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Internet Worms, Phishing, and Identity Theft
Internet Worms
DataMortgage.com Internet Services recommends that Internet users whose computers run Microsoft Windows immediately take appropriate security measures to protect their computers from several new worm threats. A "family" of worms referred to as Sasser, Agobot or Gaobot are infecting a large number of computers across the Internet.
Worms are computer programs that are capable of infecting one computer and then using that computer to infect other computers via the Internet. The cycle is repeated, and the population of worm-infected computers grows rapidly. Worms differ from viruses because of their ability to continue growing under their own power and spread very quickly without assistance from another program. Because worms do not spread by email, consumers may have little or no warning before their computers are infected.
Computer systems that are infected by a worm such as Sasser may possibly crash and then reboot, experience slow browsing or the inability to connect to the Internet. Computer systems infected by a worm such as Gaobot may also be open for remote control by malicious intruders who can then steal personal information and take further control on the infected computers.
DataMortgage.com Internet Services strongly urges all Microsoft, Windows, users to immediately take the following security measures to avoid being infected by the worms:
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Use a personal software or hardware firewall to protect your computers from network worms and intruders. i.e. http://www.symantec.com/index.htm or www.webroot.com/
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Download and install all available critical patches for your Windows operating system from the Microsoft web site: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
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Use up-to-date anti-virus software to detect and remove Gaobot and Sasser or other computer worms and viruses.
If users have more than one computer running the specific Windows operating systems, these actions should be performed on all computers that connect to the Internet.
Users whose computers are infected with Sasser should follow the worm removal instructions at Microsoft, Windows, Malicious Software Removal Tool. If users are unable to connect to the Windows Update or Anti-Virus web sites, in order to download the removal tools or the patches for Windows and anti-virus software, Microsoft offers free virus and security patch-related support at 866-PCSAFETY or 866-727-2338.
Internet Fraud Scheme known as "Phishing"
- Be aware that e-mail headers can be forged easily, so the apparent sender may not be the real sender.
- Realize that Internet scammers can create realistic forgeries of company's Web sites so avoid clicking on links in an unsolicited e-mail message.
- Ensure a Web site is secure by checking to see if there is an 's' after the http in the address and a lock icon at the bottom of the screen. Both are indicators that the site is secure. Click Here to learn more about SSL.
- Avoid clicking on a link from an unsolicited or unfamiliar e-mail to place orders for products online. If you aren't sure, go directly to the company's Web site and fill out information there.
If you think you may have received a phishing e-mail, you may want to do the following:
- Contact the legitimate company named in the e-mail to confirm whether the request is from them. Most companies do not ask customers to confirm personal information by sending an e-mail.
- Read the information and tips put out by the Federal Trade Commission about phishing. Information is available at: www.ftc.gov.
- Forward the suspicious e-mail to the Federal Trade Commission's address for unsolicited commercial e-mail: uce@ftc.gov
- Notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint on their Web site at: www.ifccfbi.gov.
Identity Theft - Tips for Safeguarding Your Personal Information:
Identity Theft is a serious crime. Here are some tips to help you protect your personal information and credit status:
- Be cautious. Ask Questions.
Individuals may misrepresent themselves as DataMortgage.com representative. If you get a notice, via email, that your account is delinquent and/or your personal information is required, you should be suspicious and seek clarification from DataMortgage.com DBA EquiLoans Home Advisors. We never ask for your personal information via email. If for any reason, you are concerned, contact one of our customer service representatives using the number found the Contact us page of our website.
- Protect Your Identity.
Avoid emailing personal or financial information and only use secure Websites. Look for a padlock in the lower right hand corner of the Internet browser - this indicates a secure Website.
- Carefully read all communications from utility companies and credit companies.
Ensure that you thoroughly understand all communication from these companies. Confirm all reported changes to addresses and services listed for your accounts. If your statement is late by more than a week, call your billing company or bank to confirm the billing address, balances, and services on your account.
- Know your information.
Check your credit reports once a year from all three of the major credit reporting agencies. By understanding your credit report and confirming the information contained, you will be better prepared to identify possible fraud early.
Additional information about phishing and identity theft is available at the following Web sites:
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Federal Trade Commission:
- U.S. Department of Justice:
If you believe that you are a victim of identity theft, you may also contact one of the following:
DataMortgage.com Internet Services is dedicated to helping our customers have the most secure online experience. For more information on online safety and security, go to our Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) web page.
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