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Thursday, January 13, 2005
Ng: Spies hiding in your computer
By Wilson Ng
Wired Desktop
SLOW TO LOAD. Last week, I felt that something was wrong with my computer. I had performed all the requisite safety practices to ensure that I had not been infected by viruses. But I really felt that there was something wrong—some Web pages were taking 20 seconds to load, while some of my co-workers could have their sites load in three seconds on the same connection.
So when Microsoft announced that they had new beta software that would check spyware for free, I took the offer. On my notebook, it found four infected files, and one on my desktop.
By the way, you should be careful about surfing. Most people who surf regularly think they don’t have spyware, but they may actually have at least one.
Spyware is a new class of software that tries to hide inside your computer. It collects personal information without your knowledge. It can collect, for instance, what websites you visit. But more seriously, it can also collect your user name and passwords when you visit these websites.
So it not only slows down your computer, or displays more pop-up Web page ads that you don’t want (these types of spyware are called adware), or changes your settings without your knowing it, but it can be stealing information.
You should always exercise caution to prevent the entry of these programs. Here are some things you could do:
1) Make sure you get Windows updated to the latest version.
2) Make sure that your Internet Explorer or browser setting is set to at least medium security or higher.
3) Turn on the personal firewall of Windows.
4) Try to download and surf only on recognized sites. Minimize downloading pirated software sites.
5) Install anti-spyware protection. You can download a free version of Microsoft’s anti-spyware beta version from http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx.
If you feel that there is a problem with your computer, seek professional help.
EARLY WARNING. I also came upon an interesting item. Since the Asian tsunami, there have been calls to install an early warning system.
There was a news item that on a beach in Malaysia, a person was able to get a cell phone call from a friend in another country that had just been hit by the tsunami. When he saw a cloud of white coming, he was able to get some people to run away from the beach. The headstart of a few minutes probably saved dozens of lives.
Interestingly, the technology that people are looking at for this early warning system is the cell phone SMS (short messaging system). It is surmised that cell phones are the best means of relaying information, better than television and radio, or even alarm sirens, simply because most cell phone owners carry their handsets with them and can receive messages instantly.
Actually, there is already a precedent. According to reports, Hong Kong and the Netherlands have already incorporated SMS in their emergency systems.
With a suitable database of telephone numbers and as understanding of how to target messages to a specific location or segment, they are able to relay information quickly and efficiently.
There are over 20 million cell phone users in the Philippines. We were not hit by the tsunami this time. But who knows about next time? We have a good SMS infrastructure. Shouldn’t someone be looking into this NOW?
(Wilson keeps a log of his writing at www.bizdrivenlife.net.)
(January 13, 2005 issue)
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