Beware of Key Loggers

A new breed of software can record a computes user’s keystrokes, including bank passwords and credit card numbers, and send the data to thieves over the Internet. Some programs are nearly undetectable. Here are tips for safer computing:

• Keep your operating system up to date. On PC’s use the automatic update feature in Microsoft Windows.
• Install an Internet firewall.
• Use and update your anti-virus software.
• Install a program that scans your computer for spyware and run it weekly. Spyware scanners include:
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Ad-Ware by Lavasoft
• Spy Sweeper by Webroot Software
• PestPatrol by Computer Associate

Never click on Web links embedded in an email; instead, type the address into your browser.

Change your passwords regularly.

If possible, keep sensitive information off computers connected to the Internet.
If your Personal Computer has been compromised, volunteers at websites such as http://www.spywarewarrior.com and http://www.spywareinfo.com can help repair your computer. Consider switching credit cards and bank account numbers and ordering a credit freeze on your accounts from the following three major credit bureaus:

Experian
Equifax
Transunion