Is A New Computer on Your Holiday Wish List?
Many people will receive new computers this coming holiday season, which means figuring out what to do with their old computer. When determining how best to dispose of your electronic equipment, the Better Business Bureau offers the following tips.
Whether you dispose of, donate or recycle your computer, you should first erase all of the files from its hard drive and other storage media. Otherwise, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft. If you are not a computer whiz, consider purchasing disk-cleaning software that can assist you in clearing your computer’s storage media.
Do not automatically assume that you can dispose of your computer at a landfill or the town dump. Contact your local government office to ask if local or state environmental regulations prohibit old computers and related equipment from being land filled. If it is permitted, you may have to pay a fee. Some cities hold special electronics recycling days during which you can dispose of small amounts of equipment at no charge.
If you decide to donate your old equipment to a school or nonprofit organization for a tax break, you will need to assess its value. To do so, you may want to check Internet auction Web sites, visit the computer manufacturer’s Web site, or pay a small fee to get an online appraisal from the Computer Blue Book at orionbluebook.com.
Next, determine whether the school or charity to which you wish to donate your equipment makes use of old computers or is willing to recycle them. Usually the computer must be in working condition and some charities will only accept computers of a specific age, make or model. Ask when and how to deliver the equipment to the charity and request a receipt for your donation.
Deductions are valid only for gifts to a recognized charity that has IRS approval to register as a tax-exempt organization. You can determine the tax-exempt status of an organization by contacting the local IRS office (consult www.irs.gov), or by asking the organization for a copy of its “Letter of Determination.”
Finally, you may choose to sell your old computer or its components to a recycler. Contact the BBB for a report on the reseller before you make a decision. Some computer manufacturers will take back computer equipment at the end of its useful life, so that is another avenue you can pursue.
Internet Scams Bad for Business
Thanks to the Internet, scams against businesses have increased over recent years. While the Internet makes it a lot easier for us to do business, it also makes it easier for con artists to “do business.â€Â
The Better Business Bureau suggests the best way to avoid being scammed is to educate your staff on how to identify and avoid Internet scams. Here are some red flags to help your employees identify potential Internet scams:
* Beware of “techno-scam artists†promising to create and post your company’s Web site, for a very low fee, but never follow through.
* Be cautious about downloading unsolicited e-mails. Some attachment files contain virus that can wreak havoc on your hard drive.
* Be careful of e-mail messages threatening your company with legal action unless you pay for an overdue account. In many cases such e-mails request you call a number that is located overseas for further information. If you call, you will be connected to a pay-per-call number; you will end up listening to a long recording, and could end up paying hundreds of dollars in phone charges.
* Be skeptical of offers to list your company’s name in CD-ROM, Internet or fax directories. Before listing your company in these types of directories, verify their claimed circulation/distribution and make sure they exist. Ask for a sample CD-ROM or Fax Directory and call references at other companies that have used the services.
* Web site attackers can target your server and change information on your Web page, steal credit card information, enter orders and redirect your shipments. There are also browser attackers who send incriminating electronic mail and make it seems as if it is coming from you. Advice? Use a secure server and take proper precautions to protect access to your Web site contents.
To combat these and other types of Internet scams, the BBB suggests you do the following:
* Always collect and check references carefully.
* Always run an anti-virus program to help prevent computer viruses. Additional steps you can take to protect your office computers are outlined in the BBB Tips publication on CyberSecurity.
* Instruct your staff to carefully evaluate e-mails from individuals and businesses that they do not recognize, before determining whether to respond.
How To Reduce the Amount of Spam You Receive
If you are like most consumers who have email accounts, you probably have noticed an alarming number of unsolicited emails or “junk” emails showing up in your electronic in-box. Many of these emails are often from people you do not know. Where do they all come from, and how can you reduce the amount you receive?
As the number of people online grows, marketers are increasingly using email messages to pitch their products and services. These unsolicited email messages are referred to as “spam.” Usually email marketers purchase a list of email addresses from a list broker, who compiles it by gathering addresses from the Internet. If your email address appears in a news group posting, a web site, in a chat room, or in an online service’s membership directory, it may find its way onto these lists and into the hands of scam artists.
The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission suggest the following tips on how you can reduce the amount of spam you receive:
* Try not to display your email address in public. That includes newsgroup postings, chat rooms, web sites or in an online service’s membership directories; spammers may use them to harvest addresses.
* Check the privacy policy when you submit your address to a web site. See if it allows the company to sell your address. You can choose to opt-out of this provision, or refuse to submit your address to web sites that will not protect it.
* Read and understand the entire form before you transmit personal information through a web site. Some web sites allow you to opt out of receiving email from their “partners” - read the directions carefully if you want to opt out.
* Consider establishing two email addresses - one for personal messages and one for newsgroups and chat rooms. You also might use a disposable email address service that would create a separate email address that forwards to your permanent account. If one of the disposable addresses begins to receive spam, you can shut it off without affecting your permanent address.
* Use a unique email address. Your choice of email addresses may affect the amount of spam you receive. Spammers use “dictionary attacks” to sort through possible name combinations at large ISPs or email services, hoping to find a valid address. Thus, a common name such as “jdoe” may get more spam than a more unique name like “jd51×02oe.” Of course, there is a downside - it is harder to remember an unusual email address.
* Use an email filter. Check your email account to see if it provides a tool to filter out potential spam or a way to channel spam into a bulk email folder. You might want to consider these options when you are choosing which Internet Service Provider (ISP) to use.
How to “Can” Unwanted Spam!
It has probably become a routine. Each time you check your e-mail, you are greeted with unwanted, unwelcome messages from unknown individuals or companies. Many pitch products that you have no interest in; others make fraudulent attempts to collect your personal financial information; and some harbor viruses that will harm your computer files. You spend minutes a day “deleting.”
The Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission offer tips to reduce the amount of spam that you receive. To help free your In-Box of clutter:
* Do not display your e-mail address in public. Spammers use newsgroup postings, chat rooms, Web sites and online service membership directories to “harvest†addresses.
* Use two e-mail addresses. You might consider using one address for personal messages and one for newsgroups and chat rooms.
* Always check privacy policies. When you submit your e-mail address to a Web site, check the privacy policy to see if it allows the company to sell your address. If so, you may want to opt out, or choose not to submit it.
* Use a unique e-mail address. If you use a common name in your e-mail address, like jdoe, that may affect the amount of spam you receive. Using a more unique name, like jd51×02oe, will foil spammers’ attempts to target common name combinations.
* Use an e-mail filter. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may provide a tool to filter out potential spam or a way to channel spam into a bulk e-mail folder.
Meanwhile, when you do receive e-mails promoting credit repair, advance fee loans, deeply discounted software products, sweepstakes “winnings,” miracle medical products and other “too good to be true” offers, forward them to the FTC.
Has Your Computer Modem Been Hijacked?
“Modem hijacking” appears to be on the rise, judging from complaints received by Better Business Bureaus, state and federal agencies and telephone service providers in the past year. Victims discover that their computers have become programmed to make international telephone calls, without their knowledge.
How does this happen? Typically, the “hijacking” occurs when a customer with dial-up access to the Internet clicks “I Accept” or “Yes” on certain pop-up ads that offer “free” Internet content. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scams are typically associated with adult sites. The sites claim to be “free” or advertise “no credit card is needed,” then prompt the user to download a “viewer” or “dialer” program.
Once the program is downloaded the software reconfigures the customer’s modem to dial international calls. The consumer may not realize it if he or she did not carefully read all the fine print of the terms before clicking the “accept” button. Calls are then dialed automatically and at random times, without the customer’s knowledge, and are carried by the customer’s long distance carrier to international destinations.
Modem hijacking can also affect broadband customers who have a dial-up telephone line – to send faxes, for example — connected to their computer. There have been reported instances where a consumer triggered the download by simply attempting to close the pop-up ad.
Victims typically become aware of the “hijacking” when the charges show up on their long distance bills. Unless the customer has selected an international discount calling plan, these calls are billed at higher basic international rates, so the dollar amounts involved can total hundreds of dollars.
The BBB joins with the FTC to advise consumers, particularly those with dial-up access to the Internet, to take the following precautions:
* Consider a dedicated phone line for your computer, restrict it to local calls, and disconnect the line to your modem when it is not in use.
* Make sure your modem makes an audible noise when dialing a phone number, so you can be aware when a new connection is being made;
* If you see a dialog box on your computer indicating that it is dialing when you did not direct it to, cancel the connection and hang up.
* Beware of the dangers of downloading “viewer” or “dialer” software. Read online disclosures carefully, clicking through to every level of detail. Do not click on “OK” unless you know exactly what you are agreeing to;
* If you use a high-speed DSL or cable connection, disconnect any phone line you used in the past to dial up the Internet.
* Consider installing a program on your computer to block pop-up ads and identify and remove the types of programs that may be associated with modem-hijacking scams.
Free PC Offers Not So Free
Ads for free personal computers (PCs) are popping up on the Internet and in newspapers across the country. The offers are sometimes tempting and some consumers are rushing to sign on the dotted line. But are these PCs really free?
Although there are some legitimate offers, there are also some scams and the BBB advises consumers to use caution.
To decide which offer is best for you, the Better Business Bureau suggests you do some research first:
* Find out what the offer includes. Don’t assume that the term “PC” includes peripherals. It may only mean the hard drive. Components such as monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, printers or speakers could cost extra.
* What are the requirements to participate in the offer? Some offers require you to provide mounds of personal information about yourself. Ask the company about the use of your personal data and how it will be protected. · Ask for written documentation of the deal and its details. If you don’t receive such documentation, be wary.
* If you are required to sign up with a particular Internet Service Provider, find out how many years of service you must purchase and at what cost.
* Know what the total cost is and all restrictions or requirements.
* Is the PC new or refurbished? A new computer might have some of the latest technology, but don’t assume that it does. On the other hand, a refurbished unit might have features that fit your needs just fine.
* Inquire about service and support. Is there a toll-free number for tech support? Are you limited on how much support you’ll get? Is there a warranty on the PC? What are the terms and conditions? Can you call for local service, or take it to a local store, or must you return it to a manufacturer or seller for repairs or maintenance?
* What if you want to change your Internet service while your agreement is in effect? Will you have to keep paying for the service even if you’re not using it? Will you be able to get a refund?
Finding a Reputable Computer Reseller
If you are in the market for a new computer, a carefully chosen reseller can help ensure that the computer system you purchase will serve both your current needs and projected future needs.
There are several types of computer resellers, including retailers, superstores, and mail-order companies systems integrators, network consulting organizations, value-added resellers, and value-added dealers. The services and support offered by each will vary.
When shopping for a reseller, be sure to record the salesperson’s name and the date of your conversation in case a discrepancy arises later concerning the equipment and service you had expected to receive.
You will also want to consider the following:
* How long the company has been in business.
* References. Ask for a list of satisfied customers and contact your local Better Business Bureau for a reliability report.
* Quality and level of service. Look for pre-sales support, implementation support, and post-sales support. Do the firm’s stated services and specialties match your needs?
* Manufacturing authorizations. A manufacturer’s authorization to distribute a product generally indicates a certain level of confidence in the reseller’s reliability.
* Certification. A reseller who has certified computer service technicians on staff is demonstrating a commitment to computer service quality.
* Technical support. Will the reseller support the system with in-house personnel or outside sources, and what is the cost of that support? What is your recourse if there is a problem with the system or network?
Other areas to consider include the level of rapport, method of service, training options for the users of the new equipment, availability of extended warranties, and the reseller’s participation or membership in industry associations.
E-mail Spoofing Affecting Businesses Nationwide
If your business has not been hit with a virus attack yet, count yourself lucky. The spread of e-mail viruses continue to be an upward trend. These viruses can be identified by various names, such as w32/mydoom@mm and worm_mimail.R, with infected file attachments of various types and a wide variety of obviously suspicious e-mail subject lines (such as “Thanks†or “Hi†or “Testâ€Â). Some are disguised as undeliverable message notices directing unsuspecting users to open the infected attachments.
Recently, many businesses and PC users had their e-mail addresses “spoofed.†E-mail spoofing occurs when hackers configure their e-mail client to make messages appear as if they are coming from someone or somewhere they are not. This hides the identity of the original sender and can make it hard to track him or her down. The e-mail message usually contains some sort of virus.
E-mail security must remain a high priority for every business. The Better Business Bureau suggests your business take the following security measures to help guard your computer systems from viruses:
* Install anti-virus protection software on all of your computers. Scan your computer systems for viruses on a regular basis. Never disable antivirus software and check frequently with your software provider for virus updates.
* Equip your computers with firewalls, which can be purchased at most computer stores nationwide. Firewalls are gatekeepers made of hardware and/or software that protect a computer network by shutting out unauthorized people and letting others go only to the areas they have privileges to use. Firewalls should be installed at every point where the computer system comes in contact with other networks - including the Internet, a separate local area network at a customer’s site or a telephone company switch. And, check to make certain your Internet Service Provider has filters to help keep out intruders.
* Download and install security “patches.†Most software vendors release updates and patches to their software to correct bugs that might allow a malicious person to attach your computer. Check your software vendors’ web sites for new security patches and download and install them on a regular basis. Or you may choose to use the new automated patching features that perform these tasks for you.
* Back up your computer data on a regular basis, at least weekly. Small amounts of data can be backed up on floppy disks and larger amounts on CDs. If you have access to a network, save copies of your data on another computer in the network. Make sure your employees know to do weekly backups of all their important data.
* Regularly check for suspicious activity. Almost all firewalls, encryption programs and password schemes include an auditing function that records activities on the network. Businesses should regularly check logging data and audit trails to look for unusual or suspicious activity.
Be aware of file-sharing risks. Your computer operating system may allow other computers on a network, including the Internet, to access the hard-drive of your computer in order to “share files.†This can lead to virus invasions or competitors being able to look at the files on your computer. Unless you really need this ability, turn off the file sharing. At the very least, do not share access to your computer with strangers!
* Educate your employees. Develop and enforce a company-wide computer and physical security policy, one that instructs employees: not to open e-mail from unknown sources, what to do when they receive suspicious e-mails (when in doubt, delete!), to disconnect from the Internet when not online, to consider the risks of file-sharing, how to perform data back-up procedures and actions to take if their computer becomes infected. Brief employees and management regularly on these policies, new security threats, corrective measures and incident reporting procedures.
In addition, many businesses might want to consider purchasing encryption software. Even if an intruder manages to break through a firewall, the data on a network can be made safe if it is encrypted. You can purchase stand-alone encryption packages to work with individual applications, in addition to the good encryption software that is in the public domain.
Does Your Business Play “Software Piracy Roulette?”
Is your business playing “software piracy roulette?” It could be, if your employees are pirating software. When was the last time you checked your office computers for unlicensed software? Research shows that approximately one out of every five software programs in the U.S. is unlicensed.
With the increased use of the Internet at work, businesses need to make certain that company networks are not being used to download unlicensed software. Unauthorized file-sharing of copyrighted work doesn’t just consume system resources; it also violates federal law. Each program that is infringed may lead to a penalty of up to $150,000. Furthermore, an organization can be held liable for its employees’ actions.
The Better Business Bureau is joining with the Business Software Alliance (BSA) to remind businesses about the importance of software asset management. It is not just a safety issue; it’s also a financial issue. Businesses should manage their software just as carefully as they would any other major asset.
The following steps can help business owners and managers to ensure that their employees aren’t “gambling” with digital security by using unauthorized software.
* Conduct a self-audit of your software licenses. Free tools to inventory office software are available on the BSA Web site at www.bsaaudit.com.
* Compare the number of software installations to the number of licenses. Obtain any licenses needed for full compliance.
* Communicate to your employees the importance of protecting computers from unlicensed software. Cite specific examples of workplace software piracy (downloading illegal software from the Internet, over-installing programs, and buying and installing unauthorized products) and how such practices put the company at risk.
* Establish office policies for purchasing software and respecting intellectual property rights.
* Have procedures in place that clearly outline what computer security and safety procedures employees are expected to adhere to. Post them in a prominent place or circulate the guidelines throughout the office on a regular basis.
* Schedule regular software audits throughout the year to guard against piracy.
Counterfeit Software Offers Flooding E-mail Inboxes
If you are in search of popular computer software, be careful when purchasing from Web sites that offer deals at unbelievably low prices. E-mail advertisements for popular software are flooding e-mail inboxes nationwide. And, according to Business Software Alliance, many of these offers are for counterfeit software. Counterfeiters, using sophisticated methods, are creating software that looks nearly identical to the real thing.
Here’s how it works: Counterfeiters buy or steal legitimate software and copy the package design, plastic wrapping and certificate of authenticity. Using expensive copiers, thousands of CDs are created. Web sites are set up, offering incredible deals. According to industry experts, most sites are established overseas, far from U.S. law. To direct potential customers to the Web site, millions of e-mail inboxes are spammed. The counterfeiters design the e-mails to make them look legitimate, down to the return addresses.
A customer who purchases a program could get working software. But industry experts say customers are more likely to receive non-working products, or oftentimes nothing at all. And, there is little recourse for consumers who are cheated.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to consumers to help them avoid purchasing pirated software.
* Consumers who willingly purchase pirated software should recognize that they do not know what they will be getting. The programs will sometimes have viruses or Trojan Horse “back door” programs that later allow entry into your computer system. Such programs can be used to automatically harvest information from any computer system running the Trojan Horse. This is a classic way to take over machines to steal credit card information or someone’s identity or to use the machine to perpetrate credit card theft or to generate spam.
* Be wary of compilations of software titles from different publishers on a single disk or CD. Investigate the company selling the software with the BBB and consumer protection agencies.
* Be suspicious of software products that do not include proof of authenticity, including original disks, manuals, licensing, policies, warranties, etc.
* Keep in mind that too-good-to-be-true prices are usually just that! If you see a $300 software package selling for $20, it is a safe bet that the software is not legitimate.