Protect Your Computer from the Osama Bin Laden Cyber Threats

Don't let your curiosity destroy your PC or leave your bank account vulnerable to attack.

According to online security experts at PC Tools, the death of Osama bin Laden has led to one of the largest and fastest surges of cybercrime attacks in recent news. Almost immediately following President Obama's announcement, cybercriminals targeted people around the world, who were actively searching for news, photos, videos and information.

PC Tools expects increase in related malware and social engineered threats (found in popular online social, shopping and search sites) to appear, as more copycat hackers unleash their cyber attacks. The security company warns consumers to be careful where they click and which sites they visit in order to protect their personal data, privacy and financial information. Read on for five online security protection tips.

1. VISIT ONLY TRUSTED AND RELIABLE SITES

• Don't search for "Osama bin Laden" related news, photos or videos. If you do, go to trusted websites and type in the link. Avoid clicking on embedded news links, ads, fake search pages or web sites in foreign countries as it may attach malware or bots.

2. AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO CLICK

• Don't click on everything related to "Osama bin Laden" videos, photos, pop-up windows, fake antivirus alerts or emails, social media invites or alerts. They may look legitimate as they infect your systems or hijack your personal information for profit.
• Set up your firewall to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer or network. PC Tools Firewall Plus 7 is available for free at www.pctools.com/firewall.

3. WATCH OUT FOR THE SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS AND MALICIOUS SPAMS

• Be extra careful with the social media friend invites, links, emails or event requests. Don't click on the ads, videos, pop-up windows or "shared links" as they may download dangerous malware or threats.
• For added protection, install browser protection software that scans websites and search results pages. The free PC Tools Browser Defender which works compatibly with the antivirus program.

4. AVOID SUSPICIOUS INTERNATIONAL SITES

• Avoid clicking on suspicious web sites from top cyber crime countries from top malware-producing countries like China (.cn), Russia (.ru) and Brazil (.br). Do not click on URLS ending in "cz.cc" or "*.cc" which are common Black Hat SEO scams sites.

5. BE SMART, BE SAFE, ALWAYS RUN AN ANTIVIRUS PRODUCT

• Make sure your antivirus program is current and is updated regularly to protect you from new and unknown threats and social engineered scams.
• PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2011 or PC Tools Internet Security 2011 provides award winning protection that's simple, effective and affordable.