Texans for Economic Progress

National Cyber Security Month
By Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott

Robot networks, zombie armies, botnets – these may sound like science fiction – but, unfortunately, they are actual threats to information systems in Texas and across the globe. Texans can take critical steps to protect themselves against these threats and it is helpful to be reminded of these during National Cyber Security Month.

By secretly invading residential Internet connections, malicious hackers and spammers can download harmful software, including spyware and computer viruses, on to home computers. These malicious programs turn ordinary computers into robots that can be remotely controlled by cyber criminals. Once a robot computer network, or botnet, is in place, cyber criminals can use it to spy on Internet users, collect sensitive personal information and send millions of spam messages.

Last year, the Office of the Attorney General shut down a Texas spammer who “leased” a substantial botnet to others who distributed illegal spam. We also took legal action against two suspects who used botnets to orchestrate spam e-mail campaigns touting near-worthless penny stocks. According to investigators, the defendants sent potential investors millions of unsolicited e-mails with baseless price projections about their fraudulent stock offers.

Cyber security experts estimate that up to one quarter of all personal computers connected to the Internet may be hijacked by botnets. Signs of an infected computer often include slow operation, frequent “crashing” and e-mail outboxes that are filled with messages not sent by the user. The botnet’s viruses and spyware usually do not disable hijacked computers. In fact, the computers must be functional and connected to the Internet in order for the botnet to work.

Despite this growing threat, Texans can take three simple steps to prevent their home computers from becoming part of a zombie network.

First, home computer users should install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Many Internet service providers and software companies offer programs that protect against malicious software. Most operating systems issue periodic security patches to fix flaws in their software.

Second, home computer users should set up firewalls that block unauthorized access while the devices are connected to the Internet. Computers that are unprotected by anti-virus programs and firewalls are extremely vulnerable to harmful software invasions.

Third, Texans should never open e-mail attachments or download files from unknown sources. The links or files could contain hidden programs that could snare the computer in a botnet. Additionally, e-mail users should be aware that spammers often solicit personal information through fraudulent e-mails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit union. To prevent identity theft and unauthorized computer access, Texans should always think twice before downloading files or opening e-mail attachments.

Computer users also should frequently change their e-mail, online banking account and other passwords. According to cyber security experts, passwords should contain a random string of characters that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols. Texans should refrain from using birthdays or anniversaries in their passwords and avoid using the same password repeatedly.

Finally, home computer users should always disconnect from the Internet when they are away from the computer. Closing the Internet connection helps prevent hackers and spammers from accessing or abusing private information and resources.

Texans who believe their computers have been hacked or infected by spyware or a virus should terminate their Internet connection and use updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software to scan the computer. Users should report unauthorized computer access to their Internet service provider as well as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
Guard Against Botnets

• Install fully updated anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.

• Set up a firewall to guard against unauthorized online access.

• Never open e-mail attachments or download files from an unknown source.

• Change passwords frequently.

• Disconnect from the Internet when the computer is no longer in use.

Report unauthorized computer access to your Internet service provider and the FBI: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.

For more information on this and other consumer topics, visit the Office of the Attorney General’s Website.

categories NEWS

posted: Oct 14, 10:58 AM