What are "Zombie Networks"?

Millions of Americans are signing up for high speed Internet connections that are "always on." What they often do not realize is that an "always on" connection can be dangerous if their computer's operating system is not up-to-date and secured from intruder access. Intruders are constantly scanning for computers owned by consumers who do not care or know how to secure their computers. When a vulnerable computer is found, it can be attacked and made part of a network of hacked computers that can be remotely controlled. Hackers may sell access to these zombie networks to spammers, blackmailers and identity thieves who can use the zombie computers to do whatever they want, which often includes conducting fraudulent activities!  Read an article at USA TODAY about this topic.

Did you know that it has been estimated that over 40% of all spam now comes from computers that are part of zombie networks? The simplest way to stop this abuse is for consumers to become educated about computer security and prevent intruders from controlling their computers... so...

 Don't let you computer become a zombie!

There are several things that you can do to prevent your computer from becoming part of a zombie network.

• Keep your Operating System up-to-date.
• Run a firewall.
• Run a virus scanner and update it daily.
• Run spyware and adware detection tools and update them daily.