Are Browser Toolbars Really Malware?
Browser toolbars are really common. You may even have one installed in your browser right now as you read this article. Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, or a less common browser, software companies make toolbars that integrate with your browser.
For this context I need to define malware as undesired software that may perform functions or tasks that you don’t want or don’t know about. For example, you might install the Google toolbar to simplify launching searches, but you might not want that toolbar to store your queries and deliver targeted marketing based on those searches.
In short, you should always assume that toolbars potentially contain malware. They are software that runs inside Windows and attaches to all browser communications. Unless you know exactly what functions the toolbar performs and are willing to run that software on your computer indefinitely, you should avoid installing toolbars. And if you have toolbars already installed, I strongly recommend you remove them with a specialized tool like Malwarebytes or Spybot.
Browse safely!
Mike Danseglio -CISSP / CEH
Interface Technical Training – Technical Director and Instructor
Mike Danseglio teaches Security classes at Interface Technical Training. His classes can be attended in Phoenix, Arizona or online from anywhere in the world with RemoteLive.
A Simple Introduction to Cisco CML2
Mark Jacob, Cisco Instructor, presents an introduction to Cisco Modeling Labs 2.0 or CML2.0, an upgrade to Cisco’s VIRL Personal Edition. Mark demonstrates Terminal Emulator access to console, as well as console access from within the CML2.0 product. Hello, I’m Mark Jacob, a Cisco Instructor and Network Instructor at Interface Technical Training. I’ve been using … Continue reading A Simple Introduction to Cisco CML2
Cable Testers and How to Use them in Network Environments
This content is from our CompTIA Network + Video Certification Training Course. Start training today! In this video, CompTIA Network + instructor Rick Trader demonstrates how to use cable testers in network environments. Let’s look at some tools that we can use to test our different cables in our environment. Cable Testers Properly Wired Connectivity … Continue reading Cable Testers and How to Use them in Network Environments
Government Edition – Encrypting a USB Flash Drive in Windows 10
In this video, Security Instructor Mike Danseglio demonstrates how to use BitLocker in Window 10 to secure files on a USB Flash drive that adhere to stricter data protection requirements as found inside Government entities. BitLocker 2-day instructor-led training is now available at Interface: BITLOCK: Planning and Deploying BitLocker Drive Encryption Training Video Transcription: Hi. … Continue reading Government Edition – Encrypting a USB Flash Drive in Windows 10
Write a Comment
