| Spammers adopt new tactics
Spammers have one goal: to get your attention. Whether they're promoting hot stock tips, cures for impotency, miracle hair-growth methods, or other scams, the motive is usually to separate you from your money. But they can't do that if you're not reading their unsolicited email. As anti-spam software has gotten smarter over the past year, many computer users have been seeing less spam rather than more. But spammers are now employing new tactics that are escaping the net that their anti-spam software casts. Don't be fooled. Be on the lookout for spam that falls into one of the following categories. PDF Spam .
Protecting your PC needn't cost a bundle
The Internet is a dangerous place. Spyware, viruses and other malware (rogue software code) can corrupt your files, steal your personal data and even turn your PC into a spam-spewing zombie. Although Microsoft and other software vendors have redoubled their efforts to bolster computer security, it's still up to you to stay safe online. Whether you're running Windows XP or Vista, three security tools are essential: a firewall, anti-spyware software and anti-virus software. That doesn't mean you have to spend a bundle. In fact, there are free choices for all three lines of defense. Or you could install a software suite, which is easier to manage than a collection of individual applications. You'll pay to install the most popular suite but surprise, surprise there is an excellent, free alternative.
Phishers Now Targeting Domain Registrars
This is an issue of some concern and should be watched carefully: phishers are now trying to get passwords of domain registrants (domain owners). Currently, correspondents inform me that GoDaddy is the target, but there's no reason to think the phishers won't expand to other registrars. Normally, phishers go after bank accounts or other financial information, or sometimes the online accounts of users so that they may send spam. It's not known precisely why phishers are after domain registration information, but the possibilities are chilling. The most obvious danger is that the phishers might be trying to simply steal domains—recall the sex.com and register.com fiascoes. One worst-case scenario which has been suggested is this: If a phisher were to successfully hijack the domain registration of a bank or credit union, they could surreptitiously redirect the domain name to their own servers and conduct a man-in-the-middle attack without the bank even realizing it's happening.
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