Security alerts

VirusHeat

VirusHeat is a false or rogue anti-spyware program that installs itself on to your computer, without your knowledge nor permission, via a Trojan (such as Zlob). Once installed, it launches from a Windows startup process and floods the computer with false virus warning messages. MORE INFO

Common threats

Scam Emails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims

The FBI is asking people to beware of emails claiming to be raising money to help the victims of the recent earthquake in China. MORE INFO

Security terms

MORE INFO

Learn about Trojan scanners
Hackers scan computer ports
Anti-virus scanners help protect personal computers
Utility software can help maintain a computer

Security tools for your computer

Internet users can take advantage of a wide choice of software to protect computers from security and virus threats. The tools described here are personal use only. Use them at your own risk.

Trojan scanners

A Trojan scanner removes Trojan horses. Some can identify a variety of other worms or viruses. Many Trojan cleaners are free to use. There are no limits on the number of products you can try when cleaning your PC. Each Trojan cleaner is designed to search for different Trojans.

A-squared (30-day trial) Download A-squared here. (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/)
Moosoft's The Cleaner (30-day trial) Download The Cleaner here. (http://www.moosoft.com/)

PC Flank Trojan Scanner (free). To use PC Flank online scanner, click here. (http://www.pcflank.com/Trojans_test1.htm)
- Click for more information about PC Flank's tests click here. (http://www.pcflank.com/about.htm)
WindowsSecurity.com (free) To use the online Windows Security Trojan Scanner, click here. (http://www.windowsecurity.com/Trojanscan/)

Port scanners

A port is an interface on a computer that can connect a device or software to a network such as the Internet. For example, port 80 is used for Web traffic.

Ports are software-based openings or connection points to personal computers operating system's software. A port allows access to different Internet traffic such as email, websites, FTP, and Web downloads. Compare a computer's port to window in your home. When the window is closed, air cannot pass through. When a computer port is closed, network traffic stops through that port.

A screen on a house's window can be compared to an Internet firewall. The Window screen allows certain objects to pass. An Internet firewall allows specific kinds of traffic to pass while blocking others.

Port scanning software can detect weaknesses in your computer or Internet firewall.

Port scanner software can be used to scan an unprotected PC from the Internet. The scanner reveals which ports on your PC are open or closed. When a port is open, it may be accessed by another computer or program for malicious reasons. The programs we use daily access the Internet through ports on a PC. It resembles a private connection between the program and the destination on the Web.

Use any of these scanners to learn if your computer is vulnerable to attack:

Shields Up (free)

To try Shields Up security scanner, click here.

Symantec Security Check (free)

To use Symantec Security Check click here.

PC Flank Advanced Port Scanner (free)

To use PC Flank Advanced Port Scanner click here.
To use PC Flank's Vulnerability Scanner click here.
For more information about PC Flank's tests click here.

Virus scanners

Virus scanners are similar to antivirus software on your computer. Many virus scanners are Web-based and free. However, to use the scanner, you must visit its website. There are no guarantees that a virus scanner will discover all PC infections. Check your computer with several of these free online scanners:

McAfee's Stinger Tool (free)

To download Stinger click here.

Panda's Active Scan (free)

To use Panda's Active Scan click here.

Symantec Virus Scan (free)

To use Symantec Virus Scan click here.
To use Symantec Security check click here.

Avast Scanner (free)

To download the free Avast Port Scanner click here.
To download the free Avast 4 Home edition antivirus software click here.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (free)

To download and use the tool, click here.
To visit Microsoft's Malicious Software Web page click here.

Pop-up blockers

A pop-up blocker acts the way the name implies. It blocks pop-ups in your Web browser. No pop-up blocker will stop every pop-up. There is a downside to pop-up blocker. The blockers may stop content you want to view. Many poppup blockers can be configured to allow the pop-ups that you request.

Stopzilla Pop-up Blocker (30-day trial)

To download Stopzilla click here.

Yahoo Toolbar (free)

Download Yahoo Companion Toolbar here.

Google Toolbar (free)

Download Google Toolbar here.
To take a tour of the Google's Toolbar, click here.

EMS Free Surfer (freeware)

To download EMS Free Surfer, click here.
For product support, click here.

KillAd Pop-up Blocker (freeware)

Download KillAd here.
Get product support here.

Email spam filters

Spam is a major part of everyone's Internet experience. It is a major plague and makes email very tedious and frustrating.
Try these tools to reduce your computer's intake of spam:

Cloudmark Desktop (30-day Trial)

To download Cloudmark click here.

CA Anti-Spam Plus (15-day Trial)

To download CA Anti-Spam Plus click here.

A-squared SpamBully (14-day trial)

To download A-squared SpamBully click here.

Spam Extract(14-day Trial)

To download Spam Extract click here.
To read Spam Extract's FAQs click here.

Crystal Graphics Spam Filter (30-day Trial)

To download Power Plugs Spam Filter click here.

Visit the spam control Web page for more information about spam, spam filters and anti-spam resources.

Web browsers

An alternative Web browser can make your Internet experience both safer and more enjoyable. Download them here:

Firefox (free)

To download Firefox click here.

Internet Explorer 7 Enhanced for Road Runner (free)

To download Internet Explorer 7 click here.

PC utility software

Other security utility software may offer additional security or cleanup benefits for your computers. All products will either be free for personal use or offer a 30-day trial. If you have any questions about the feature products, please contact the product support for the website you are visiting.