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Experiencing high internet usage? 
Games Apps and Online TV are currently the worst usage hoggers.
Do not install MacKeeper or iAnti-Virus: See this User Tip: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3022

 

FAKE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE and associated MALWARE (To repeat: the expression ‘malware’ is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software.)

 

Do not be tricked by 'scareware', such as pop-ups on your browser, that tempts computer users to download fake anti-virus software that may itself be malware.

Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product.  Examples include MacKeeper and iAntivirus, but there are others. Also, beware of MacSweeper and MACDefender* (also goes under the name of MacProtector, MacGuard, MacSecurity or MacShield): These are malware that mislead users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer in an attempt to obtain payment for an application that does nothing that free utilities do not also offer, and in many cases will also mess up your system.

*Malicious software dubbed MACDefender  takes aim at users of the Mac OS X operating system by automatically downloading a file through JavaScript. But users must also agree to install the software, leaving the potential threat limited.

 

*(This malware is not to be confused with MacDefender, the maker of geocaching software including GCStatistic and DTmatrix. The company noted on its site it is not affiliated with the malware.)

Malware spreads through search engines like Google via a method known as "SEO poisoning." The sites are designed to game search engine algorithms and show up when users search for certain topics. It is always a good idea to Block Pop-ups in your browser preferences.

 

TROJANS and RE-DIRECTION TO FAKE WEBSITES

 

The appearance of Trojans and other malware that can possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.

 

If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's  (that's you!)  DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.

 

Mac users should always obtain their copy of Adobe Flash Player directly from Adobe’s official website and to disable the "Open 'safe' files after downloading" option in Safari Preferences/General to avoid automatically running files downloaded from the Internet. Also, do not turn on Java in Safari Preferences/Security. Few websites use Java. Javascript is something entirely different and should be left active.

 

(Adobe is aware of malware posing as its Flash Player and warns users to ignore any updates that didn't originate on its own servers. "Do not download Flash Player from a site other than adobe.com," said David Lenoe, Adobe's product security program manager, in an entry on Adobe Product Security Incident Response Team's PSIRT blog. "This goes for any piece of software . If you get a notice to update, it's a good idea to go directly to the site of the software vendor and download the update directly from the source. If the download is from an unfamiliar URL or an IP address, you should be suspicious.")
GENERAL ADVICE ON HOW TO AVOID INFECTION IN THE FIRST PLACE:

1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially p'orn'ography sites.

 

2. Check out what you are downloading. Mac OS X asks you for you administrator password to install applications for a reason! Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites, i.e. the developers’ own web sites or the Apple App Store.  If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program.

 

3. Use an antivirus program like ClamXav. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through this AV application.

 

4. Consider using Mac OS X's built-in Firewalls and other security features.

 

5.  Avoid Peer-to-peer sharing applications. Download torrents (such as the now defunct LimeWire) supplying pirated software, movies etc are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your Mac. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications. Similar risks may apply to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and similar sites which are prone to malicious hacking

Are there any other Wi-Fi capable devices on your network (e.g. cellphones)?
Reliability and security downloads are important. They prevent hackers from damaging your operating sytem (e.g. OSX) and its programs.


PHISHING AND POTENTIAL IDENTITY THEFT:

"Phishing" (also known as "carding" or "spoofing") refers to email that attempts to fraudulently acquire personal information from you, such as your account password or credit card information. On the surface, the email may appear to be from a legitimate company or individual, but it's not.

As a general rule, never send credit card information, account passwords, or extensive personal information in an email unless you verify that the recipient is who they claim to be. Many companies have policies that state they will never solicit such information from customers by email, and that includes your bank, credit card company, and Apple.

I recommend installing an app which tells you how many Megs or Gigs you have used from the internet on your device.
Click here for Bandwidth+

Click here for NetUse


Experiencing high internet usage? Did your internet stop working?
Any issues or topup requests, call the cellphone number or my landline telephone or email me or Skype me.
Only contact me after restarting your modem & devices.

To reduce usage: I recommend switching off your computer(s) when you do not use them. Alternatively you may unplug the network cable from the modem-router or switch off the wireless button of your laptop.

Usage could be any of the following:
 

1. Viewing online advertising: moving pictures or movies on websites.

2. Server-side type websites, e.g. Facebook, Google, that use built-in programs (apps) such as a built-in chat program, or a "preview".

3. Skype only uses much bytes when one uses voice or video (webcam).
   In text-chat mode usage is minimal.
  
To switch of video receiving and sending open Skype, click Tools > Options > Video Settings > Untick "Enable Skype Video".

4. Online streaming movies. (for example Facebook or YouTube movies)
5.
Talks are streaming videos.
that means that it is a live video&voice which downloads as you view it.

7. Compress and resize pictures before emailing/uploading them.
8. Convert scanned TIF pictures to JPEGs.
9. Block
Spam emails by blocking their email addresses.
10. Online games (e.g. Casino games)
12.
Change Facebook Account settings so that Facebook or Twitter stops sending automated email messages.
14. Websites with
music running in the background.

15. Uninstall unwanted program such as peer-to-peer download-and-file-sharing programs. e.g. Limewire
16. Downloading music or videos or programs.
17. Llistening to
internet-radio music. Similar to audio-streaming or voice-streaming.

18. Do not leave your web browser open on a site with automatically refreshing content.
20. Emails: Use "text-only" format instead of HTML.
21. Do not register to unnecessary mailing lists.

22. Facebook, chat, photos, music, slideshows, research, google, website editing, DropBox, movies,

23. Antivirus updates

24. Free automatic OSX security patches

25. Free automatic OSX service pack donwload

26. Free automatic OSX reliability  patches

27. Online backup programs constantly backing up.

28. please do a full advanced  virus scan of all your computers.


How to reduce your usage: (To save on Megs/Gigs:)

1. Check that nobody else is using your internet account wirelessly:
  Is your wireless network secure? Does it have a password (/numbers)?
2. Switch off computers & screens at night (Saves electricity as well).
3. When on holiday, unplug both telephone cable and power supply from your modem. Also unplug your devices and screens.
This will also protect your devices from lightning or power surges coming through the phone line or the power cables.
4. Email your friends to stop sending you boring messages or forwarded messages and boring photos and slideshows.
5. For sending scanned faxes: Use JPG compression instead of .TIF
There are many more things one can do!
Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Downloader Viruses and Malware:
If there is a virus on any of your computers which is either accessing an illegal network or is sending out automatic emails, then I may disconnect you after notifying you.
In reading this, you acknowledge that Karl has no power to control the content of the information passing over the Internet and its applications, including e-mail; chatrooms; news groups etc, and that Karl cannot be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any of the abovementioned content, in any way for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of, or in connection with your use of, or reliance on, any such content.
The customer acknowledges and agrees that Karl shall without limitation have no responsibility for, or liability in respect of any data lost as a result of this system including the loss of emails.
Karl urges customers not to reply to unsolicited mail or "spam", not to click on any suggested links provided in the unsolicited mail. Doing so remains the sole responsibility of the customer and Karl cannot be held liable for the Customer being placed on any bulk mailing lists as a result.

Where the customer has authorised a minor to use any of the Karl's services or access its websites, you accept that as the parent/legal guardian of that minor, you are fully responsible for: the online conduct of such minor; controlling the minor's access to and use of any services or websites; and the consequences of any misuse by the minor, including but not limited to transactions entered into by the minor using such access.
Karl cannot be held liable for any business dealings you have with any third parties on the Internet. Further, Karl assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any charges you or any user of your account incurs when making purchases or other transactions in this manner. Further, the responsibility for ensuring compliance with all applicable customs and exchange control laws in connection with any such transactions shall be the customer's.
Terms and conditions may change without prior notice.

Fake anti-virus programs, unwanted programs, misleading applications:
A fake (anti-virus or Registry cleaner) program is a type of misleading application that pretends to be security software, but which actually provides the user with little or no protection whatsoever and, in some cases, can actually facilitate the installation of malicious code that it purports to protect against. It lies that it can remove unwanted applications such as spyware or adware. These scams cheat users out of money by charging for their fraudulent product, but the personal and credit card information that users provide to register these fake products could also be used in additional fraudulent activity. Ref: http://www.symantec.com
They can even be disguised as needed video codecs or browser plug-ins to view web content. They also get onto your mac through unpatched software vulnerabilities. Ref: http://www.symantec.com
Online backup programs: is somebody offering you to backup all your confidentail data for you for free? I wonder how they cover their costs.
In the case of experiencing high usage:
You may have a virus or peer-to-peer software installed on your machine.
Common peer-2-peer software is limewire, e-mule, e-donkey, Kazaa and Morpheus. Peer-2-peer software, if not configured correctly, will allow users on the internet to download software from your computer which can result in a large portion of your Gigs being used without you knowing about it.
Scan your system for viruses (Full Scan) with a quality antivirus program such as Norton before changing any of your passwords.Do not unsubscribe from an unwanted mailing list, this only confirms to them that your email exists. Never contact your enemy.
Peer-2-peer file-sharing programs:
- software to swap music, video and other files over the Internet. Many free P2P file sharing programs exist.
The settings of these programs need to be checked: Disable file sharing or the programs need to be removed:
e.g. BitTorrent, Ares, BearShare, Kazaa, Morpheus, Limewire, eDonkey, Overnet, eMule,

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_sharing
There are a number of risks associated with P2P file-sharing. P2P client software can easily infect personal computers with viruses and spyware, creating a host of problems for the computer’s owner such as the theft of financial information. Pornography, inflammatory material, and malware can be disguised and then shared through P2P networks unknowingly. Shared copyrighted material like copies of software, music, or movies is illegal and possession of these files has the potential to expose the computer owner to prosecution and fines.
Adware
Annoying pop-up and banner ads? System slowdowns? Your computer may be infected with Adware
Bots & Botnets
Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Browser Highjacking
Malware used by hackers to direct your computer to their websites, regardless of the address you entered.
Cookies
A Web page that welcomes you by name uses cookies
Counterfeit Products
Extortionware
A software program that encrypts essential personal files - taking them hostage and demanding money for their safe return
Keylogger
Hackers illegally use software keyloggers to identify their victims’ computer passwords, login names, bank account and credit card numbers
Malware
Any software program developed for the purpose of doing harm to a computer system or to create mischief
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
Cyber criminals eavesdrop on electronic communication between a consumer and a legitimate organization
Nigerian Scam
Unsolicited email messages from a stranger who promises great wealth — a get-rich-quick scheme
P2P File Sharing
Peer-to-peer file sharing is very popular on the Internet, but it can also lead to virus infections and a host of other problems
Pharming
A technically sophisticated scam designed to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers
Phishing
Official looking and sounding messages that urge immediate action to update sensitive financial and identity information
SMishing
Designed to trick you into divulging identity information, SMishing is Phishing over cell phones and other mobile devices.
Social Engineering Scams
A scam that preys upon our acceptance of authority and willingness to cooperate with others
Social Networking Sites
Never under any circumstances should your child or young teenager agree to meet in person someone from one of these sites
Software Piracy
The illegal use and/or distribution of software protected under intellectual property laws
Spam
The cyber equivalent to junk mail – spammers have developed many ways of obtaining email addresses
Spim
Unsolicited product or service advertisements that appear as instant messages
Sping
Spam from a fake blog tricking the unwary into visiting
Spit
A spam campaign against VOIP voicemail
Splog
A spam campaign directed against blogs
Spoofing
A criminal pretends to be a business or organization in order to gain access to a computer user’s sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, or Social Security numbers
Spy-Phishing
In a successful Spy-Phishing attack, a Trojan and/or Spyware is downloaded onto your computer from a Phishing message.
Stealth, Polymorphic, and Armored viruses
These viruses hide, copy, or “armor” themselves in an attempt to avoid detection and removal from a computer.
Bots & Botnets
Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Trojan Horses
Files or software programs that appear to be legitimate, but once installed can cause havoc
Viruses
Malicious programs or codes inserted into computer systems without the user’s permission
Warez Sites
Any site that hosts pirated software
Worms
These malicious software programs spread automatically from computer to computer
Zombie Drones
Personal computers secretly under the control of hackers
Ref: http://www.bsacybersafety.com/threat/p2p.cfm


The internet, in the most simplest of terms, is a group of millions of computers connected by networks. These connections within the internet can be large or small depending upon the cabling and equipment that is used at a particular internet location.
 A very simple analogy to use to understand bandwidth and traffic is to think of highways and cars. Bandwidth is the number of lanes on the highway and traffic is the number of cars on the highway. If you are the only car on a highway, you can travel very quickly. If you are stuck in the middle of rush hour, you may travel very slowly since all of the lanes are being used up.
Traffic is simply the number of bits that are transferred on network connections.
A web page may be very small or large depending upon the amount of text and the number and quality of images integrated within the web page. For example, the home page for CNN.com is about 1.5mB (1.5megabyte = 1500 Kilobytes = 1500,000 bytes). This is typically large for a web page. In comparison, Yahoo's home page is about 887KB.
 
http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2009/01/2008-year-in-spam.html


How much internet does a company use??

1GB = 1000MB
1MB = 1000KB
1KB = 1Byte

Basic emails are 3kb to 15kB big
Big Emails with attachments are 100kb to 2000kB (2MB) big
1GB = 500 very big emails or 100000 small emails.


40 emails per person per day is about 20MB per day
(20 emails sent and 20 emails received)
which is 620MB per person per month for emails alone

Let's say we have 7 users

7 x 620 = 4340MB = 4.3Gigs.

now we add the internet: Facebook, chat, photos, music, slideshows, research, google, website editing, movies, antivirus, OSX or Mac security patches etc.
50MB per person per day (upload and download)
1550 per month

7x 1550MB = 11 Gigs

Add internet with emails: 15.3Gigs

For comments and ideas please contact Karl.
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You can check your macbook:
macbook has a free way of checking your usage
 

Activity monitor:   
Open >Finder<
Open Applications
Open Utilities
Open Activity monitor
click Network
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201464
More info: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201464#network/
 
You may also upgrade your internet to any of the following accounts:
50 Gigs, 100 Gigs, 150 Gigs, 200 Gigs or Uncapped