Dr. Keen
Cyber Defender & Diagnostics Lab Technician
Dr. Keen is in charge of Diagnostics and has the equipment and knowledge to fix most computer related problems.
Abandoned by her computer hacker parents when she was a child, Dr. Keen focuses on helping others overcome the attacks of cyber criminals just like her parents.
You can't direct the wind but you can adjust the sails
- Anonymous
French fries
Interests:Inventing, watercolor, playing fetch with Scout
Scout
Cyber Defender & Dr. Keen's robot assistant
Scout is in charge of keeping the Cyber Defense Force's security measures up-to-date. His computer brain carries fixes to most security and computer problems that can be administered at any time.
Scout is always eager to help make Cyberspace a safe and fun place.
Memory chips
Interests:Fixing computers, making antidotes for malware, playing fetch
March 31 2008
Cyber Defense Tip: How to tell if your computer has Malware
Malware can affect your computer in a variety of ways. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Your computer is processing things unusually slowly
- Your software is malfunctioning or displaying a lot of error messages
- Your computer won't shut down or restart
- Your computer has a lot more pop-up ads or they are popping up when you're not surfing the Web
- Your computer launches programs or Web pages that you didn't intend to use or sends emails that you didn't write
If you think your computer has malware, first try to minimize the damage. Stop doing anything online and disconnect from the Internet. Then tell a trusted adult right away. The sooner you can take care of it, the less damage to your computer. With the help of a trusted adult, make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and scan your computer, deleting anything it identifies as a problem. If your computer still has a problem, you may need to call in professional help.
Refer to Cyber Defense Tip "Defending your computer against malware"for what you can do to protect your computer from malware.
posted by Dr. Keen
topic: Cyber Defense Tips
March 28 2008
Improving Security
Alan's new intel will greatly enhance our security procedures. I've been busy reprogramming all of our firewalls and security measures. The Cyber Villains will be in for a nasty surprise when they move in to attack. I've turned around some of our weak points into traps for capturing them.
posted by Dr. Keen
topic: Diagnostics Updates
March 19 2008
Passing Info
The bots have returned! At first I was surprised by how much information they had found. But when I looked through all of it, I realized that Alan has been leaving us bread crumbs.
It will take a little more processing, but with this, I believe we can find Alan's location. If Alan hadn't been showing us the way we might not have ever found him. The Cyber Villains' hideout is almost perfectly hidden.
posted by Dr. Keen
topic: Diagnostics Updates
March 17 2008
Cyber Defense Threat: Adware
Adware is a type of malware that displays advertising banners or pop-up windows while it is running. Adware can slow down your computer and use up your Internet resources. Some adware also gathers information about your computer habits and the Web sites you visit. Adware does not collect personal information the way spyware does, but some adware can contain spyware.
Adware is usually installed on your computer along with free software. Many popular free music players, file-sharing applications, instant messengers, and games include adware. Be extremely careful when installing software on your computer, be sure to scan everything with anti-virus software and read through the license agreement and privacy policy to see if any additional software will be installed.
If adware is slowing down your computer, use spyware removal software to get rid of it.
Refer to Cyber Defense Tip "Defending your computer against malware"for what you can do to protect your computer from adware.
posted by Scout
topic: Cyber Defense Threat
March 7 2008
Creating Search Bots
I can't do much to help Ward find Alan. Omni has given me that task of looking after school security while Officer Ward is busy hunting for traces of Alan's whereabouts. I can, however, write a program that will help find him. I call it search bots.
Search bots are tiny artificial intelligences that roam the Internet looking for discrepancies and clues. They even help me to process the data. Alan, hang in there. We are going to find you.