Security for Home Computer Users: Beware of rogue security software

Sign up for other newsletters | Unsubscribe | Update your profile Volume 5, Number 10 October 14, 2008 Welcome to Security for Home Computer Users, a monthly newsletter bringing security news, guidance, updates, and community resources directly to your inbox. If you would like to receive more technical security information, please subscribe to the Microsoft Security Newsletter. Beware of rogue security software Have you ever gotten an offer for security software or a "critical" security update when you're online? Whatever you do, don't click. The Internet is rife with offers for fake security software that at best provides limited security protection, and at worst downloads malicious software to your computer or tries to trick you into a fraudulent transaction. Learn more about rogue security software, how to help protect yourself from it, and what to do if you think you have it on your computer. Microsoft security news Microsoft calls for Information Card approach to help end identity theft In 2007, financial losses from identity theft totaled $45 billion in the United States alone. A new Microsoft white paper argues that we need a fresh approach to protecting our identities online, centered around an authenticated Information Card. New program gives security software providers advance information about upcoming security releases If you're a security software provider, you can now get vulnerability information in advance of Microsoft's monthly security update. Learn more about the new Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP). Security updates Security updates for October 14, 2008 The bulletin for October includes 11 security updates for the Windows operating system, Windows Internet Explorer, the Microsoft Office system, and other Microsoft products. Get updates from Microsoft Update See a summary of the updates Read technical details about the updates Protect your computer Signs of spyware: Are you being watched? Has your computer started behaving strangely? Check this list of spyware symptoms to see if your computer may be infected. How to disable an unwanted program If you have downloaded a program that you don't want, here are some ways to remove or disable it in Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2. Protect yourself and your family Beware of fraudulent presidential fundraising sites Are you thinking about donating to your favorite candidate in these last few weeks of the U.S. presidential campaign? Just make sure the site that you visit is not a fake. October is National Cyber Security Month Every October, Microsoft teams up with the National Cyber Security Alliance to increase awareness of Internet security issues. Learn the four steps that we recommend you take to help protect yourself online. Use caution when you choose password recovery questions The questions that you answer when you forget your password - such as "What was the name of your first pet?" - can be used by hackers to break into your online accounts. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen to you. 10 tips for social networking safety If you use social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, or Windows Live Spaces, follow these 10 tips to help protect yourself from online criminals. Security resources • Security At Home site • Security Tips & Talk blog • Support for your home computer security issues • TechNet Security TechCenter for IT pros To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. You can also unsubscribe here. You can manage all your Microsoft.com communication preferences at this site. Legal Information This newsletter was sent by the Microsoft Corporation 1 Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA 98052 Sign up for other newsletters | Unsubscribe | Update your profile © 2008 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement