computer & internet security library

 

Computer surveillance and security covers a wide range of ways to keep you and your information safe. Learn about firewalls, zombie computers, hackers and workplace surveillance.

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Computers can make life easier, but they also can put your private information at risk. Find out how much you know -- or don't know -- about computer security by taking our quiz. See more »

10 Worst Computer Viruses of All Time

10 Worst Computer Viruses of All Time

Most computer-savvy people know about viruses and how to prevent an infection. But what are the most destructive viruses of all time?

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Can the government see what Web sites I visit?

Can the government see what Web sites I visit?

The United States government is pretty much on your side when it comes to Internet browsing freedom. But some circumstances merit Big Brother's watchful eyes.

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Can the government take away my laptop?

Can the government take away my laptop?

People traveling to the United States have grown accustomed to tight security. But can the government really take your laptop and keep it indefinitely?

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Could a single hacker crash a country's network?

Could a single hacker crash a country's network?

What does it take to cripple a nation? Someone with solid computer skills, for a start. Nefarious hackers wield a lot of power with a few keystrokes, and the United States is taking action.

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Could hackers devastate the U.S. economy?

Could hackers devastate the U.S. economy?

In "Live Free or Die Hard," Detective John McLane fights a group that carries out attacks using the Internet. Is it really possible for hackers to cause economic or physical devastation in the United States?

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How Carnivore Worked

How Carnivore Worked

If George Orwell's book "1984" creeped you out, you'll want to read the facts about the FBI's Operation Carnivore. It gave agents the permission and technology to access to the online and e-mail activities of suspected criminals.

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How Computer Forensics Works

How Computer Forensics Works

Computer forensics searches, preserves and analyzes information on computer systems for potential evidence in a trial.

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How Computer Viruses Work

How Computer Viruses Work

Computer viruses tend to grab our attention because they remind us how vulnerable our information and technology can be -- a properly-engineered virus can wreak havoc on a global scale.

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How do viruses and worms spread in e-mail?

How do viruses and worms spread in e-mail?

From Trojan horses, to worms and viruses, we give you the skinny on how viruses can infect your system through email.

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How does a logic bomb work?

How does a logic bomb work?

Logic bombs can cripple a company's computer system and either reveal or destroy sensitive information. It's often a tool used by angry employees -- in the IT world, it has a reputation of being associated with "disgruntled employee syndrome."

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How eFencing Works

How eFencing Works

You can get some great deals on online auction sites. But do you know where the items originally came from? You might be buying from an eFence.

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How Firewalls Work

How Firewalls Work

Firewalls have helped protect computers in large companies for years. Now they're a critical component of home networks as well. What are they protecting you from?

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How Hackers Work

How Hackers Work

Without hackers, we'd have no PCs or iPods. Yet, hackers have gotten a bad reputation as criminals of the computer age. Are they friends or foes?

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How Internet Censorship Works

How Internet Censorship Works

Internet censors range from parents and employers to national governments. They block access to the Web pages they identify as undesirable.

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How Internet Cookies Work

How Internet Cookies Work

Cookies are widely used by Web sites to keep track of their visitors, but they can also provide a better user experience. Are cookies letting Big Brother into your PC?

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How Phishing Works

How Phishing Works

Most people associate phishing with e-mail messages imitating banks or other businesses in an attempt to scam victims into revealing personal information. But e-mail messages are only one small piece of a phishing scam.

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How Spyware Works

How Spyware Works

According to recent estimates, more than two-thirds of all PCs are infected with some kind of spyware. These programs track your Web habits and more. Is your computer doomed, or can you get rid of spyware?

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How the Year 2000 Problem Worked

How the Year 2000 Problem Worked

Until recently, computer programmers used two-digit placeholders for the year portion of the date in their software. Guess what happened when we realized the system couldn't account for the first two numbers? Mass panic.

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How Trojan Horses Work

How Trojan Horses Work

We all get spam e-mail messages that tell us to follow a link. But that link could download a Trojan horse. What is it, and how is it different from a virus?

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How Trolls Work

How Trolls Work

Sometimes it seems like no matter what Internet community you join, someone's trying to drive you crazy. Are they just annoying, or are they doing it on purpose?

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