Introduction: Ignore This Book at Your Own Peril!
As I started to write this introduction, a disturbing statistic arrived in my inbox. Security software maker F-Secure reported that the total number of viruses and Trojans will hit one million by 2009.
One million viruses! That's astounding. Now for the good news: The reason so many are being written is that it's become more difficult for these infections to succeed in infecting systems. That's because security practices have been improved. Computer owners are more educated. Security software is increasingly effective. We are simply more savvy about computer security. And that's great!
In response, the bad guys are shifting their strategies and using new tools to make their malware more effective against us. So while much has changed since I wrote the first edition of this book, much is still the same. The hacks, attacks, and scams keep coming.
So sitting back smugly is not the thing to do now. It's clear to me that we have to always be one step ahead in this game. And that's why I wrote this book.
The first version of this book was first released in 2005 as the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Security, Spam, Spyware, and Viruses. Back then it had become clear that malware had shifted from being an ego trip for its authors to a source of revenue. Viruses and spyware and other electronic trickery, like phishing and spam, made money for their authors.
This book builds on the original book, expanding on what has changed since 2005like the arrival of Windows Vistaand adding lots more useful information.
In this book, I'll show you how to cleanse your computer, halt further infections, sidestep scams, do major damage control, plan for the future, and lock down Windows XP and Vista nice and tight.
To that end, I've updated and added new content to every chapter and written two new ones, including Chapter 3 on rootkits, and Chapter 8 on how to remove infections.
By the time you get through the whole book, you'll not only be able to protect yourself and your family from the threats out there on the Internet, but you'll be well equipped to help your grandma, your friends, your co-workers, and anyone who owns a computer and is not properly protected.
So congratulations on picking up this book, because it shows a commitment to the malware writer that you will not be defeated. There may be one million malware programs out there, but they'll have to write even more to keep up with us.
I say bring on the next million!
How This Book Is Organized
Chapter 1Viruses: Attack of the Malicious Programs
In this first and vividly exciting chapter, I tell you what viruses are, why they are a problem, and how to get rid of them. Plus, you will learn secrets, such as the real reason people write viruses in the first place.
Chapter 2Spyware: Overrun by Advertisers, Hijackers, and Opportunists
Spyware is a modern-day computer pandemic. Your computer is probably rife with this malware. Bad companies are making money with it learning what you do on your computer. At the same time, spyware is also slowing your computer down. Most people experience a 30%50% performance boost when they get rid of spyware for the first time. How's that for an upsell?
Chapter 3Rootkits: Sneaky, Stealthy Toolboxes
Root kits were made famous by Sony's blundering move to sneak them onto computers using their music CDs. But the problem is much bigger than that. Learn why rootkits, when used by malware writers, make it difficult to remove infections.
Chapter 4Hackers: There's a Man in My Machine
Who are the hackers? And why do they want to get into your computer? I tell you why and then show you how to shut them out. And I make a good joke about cheese in this chapter.
Chapter 5-Identity Thieves and Phishers: Protect Your Good Name and Bank Account
These people are going to suck your bank account dry. And they trick you into helping them do it. I show you how to stop them.
Chapter 6Spam: Unwanted Email from Hell
Junk mail is a deluge, but like a Shop Vac on spilled ketchup, it's easy to clean up. I'll show you how in only a few pages.
Chapter 7Wireless Network Snoops: Lock Down Your Wi-Fi Network
Let's pretend you're free of all the other nasties in this book, but I bet if you have a wireless home network, your neighbors are using your Internet connection and maybe even snooping in places they shouldn't be inside your computer. I help you stop them.
Chapter 8Damage Control: How to Remove Viruses and Spyware
This is the chapter you go to after shrieking: "Oh no! I have a virus!" Most people will buy this book for this chapter alone because I show you how to get rid of an infection here.
Chapter 9-Ground Up Security: Wipe Your Hard Drive and Build a Secure Windows PC from the Ground Up
When all else fails, you can always wipe your system clean and start fresh. This chapter shows you how to scrub your system and rebuild it so it really is locked down!
Chapter 10Ongoing Maintenance: Fend Off Future Threats!
Learn what you need to do to keep your system running infection-free for the rest of your days. Lots of cool strategies that are easy to learn.
Chapter 11Selecting Software: Steals, Deals, and Software Duds
Next, I'll go over what the story is with lots of different security software. Do you have to buy it or can you get it all free?
Chapter 12Tools of the Trade: Security Products You Should Own
And in the final chapter I'll tell you what software is really good and where to get it.
Glossary: Computer Threat Lingo
Also, my talented assistant, Ted Gallardo has written the best and most exciting glossary you have ever read. It's really scintillating and has been nominated for glossary of the year.
Special Elements Used in this Book
You'll also see a lot of help in the margins of this book. Here's how it looks and what it means.
Cautions These blurbs keep you out of trouble. I hope. If you don't read these, you're asking for trouble. Security is risky business. I've done my best to point out common pitfalls, gotchas, and other assorted nasties.
Tips These succulent bits of info should help you with odd problems or give you insight into issues that are confusing. Don't skip these! Here, you'll find faster ways to accomplish tasks, insider tidbits, and expert tips I've accumulated along the way.
Notes This is stuff that I figured I should tell you when it popped into my head. Notes aren't essential reading, but I urge you not to skip them as you'll learn a lot of extra stuff here that you might not find elsewhere.
Sidebars - Occasionally, I've added some additional information that's ancillary to the main topic, but still worth reading. Think of these as important stuff that didn't fit anywhere within the confines of the chapter you're reading, but is too important to skip.
Reader Competition...of Sorts
If you are one of the first 10 people to tell me the name of the guy that wrote the HijackThis program and what page he is mentioned on, I'll send you a copy of my fun and informative DVD, "Getting Started with Windows Vista." Learn more about this blockbuster DVD at http://www.gettingstartedvideo.com.
When you email me at lockdown@cyberwalker.com, include the answer and your full name, and put "Windows Lockdown Contest" in the subject line.
Finally, if you want to contact me and say nice things, tell me about how you saved your grandma with advice from this book, or send me chocolate cake (which I also love), email me at andy@cyberwalker.com.
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