Protect your Computer from Viruses, Malware and other Phishing Scams

A new computer costs hundreds of pounds and so users should take consideration when surfing the internet. It is vital to be mindful of harmful websites or downloads, that may be linked with viruses and malware.

Computer viruses are software programs that are created to be transmitted from one computer to another and to impede or affect the performance of a computer. Viruses are capable of deleting everything on a hard drive or corrupting single files and can embed themselves into emails or instant messages, to infect further computers. They have also been found contained within image attachments, e-cards and video and audio files. Unofficial downloads are often a huge source of the majority of viruses contracted.

A macro is designed to control frequently used tasks. They are written by software developers but some can be potentially harmful. Some are able to monitor keys that are pressed or when a mouse is clicked. More sophisticated macro’s known as VBA’s are written as code and can essentially hijack the functioning of multiple programs on a computer. As a result this can facilitate the spread of a virus throughout a system. This could be brought about through a destructive document, which is why Microsoft Office has a feature known as the ‘Trust Center’ to protect against viruses of this kind.

The Trust Center will check the following details before enabling a macro, embedded in a document:

• It will primarily check that the digital signature provided by the computer programmer is valid and up to date.

• Also it will ensure that the digital signature has been authorised by a respected Certificate Authority.
  
• Finally, it will make sure that the developer who entered the signature is a recognised publisher.
   
• A security warning will appear if there is an issue with any of the former information, stating that the macro has been disabled.
   
• If a security message appears requesting authorisation to enable a macro and it is from a trusted source, then you can click ‘ok’ to enable it.

Protecting your Computer from Malware

Malware is an abbreviation of ‘malicious software’ and is any software that becomes installed on a computer system without being authorised by the user. They come in many forms such as viruses, worms and Trojan horses.  Determined internet crooks, are hyper aware that people will attempt to download protection software for their computer and will also take advantage of this fact. It has been known for individuals to pay for bogus software or to be in fact downloading malware in the process or have their identity stolen. Users should try to avoid offers of free antivirus software as it could be a potential scam.

Fake virus alerts or ‘scareware,’ are programs that intentionally mislead the owner of a computer to believe that downloading software will be beneficial for security. Often,it will provide partial or no security advantages and will attempt to convince users to provide card details with frequent pop-ups. The windows that appear will claim that software is currently out of date or that there is spyware or malicious software present on the PC. Once the link is clicked, then the rogue program is installed on the system. In some instances, it may not detect viruses or it will display that a virus is present, even if it is not.Or sometimes, it will purposefully install a virus onto the system, so that recognition looks legitimate. It may even prevent access to official antivirus sites.

The following protective procedures are recommended against malware and are free and safe for users:

• Make certain that automatic updating is activated and regularly check the computer is up to date.
   
• Keep the firewall switched on.
   
• Do not open any dubious emails or click links on unreliable websites.
   
• Regularly scan the system with Microsoft Safety Scanner, which is frequently updated and available online.

There have been reports of scammers calling people and falsely stating that the victim has a virus on their computer, or offering to fix computer troubles. They have either been known to con victims into installing malware on their system or hijack its operation from distance. In extreme cases they have obtained financial information and charged for harmful, free or non-existing services. Some of these cyber-criminals have also been claiming to be from Microsoft themselves.

In April 2014, a man from Luton received a 4 month prison sentence and was forced to provide £5,665 pounds in compensation, for the organisation of a Microsoft support scam. Victims in the UK, US and Australia were contacted from an Indian call centre and asked to use a program that keeps a record of activities on a user’s computer. They claimed that there was an issue with the system and offered antivirus software that is available to download for free through Microsoft. The agentsthen remotely installed the program and charged £35 to £150.
 
The chairman of the National Trading Standards Board said it was, “a stark warning to anyone else doing it that they can be caught and will be prosecuted.”

The US Federal Trade Commission also seized the accounts of 6 tech support scams back in 2012 but this did not include the former. Anyone who receives calls of this nature should disconnect the line and contact Action Fraud, as Microsoft will never contact customers by telephone.

Avoiding Scams whilst browsing

• In Internet explorer 8, the URL is highlighted in bold and the rest is displayed in lighter font to identify a web addresses identity. There is also a Smart Screen filter that will present warning about websites that may be harmful or could lead to identity theft.  It acts by checking a live reference list of known phishing and malware sites in order to protect the user from detrimental websites or software downloads.
   
• The tool must be turned on through the safety button and by clicking ‘turn on SmartScreen Filter’. Internet Explorer will then present warning screens that will advise not to proceed in accessing websites or downloads that are potentially unsafe
   
• If you choose to register for a Hotmail email account, this also has adopted Smart Screen technology to decipher any phishing attempts and other spam emails.
   
• Microsoft Office Outlook employs a Junk Email Filter in versions 2010 and 2007, that assesses individual inbound emails for features that are often found in phishing scams.
   
• Outlook also has another anti-spam feature. In some emails presented in HTML format, pictures of audio can be included. However, spammers can use this method to obtain your email address. Once opened this verifies that an email address is operational. Email addresses are then sold on to other junk email distributors, which in turn generates a greater volume of spam into an inbox. Outlook will automatically prevent instant picture downloads and the user is able to unblock at their own digression.
  
• Phishing is an internet criminal’s methodology of obtaining sensitive or bank account details belonging to an individual. Emails are known to contain links that redirect to offending websites that may request personal or financial information. This could lead to identity theft.
   
• Emails that are deemed suspicious are instantly sent to the junk email folder and the reply button and any links are subsequently disabled.
   
• To open attachments safely, Outlook will prevent the functioning of malicious scripts during a preview.  But only attachments which are from reliable sources should be opened. Outlook will prevent any attachments that are able to run programs and could possibly contain viruses. These will include any file names that end with .exe, .bat,.com,.vbs and .js. If sending attachments that end with these characters, then a warning message is displayed stating that other users may not be able to view the attachments as it is potentially harmful. Other file types are not automatically blocked but will present the user with a cautionary message to encourage them to consider the content they are about to download.
   
• A full list of blocked files can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/redir/HA010354417.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HA010355583  and these can be changed at the users will.

Reporting a Scam

• When using Internet Explorer, clicking the safety button and selecting the Smart Screen Filter an option exists as ‘Report Unsafe Website.
   
• As a Hotmail user, emails can be marked as ‘Phishing scam.’
   
• However, in Outlook, the email must be attached to a brand new email and sent to reportphishing@antiphishing.org or an add-on to report junk email can also be downloaded.

Microsoft advises to minimise the threat of infection by downloading the most recent software updates and using antivirus programs. Being aware of the latest threats is also suggested, whilst always accessing a PC as a standard user, rather than an administrator profile.  Microsoft also offers the following free software downloads, available online through its website to protect users from both viruses and malware;

1. Microsoft Security Essentials (those using Windows 8 or Windows RT need not download this software.)
    
2. Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
    
3. Windows Defender
    
4. Windows Live Safety Scanner.

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Keeping Your Family Safe Online

The internet is a brilliant educational tool and can provide great entertainment. But there have been an abundance of horror stories presented in the news surrounding child safety online. Parents may feel that they struggle to protect children and young people when surfing the internet as they may think they have insufficient knowledge of the subject area themselves. Around 4 million parents confessed this year that they have not activated any safety setting on devices that the whole family uses.

A child psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron said there is a, “generational digital divide which means parents do not necessarily feel equipped to help their children in this space.”

Many children now spend long periods of time indoors watching television, playing video games or on computers.  Nearly 50% of children access the internet on a daily basis and just fewer than 50% do so for more than 2 hours each session. Main activities are playing games, browsing social networking sites and watching videos. But a high proportion of children, have been found to play games or watch videos with certificate ratings recommended for older age groups.

It is fairly easy to control what your little ones may be watching on the television but some parents may even be unaware of what content is being accessed online. Whilst there may be inappropriate material available at the touch of a button, screening of the majority of offending materials is possible with minimal effort.
Initially, the internet was designed as an information sharing platform mainly aimed at the adult generation. However, there has recently been a shift in its purpose where users commonly upload content that is aimed at a wide variety of audiences, including children.  Understandably, parents would wish to guard their children from content that is violent and sexually orientated and perhaps even drug related material. Sharing of information of this nature has become more feasible and can spread quicker by the use of Social Networking sites, for example Twitter and Instagram. People are now able to contact each other,regardless of geographical locations.

The progression of online communities means that children and young people are now vulnerable to identity theft, online attackers and cyber bullying.A survey in 2013 conducted by security education group ISC2 IT, found that 55% of youngsters believe that cyberbullying is the norm and over 200 children had arranged to meet up in person with people they had met online.

Dr Elizabeth Staksrud from the University of Oslow believes, “It’s rare that such meetings are associated with abuse.”

Positive interactions have resulted from some gatherings and in many cases children have informed family members of their intentions, so they could be accompanied. Nonetheless, on few occasions when abuse had taken place, the children concerned seemed to be unaware that meeting people through the internet can be dangerous. In every-day situations, children may be wary of communication with strangers, whereas on the internet they may not adopt the same attitude.

On the other hand, the internet has also increasingly been acting as a support network for children who may need help with an issue, but would prefer not to speak with someone in person or over the telephone.

An NSPCC and Childline representative said, “It’s been a really positive step and it has meant that they are seeking help more quickly and more effectively than in the past.”

Fundamentally, parents should converse with children on a regular basis about what websites or games they may be using. Ask them to demonstrate how the technology works if feeling uncertain of a child’s safety.

"Get your child to talk you through how to set up a Bebo account. Ask them to create one for you and let them make fun of you. And along the way, you can learn about, and explain, the pitfalls," said Carrie Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet.

The government has recognised that there is only so much power that a parent has over what information a child can access online and that issues surrounding safety, may differ with age.The department for Children and Young people has already supplied schools with guidance on safety whilst using mobiles and tablets. And as of September 2014, children will now be taught about online safety in school, from the ages of 5 to 16. The computing curriculum will aim to teach children how to use technology safely and respectfully, whilst keeping personal information private.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes the issue of child safety online very seriously and has set out a series of measures to help keep children safe online."

In May 2014, a government campaign backed by the Prime Minister was initiated known as ‘Internet Matters.’ Aimed at parents, it is intended as an educational resource, providing help and advice on online safety. Major Internet Providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk, were key contenders in supporting the collaborative movement.

As a parent of 3, David Cameron said, “Of course the internet is a fantastic resource for young people –a place where they can be educated and entertained. But this virtual world can also pose a danger to children, with pornography, violence, self-harm and suicide websites sometimes just a few clicks away. And it is truly terrifying that our children can be exposed to this material.”

In response, Microsoft has also created its ‘Safer Families’ programme,that also vouches to teach parents the basics of online safety for children. In line with this,it will also provide workshops free of charge to workplaces across the UK in 2014.

It is important to allow children some independence whilst using the internet. Parents should be careful not to be overly cautious, as evidence suggests that learning to take risks and learning from mistakes are key steps in child development.  If reigns are kept too tight on teenagers for example, if determined enough, they may wise up and find ways to override security filters. It is simply impossible to completely block out or avoid all unsuitable material. But there are some tools that can be used reduce the appearance of untoward content on a computer, such as:

1.  PC settings- Basic filtering tools are available on most web browsers along with the ‘safe search’ option. Application blockers can be activated and time limits on computer usage can also be set.
   
2. Web filtering- Allows creation of lists of inaccessible websites and prohibits certain phrases and words.
    
3. Program blocking- Prevents unacceptable downloads, whilst protecting your computer from viruses, that may compromise the security of a machine.
    
4. Email filtering- Block unwanted content and messages from unfamiliar or untrusted addresses. Prevent your child from disclosing sensitive information, such as telephone numbers and addresses.
    
5. Social networking/Instant message filtering- Similar to the former, select blocked words or phrases.
    
6. Video filtering- Restrict undesirable media on websites like YouTube, on the basis of keywords and labels that a video may possess.

Software is also available that can monitor online behaviour and alert parents by email, if a child has tried to look at intolerable material. With this information, parents can then openly converse with children about the dangers involved.

Microsoft has released a list of golden rules that parents should encourage their child to abide by whilst using the internet. These include but are not limited to.

1. Actively encourage children to keep passwords private. Do not share passwords with friends or people on the internet and never save them on a computer or email. Do not keep passwords that are written down in wallets or purses.
    
2. If threatening behaviour is demonstrated on social networking sites seek help immediately primarily speaking with an adult and encourage children to be respectful of others opinions. Children should only be accessing these sites aged 13 plus and only communicate with people that they already know.
    
3. Avoid using full names as usernames or adopt an appropriate nickname and do not disclose the full names of friends. Encourage them to provide as little information as possible about themselves on social networks.
    
4.  Under no circumstances arrange to meet up with someone in person who they have only met online.
    
5. Toggle security settings so that profiles are only accessible to those who already know a child.
    
6. Photographs should not include any information that may reveal true identity such as those taken in school uniform.
    
7. Make clear that if the rules are not followed, the profile can be removed upon request by contacting the website.
    
8. A new trend with younger people is online blogging similar to a personal journal. Children should be encouraged to think carefully about what information is posted in this manner. Try presenting good examples of blogs to children for them to follow the format. Parents should tell children that they will be able to check-up that the blog is being used appropriately on a regular basis.
    
9. Educate children and particularly young people to look out for online fraud and scams. It is vital they never give out personal information and to log out correctly when using public computers.
    
10. Make sure that any sites accessed are fully secure. It should always begin with https://, a padlock should be present at the bottom right corner of the screen or sometimes a green address bar will appear. If unsure, these features can be clicked on to look at the security certificate for a website.

Overall, the internet is a great provider of education, entertainment and support. And for many children, it is a resource accessed daily. Most parents are concerned about their child’s safety online but are uncertain of what precautions to take. Many feel at a loss when their child appears more technologically savvy than themselves. However, despite their technological upbringing, evidence implies that children do not consider their safety a high priority, whilst online. Therefore, they are at high risk of identity theft, online attacks and cyber bullying. The government is also taking steps to educate children at school of the risks involved and it has also initiated a campaign to help adults who are unsure of their role. Parents should avoid enforcing restrictions that offer children little freedom, as it is strong possibility they may learn to overcome these. Furthermore, spending too much time in front of a computer is unadvisable for adults as well as children. It may be worth considering setting time limits so children do not overindulge, as they must also dedicate time to other areas of development.

A great resource for parents who are unsure about family web safety has been created with the help of feedback from parents. The website covers main topics such as cyber bullying and social networking sites and includes advice from dedicated experts.

You can access the video blog at http://childsafetyonline.org.uk/.

Alternatively, the government initiative site offers detailed advice at www.internetmatters.org.

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Avoid Getting Stung by Rental Scams

Finding a new property can be both stressful and challenging. There are many reasons why people chose to rent a property. Short term commitment is suitable for many young couples and sharers, who may not be capable of keeping up with hefty mortgage payments, in the current economic climate. Property rental is a competitive market and it is not uncommon for individuals to feel pressured to secure the perfect property.

"These scammers hope people will cut corners and be willing to pay up-front to secure a property. If you've seen three flats and been pipped at the post each time, you might just do it," said a spokesman from Pimlico Flats a lettings agency based in London.

 

Fraudsters commonly try to swindle tenants who are eager to put down a deposit with a generous sum of cash. Cons of this kind are particularly rife in cities and by and large, most will advertise online and solely communicate with victims by email.Typically, scammers will push people into transferring sums of money via websites that offer zero purchase protection such as Western Union and MoneyGram. Usually, the money must exchange hands before a move in date can be scheduled. After this, it is in most cases found, that there is no property or many other individuals have also been promised the keys to the perfect flat or house.

There is a general trend of an increasing number of cases regarding these sophisticated scams. In 2010 alone, the Property Ombudsman received 5000 complaints. The majority of deals were appearing in London and North-East England and three quarters of complaints were mainly filed by students and a high number of foreign people. Housing Charity Shelter has conducted a survey to identify the scale of the problem and uncovered that around 1 million people have been affected by rental trickery whilst only 487 rogue landlords were prosecuted in 2013.

Harry Harris and his friends were recent graduates and after a lengthy search process, spotted a property listed on Gumtree.com. After replying to the ad, a Nigerian man contacted the prospective tenant exclaiming that he could not attend a viewing in person and would send photos of the property. He requested that the money for the deposit was transferred immediately. The boys were alarmed at this proposition and were hesitant to pursue the property any further.

Following this the graduates were contacted by a man who claimed to be in possession of a suitable property within Central London. A viewing was arranged and two of the group attended to inspect the premises.

“The man seemed entirely plausible and the place seemed fantastic. Then we all met a woman who said she was the estate agent. These people were grade-A actors," stated Harris.

Keen to move in as soon as possible, the boys agreed to pay typical fees of a deposit and one month rent, which had been requested in cash. Once the cash had exchanged hands and keys were obtained, it was discovered that the keys did not fit the locks. After some research, the property was found to be listed with an established estate agent, with much higher rental fees. In total £1,600 was taken unjustly from the prospective tenants.

On another occasion, a human resource manager Madeline Cox had found a flat which was determined as very cheap for its location. Corresponding with the ‘landlord’ on Gumtree.com, she spoke with a man who said he was currently residing in Estonia and would need someone to rent the flat out whilst he was away. Nonetheless, the ad looked completely genuine and Miss Cox was enthused to view the property. In order for this to go ahead, the scammer then demanded £300 to cover a flight and attend a viewing.

"He was aggressive, saying he'd had a wasted journey the previous month to show around a prospective tenant who hadn't turned up. He wanted the £300 as a gesture of good faith," says Cox.

It was again later realised that the property listing was a duplicate of a legitimate estate agent, with a higher rental charge. Luckily, Miss Cox had chosen not to proceed with the transaction.

More recent rip-offs relating to rental have involved the landlord demanding proof of income or affordability, before a viewing is possible.Tenants will send a payment either to themselves, a friend or a family member and as instructed provide evidence of the transfer in the form of a receipt. The landlord reassures them that the money is secure but when an effort is made to retrieve the money,it has disappeared.Phantom property is often a common factor in these types of scams.

 

One student lost £1,800 after being asked to transfer it to a friend. When the sum was found to be absent, she contacted the organisation who had performed the transfer on her behalf. The so called ‘landlord’ had showed up in person to collect the money with the correct transfer code and corresponding identification. When the student appealed for help, Police investigations could not go ahead as there was inadequate information supplied regarding the collection of the payment. Speaking with the transfer agency a second time, it was made clear to the victim that data protection would prevent the release of such information and that a crime reference number would have to be obtained in order to bypass security procedures.

Provision of receipts to anyone is as risky as handing over your PIN number to a stranger and therefore, anyone who does so will find it extremely difficult to recover funds. Transferring money is often an instant and simple process which allows funds to be moved worldwide and can be easily manipulated by preying individuals.

Rental scams have presented themselves in many forms in the past. After already securing a deposit, people have also been cheated by claims that they would only be able to move in subject to ‘satisfactory’ references. Some scammers have excelled in contacting employers and asking intrusive questions. When the victim becomes suspicious, on occasion, a partial refund is issued whilst offenders protest that the remaining sum is for referencing fees and telephone calls. In other cases, the referencing process was failed with no apparent cause.
 
In a legal sense, the contracts created with the former individuals do not break the law; a partial refund of the deposit could be proven as reasonable. Although, the amount deducted must reflect the amount of time spent checking references and landlords would have to provide evidence of this activity, if legal action was instigated. Those receiving partial refunds have consulted the local police only to be told that it is a ‘civil matter’ and the police were not willing to investigate any further.

"Money transfer, used in any situation other than to send money to someone you know, is not secure. It should never be used as a way of proving funds or as a method of payment to someone you don't know," cautions Citizens Advice consumer affairs policy officer Susan Marks.

In the past, victims of such crimes have reported landlords to the appropriate websites and the advertisement has been successfully removed from the internet. But personal ad websites, inundated with millions of users, do not have the capability to prevent repetition of these scams and need to be notified in order to crack down.

“Gumtree.com is very much a community-based website. As such, we rely on the feedback of our users to keep it as safe as possible,” said a Gumtree representative.
In order to protect yourself from rental rip-offs you may find the following hints useful;

1.  Never pay a deposit upfront without viewing the property first and meeting the landlord or estate agent.
2. Do not provide transfer details or proof of transfer to anyone.
3. Do not agree to transfer money to prove your income.
4. Obtain references from employers or previous landlords as it may be possible to avoid fees.
5. Refrain from paying any money until a contract is provided and you are happy with the terms. Always read the small print.
6. Check the Land Registry to find out who owns the building, you can do so at www.landregistry.gov.uk
7. All registered landlords participate in deposit protection schemes, these are designed to help tenants recover a deposit providing that they meet the terms of the tenancy, pay rent and bills on time and the property is not damaged.
8. When moving in, create an inventory of the state of the property and take photo evidence if necessary. This will ensure that you are not charged for any damage that was not as a result of your residency. The evidence can then be referred to in case of a dispute, when the tenancy ends.
9. If you do consider making a transfer, details of company credentials are displayed on the Financial Conduct Authority website.
10. If renting privately, check your landlord is accredited with your local council. This means that they have met a specified standard in the service and property that they provide. To achieve this status, initially the property will have been inspected by the appropriate local authority or landlord scheme.

 

Over 100 local councils have showed their support in Shelters ‘Evict Rogue Landlords’ Campaign to raise awareness of Rogue landlords. A List of participants can be found on the Shelter website. There is even an option for those who feel strongly about the issue to represent their own council, if it is not listed. Individuals can do so by signing a statement of support. Positive action has been made since the campaign was initiated, there is now a government team dedicated to investigating rental scammers. Also, 6.6 million pounds has been distributed to councils to alleviate the problem and the cap on fines to perpetrators has been lifted.

Overall, finding a new rental property is often a tedious process. Tenants should resist temptation to cut corners, as they may find themselves vulnerable to rental scams and rip-offs. Phantom properties, untraceable transfers and overseas landlords are the tricks used in this fraudulent trade. By exercising caution and following the guidance provided, it is possible to avoid such an attack. Fundamentally, if a property seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

StaySafe Magazine and its on-line journal contains an outsized quantity of key information and stories regarding current criminal behavior. StaySafe is additionally a helpful purpose of reference for the authorities, they're unbroken abreast of current criminal activity.

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