Volume 2.1 - February 16, 2010

It's a Scary World Wide Web Out There

Malware is a generic term given to unwanted programs that invade your PC or network without your direction. You may be familiar with the terms, viruses, trojan horses, worms, and spyware. Jeff has a term for the writers of these programs, he calls them "Cyber Thugs" and they are real bullies on the internet. What does it all mean? And what is the difference between them?

Malware can infect your computer even when you have anti-virus software, and when you believe that you are being very careful to not open unknown attachments, and are "safely" surfing the web.

Viruses usually require an action by you, either by clicking on something when you are visiting a website or opening an attachment from an email. Unfortunately, even "safe" websites can be infected, malicious code can be attached to the website without the owner knowing about it.

Spyware and Adware are softwares that covertly gather information throught the user's internet connection without his or her knowledge. Once installed, the spyware registers and reports activity back to a third party, who may or may not use the information for unethical activities.

Another prevalent threat is Scareware. It is usually a pop up that informs you that your computer is infected, and you need to take action to correct it. These pop ups are designed to trick useres into purchasing useless or dangerous software, and even the most savvy geeks have fallen for these. The pop ups look like authentic warnings, and you may even be lead to believe that it is the anti-virus program you have installed on your computer. Your exposure here is two-fold if you are a victim of scareware, you may be bringing in malicious software that can damage your system, and if you purchase the software, the scammers have your payment information to possible use to commit fraud or identity theft.

Now that we know there are threats, how do we protect ourselves?

Install a reputitable anti-virus program.
Make sure that your anti-virus updates are done regularly.
Do not respond to suspicious pop-ups or open unknown email attachments when you are on the internet.
If you suspect that you are being targeted, close your browsing window and break your internet connection.
If your system slows down, or you start to notice you don't have access to programs on your computer, you may be infected.
Make sure you install all critical updates for MS Windows.

Since the viruses out there are constantly mutating it is impossible for the anti-virus programs to guarantee 100% protection. The best you can do is avoid the places your computer may be exposed, and make sure you have the best protection on your computer. If you suspect you are infected, isolate your PC from your network and call us. We can then give you direction as to what to do next.

Team Wired

We are honored to sponsor TEAM WIRED a FIRST LEGO® LEAGUE Robotics Team from O'Fallon. On Saturday January 9, 2010 the team competed in the 2009/2010 State Competition at Florissant Valley Community College. For the third time in four years Team Wired won the Programming Award.

We are proud to support these young people as they apply their skills and energy to real-world engineering challenges. Congratulations to all the team members, volunteers and sponsors! We are looking forward to seeing these kids become the technology leaders of the next generation.

To learn more about this program, please visit the FLL Website.

O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce Education Commitee Presents:

Business Climate — 2010

The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce Business Education Committee presents a seminar designed to help our businesses succeed in this tough 2010 economic environment. This event is open to the public free of charge. Advanced registration required due to limited seating.

Location	Webster University Winghaven Campus
Date & Time	Wednesday, March 10, 2010	7:00 am-1:pm

Participants can attend one or all four of these seminars:·

Finance presented by Edward Jones
Technology presented by JLJ Technology
Marketing presented by Back 2 Basics Marketing
Human Resources presented by BRB-Resources

Business Owner Q & A Forum panelists:·

O'Fallon Brewery
Mick's Exterminating

Blue Ribbon Enterprises
Trevor Rees, St. Charles City-County Library District - Moderator

Boxed lunch available for purchase at $6.50 each with advance registration.
For more information or to register contact:

Laura Badolato at 636-240-1818 or laura@ofallonchamber.org

Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

Chelsea Ware and Jeffrey Arneson Jr. were married on January 1, 2010 in a beautiful ceremony in Joplin, Missouri. Join us in wishing them the best as they start on this fantastic journey we call marital bliss!

They are a wonderful couple, and we welcome Chelsea to the family with open arms and open hearts.

God bless you both!

1128 Rock Creek Elementary School Drive
O'Fallon, MO 63366

636.240.0505
www.jljtechnology.com