We have security systems in our homes and alarms in our cars. Why would we not be as cautious about our computers - places where we store tons of personal information - as we are about every other aspect of our lives? Using a computer can leave you exposed to a number of security concerns. Here are some things you can do to ensure your data is never compromised.
Install and Update an Antivirus Program
Antivirus programs play a huge role in your ability to protect your computer. They'll block spyware, malware, adware, and any other virus aimed at stealing your information and causing damage to your PC. The trick is to make sure you are updating your antivirus program on a regular basis. Many will update automatically to ensure you are protected from the latest virus releases.
Monitor Your Email
Take special care when opening your email each day. Don't open attachments from senders you aren't familiar with or from anyone who is sending an attachment you didn't expect to receive. Doing so could put you at risk of setting a virus loose on your computer. Don't click on links from strangers, either.
Avoiding the Hype
Have you ever heard of the Koobface virus? People on Facebook talk about it all the time. The truth of the matter is that the virus isn't actually spread by Facebook. It's spread by fear. Individuals who hear about the virus will go online and search for a "removal" program. Unknown programs that promise to remove certain unknown viruses are the targets - things hackers hope you'll download so that they can access your real information.
Change Your Passwords Regularly
We all do the same thing - we set our passwords and then we forget about them, operating on auto-pilot each time we have to type it in. Make sure you are updating your passwords on a regular basis. Despite being a pain in the rear, doing so will ensure that anyone who does access your information doesn't have it for long.
Install a Firewall
Firewalls are great tools and can often be purchased a part of an internet security suite - packages that offer antivirus programs and other pieces designed to protect you from online threats. Firewalls act as barriers, preventing internet threats from breaking through your virtual door to access your computer.
Don't Ignore Security Patches
Windows and other programs and operating systems are constantly identifying holes in their systems - places in which hackers or viruses have entered and which may pose a security threat. As such, these companies regularly release "patches" that you should be downloading in order to ensure your computer is safe from harm. The patches are free and easy to download. Ignoring them can be detrimental to the health of your PC.
Choose the Right Internet Browser
Many people think that Internet Explorer will leave their computers open to harm. The truth is that hackers and those who want to compromise your computer aren't only targeting IE - they're targeting all browsers. The best thing you can do is choose a browser that functions the way you like and then turn off your JavaScript capabilities. Doing so will leave you less susceptible to intrusions.
The internet is a vast and sometimes overwhelming place but you can keep your home computer as safe as anything else in your life. Take some time to take a few precautionary measures and you'll be able to continue enjoying your computer without having to call a computer repair tech.
Install and Update an Antivirus Program
Antivirus programs play a huge role in your ability to protect your computer. They'll block spyware, malware, adware, and any other virus aimed at stealing your information and causing damage to your PC. The trick is to make sure you are updating your antivirus program on a regular basis. Many will update automatically to ensure you are protected from the latest virus releases.
Monitor Your Email
Take special care when opening your email each day. Don't open attachments from senders you aren't familiar with or from anyone who is sending an attachment you didn't expect to receive. Doing so could put you at risk of setting a virus loose on your computer. Don't click on links from strangers, either.
Avoiding the Hype
Have you ever heard of the Koobface virus? People on Facebook talk about it all the time. The truth of the matter is that the virus isn't actually spread by Facebook. It's spread by fear. Individuals who hear about the virus will go online and search for a "removal" program. Unknown programs that promise to remove certain unknown viruses are the targets - things hackers hope you'll download so that they can access your real information.
Change Your Passwords Regularly
We all do the same thing - we set our passwords and then we forget about them, operating on auto-pilot each time we have to type it in. Make sure you are updating your passwords on a regular basis. Despite being a pain in the rear, doing so will ensure that anyone who does access your information doesn't have it for long.
Install a Firewall
Firewalls are great tools and can often be purchased a part of an internet security suite - packages that offer antivirus programs and other pieces designed to protect you from online threats. Firewalls act as barriers, preventing internet threats from breaking through your virtual door to access your computer.
Don't Ignore Security Patches
Windows and other programs and operating systems are constantly identifying holes in their systems - places in which hackers or viruses have entered and which may pose a security threat. As such, these companies regularly release "patches" that you should be downloading in order to ensure your computer is safe from harm. The patches are free and easy to download. Ignoring them can be detrimental to the health of your PC.
Choose the Right Internet Browser
Many people think that Internet Explorer will leave their computers open to harm. The truth is that hackers and those who want to compromise your computer aren't only targeting IE - they're targeting all browsers. The best thing you can do is choose a browser that functions the way you like and then turn off your JavaScript capabilities. Doing so will leave you less susceptible to intrusions.
The internet is a vast and sometimes overwhelming place but you can keep your home computer as safe as anything else in your life. Take some time to take a few precautionary measures and you'll be able to continue enjoying your computer without having to call a computer repair tech.
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