Danger from URLs or links
Using the most powerful or popular anti-virus software or the most defensive firewall program doesn’t really protect you from online threat unless the weakest link in your PC security is taken care off. The weakest link is YOU.
Danger from URL or links
Example: I created a web page and filled it with dangerous scripts, running in java, active x, and multimedia controls. Let’s say, when a user visited that page, it will automatically download a small program, a trojan. Or exploit the security holes in Internet Explorer. Or even get the detailed info of your stored usernames and passwords from your browsers. You remember to clear them didn’t you? And you know that your browser store these kinds of information in your cache or cookies right? Links are passed around in various online places. Be careful, and try to use Mozilla Firefox if possible.
- In chat rooms, newbies are likely to click on these kinds of links. They are easy targets. I just say, “hey look at this site, they are giving free stuff here” then they click away at the URL posted. Damned Internet newbies, they deserve to get hacked.
- IM’s like Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Live Messenger. Ah the ever annoying spam messages with links and phrases like “hello there sexy.” Just click “report this as spam”, close the window, and move on.
- Email spams are also filled with useless links, some are spamvertisments (spam ads) and others are harmful websites.
- Blog/website comments are also filled with these useless crap. Thanks to Akismet for making our blogging world a much healthier place. Die spam crap.
- Tiny URLS Yes, I have to emphasize on this one so READ THIS Internet n00bs. You know Twitter right? If you don’t, I have one at the right panel of this page. Twitter (and some other micro blogging sites) automatically shortens the URL link you post. WHAT IF? I posted the URL for the malicious page I created (example above), on Twitter, and it shortens the URL to tiny url which HIDES THE FULL ORIGINAL URL PATH. Of course your readers won’t know if the URL is safe or not because they don’t know the original name of the URL. I can post something like; Apple is giving away 10 iPod Touch for free visit http://tinyurl/3563 but the actual link is something like; http://www.infectmypcplease.info/givemeheadache.ocx.exe always remember that URL HIDING is DANGEROUS.
Remember not to click on links that you are not sure it is safe. A potentially dangerous web page can wreak havoc in your PC.
PS: This was originally a very long post discussing matters around internet and PC security. But I’ve deleted most of what I’ve already typed and I’m already sleepy. So I just decided to create multiple entries regarding this kinds of topics. Stay tuned for more.
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