Little Rock, AK - Wed, Jan 18th 2006, 00:00

KATV-TV

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Internet Pop-ups Could Shut Down Your Computer System

Wednesday January 18, 2006 11:02pm   Reporter: Jessica Morkert   Posted By: Talisa Austin

Every time you log onto the Internet, you are susceptible to cyber-threats. They may seem just like annoying pop-up ads, but they can do lots of damage to your computer and your bank account.

They're scams that are invading the Internet and something about which experts say you need to be aware.  Wednesday, several organizations throughout Little Rock are advising consumers about the dangers of cyber-threats.

(Marcus Hatley)"My system was hit pretty hard."

Marcus Hately says he was surfing the Net one afternoon when a pop-up offering virus protection appeared on his screen.

(Hatley)"It disguised itself as something else for instance, if you click here you're system is out-of-date.  You need the most updated virus protection and spy-ware click here to download it free and it was something like that that popped up."

Hatley's computer completely shut down after clicking on a spyware application. It's one of many cyber threats infiltrating the Net nowadays.

Spyware software gathers your information without your knowledge.  It’s usually disguised as a freeware or shareware program that can be downloaded from the Internet. Or, phishing scams where an e-mailer basically "fishes" for your information, such as account or credit card numbers, by convincing you they are an actual financial provider. At a work shop Wednesday afternoon, these topics among other were among discussion.

(Jim Prendergast, American for Technology Leadership)"There's a tremendous amount of collaboration among industry players in trying to combat these things. We've got great law enforcement.  And now we're trying consumer education and I think all three together can help us take back the net." 

Experts say unwanted spam, viruses and the possibility of identity theft are flooding the Internet as well.

Updating your computer with credible software virus protection and exercising precaution when entering personal information on internet are things you can do to protect yourself. Officials also say keep others in your household informed.

(Prendergast)"I've always told my son if you get a pop-up or something ask me or mom before you click on it doesn't matter what it is."

Experts say preventing any sort of cyber-space threat is the best thing to do before an actual problem occurs.