How safe is your facebook account? Part 1

Have your friends ever called to ask about something you uploaded on your wall, or a link you dropped on their profiles, and you can't seem to remember doing it?

Like when a friend sent me a link inviting me to a weight loss seminar. Now people that know me are fully aware that I really DO NOT need to lose weight. When I asked what the joke was about, she seemed to have no recollection of it. If its happened to you a couple of times, you might need to consider the possibility that your facebook account has been compromised. While that may not seem like an earth shaking revelation right now, its actually a very serious issue. Your account could be used to perpetrate all sorts of questionable activity, and ultimately leave you looking very stupid, if you don't get into trouble first.

The people who do these things have a lot of reasons...for the fun of it, to show they can, for the challenge, and sometimes, for malicious purposes. It really doesn't matter. What matters is that these people like to go where they have no business going, because they enjoy minding other people's businesses. My job is to tell you how to make sure they mind their own business...or at least keep them from minding yours.

But first...

How do they do it?

Let me tell you a story.

I got a friend request recently from someone who although apparently is a nigerian, was not resident here but in the U.S. As is my practice, I first checked out our mutual friends, and I just assumed it was someone who had seen some of my graphic works on facebook and wanted to hook up. So I added him. The next morning, I logged on and saw that this fellow had dropped a link on my wall that was proclaiming some kind of FB bonanza where they were giving free ipads away. Although my head told me it was too good to be true, curiousity won out, and I followed the link. Immediately my browser warned me that the site I was trying to visit was potentially dangerous. Sure enough, the page finally rendered, and what did I see?

a new facebook login page asking me to insert my login details!

At that point all the alarm bells went off, and I got out of there as fast as I could. The technique that almost got me there is a very effective one, they trick you into giving them your login details yourself! If you've found yourself faced with a facebook login screen after you have already logged in, especially while following a link, then that link is almost certainly being used by a hacker to harvest passwords.

I then went to do a little more research on the guy that posted the link and found that he had posted the same link on 200 hundred other people's profiles. Now tell me, what kind of person sits down and begins to drop quirky promo links on 200 people's profiles? Looking back now, I'm not sure this person was personally responsible (no pun intended). He was most probably the victim of a hacker who was using his profile to drop the dubious links on all his friends' profiles. It was after then that I began notice a lot of other funny activity on some of my friends profiles, activity which I knew would be unlike them, such as tagging friends in questionable pictures. It dawned on me then that by now, a lot of people's facebook accounts must have been compromised, and their private lives laid bare before these hackers.

The method which almost got me there is just one of the ways these crazy people work. In the next post, I'll showing you more techniques used by facebook hackers to compromise user accounts, and from there we'll get to how best to deal with them.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

If you read my last post in which I talked about some common and ridiculous myths and misconceptions that people have about viruses, then I'm sure you are now better informed on the subject.

So the question now is, if throwing clothes over my computer will not protect my computer from viruses, then how exactly can I protect my computer? I will try to answer this question as simply as I can.

The first thing I'd like you to understand is that;

There is no complete solution or totally effective way to prevent computer virus infections...

Now, now, before you hurl your mouse at me, hear me out, there just might be one way...

complete computer celibacy

Yeah that's right, no contact with the internet, flash drives, cds, memory card, bluetooth or any other form of electronic intercourse. Your computer stands alone, immune from all those nasty viruses that threaten your precious data. The trouble with that approach is that while it is completely effective, it is very impractical. Like how boring can a computer that doesn't connect to anything get? No music, no games, no videos, no facebook...Jeez!

The reality is that your computer must interact, and the risk of virus infections is one of the realities of such interaction. So now that we're agreed on that, let's talk about how best you can keep your data safe, and the virus nasties out.

Get good antivirus protection

This might seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is that a lot of computer users do not have antivirus protection. Notice that I said antivirus protection, not software. A lot of people have antivirus software that is hopelessly out of date, and think they are protected. Getting the software is only half the battle. If it is to be any good, you need to update it consistently, either by an internet connection, or by offline update installations. Choosing good antivirus software, whether paid or free, is another wide topic which will be covered in subsequent posts. For now however, it will suffice to say that using a free scanner like AVG, or a paid one like Norton is your frontline defence mechanism against viruses. A good antivirus program will scan your e-mail, act as a firewall, monitor your hard drive and keep up-to-date with the latest viruses (mostly via an internet connection). It is reported that there are over 500 new viruses discovered each month, and this is why you absolutely must keep your antivirus up to date.

Antivirus protection is a pretty good way of dealing with most issues. But to increase your computer's immunity, the following virus prevention tips are also important

1. Be very wary of e-mail with an attachment from some one you do not know, it could contain a malicious program.

2. Before you copy a file to your computer from a removable device, scan it with an anti-virus program.

3. If you download a file from the Internet, first copy it to your hard drive and scan it with an anti-virus program before opening the file or running it.

4. Always try to update your browser software, as viruses keep trying to take advantage of the flaws in outdated browsers to get into your system.

5. Stay away from porn and adult sites, software hacks, wares, torrents and crack sites. These sites are practically virus factories, using the promise of free and lewd content to lure you in while they slip the malware under your hood. There are plenty of trusted and secure websites where you can download free stuff.

The above tips should keep your computer in reasonably good shape and virus free in most cases. So unless you have gone and provoked the brotherhood of virus-making geeks into a full scale virus attack on your system, you have nothing to worry about. If this doesn't quite cover it for you, please ask your question in the comments section, and I'll be happy to help.

8 common Virus myths exploded!

In my experience with computers, I’ve had people come to me with all sorts of questions about their computers, ranging from how to format their systems (scary, eh?) to where the damned power button is…no seriously. However, the one thing that seems to throw even some self-pronounced computer gurus into a near rabid frenzy is the issue of viruses. Now I’ll be treating the issue of how to protect your computer from both online and offline viruses in another post, but this post will be looking at some common and sometimes ridiculous misconceptions that people have about computer viruses. After this, you might probably want to apologise to some people you might have unwittingly misled…or give the neighbourhood ‘engineer’ a sound conk on the head.

1. Please replace the protective cap on my flash drive; I don’t want it to get infected


Now you might think that is a bit exaggerated, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who think that leaving their flash drives exposed or sticking it into a rusty USB port will lead to a virus infection. I’ve seen people throw clothes over their desktops to ‘protect’ them. What these people don’t know is that a virus is a software program that can only be transmitted when your computer or device is connected to another computer or device. Dropping, scratching, or even kicking your device would most probably physically injure it, but will definitely not infect it with a virus.

2. Junior, you’ve been using the computer for five hours, do you want it to get a virus?


I guess people just feel that the best way to scare their kids off the computer is by threatening them with a virus. Let’s just get it clear that using your computer for any length of time cannot be responsible for infecting your computer.

3. My Computer Is Throwing a Lot of Errors, So It Must Have a Virus


Once a computer ‘hangs’, slows, or generally does not do what we want it to do, we’re quick to conclude that a virus is responsible. More often than not however, the user is behind whatever glitch he’s complaining about. Some people pull out their flash drives without first disconnecting it from the system, and their files get corrupted. Others install RAM and resource hungry software on obsolete computers and expect them to run OK. I remember a friend who wanting to copy an application merely copied the application’s desktop shortcut. Upon getting to its destination, the shortcut informed him that the files it needed to run were missing…ah hah, Virus infection! Files can get corrupted on their own, without the involvement of any viruses—whether it's through a bug in the software, a bad sector on your hard drive, faulty memory, or ironically, a conflict with your antivirus software. Your system might slow down because your hard disk is full or just due to old age. So the next time your system freezing, or get a warning about being unable to open a file, first make sure it’s not your fault before you accuse your computer of having a virus.

4. I only inserted the flash drive one time, how could my computer be infected?


That pretty much sounds like “we had sex only once, how can I be pregnant”. Answer; one time is more than enough. A virus will not ask for your permission to infect your computer. Once the virus software detects a connection to another device, it will immediately copy itself.

5. I’m not connected to the internet, so I can’t get a virus


This is another ridiculous misconception that people have. While most viruses originate from the internet, you don’t need to be connected to catch one. All you need is interaction with an infected computer or device.

6. If you see a pop up warning of a virus, you need to download the program to fix it.


If you ever see a pop up on the internet that tells you that you have a virus problem, don't download that program. Many of these hijack your computer. This means that you will have to pay a fee to remove the virus that the software wrote for your computer. This is a dirty trick. Unless you know for a fact that the virus pop up is from your anti-virus program, don't touch it.

7. I paid 10k for the latest antivirus, so I’m covered


This is august, and you paid in January. Have you by any chance updated your antivirus software since then? If not, by now your virus definitions will be hopelessly out of date, and your computer will be riddled with viruses. People frequently assume that getting expensive antivirus software is enough. What your neighbourhood ‘engineer’ didn’t tell you is that you need to update your software constantly to ensure continued protection.

8. I can just format my computer, reinstall windows and copy everything back


This is where the neighbourhood ‘engineer’ usually misses it. I can't count the number of times I've seen somebody reinstall Windows on their PC after a virus infection, only to copy their files from a backup drive and then re-infect themselves all over again. You need to make sure that your documents and data have been scanned for and are free from viruses, especially after an infection. To help prevent these problems in the first place, make sure that you've got an antivirus package installed and real-time protection enabled.

What kind of funny virus tales have you heard during your time in the computer era? Share your funny moments, or ask about anything you aren’t clear about in the comments.

My first law school lecture

It's really amazing...after five years of mind numbing lethargy, it appears that I might once more find reason to take pride in studying. If the lectures I have recieved so far are anything to go by, then I'd say the law school is a much different place from most educational institutions in Nigeria. I'd never have believed that a lecturer with such a thick igbo accent could come across in such an intellectual and interactive style yet convey his message in such an easy to understand manner. But on my first day at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, I was practically blown away. I actually stayed awake through most of the lecture...a feat I can't remember performing since Barrister Jemilohun's 400level conflict of laws lectures!

The lecturer seemed genuinely interested in us. Not just in our comprehension of the subject he was teaching, but also our long term success. Before launching into the day's business, he delivered ,in that thick igbo accent of his, one of the most inspiring motivational speeches I have ever heard, dispelling all our doubts of our ability to make it to the bar and awakening the will to succeed, a can-do spirit in our hearts. He then went on to say a deep and heartfelt prayer for the success of the day's lecture.

Needless to say, he kept us hanging on his every word (regardless of the thick accent) throughout the duration of the lecture.

I know it might be a little too early to form an opinion based on my first lecture at the Enugu law school, but what I witnessed in that lecture hall on that day told me that there is still hope for education in Nigeria. I had come to the conclusion that it would be a cold day in hell when I decide to pursue any kind of academic qualification in Nigeria beyond my law school certification. I haven't changed my mind yet. But I would be willing to, if my experience today could be replicated in every classroom across the nation.

It's a tall order really, but I sincerely dream of a time when nigerian education will come into its own, and birth an evolved system;

A system in which the welfare and success of pupils are the tutor's pride.

In which academics are academics in every sense of the word and not thieving plagiarists spewing tons of publications, none of which are original.

In which students are not afraid to ask questions for fear of exposing the teacher's ignorance and the attendant consequences of doing so.

In which teachers encourage innovation and original thought from their students and are not afraid of having their prior conceptions challenged by younger logic.

In which academic arguments are just that...academic; and do not go beyond the classroom nor extend into personal relationships.

7 important things to know before buying a computer

I keep getting questions like, what kind of computer do I buy?, how much do I need to buy a computer?, can't I buy a fairly used computer?

For average and above users, these questions aren't really difficult, it's usually just a matter of how much he/she wants to spend. But for a computing newbie, it gets a little more complicated because they usually have little or no idea of what they actually want in a computer. And that is the reason why I have compiled these computer shopping tips, so I can get them of my back (just kidding).

While buying a computer might not be as simple as buying a TV set (and even those are no longer simple anymore), it is also not rocket science, provided you invest a little time to do some prior research so you can make an educated decision as to what kind of system you can get, given your specific needs as well as your budget range. Believe me, a little time spent in choosing the right computer will go a long way to ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck as well as getting you a computer that won't be obsolete six months later.

So for what it's worth,here are seven important things I think you should know before you go out and buy that computer.

I must tell you at this point that this is by no means an exhaustive list of what you might consider, nor is it a guide to buying a cheap computer. The main objective of this post is to guide you to make a well reasoned choice when you want to acquire your device.

1. Price If your monthly income is in six or even seven figures, then price might not be a factor. But for mere mortals. we usually have to watch our pockets. Computers are not exactly cheap, but you do not need break your piggy bank, much less rob one before you can get a device that can serve your purposes. Anything from N80,000 will get you a good system with great specs that is perfect for almost everyone, unless you are a rocket physicist, a 'crazy' gamer or a power user. With a 160gb hard disk and 2gb of RAM, webcam and WiFi, you would be hard pressed to find something your computer can't do, short of powering a NASA space shuttle. You could even go as low as 60k for a mini netbook with the same specs, if you do not mind a smaller screen and no DVD player. 2. Specifications People always seem to get hung up on specs like processor speed, hard disk space, bluetooth, webcam and other seemingly important stuff. Manufacturers welcome this, it gives them an excuse to place high price tags on their 'high end' systems, when in actual fact, the mid-range or even 'low-end' and budget systems would do just as well. You should be concerned more with the question of what functionality you want out of your computer than with earning bragging rights for buying the latest model with all the nifty bells and whistles. What does someone who doesn't have an internet connection want with a webcam? Or a secretary with an nvidia geforce graphics adapter? If all you want to do is type your documents and watch a few movies, you certainly DO NOT need a N200,000 system. Putting your needs in proper perspective will actually help you reduce your expenditure. 3. Brand What's in a name? Well, not much, except for the fact that certain manufacturers have over the years developed reputations for building high quality systems and providing first class accessories, incentives and support and how-tos. For a newbie, you would be generally safe buying a well known brand like HP or Dell because of the safety that comes with the number of consumers who use their products. Spare parts are often readily available and upgrades/trade-ins are a breeze. If you are on the other hand more experienced and feel more adventurous, you might decide to go with less popular makes which are often cheaper and usually perform just as well as known brands. 4. Mobility Do you move around a lot and need to take your work with you? If so, you should definitely consider getting a laptop/notebook. But if you do most of your work in one place, then a desktop might be ideal, considering the fact that they are usually cheaper compared to a mobile counterpart with the same specs. For someone who is really on the go, but does not need more than basic computing functionality and internet access, then a netbook or mini is certainly the way to go. 5. Aesthetics/Ergonomics This might seem trivial, but if you are going to spend a lot of time with your computer, then you might as well buy one that you can go to bed with (yeah, really). The colour, shape and weight and component materials of your computer are very relevant. Do you want something mettalic and professional? or something more plasticky and casual. You should also consider the screen size and the keyboard's feel (is it mushy, clicky?). Try to go with something that you are comfortable with and suits your style. 6. Battery Life If you are going with a mobile computer, you need to think about how long you want your batteries to last for. If you don't move too much and can always find a convenient spot to plug into, you might not need to bother much, most laptop batteries do between two to three or more hours anyway. But if you're a roadrunner and are often on the field, then you might consider getting something with six hours or more, albeit with a higher price implication. 7. Warranty/After sales support This is one area where I cannot over-emphasise. Always buy your computers and accessories from accredited vendors who will give you a warranty for your product and undertake to provide after sales support. A computer is a fairly sensitive device, and while you might save a few bucks now by buying from some vendor who doesn't remember to write out a receipt, much less give you a warranty, you will have effectively robbed yourself of the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are covered in the event that you discover any defects which were not apparent at the point of sale. Most accredited vendors provide after sales service, often for free, and the extra cost you might incur in acquiring your system from there would be money well spent. In the computer world, you often get what you pay for.

Ok folks, that's my two cents on what you need to know before buying your computer. I'm fairly sure I've not covered everything, so please feel free to ask me anything else you need to know about the topic.