Spam, Malware and other Privacy Rights

Most of us have heard the terms spyware, malware and adware, but what are these really? Let me give you a quick combined definition.

These days, the term "malware" refers to a large variety of software which all has one thing in common: it is unwanted software which someone else wants to run on your computer. This software "infects" your computer, making it behave in a way which you do not approve of.

Malware can include:

• traditional viruses and worms, which are usually destructive in some way - these can delete files, wreck the operating system, etc.
• modern viruses and worms, which give control over your computer to an attacker - they can then use your computer to send spam or launch attacks on other computers
• "spyware", which monitors what you do on your computer - this can lead to credit card or identity theft
• "adware", which shows you unwanted advertising - this typically shows up as pop-up ads or an unwanted homepage
• a combination of the above

There used to be many important differences between these groups, but these days they all use the same infection methods. It is no longer useful to make a distinction between them.
Typical tactics include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements, theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers), monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes, and routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites.

Spam is loosely defined as unsolicited, unwanted e-mail messages from a sender you don’t know. Spam e-mail is usually sent in bulk with messages having substantially identical content. Spam messages, by the millions, flood computer mailboxes each year.
Spam breaks down further into sub-categories:

(1) nuisance e-mails, such as solicitations to buy products or services; and
(2) malicious e-mails, which often seek to trick you into revealing personal information that then can be used to defraud or damage you and your computer.

While the nuisance spam is the most numerous and annoying, it’s the malicious e-mail that is potentially the most serious and which appears to be increasing disproportionately.

Parents - Keep your children safe this school year. Part 1.

It's time for back to school, and with it some sighs of relief -- and some moans and groans (perception is reality). After 18 years as an Information Technology expert, I have continually sought to relieve people of the frustrations and or disappointments that technology brings. I do this by understanding my clients' needs and communicating the solution in simple terms.

With that said, here are 5 tips (more to come) to keep your children - and your computer - safe this school year:

1. Use a "family" computer in a common area of the home. Ours is in the most-used room of the house visible from all areas.

2. Continually communicate with your children your expectations and guidelines, then sit with them while they are online to monitor their activities as often as you feel necessary.

3. Use child-friendly search engines and those with parental controls.

4. Use "firewalls" and security software and keep them up to date. This helps keep unwanted virus problems as well as malware (malicious software) which can damage your computer.

5. Ask questions - of your children and of those who can help you ensure proper setup and maintenance of your computer.


The only site I will mention here is www.opendns.com which is what I use at home to filter out internet searches and downloads. It is very flexible and easy to setup. Also Netgear (www.netgear.com) is about to ship routers designed to allow parents to block content on any device using the home network.


Feel free to email or call with questions, concerns or comments.

866-480-5846 (Toll-Free)
513-202-FRYE (Cincinnati area)

Kevin@FryeInternational.com

Message from my friend Brian P. Moran about Leadership

I just returned from Omaha where I conducted a session with a group of CEOs that I’ve worked with for a number of years. It is a great group of guys with a lot of experience, insight and wisdom. As part of the day I presented a segment on Leading in Challenging Times that I thought I would overview for you in my blog.

During times of great change and disruption it’s common for leaders and individual producers, in a search for new answers to discard the fundamentals. Often people begin to work off plan, abandon structures and processes, and unplug from support systems. During these times leadership is especially critical; leadership is the difference. Below are 7 things leaders can do to keep their teams focused and productive.

1. Re-emphasize Vision, Values and Goals – People need to be reminded that despite the difficult times we still intend to achieve our vision, maintain our values and set and accomplish our goals.

2. Reinforce the Contribution – It’s important in times of change that people feel valued and that they are making a difference for the company and for the customers. Take the time to verbalize the contribution each of your people make.

3. Keep Processes Intact – This is critical. Now more than ever people need process, structure and direction. It is essential to sort out the noise from meaningful work. Reinforce plan execution as the way through. Keep the discipline and rigor in place.

4. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate – It is easy in difficult times, when the news is not always good, to communicate less. Sometimes we feel like there is nothing new to discuss. Other times we might feel like “they can’t handle the truth.” Don’t let this happen. If the communication stops, the grapevine will run rampant and wreak havoc. Think “over communicate.”

5. Encourage, Reward and Celebrate – When times are tough you need to find things to celebrate. Remember mindset is everything. Find reasons to encourage and reward. Recognize effort and progress. Celebrate the small wins.

6. Leaders Must be Visible & Involved – People look to the leadership. In challenging times people look for reassurance and signs that things will get better. You cannot lead from the back, you need to be visible.

7. Leverage the Team – You don’t need to do it all yourself. Lean on the combined strengths of the team. In addition, take advantage of the challenges your organization is facing to intentionally develop your team by giving stretch assignments and letting others step up and lead.

Get out front and lead!

http://www.brianpmoran.com/blog/

Social Networking

I will be including posts of a variety of social networks, general networking with other business owners and entrepeneurs to the end that a rising tide raises all ships. Working together will unite and re-unite business owners and free-enterprisers around the globe - starting in our own back yard. Keep watching.

Coming soon - the moment many have been waiting for. Our story...unfolding one adventure at a time.