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General discussion

Has your online behavior changed in the past two years?

Feb 7, 2006 7:12AM PST

Has your online behavior changed in the past two years because of increased security concerns?

Yes, drastically (in what way?)
Yes, slightly (in what way?)
Not at all (really? tell us more)

Discussion is locked

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Response--Not At All
Feb 7, 2006 12:44PM PST

With Avast for my anti-virus,I am completely confident in this area.In conjunction,I use ZoneAlarm and Prevx Home.According to various sites that test your system,mine is completely invisible to surfers looking to hack into it.
Avast,to date,is the only AV that I know of that specifically protects all IM's as well;considering that Microsoft's own Firewall has to have exceptions allowed or IM's can't function.
Fact is,Avast has 7 different engines working for you but only 6 work on my system because I don't have Outlook.
So,over the past 4 years and being on line for 12-14 hours per day,I feel perfectly secure today as I did way back when 95 was the thing.Thx SS

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Most people are idiots....
Feb 7, 2006 1:27PM PST

..they jump online, sign up for things and give out personal information without reading ANYTHING that is smack in front of their faces. They think that bad things happen to other people. They think their kids are so unique that they'll follow instructions and never stray into dangerous internet waters even though most adults can't resist checking out the naughty net stuff themselves! That is if they bother to consider what their children do online at all of course.

I've seen people go online and sign up for all kinds of things, giving amazingly confidential information out without reading any of the site terms as they 'accept' and click along. A great example of this mindless clicking is Paypal which many people use for online payments now. Most people assume it's a bank or FDIC insured and it's not. The terms even tell you how they'll steal your funds if you do something they don't like and they tell you outright how many ways they will find to freeze your funds to keep for themselves. People run into a problem with sites like this or when they purchase from a bad online seller and suddenly they're crying like babies and asking for an Internet Police Force to be appointed to protect them from the 'bad guys'. It's amazing to think that these people are running the earth driving cars, breeding, etc. When did we stop taking responsibility for ourselves as grown adults?

If you think that the net is safe, you're a fool. Most people don't have a clue how much detailed personal information is out there for anyone with a keyboard and a brain to track down. It's frightening to realize how truly UNSAFE the net is, even for the most vigilant users. The frustrating part is that the scammers work so hard at finding new and different ways to cheat honest people that it's impossible to keep enough security in place to protect yourself.

The net is so new that people still don't realize how much information is being posted. "Years of service" award data is out there giving your place of employment, area you live/work, details about what you do, etc. If you make charitable contributions it often posts to the net and you can be putting your college, high school or similar information online or giving clues about your personal life depending on the type of donation(think about it). News articles are online and that includes your kids sports information from the local paper with photos and names. Churches usually post information about members online too. It's incredible what you can find if you do a few simple searches just with a person's name.

It pays to be careful, just as you would anywhere else. If you are lazy enough to ignore common sense and choose to just merrily click your way around the internet without considering security issues then PLEASE don't whine online to the rest of us when you get burned!!

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Paypal
Feb 8, 2006 4:51AM PST

I'm not sure what problems you've had with paypal but I use Paypal and I keep a seperate bank account (no minimum balance) just for paypal purchases. When I'm ready to buy I transfer just enough funds from checking or savings to the "Paypal" account to cover the purchase. That way the account never has more than a few dollars in it and Paypal has no access to any other source of funds from me. My bank simply refuses to release funds for ANY reason from this account unless those funds are available.

I've only had one problem using paypal. A merchant failed to ship an item after repeated inquiries. I finally used Paypal's online conflict resolution link. It was very simple and Paypal secured a full refund credited to my paypal account within 24 hours. So I can't find any fault in the 3 years or so I've been using this free service.

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if you buy for fun maybe!
Mar 28, 2006 2:02PM PST

I run several online businesses. It's a pain in the neck to maintain balances like you're talking about when everyone from Amazon to Paypal is dipping their fingers in to take fees and funds.

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One system favored
Feb 7, 2006 1:39PM PST

I'm a Wintel/Mac user, and the proliferation of online malware attacks has put the 3GHz Pentium 4 Tower on inactive status, with the Mac PowerBook the preferred internet cruiser. The obvious SPAM and virii are easy to spot, but "Phishers" are getting more sophisticated with their "come hither" emails. The last suspicious email suggested that I had an eBay buyer who wanted to discuss terms of sale. I hadn't been anywhere near eBay in a while, and the email address suggested eBay UK. This email was shredded immediately, though I should have informed eBay and PayPal about this enterprising fraudster. The internet is a dangerous place these days, and it's "trash ANY suspicious email first, ask questions of friends later."

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No!
Feb 7, 2006 1:45PM PST

Maybe it's dumb but I have had no virus software on any of my computers ever and I trust using on-line sites.
In case you didn't figure it out, I have a Mac!

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changing behavior
Feb 7, 2006 1:46PM PST

I no longer accept anything with an attachment even from a family member. I DO NOT open any title I am not sure of ar have any knowledge of. My use of E-Mail is much lower than a few years ago.

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Not at All......I switched to a Mac!
Feb 7, 2006 2:55PM PST

Now my troubles are over!

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Yes... but
Feb 7, 2006 3:59PM PST

I use Macs in one of my workplaces and I have to say I prefer my Windows PC. The Mac is awkward to use and the Mac buzzword of 'intuitive' doesn't come into it. It just isn't. I wonder if the answer (apart from AVG, Adaware & Spybot) might not be to retain the PC but switch to a version of Linux.

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No ithasn't
Feb 7, 2006 4:04PM PST

I have always been virus protected and have always used lavasoft antispyware. I use avg 7.1 free edition and am considering installing windows one care. I also have microsoft antispyware running too!

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No Change
Feb 7, 2006 4:08PM PST

In 1998 when I was a PC novice my machine was hit by a virus. After that I read all I could, found CNet and learnt how to protect myself and PC from net attacks. I am very comfortable doing my finances on line, buy online etc.
I am amazed by the number of PC users who don't learn the basic safety rules. Time and again my husband rebuilds PCs belonging to people who have been careless.
My routine since 1998 is daily anti- virus updates, weekly full system scans for viruses spyware etc and regular complete removal of cookies thats all you need.
To me the biggest menance is all the hoax emails that start 'Microsoft has warned about ...' A quick on Symantec hoax index is all thats needed...

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The answer to that is I suspect the same as everyone else .
Feb 7, 2006 5:32PM PST

Yes and at the same time a resounding NO.
Yes I now have Router with a hardware firewall, something which I never had back in the days of dial up, yes I now have the security options in outlook express turned on- sometimes annoying but as a rule its just one extra click to veiw pages.
yes my homenetwork is encrypted and you cant get in unless i give you the code, and yes I use randomly generated numbers and letters for passwords.
However all that said I use the internet more and more eveyday for work and for personal banking and for purchases.
The computers get used more for eveyday stuff like making lists and Digital Photography and keeping in touch with family than they ever were in the past.
So yes im careful however being careful doesnt mean i use the internet any less I probably use it more.
As to trusting outside companies not to lose or abuse my personal information , No bank that i know of will not return your money if it has been taken illegally and no credit card company that i know of will not refund you if your card has been stolen(yes its annoying to have to make a police report in order to prove that your card has been stolen) and the truth be told wether you use online banking or not the banks still have all your information and if they lose it or abuse it is irellevant to wether you used the online services or not.

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My Online behaviour has changed completely and forever
Feb 7, 2006 5:37PM PST

I was going to set up online banking. That's off the radar now completely. I now have 3 computers - one for the 'normal' internet searching - places I regularly visit which is completely AVG'ed and Zone Alarmed. The laptop is purely for email, again AVG'ed and Zone Alarmed, and 'non software related information research, ebooks etc.' My oldest laptop a PIII 650 has been kept for research and development, Linux ISOs and trying out trials or complete packages of software I think I'll need, downloaded from the internet, so if anything goes awry I haven't endangered anything important. Basically, everything I value never goes near the internet, or if it does, there is a complete backup somewhere else. Can I recommend that before you throw out your old computer, make sure you have the recovery software, set it up for the internet, get all your valuable data off it, and enjoy your surfing in the knowledge that resurrection is merely a Format C:\ away. It may seem excessive having more than one computer, but who better than yourself to recycle your own equipment AND surf safely?

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behaviour
Feb 7, 2006 6:08PM PST

I am slightly more careful - if I disable Norton to load a programme I unplug the telephone (when I remember)
No one is perfect and by definition the virus men are ahead of the protectors - on one occasion Norton identified a virus when McAfee did not and I am sure the opposite is true some times

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Use a Mac online...
Feb 7, 2006 8:01PM PST

Have not really been doing anything differently online, I just use a Mac all of the time...no issues. Gotta love those Macs.

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Yes
Feb 7, 2006 8:31PM PST

I am no longer curious. I don't open anything that
is not from someone I know or expect an email from.

Too many weirdos out there.

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Behaviour has changed drastically in the last year or so
Feb 7, 2006 8:33PM PST

I always thought that anything as complicated as the Internet would be very difficult to scam. However, i realise that you don't need to know anything about HTML, or any code at all, and in anycase there are people out there that would provide any service if you know where to look. I have recently received emails related to phishing, which I'm sure everyone has received, mainly related to the banking services. The latest scam almost fooled me, which was one relating to the UK's National Lottery saying I had one

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the hackers won
Feb 7, 2006 8:56PM PST

Being new to the computer world or at least to my active participation in it, I may be over-reacting but a recent incursion into my computer system by one of the seemingly endless stream of viruses has caused me to completely alter the way I use the Internet. There are two computers in our house and we have now taken one off-line and transferred all our records onto this one computer that now acts as a word processor. The other computer is now used for communication and research only. It occurred to me that no matter how secure the bank?s system is, if someone hacks into my computer they could possibly track my communications with the bank and secure my access numbers so I now walk to the bank to make my transactions and make all purchases face to face at the store using cash. Mind you, I am retired and have the time to do these things and the exercise and social interaction is not at all a bad thing.
I do still enjoy Chatting with folks on-line and the Internet is a fantastic research tool but I just tired and became a wee bit leery of the virus vs. anti-virus game.

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The Attack of the Intel Gigabit Server Adaptor
Feb 7, 2006 8:57PM PST

There was a time when the internet was a fun, entertaining way to spend an evening. Then, I made the mistake of e-mailing Intel's tech support, regarding the speed of their gigabit server adaptor. The reply I received was, "Please address your issue with the manufacturer of your adaptor, as Intel does not show that part number", but in the middle of the e-mail was the part name, "Intel MT1000 Dual Server Adaptor". I replied to his e-mail, pointed out the Intel name he had included while denying that it was an Intel part, and I told him that I heard Microsoft was hiring entry level tech support personnel, and he might want to check into it.
Within a week, someone had hacked into my system, shut down Zone Alarm Pro, stopped Panda Internet Security Antivirus, and then proceeded to shut me out of my own computer. Neither security company would even answer my e-mails about what had happened, That was May 2004.The hacking has continued ever since.
Most months, I would have internet access for a couple of days out of the month. My Intel adaptors were telling me that they couldn't connect to the internet. When I ran System File Checker, to find system files that had been changed, a window would open asking me to insert the Windows Whistler PRO CD ROM. That was the name for XP PRO before it's release. So, I was being hacked by beta operating systems that were never released to the public. I called Microsoft hacker hotline, and after two hours, was told by an XP PRO expert, that, "Someone can gain access to your computer, only if you give them explicit permission". Notice the quotations, that is what the computer industry giants official answer was then.
I've spent at least 4 thousand dollars since on hardware, software, large, expensive books on security, registry, and anti-hacking books, and the one thing I have discovered is, "If a hacker is knowledgeable enough, and he wants into your computer, he WILL be into your computer, before you realize it"
I'm getting smarter all the time, maybe one day soon, I'll be able to secure my computers again. Til then, I guess I'm at his mercy, because when I e-mail for help to security companies, they won't even answer back. There are no antivirus programs that can't be taken over by a hacker, and I've bought all the major, and minor antivirus programs out there, including Computer Associates eTrust PRO ver. 7.1, F-Secure's new 2006 version, NOD32 PRO, Panda IS Antivirus W/Preventium. They're all junk if a hacker decides he wants in your computer.
If you're being invaded, look towards your hosts files, thats where the hacks will be coming from in the neaz future, even tho the officials won't even admit there IS a problem

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mac is why
Feb 7, 2006 9:31PM PST

I'm an Apple user and not at all concerned with spyware etc.

Ahh the feeling


Ed

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Bottom line: if youCC is out of sight, you've lost control.
Feb 7, 2006 9:32PM PST

I think about potential problems more, but my usage level has considerably increased. Buying from a known name on line is unlikely to generate a greater problem than handing over your credit card in a store where, it seems, clerks often disappear to some secret place, credit card in hand. Ditto for restaurants and other vendors whose well intentioned employees scurry away to to some dark corner to swipe your card through some tucked away central computer. Bottom line: if your CC is out of sight, you've lost control.

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Enough to worry about!
Feb 7, 2006 9:34PM PST

I have my online security package from my ISP cable company. So far so good!!

My online habits have not changed at all. I always have made sure there is a lock on the page before putting my name, address and credit card number online. I never put my telephone number online and I NEVER put my social security number online UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

That means of course that I can't use online banking. The banking system in this country is so archaic and unimaginative anyway, it seems nobody can figure out a way to give one a unique identity without one's social security number! Medical Insurance companies are one step ahead (or maybe several steps ahead,) Blue X and Blue Shield no longer require a social security number for identification.

I have a very good junk filter for my mail, I never open mail from a source I do not recognise, nor do I download from a site I do not trust, but these have always been my habits, I am just the cautious type. Happy

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P.S.
Feb 7, 2006 9:45PM PST

Somebody stole my screen name on Ebay which was very upsetting and caused all sorts of problems with PayPal which have never fully been resolved so I have not been there again. I can live without Ebay!

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Change in Internet Security concern
Feb 7, 2006 9:42PM PST

Even with anti-virus software we had a virus that "got through" ...since then I try to ensure that the update checks are more frequent.

Keith

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On line behavior
Feb 7, 2006 9:52PM PST

I'm now running AV at least every 2nd day and anti malware every day

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behvior changes on the internet
Feb 7, 2006 10:02PM PST

I have stopped trusting..... once upon a time when life was filled with innocence I eagerly opened emails with exciting subjects, curious subjects, even no subjects (just to see which one of my friends had been in a hurry and left it off) those days are gone, gone, gone. Once upon a time the world was wide and exciting, open to exploration, but after the very costly replacement of hardware and software and infection removal and pc doctor bills and equipment being pronounced DOA and ....... I have found the world has begun to shrink back to the size it was before the internet. The library of possibilities has been reduced to a few reliable 'reference books' and I am forced to view all with a more grown up skeptical eye. It is sad to grow up and more sad to grow tired of the volume of scam artists. Somewhere deep inside I know the number of thieves in the world has not actually gone up it's just that it is so much easier for them thanks to the growth in technology. Somewhere inside I know that all growth has a price and I am looking forward to holo decks and replicators and jump gates and ..... yeah I know the inevitable alien egg will show up from time to time I guess that's just the price we all have to pay to see our imaginations come to life. Doesn't make it easier, just makes it real.

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Can't trust any email...
Feb 7, 2006 10:07PM PST

I became extremely suspicious of any email I receive especially one that asks for personal information. Today, I received an email from HESC.org. It asked for SS# and Date of birth. I wasn't sure how to verify that I receive email from HESC. I took a chance this time, and it turn out to be a genuine site, but it could have turned ugly.

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Can't trust any email...
Feb 8, 2006 8:57AM PST

If someone sends me a email asking for my social security number, they can wait for the rest of their lives! No way! I don't care WHO it is. (Or, more likely, who they say it is.)

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edbrady
Feb 9, 2006 3:07AM PST

Right on.That happens,ask them to send you a snail mail letter--on their official letterhead with fone numbers you can call to verify,check with the BBB or Chamber of Commerce.Failing that,simply put them on your email Blocked List.SS

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Email program--and protection
Feb 9, 2006 9:52AM PST

In keeping with my usual way of doing things, I use the free IncrediMail. however, I refuse to use the newest version. Like an idiot, I downloaded and installed the new one, and they wanted me to PAY for the junk blocker. So, I just found the old versiion and reinstalled it. Love it!

I can have anthing that's not on my "approved" list automatically dumped into the "Junk and Unapproved" folder. Then I can check it. If it's spam (and that's fairly easy to see usually), I just set it up to block any future message from that address.

If I'm not sure, I can ask for details. It shows me a "spam rating" and the code on the thing--all without opening the message.

I NEVER use the "Bounce to Sender" feature. That just tells the jerks they have a valid address.