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PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER
Don’t be Scared by 'Scareware'

                                   Courtesy www.FBI.Gov

We’ve all seen them—pop-up messages telling you your computer is infected with a virus. To get rid of it, all you have to do is order the antivirus software being advertised.

Before you click, though, know this: few Internet security companies use ads to tell you about a virus on your computer. Most of these pop-ups are scams, and it’s one of the fastest-growing types of Internet fraud today.

These scams have a name. They’re called “scareware” because they try to frighten you into purchasing fake antivirus software with a seemingly genuine security warning. But if you do try to buy this program, it will either do nothing…or it could compromise your computer by installing malicious software onto your system. And in some instances, you don’t even have to click on the pop-up box…the software downloads automatically.

Cyber criminals often use notorious botnets—networks of compromised computers under their control—to push out their software. They’ll also masquerade as legitimate Internet security companies and buy ads on other websites—called “malvertising”—but when consumers click on the ads to purchase the products, they are redirected to websites controlled by the bad guys

Many of these criminals operate outside the U.S., making investigations difficult and complex for the FBI and its partners. But we’ve had successes—just this past May, for example, three people were charged in Illinois in connection with a scheme that caused Internet users in more than 60 countries, including the U.S., to buy more than $100 million worth of bogus scareware software.

Two of the defendants, including an American, are accused of running an overseas company that claimed to sell antivirus and computer performance/repair software over the Internet. A third man operated the company’s Cincinnati call center, which was responsible for technical and billing support to its customers (but in reality deflected complaints from consumers who realized the software didn’t work).

According to the indictment, proceeds from the sales of the software (which was typically purchased by credit card) were deposited into bank accounts controlled by the defendants and others throughout the world and then quickly transferred to accounts in Europe.

In addition to the consumers victimized by the scam, a number of legitimate companies tricked into selling ad space on their websites for the bogus software were allegedly defrauded of about $85,000 in unpaid fees.

Don’t let it happen to you. Here are a few words of advice on scareware.

How to spot a scareware scam:

    * Does the pop-up use “non-clickable” icons? To build authenticity into their software, scareware will show a list of reputable icons—like those of software companies or security publications. However, the user can’t click through to the sites to see the actual reviews or recommendations.
    * Is the pop-up ad hard to close? Scareware pop-ups employ aggressive techniques and will not close easily after clicking the “close” or “X” button.
    * Have you heard of the software before? Cyber criminals use easy-to-remember names like Virus Shield, Antivirus, or VirusRemover.

How to protect yourself from scareware: Make sure your computer is fully protected by legitimate, up-to-date antivirus software.

If you think you’ve been victimized by scareware: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How to Spot a Potential Scareware Infection
# Windows Update fails to run.
# Other legitimate security applications won't update.
# Certain website, especially Internet security sites, won't load.



                    S T A R    S P A N G L E D   M A N N E R S  

                                                                                                Source: Our Flag, U.S. Congress

 How should the U.S. flag be honored? How should it be displayed? The following provides that information: 

Saluting the flag
	Salute the flag when it is six paces from the viewer and hold it until the flag has passed six paces beyond. Salute the flag at the first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until the last note is played. Never use a flag as a decoration – use bunting.
When in civilian attire - MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart. WOMEN should place right hand, palm open, over heart. When in athletic clothing, face the flag or music, remove hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute is not given.
Carrying the flag
	When marching - Carry the flag on the right in any procession or parade. If there are many other flags, carry the flag in the front center position.
	If you are carrying a flag - Hold the flag at a slight angle from your body. You can also carry it with one hand and rest it on your right shoulder.
Displaying the flag outdoors
	On a vehicle – Attach the flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle.
	On a building – Hang the flag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.
	Over the street – Hang the flag with the stars to the east on a north- south street or north on an east-west street.
	Above other flags – Hang the flag above any other flag on the same pole
	Other flags, separate poles – Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.
	In a window – Hang the flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.
	Half-mast – This is a sign of mourning. Raise the flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.
	Upside down – An upside-down flag is considered a distress signal.
Displaying the flag indoors
	Multiple staffs – If you display the flag on a staff with other flags around it, place the flag at the center and highest point. Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff higher and on its own right.
	Behind a speaker – Hang the flag flat on the wall. Do not decorate the podium or table with the flag. Use bunting for decoration.
	Next to a speaker – Place the flag in a stand on the speaker’s right. Use the same placement for a religious service.
	In a hall or lobby – Hang the flag vertically across from the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.
	On a casket – Drape the flag with its canton at the head and over the left shoulder of the body. Do not lower the flag into the grave.

                                                                                      
                                                                                        G R A F F I T I

M.A.S.T. strongly advises you to remove graffiti tags immediately after they get documented by law enforcement.  We feel it is bad advice for anyone to advise you to leave the tags up a week or two to prevent retaliation.  Letting tags remain sends a message of tolerance, lowers the property value for both you and your neighbors and can drive away your customers or potential property buyers. Not to mention that each day you look at the tag is a reminder of how your property was violated. Who needs that kind of aggrivation ?