

The Toolbar also:

• Catch suspicious URLs containing characters which have no common purpose other than to deceive.
• Enforces display of browser navigational controls (toolbar & address bar) in all windows, to defend against pop up windows which attempt to hide the navigational controls.
• Clearly displays sites’ hosting location, including country, helping you to evaluate fraudulent urls (e.g. the real citibank.com or barclays.co.uk sites are unlikely to be hosted in the former Soviet Union).

http://toolbar.netcraft.com/help/tutorials/installing.html

The Second one (works only for IE 8):SmartScreen Filter.SmartScreen Filter is an option in Internet Explorer 8 that helps you avoid socially harmful phishing Web sites and online fraud browsing the Web.

SmartScreen Filter:

• Checks Web sites against a dynamically updated list of reported phishing and sites.
  
  
• Checks software downloads against a dynamically updated list of reported malicious software sites.
  
  
• Helps prevent you from visiting phishing Web sites and other Web sites that contain malware that can lead to identity theft.

When you have the SmartScreen Filter turned on, if you attempt to visit a Web site that has been reported, the screen below appears and advises you not to continue to the unsafe Web site.


The SmartScreen Filter also warns you when you download unsafe software. The above warning screen will warn you that the download has been blocked for your safety.

In order to turn on SmartScreen Filter :

• Click the Safety button. Point to SmartScreen Filter, and then click Turn On SmartScreen Filter.
• In the SmartScreen Filter dialog box, click OK.

SmartScreen source: Microsoft Website


What to do if you came across a new phishing website?

Report it at once to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI through the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. They would shut down the sites and catch the responsible.

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Other resources:

Phishing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Explains some common phishing methods and dangers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing

Anti-Phishing Working Group
Our mission is to provide a resource for information on the problem and solutions for phishing and email fraud.
http://www.antiphishing.org/

OnGuard Online - Phishing
Phishing section of an informational website run by the US Federal Trade Commission. Offers advice on how to spot, avoid and report phishing attacks.
http://onguardonline.gov/phishing.html

Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails
Phishing is a type of e-mail scam designed to steal your identity. Learn more about how this scam works and what a phishing e-mail message may look like.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/phishing/identify.mspx

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