Loose lips sink ships," ...but some mouse clicks are causing economic chaos.

Earlier this week Geeks In A Flash! www.GeeksInAFlash.com brought you the story about Phishing" see Gone Phishing". Now theres a lot of buzz about Phishing and other Internet scams and its does not seem to be slowing down.

Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) August 23, 2004 -- According to a recent report from www.InternetWeek.com, there are now cyber crooks showing people how to set up their own Phishing schemes...so be careful what you 'click for' as you may get more than you bargained. Internet scams can hurt or kill your bottom line.

Small business represents over 70% of all businesses in the US. According to the business and IT reporting agency Gartner Group, more small businesses rely on their computers and SOHO networks than ever before. Five million SOHO businesses start each year and yearly millions of new websites are being published. The more these scams go unexposed and unprevented, the more our recovering economy could be crippled by a few mouse clicks from the over 300 million daily Internet users...from tiny tots to savvy seniors who are all surfing the 'Net.

All this leads to faster rip-offs, fewer arrests, and more money being stolen either directly or indirectly, according to Information Technology expert Manuel W. Lloyd.

Manuel W. Lloyd, CEO of Geeks In A Flash! (www.GeeksInAFlash.com), a Wilmington, NC based online technology support and training company, says, Most Internet users need more cyber crime education. People assume their telephone companies and ISPs will keep them safe. Some companies like EarthLink do a pretty good job by offering popup blockers, spam filters, and other anti-malware programs, but the vast majority of users are under-protected and under-educated about the threats and how not to become a victim." Lloyd continues.

Since there are hundreds of software tools to protect users from being victims, we asked Mr. Lloyd why so many Internet users become prey to Phishing scams, Spyware, popup ads, viruses, worms, spam, and other forms of malware? Truthfully alongside firewall protection and "malware" programs, you need education, awareness, and to use good old fashion common sense." Lloyd states.

If using the Internet for personal use, Mr. Lloyd recommends downloading tools that will protect your PC such as a firewall. Visit c|net's www.cnet.com and www.download.com to compare free and paid versions of personal firewalls. Click this link for immediate firewall results http://www.download.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=personal+firewall&tg=dl-2001. He also suggests getting your computer or home network scanned and cleaned periodically and running regular software updates and patches. It is also prudent to change your password every 60 -- 90 days. Microsoft has a quick guide that you can view: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/default.mspx. If you surf the 'Net at java/coffee houses hotspots, make sure they are secure since unfortunately these places often have very little or even no security in place. Look for Airpath (http://isps.net/Directory/Default.aspx) at paid and free hotspots, as Mr Lloyd informed us they have a network of secured Internet shops around the world. Lastly, you should always "think before you click." Good old fashion common sense tells you NOT to open postal mail or an email attachment from someone you DON'T know. "Unthoughtout mouse clicks cost us all by spreading viruses and worms; so we all need to do our part."

Mr. Lloyd says that business owners can do many of the same processes to protect their businesses but may require additional tools and resources for network related concerns. He encourages businesses to get an IT staff, "whether it is outsourced services like our company provides, or you hire someone locally to help you protect this vital resource in operating your business."

About Geeks In A Flash!

Geeks In A Flash! www.GeeksInAFlash.com is a 24 hour computer help desk, dedicated to helping the Internet community malicious computer problems.