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Expert Says Everyone's At Risk Of Being Hacked

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – We've heard a lot about hacking, with Apple admitting some of its corporate computers have been breached and the finger pointed at the Chinese government for attacks on other companies in the U.S., but it's not just big business at risk.

Cybercriminals love programs like Adobe Flash Player, Acrobat Reader and Java.

"Because they know everybody has these on their computer," says Maxim Weinstein, executive director at StopBadware.org.

He says stay vigilant about installing updates and the same goes for the operating system on your PC and Mac users aren't immune.

"Much like your house or car can be broken into in Bryn Mawr, just like it can be in South Philly," Weinstein explains.

And before you say you don't visit "those kinds of websites," Weinstein says "The reality is that you are at risk of malware on all kinds of websites, including both popular and mainstream sites as well as blogs and friends sites."

The major free browsers offer security tools that warn about unsafe sites, dangerous downloads, phishing scams and tracking.

"When you see a warning about a website, especially if it's a site you know, trust the warning. You're better off staying away until it's a bit safer," says Weinstein.

And check with your Internet provider; anti-virus software is usually included with your service; you just have to download it.

For more tips visit: http://www.stopbadware.org/protect-your-pc.

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