Posts Tagged ‘restaurant computer’

Avoiding The Dangers Of Spam Emails and Viruses

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Today’s tip to earn money online:

Spam e-mails are not just annoying, they are also time consuming, but they’re also becoming more dangerous to you and the security of your computer.Think twice when you’re about to open e-mails from unknown senders, especially if you’re in the office using your computer where all your important documents are instored. Thousands of computer users and restaurant owners are getting infected by spam e-mails every month, forcing them to pay huge fees for cleaning and restoring their computer POS systems back to normal.

Here are the 3 computer dangers you must be aware of:

1. An increase in hijacked and spoofed e-mail addresses. Spammers are now using a new tool used to make make it appear appear as though their spam e-mail is coming from YOUR computer. This could result in having your Internet connection be temporarily terminated or put on hold by your ISP - all without your knowledge. That is why a good spam blocking software must be used not only to block inbound spam, but also unauthorized outbound spam from your serves.

2. Virus infected spam e-mails. Accidentally opening a spam e-mail with nasty viruses attached to it can cause your computer a lot of problems. You can end up with a crashed system, identity theft problem, lost data and much more. You think that your computer has just slow down, but it could also mean that your personal information is being collected without your permission and sent to a third party, either to sell, trade or use it to comit crime.

3. Phishing spam. A phishing e-mail may appear to be a legitimate e-mail from websites you know, trust and use their service - commonly from banks. The purpose is to trick you into giving sentive information such as bank accounts, social security numbers, passwords, and credit card information. You’ve probably already received a PayPal or bank spam e-mail that said your account was going to be closed unless [you verified your information|e-mails from banks you don't use, or even from Paypal, that notifies you to verify your account in order to continue using their service|e-mails from banks you don't use, or even from Paypal, that notifies you to verify your account or else they will close it]. It will then direct you to a very convincing web site where you input certain information the spammer is trying to acquire illegally. In reality, this is a malicious third party that is going to use your information to open credit card accounts, access your account, steal money, and cause you other major identity and financial problems.

Here are some few simple tips you can do to prevent this:

First and foremost, install a sam blocking software as this will serve as your first line of defense, and make sure it’s a good one.

Many retail business owner over look into this, so their restaruant POS system pays the price.

Next, you want to make sure you don’t get on a spammers list in the first place. Once your e-mail gets listed on a spammer’s list, it’s impossible to remove it; and changing your e-mail address can be a major inconvenience especially if you’re using it to stay in touch with your business contacts.

Here are some useful tips you can follow to prevent ending up on a spammer’s list:

1. Use a disposable e-mail address.

Using a free e-mail address like with Yahoo or Gmail can reduce the chance of ending up on a spammer’s list. To avoid ending up on a spammer’s broadcast list, you can always use free e-mail accounts whether it’s Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail it’s never a waste of time registering for them.

2. Pay attention to selection boxes or check boxes that are automatically filled in.

Better make sure you don’t check the box that says “Yes! I would like to get third party discount offers.” when shopping online. You’ll end up getting your e-mail address can be sold to every online advertiser.

3. Refrain from posting your main e-mail address on your web site, web forums, or newsgroups.

Spammers have special programs that can automatically collect e-mail addresses from web sites without your permission. If you really want to publicly post your e-mail address on your web site, use “info@” so all replies will be forwarder to a folder in your in-box that won’t interfere with your main address.

4. Refrain yourself from replying on obvious spam e-mails.

Doing so serves as a signal for the spammer that your e-mail account is active, and more spam will follow.

The only time it is safe to click on the opt-out link or reply to the e-mail is when the message was sent from a company you know or do business with (for example, a company that you purchase from or a newsletter you subscribed to).

For more information or to have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry and your location see more information at POS-For-Restaurants.com.

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