Gibson Research - [http://shieldsup.grc.com/]
        Hacker Wacker - [http://www.hackerwacker.com/]
        Security Space - [http://www.securityspace.com/]

    Please visit the SpyChecker.Com homepage and download the anti-spyware tools from:

        SpyChecker - [http://www.spychecker.com/download.htm]

    This site has free software, utilities and tools for the internet:

        WebAttack - [http://www.webattack.com/]

    For more information on networking and internet security, please visit:

      Network ICE's Advice - [http://www.networkice.com/advice/]
      SANS Institute Resources - [http://www.sans.org/newlook/resources/IDFAQ/]
      McAfee/Network Associates AntiVirus Center - [http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp]
      Symantec AntiVirus Research Center - [http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/]
      Internet Firewalls Frequently Asked Questions - [http://www.interhack.net/pubs/fwfaq/]
      Internet Firewalls-Resources- [http://www.cs.purdue.edu/coast/firewalls/]

    For information on the security of your operating system, please read the following:

      PC & Microsoft Windows Security - [http://www.microsoft.com/security/]
      MacIntosh & MacOS Security- [http://netsecurity.miningco.com/]

    We can also suggest the following programs to keep the adware, malware and spyware off of your computer.

      CounterSpy
      Spybot Search and Destroy
      Spyware Blaster
      Spyware Doctor
      WebRoot SpySweeper
      XBlock XCleaner

Please Note: The instruction that appear below, are for the Microsoft Windows operating systems only.  Mac, Linux/Unix and other users, please contact your information technologies specialist for assistance.

   In order to protect yourself, you must take the necessary steps to be secure.  One of the best ways to do this is to have your OS hide you better.  For example, don't use protocols for the internet that you don't need or use.  Such as NetBEUI, or IPX.  For hackers, these are give-away's that you are on the net.  They send out a query asking "is anyone there?"  And your protocol will reply "I'm here, here's my address...".  So turn them off.

    It is a good idea to disable those nasty protocols from the dial-up connections.  Do this by left clicking on "My Computer".  Then left clicking on "Dial-up Networking".  Then right click on any of the dial-up connections that appear in there.  Then select 'Properties'.  When the dialog box appears, left click on the "Server Types" tab.  And uncheck the NetBEUI and IPX protocol boxes.  Do NOT adjust anything else.  If your computer connects to a private, or custom network for internet access,  you may want to talk with a technical representative first, to find out if these changes will affect you ability to connect to the net.

    Another good way to remain safe, is to remove the access of a shared resource, or the presence of a network.  Hackers love to bother networks.  So be certain to remove the network, or shared resources from the visible eyes of the internet. You can do this by unchecking the feature in the properties box for "File and print sharing" on any of the Dial-Up services. And be sure to set your Internet Zone security level's high enough.  Set the InternetZone" to nothing less than Medium and set the Local Zone to High, set the Trusted Zone to High and set the Un-Trusted Zone to High.

    Then setup and use a firewall, if you haven't done so already...  Never go on the internet without it.  Not ever.  You must take the security of your computer seriously.  Hackers do.  They count on it that you won't.  And then they will steal and harm your computer's information.  And sell it to someone, or possibly worse.  So, please.  Protect yourself...

In order to better protect your privacy, for those using the Windows operating systems.  You should do the following:

 Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 / 98SE / ME / NT4 Users
  Start | Run | regsvr32 -u c:\windows\system\regwizc.dll

 Microsoft Windows 2000 / Windows XP Users
  Start | Run | regsvr32 -u c:\windows\system32\regwizc.dll

 -  NOTE: This technique is perfectly safe.

This is done to disallow cookies, JavaScripts and ActiveX from sending your private Windows information out onto the internet.  It does not harm the ability to use the Windows update process.  And can be easily undone.  Just change the -u to -c.  Otherwise your name, address, phone and Windows registration info can be obtained, by those who do NOT need to have it, or ever see it.  Only the Microsoft Corp, has a right to know about this information.

    In addition, when you are surfing from work, or an office, the administrator there knows where you went and how long you were there and if you downloaded anything, he/she knows what it was and where you saved it.  And your local area network supervisor, or administrator, is legally obligated to report this to your boss, or manager.  So, expect a visit.  In some offices, when you are hired, you must sign a paper, that clearly states, your activity in the office will be monitored.  And if you break their rules, there is a chance you may be terminated for doing so.

    Have you heard of the FTP or POP3?  If you have you know that hackers will use these services to attack you.  They will use any service your system will respond to them with.  Including TELNET.  Hackers will use the Windows(r) TCP & UDP ports on the internet to get into your computer.  They can do this via the TCP/IP internet packet protocol.  UNIX & Linux are also susceptible to these attacks.  Hackers want what you have and they want to cheat you out of it.  Including your ISP access.  Know your rights and protect yourself.

    Your safety and comfort are very important to us.  Please do not take any chances while cruising the web.  We hope you will be happy and safe from any would be attacker or intruder.  Take the steps necessary to remain safe.  So that you will be able to come back and visit us very soon on the web!

    We use many of the above programs and have had very good results.  We also suggest, that you make a habit of doing regular .DAT (data) file) updates and be sure to update the engines (main scanning programs) as well.  So long as you do,  it is possible to keep your personal computer reasonably safe from unwanted attack.

Note: You can find all sorts of other protection software on the internet.