This just in the news...........
Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 11:55am EDT
Report: Russian hackers used Twitter, Facebook in '08 Georgian war
Hackers are attacking Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites this year more than any other kind, a report Monday said.
Carlsbad, Calif.-based Breach Security said the number of Web security incidents was up 30 percent in the first half of 2009.
Social networking sites were the target of 19 percent of attacks and media sites second at 16 percent. Four other types of sites were tied with 12 percent each: retail, technology, retail and government/political sites.
That's a big change from last year's reports when government networks were the most often attacked and social networks weren't on the list.
Breach compiles its report by adding up publicly reported attacks, ranging from simple defacement of sites, placing malware on them or using them to spread smear campaigns.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13739_3-9904331-46.html
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It seems we best be careful.
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How to Stop Hackers
Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
Years ago, no one had to worry about hackers breaking into their computer and installing Trojan viruses, or using your computer to send attacks against others. Now that things have changed, it's best to be aware of how to protect your computer from harmful intrusions and stop hackers. Read on to learn more.
Step 1 Use anti-virus software and keep it current. Installing an anti-virus program can keep viruses and other nasty programs out of your computer. Trojans allow hackers to take control of your computer and send spam and other harmful programs. Should you get one, a good anti-virus program knows how to quarantine and delete it without letting it cause damage.
Step 2 Activate a firewall. Many people use software or hardware firewalls to prevent hackers from gaining access to their files through ports or other points of entry. Windows comes with a firewall, which you can find out how to set up by going to the control panel and clicking on "Windows Firewall."
Step 3 Keep track of system events. Check your system log often to find out what your computer is doing. If you're getting notices about any programs you don't remember starting or installing, then be alert. Watch out for any Warning types and TCP/IP messages.
Step 4 Make sure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates are crucial to protecting your computer from recently discovered security holes. Updating stops hackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities.
Step 5 Install patches when they arrive. When hackers discover a new way to enter your computer, its usually through a common program such as Adobe Acrobat. Stop hackers by installing security fixes and patches when they become available, as many of these are developed to fix security issues.
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