It always makes me cringe when someone in my live chat room boasts that they are smart enough to not need any protection software on their computer. I shudder when they claim they couldn’t possibly get infected because they watch what they download. Seriously, folks… in this day and age, do you honestly think that’s all there is to it? Have you not listened to anything we’ve been trying to tell you?!

Your machine can get infected in so many more ways besides downloading something malicious. Have you heard of drive-by installers? That is where you visit a site that appears to be harmless and legitimate, and have malicious software install itself to your computer without your even knowing it. You don’t have to download something. You don’t have to click on anything. It just happens. There are even sites that appear to be geared towards kids that will do this.

Often, these pieces of malware don’t even display any symptoms. There aren’t popups, slow downs, or anything of the sort. They just sit quietly on your computer, hidden from view, doing their thing to steal your information. You won’t even know they are there. How, then, can you be 100% sure you are not already infected?

When it comes to keeping your information and identity private, you cannot be too careful. We’ve worked hard over the past several months to bring you some good savings on several different excellent pieces of software, all of which are designed to keep you safe online. Keep in mind that you should never use more than one AntiVirus, one software firewall, and one AntiSpyware program at the same time. You can (and should!) have one of each of those, along with a hardware firewall if at all possible to keep you as protected as humanly possible.

Here, in no particular order, is a listing of the software we recommend you use for yourself.

• SafeBit Disk Encryption – SafeBit features on-the-fly disk encryption, by creating encrypted virtual disk drives, where you can hide files and folders, keep them encrypted all the time, but still work with these files just like you work with normal files. Disk Encryption is transparent to the user.
• Invisible Secrets 4 – Invisible Secrets 4 not only encrypts your data and files for safe keeping or for secure transfer across the Net, it also hides them in places that on the surface appear totally innocent, such as picture or sound files, or Web pages. With Invisible Secrets 4 file encryption software, you may encrypt and hide files directly from Windows Explorer, and then automatically transfer them by e-mail or via the Internet.
• SUPERAntiSpyware – SUPERAntiSpyware has Real-Time Blocking of threats! Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing! First Chance Prevention examines over 50 critical points of your system each time your system starts up and shuts down to eliminate threats before they have a chance to infect and infiltrate your system.
• Acronis True Image Home 2010 – It should be a simple rule that every computer user should follow: back up your data. It is not a matter of “if” your computer will give you problems. It is a matter of “when.” Acronis makes it simple for you to back up your information in the case of an emergency. You can find coupons for Acronis True Image on Coupons.Lockergnome.com.
• MailWasher Pro – One of the ways that spam is handled is by means of filters. The problem is that sometimes a filter screens out legitimate email. And sometimes spam bypasses the filters. One of the great features of MailWasher Pro is that it allows the user to preview the email prior to downloading onto the computer. With a brief glance, you will be able to tell what is legitimate email and what is junk. And you do this while the email is not on your computer.
• VIPRE – VIPRE is a seamless solution that provided anti-virus protection and anti-spyware protection, along with anti-rootkit, anti-malware, and many other security technologies. It is really easy to use. It doesn’t slow your system down at all, either.
• Sunbelt Personal Firewall – Even if you are protected by a router that sits between your computer and the Internet, you still need a firewall. The Sunbelt Personal Firewall blocks unwanted traffic that is incoming – but it also monitors what leaves from your machine. This is critical, as the information going out could be your personal information.
• RoboForm Pro – You can safeguard your personal information with RoboForm Pro. It will protect users from phishing attempts. It will remember the sites that you want to use, and it won’t allow you to use a spoofed Web site. The phony sites are sometimes so good that it’s almost impossible to tell they are fake until it’s too late. RoboForm Pro will identify which sites are “real” and which sites are not. You can find coupons for RoboForm Pro on Coupons.Lockergnome.com.
• Password Manager – Password Manager secures your logins, hides your keystrokes and encrypts your passwords. Password Manager protects your identity and is an added layer of security from phishing attempts. It is a guard from identity theft.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep yourself safe. Criminals and hackers are getting smarter by the day, just as you are. It’s literally impossible to know everything, right? How, then, can you be 100% certain that you “know” your computer couldn’t become infected – if it isn’t already?

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Some days, it seems as though there is a never-ending barrage of new malware out there in the cyber-world. Hackers and criminals are increasingly creative in trying to get you to click the links, thus delivering you their malicious code. People using services like Twitter also have to be concerned about malware – just ask our friend Guy Kawasaki. The trend this week is to use Swine Flu updates, and the lure of a possibly exposed ESPN sports reporter to spread malware. There are just too many schemes to list. In short – they’ll try anything, and stop at nothing.

Without a doubt, there will be new and creative means to spread malware coming tomorrow and the next week.

Along with every major news story, the hackers / criminals will be first responders. They will use these news events as opportunities to infect more computers. If you are using services like Facebook and Twitter, you have to be careful about the links that you click. And even the most careful of computer users slip up once in a while. If you are on Twitter and engaged in reading the posts, the last thing you may be thinking about is protecting yourself from malware. Hackers are counting on that.

That’s why we urge our readers to protect themselves. You may think you are careful enough, however, no one can be vigilant 100% of the time. There are drive-by downloads that can install malware on your machine without your even having to click a link. This is the type of incidence that calls for an excellent security regime on your computer. You should have an anti-virus, a firewall, and at least one anti-spyware program running at all times.

We are very lucky to have Nick Skreptos, founder of the SUPERAntiSpyware program as a friend of our community, and even luckier that he has offered his program to all of you at an excellent discount. We well know how important it is to protect yourself and your data, and we’re happy to be able to help by passing this savings along to you!

SUPERAntiSpyware has Real-Time Blocking of threats! Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing! First Chance Prevention examines over 50 critical points of your system each time your system starts up and shuts down to eliminate threats before they have a chance to infect and infiltrate your system.

Nick and the SUPERAntiSpyware team have graciously extended to you a ten dollar discount from now until July 28th, 2009.

This is a program that is highly recommended within the security community. People who work on these pages use it and recommend it, too. We use it. We need it – and so do you. We are trying to make it as easy and as economical as possible for you to protect yourself and your computer. This program is easy to use and it is effective.

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• Free Firewall (or a Bargain) from Sunbelt
• Know When Something is Being Installed on Your Machine

There are times when internet predictions are simply too easy. Last Monday, on these pages, there was an indication that there would be an increase in malware because of the news of the swine flu problem. Regrettably, this has come true. There has been an increase in spam, phishing, malware and other nefarious online activity.

For this reason, the suppliers of SUPERAntiSpyware were asked if they would extend their promotion with us. They have extended the generous offer to our readers until May 8, 2009 to save ten dollars off the normal purchase price.

The other reason for extending this offer for our readers is that it gives an opportunity to address an issue that one of the commenters raised. There was a question about who in the security community recommended this product. Well, names can be listed and we will do so briefly:

• Our very own Kat is a four-year Microsoft MVP in the area of Windows Security. Kat has been working on malware-removal forums for nearly seven years now, and is an Administrator at GeeksToGo. She highly recommends this program on a regular basis.
• Catherine Forsythe and her software assessment group recommends this program. Catherine has been assessing security programs for over a decade now.
• Mike Healan from the original SpywareInfo site and newsletter began recommending this product when it was first introduced.
• Sean Roe, another Microsoft MVP and owner of 247Fixes calls SAS an excellent program.
• All of the malware-removal websites that are “heavy hitters” in this field recommend this program to their users. The list of sites includes (but is far from limited to): GeeksToGo, BleepingComputer, SypwareInfoForum, and What the Tech.

We could go on and on, but there should be a point made here. No security program is absolutely faultless. Given the nature of the internet and the pace of infections, absolute guarantees just do not happen. However, that being said, pains are taken to recommend the very best available. There may be disputes about which program is the most effective and that is bound to happen. What is recommended has been vetted thoroughly by literally hundreds of Experts in this field on a regular basis. Each and every one of them still recommends this program to literally thousands of people every single day.

IF there was a dubious program recommended, the inbox would feel it within hours of the program being featured. This does not happen. One person raised an issue. Nevertheless, let there be no doubt whatsoever that computer security and keeping your data safe are taken seriously here. It would be wonderful if no security products were needed. That is not going to happen any time soon. Therefore, we present serious security software to our readers and do hope that, with the good prices, some time and focus will be paid to keeping the computer safe. It matters because it can impact upon you and then others online.

• Save Your Computer from Malware – and Naked Journalists!
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• SUPERAntiSpyware – Special Savings for our Community
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• SuperAntiSpyware Deal for the Lockergnome Family
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• Protect All of Your Computers at Once
• Special Geek Savings on Sunbelt VIPRE AntiVirus and AntiSpyware

Every major news service on the planet is carrying stories about the tragedies and possible escalation of problems concerning the swine flu outbreak. It is a serious problem with the possibility of becoming significantly worse. One of the first responders to this global concern is the hacking / malware community. Hackers and criminals are viewing this swine flu problem as an opportunity. Slick malware may be on its way, if it is not propagating at this very moment. It is only a matter of time. These hackers may be seen as first responders of the very worse kind.

The news is just one venue. Are you on Facebook? Have you joined Twitter? These are just some of the example of social media where people are sharing and clicking on links. If you are on Twitter and have a good number of followers, there are links posted every minute. It would be so easy for a hacker to play the social network and drop some malicious link there. And it will happen more and more often.

You may think you are careful enough. However, no one can be vigilant 100% of the time. There are drive-by downloads that can install things on your machine without your even having to click a link. This is the type of incidence that calls for an excellent security regime on your computer. You should have an Anti-Virus, a Firewall and at least one Anti-Spyware program running at all times. For an Anti-Spyware program, we are recommending SUPERAntiSpyware. We have an excellent deal for you that offers real time protection:

SUPERAntiSpyware has “Real-Time Blocking of threats! Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing! First Chance Prevention examines over 50 critical points of your system each time your system starts up and shuts down to eliminate threats before they have a chance to infect and infiltrate your system.”

The program offers much, much more and you can read about it at the links provided. This program is being offered at a special rate for our readers. There is a ten dollar ($10.00) savings until May 3, 2009.

Use this link for the discount when buying/.

This is a program that is highly recommended within the security community. People who work on these pages use it and recommend it, too. We use it. We need it and so do you. SUPERAntiSpyware will detect and remove Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, Hijackers, Rootkits and many other types of threats. This program is easy to use and it is effective. If you have any problems with SUPERAntiSpyware, let us know. We will tell the founder / director of the company and have any problems addressed. Nick Skrepetos is well known in the security community and he stands behind his products. And if you need this program in large numbers, let us know. We will see if we can help with pricing for your company.

Protect yourself. There are more malware programs coming and these malicious programs are becoming better and better. Let SUPERAntiSpyware give you and your data first class protection.

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USA Today has called WinPatrol “very powerful protection”. Yesterday, the founder of WinPatrol, Bill Pytlovany, was gracious and answered a few questions for us.

WinPatrol protects your computer by keeping it under constant surveillance. There are stealth methods whereby malware and spyware can infect your computer, without you knowing. Even when you are super cautious, it may be a hurried click or an errant keystroke of the “Enter” key to cause a whole load of problems. Worse yet, the changes may happen without you having to doing anything.

This is where WinPatrol become critical to having a secure computer. Like a trusty watchdog, WinPatrol gives out a warning when there are any changes attempted on your machine. Then you decide whether to allow the change. The icon for WinPatrol is appropriately a little “scotty” dog. This program runs in the background and takes up little of your computer resources. You will notice WinPatrol when it spots a potential problem. You will be warned.

WinPatrol is on many “must have” lists. This is a program that has an excellent history – and countless recommendations over the years. WinPatrol has been available for over ten years, thanks to the work of Bill Pytlovany. The improvement functions packed into this program will surprise you. Here is a list from Bill: included functions of WinPatrol.

Briefly, here is what WinPatrol will not do:

• it won’t drain your system resources.
• it won’t interfere with other security programs.
• it won’t ask you for an annual payment. That just won’t happen.
• it won’t ‘phone home’ and collect information from the computer user.

For the Lockergnome / Chris Pirillo readers, we have an exceptional offer. Until March 30, 2009, we have a ten-dollars-off ($10.00) feature from WinPatrol. Use coupon code: gnome2009.

We recommend WinPatrol. At this special price, it is more than affordable security software that will keep your computer settings under constant surveillance. Remember, this offer does end on March 30, 2009. And we thank Bill for this very nice discount for our online community.

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One of the premier security companies is offering our readers an exceptional savings. Sunbelt Software is giving 10 percent off on its anti-virus (plus anti-spyware) program called VIPRE. This program gives excellent security protection:

VIPRE combines anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, anti-malware and other security technologies into a seamless, tightly-integrated security solution. VIPRE delivers comprehensive protection against today’s highly complex spyware, viruses, and blended malware threats for superior PC and email security.

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This is Rodrigo Anonimo’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

When you think about security, you probably think of your own physical security. There are other kinds of security that you should be concerned about. When you are working on the computer, your personal information can be at risk. You should be concerned about network security, and what can you do to protect yourself. In fact, your credit/debit card is part of some kind of Network. This article explains threats and solutions for a computer network.

Viruses are the first threat to be concerned with when using the Internet. A computer virus is a small application which is downloaded while you visit a web site, or can be embedded in something you download. There are different kinds of viruses, but the most common are Trojan horses and Worms. If you know about the Trojan horse back in history, you should know that it was a threat pretending to be a gift, and that’s what Trojan viruses are. The program claims to do one thing (it may claim to be a game) but instead does damage when you run it, such as corrupting your hard drive. Worms are like bacteria in the human body, and they can reproduce and pass themselves on to other people. The worms have the ability to copy and paste and pass themselves to other computers. A worm is the most risky virus in a network because it can spread to other computers, and make the network crash.

You may be asking yourself, who makes all of these things? People who make the viruses and other security threats call themselves hackers. There are two types of hackers, White Hat hackers and Black Hat hackers. A hacker is someone who modifies something that already exists, and makes changes to it. For example, they can do reverse engineering which allows them to modify an existent computer program to make it work better… or to completely trash it. When one is using the hacked program, their computer can completely crash or the program can spy on the infected computer. The same thing applies to computer hardware.

There are tons of securities tools, but none of them are one hundred percent secure. The best bet is to enable firewalls on your computer to protect yourself from hackers. You must also get an AntiVirus software, to protect yourself from the different types of Viruses. Be careful when you buy your AV software. Make sure you buy from a well-known brand of AV. Also – make sure you have a WPA password for your wireless network. This type of key is harder to crack/hack. The last thing to do is to make sure the operating system is up to date with all security patches and fixes.

You will never know if you are hundred percent secure, and any kind of security is not one hundred percent safe. Having a little knowledge of what dangerous threats can do for a computer can be very helpful.

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Mohd Ali tuned in today for the live calls, and just so happened to catch me discussing anti-virus / anti-spyware software:

Hello Chris. Since the topic inside the chat was about anti-virus, I would like to share some things with you that you might be interested in. I think that anti-virus these days is essentially useless. In the “old days”, they used to repair floppies and take care of viruses. However, now they slow down the entire system, and show flashy graphics. As you said, you can avoid 99% of viruses and spyware if you are more careful as to what websites you surf, and what you download. But in case you DO get infected by a malware, here’s a rather simple way to remove it.

You will only need one program. Unlocker assistant, it is located here: ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ – easy! What this program allows you to do is that it frees the binary resources being used up by a process. Since viruses are always running inside the background as a separate process, you need this application in order to get rid of it.

Once you have the program installed, check the run key inside your registry. Both inside the LOCAL_MACHINE and LOCAL_USER parent keys. The viruses add themselves inside those keys in order to start upon booting. So simply locate the key the virus has added. You can google the executable names to separate the malicious start up programs from legitimate ones. The key actually gives you the path to the malicious binary.

Simply unlock the binary by right clicking it, and clicking unlock from the context menu. Then you can delete the virus. Then simply delete the registry keys the virus has added. This only takes a few minutes, but it at least allows you to keep your computer running without anti-viruses eating up hundreds upon hundreds megabytes of RAM.

I’m not sure Mohd has nailed the terminology or nuances of these digital nasties, but his tool discovery seems like it could come in handy for those of you who find yourselves fighting desktop crap on a regular basis. You’re going to need several tools to keep you clean from spyware, etc. Best one, according to geeks in the trenches, is SuperAntiSpyware.

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I received a question today regarding software installation on a new machine, or after a full reformat. LifeJustIs is wondering whether you should download and install Windows updates first, or install an Anti-Virus first?

Dear Chris,

My question for you has to do with Windows Installation. When I normally do a fresh clean install of my Windows Operating system, in my case Windows XP Home Edition, I normally wipe off the entire hard drive with DBAN and then use the Windows Installation setup to configure the drive how I want it, followed by continuing to install Windows.

After that I install all of the drivers for mandatory system components such as ones for the chip set, video card, sound card and etc. My question for you simply is would you recommend installing Windows Updates as soon as that machine is connected to the Internet before installing any software, even Anti-Virus software, or would you recommend installing your applications and Anti-Virus software before connecting the PC to an Internet connection at all? Would love to get an answer to this question as I’ve been wondering about it for a while. I know that you always say download and use what you want but I would like your opinion on this question.

LifeJustIs2007

The answer is that you should get your security software up and running prior to going online for any reason, including Windows update downloads. You don’t know if the install could be corrupted due to “nasties” already sitting on your machine that you aren’t aware of. If you happen to surf the Internet to look for a proper download of an anti-virus, then you are leaving yourself unprotected and wide open to problems and infections. Your best bet if you know you will be re-installing or doing up a new machine is to save the .exe installer for your anti-virus onto a CD, DVD or a USB stick. Install that as soon as possible after getting the machine running, then allow it to check for updates.

Kat was on Ventrilo and live chat with me during this recording, and she apparently almost fell out of her chair trying to get my attention! She wanted to add that it is VERY critical to NEVER update to SP2 for Windows XP if there is any type of Malware on the machine. The SP2 update can and will cause serious issues with your Operating System if you update on an infected machine. So, make sure your machine is clean prior to doing any type of Windows updates, regardless of which OS you use… just to be safe!

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Honestly, I receive several questions every day related to Windows security software. What’s the best? What’s the worst? Why isn’t this one working like it should be working? I’ve already told you what you can do to cut your chances of getting infected by 90% – the answer is simple, and it doesn’t cost you anything. That’s right: your best defense is absolutely free.

(1) Stop surfing for porn, and (2) stop downloading products illegally.

If you still feel unprotected (no pun intended in relation to my first suggestion), you might take a look at BitDefender products. My friend Rick over at One Network Direct just sent me a batch of new links, including one for 10% off your entire purchase:

• There are currently no coupons for this store, but we are adding new ones throughout the day. Please check back later or try a new search at http://coupons.lockergnome.com -

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And if you think you’re already completely protected in Windows with its default tools, think again. This morning, after months of regular Firefox use, I get this security warning from the Windows Vista Firewall. Again, this was far from the first time I had used Firefox on this installation of Windows. Not only is the dialog ambiguous, it’s here too late.

• BitDefender Coupons
• Windows Security Software
• Save Your Computer from Malware – and Naked Journalists!
• Malware – Hate to be Correct
• More Malware on its Way – Protect Yourself
• Geek Savings on WinPatrol
• Sunbelt VIPRE Anti-Virus + Anti-Spyware Coupons
• Is Your Network Secure?
• Norman Coupons
• Trend Micro Coupons

Wanna know how to keep your computer free from viruses, pop-ups, spyware, and other junk? Here’s how to do it without installing a single piece of software:

• Tell all the males in your house to quit surfing for porn
• Buy CDs and rip the tracks from there
• Get a Netflix or Blockbuster account instead of using BitTorrent
• Instead of looking for software cracks / serials, look for coupons
• Stop operating in Administrator mode

Adhering to these five points (and forcing your family or roommates to do the same) should be enough to cut your risk by 90%, I’m guessing. You could do more to protect yourself, though, if you feel the need to download something:

• Download drivers through official (or sanctioned) sources
• Avoid unnecessary browser toolbars, plugins, or enhancements – and if you’re not sure if a toolbar is TRULY necessary, don’t install it
• Read through every bit of a software installer process to ensure you’re not adding something that you don’t need and/or want – and if you’re not a geek, don’t install ANYTHING without first asking permission
• Think twice before clicking on links sent to you by email or IM – especially if they prompt you to log in somewhere or download something else
• Surf through OpenDNS servers for automatic Web site typo correction as well as an extra layer of phishing filters

That’s probably worth another 10% as far as protection from spyware / viruses are concerned. If you wanna be super-duper protected, surf the Web with Firefox or move to OS X (sorry, gang) and run Windows apps through Parallels. For more tips on keeping your computer clean, stay tuned to the podcast or our YouTube channel.

• Save Your Computer from Malware – and Naked Journalists!
• Malware – Hate to be Correct
• More Malware on its Way – Protect Yourself
• Geek Savings on WinPatrol
• Is Your Network Secure?
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• Trend Micro - 10% off AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 using coupon code trendtav - Posted on 10/12/09 and Expires on 1/10/10
• Computer Associates - 15% off CA Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2010 using coupon code AVP15 - Posted on 10/5/09 and Expires on 11/23/09
• Spyware Doctor - 25% off Spyware Doctor using coupon code AlexsCouponsSD25 (EXCLUSIVE) - Posted on 6/4/09 and Expires on 12/31/15
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• PC Tools Software - 25% off Spyware Doctor using coupon code AlexsCouponsSD25 (EXCLUSIVE) - Posted on 9/24/07 and Expires on 12/31/15
• PC Tools Software - Spyware Doctor Trial Version (download) - Posted on 9/7/07

• Save Your Computer from Malware – and Naked Journalists!
• Malware – Hate to be Correct
• More Malware on its Way – Protect Yourself
• Sunbelt VIPRE Anti-Virus + Anti-Spyware Coupons
• Norman Coupons
• Fighting Viruses and Spyware
• Windows Security Software
• Geek Savings on WinPatrol
• Is Your Network Secure?
• Trend Micro Coupons