Sophos Security has offered us a Halloween treat… Kill a Zombie Day!
From the Sophos Security blog:
Millions of computers around the world, in homes and business premises, are – without the knowledge of their owners – under the control of cybercriminals who commandeer the PCs to send spam, distribute malware, and commit identity theft.
Billions of spam messages are sent every day, with over 99% determined to be relayed from innocent users’ computers that have been hijacked and turned into a “zombie”.
Hackers control networks of zombie computers, known as a botnet, in order to silently send out adverts that peddle sexual enhancement drugs or questionable financial deals, distribute scareware attacks to trick users out of their credit card details, access your social networking accounts, and spread further malicious attacks.
So, what can you do to help?
- Scan your computer and those of your friends (ask permission first!) with an up-to-date anti-virus program. Our free virus removal tool can help you do this, or download a free trial edition from Sophos. If you use a Mac at home, then we also have a free Mac anti-virus for you.
- Keep your operating system and programs up-to-date with the latest security patches, and run a firewall.
- Like the Sophos page on Facebook to spread the word.
- Tweet on Twitter: “I’m joining the fight! International Kill-A-Zombie Day”
