WWW.KARL.CO.ZA www.Karl.co.za

Games Apps and Online TV are currently the worst usage hoggers.
FAKE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE and MALWARE (malware is hostile, intrusive or annoying software.)

Do not be tricked by 'scareware', such as pop-ups on your browser, that tempts computer users to download fake anti-virus software that may itself be malware.

Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product. Some malware mislead users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on your computer in an attempt to obtain payment for an application that does nothing that free utilities do not also offer, and in many cases will also mess up your system.

*Malicious software takes aim at users by automatically downloading a file through JavaScript. But users must also agree to install the software, leaving the potential threat limited.

Malware spreads through search engines like Google via a method known as "SEO poisoning." The sites are designed to game search engine algorithms and show up when users search for certain topics. It is always a good idea to Block Pop-ups in your browser preferences.

TROJANS and RE-DIRECTION TO FAKE WEBSITES

If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.

"Do not download Flash Player from a site other than adobe.com," said David Lenoe, Adobe's product security program manager, in an entry on Adobe Product Security Incident Response Team's PSIRT blog. "This goes for any piece of software . If you get a notice to update, it's a good idea to go directly to the site of the software vendor and download the update directly from the source. If the download is from an unfamiliar URL or an IP address, you should be suspicious.")
GENERAL ADVICE ON HOW TO AVOID INFECTION IN THE FIRST PLACE:

1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially p'orn'ography sites.

2. Check out what you are downloading. Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites, i.e. the developers’ own web sites or the Microsoft/ Apple App Store. If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program.

3. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through your Antivirus application.

4. Consider using firewalls and other security features.

5. Avoid Peer-to-peer sharing applications. Download torrents (such as the now defunct LimeWire) supplying pirated software, movies etc are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your machine. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications. Similar risks may apply to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and similar sites which are prone to malicious hacking

Are there any other Wi-Fi capable devices on your network (e.g. cellphones)?

Reliability and security downloads are important. They prevent hackers from damaging your operating sytem (e.g. OSX) and its programs.

PHISHING AND POTENTIAL IDENTITY THEFT:

"Phishing" (also known as "carding" or "spoofing") refers to email that attempts to fraudulently acquire personal information from you, such as your account password or credit card information. On the surface, the email may appear to be from a legitimate company or individual, but it's not.

As a general rule, never send credit card information, account passwords, or extensive personal information in an email unless you verify that the recipient is who they claim to be. Many companies have policies that state they will never solicit such information from customers by email, and that includes your bank, credit card company, and Apple.

I recommend installing an app which tells you how many Megs or Gigs you have used from the internet on your device.
Click here for Bandwidth+

Click here for NetUse

Experiencing high internet usage? Did your internet stop working?
Any issues or topup requests, call the cellphone number or my landline telephone or email me or Skype me.
Only contact me after restarting your modem & devices.

To reduce usage: I recommend switching off your computer(s) when you do not use them. Alternatively you may unplug the network cable from the modem-router or switch off the wireless button of your laptop.

Usage could be any of the following: