Computer Security

Various Ways To Protect Your Computer

Always make sure your computer security is up to date

Your computer already has some in-built protection; but crackers and crooks constantly try and access this software to find out the weaknesses. Always make sure you have a quality anti virus software installed. Never cut corners on this, it is better to be safe now than sorry afterward.

Users of Apple Macs (and Linux) have, as yet, less to worry about in terms of computer viruses. However, more and more cyber criminals are trying to access the Mac platform, as more people use Macs. For the Mac users safety, it is strongly advisable to download a quality anti-virus software too.

Computer Security updates are available for all PC users from Microsofts website. To set your computer to download them automatically. Open your Control Panel and click the System icon, then go to the Automatic Updates section where you can set it on or off.

Lazy about Turning off your PC or Mac?

One of the safest, easy and cheap ways to reduce the risk of people accessing your PC or Mac is to disconnect it from the internet or, even better, turn it off when it is not in use. I know its a pain, but its like turning off a tap to stop anyone contaminating the water. Remember while your computer is on and after browsing is the most dangerous time for malware attacks.

Do you open unknown e-mail attachments?

Do you ever long to know what is in that unknown e-mail attachment? Unfortunately the majority of web crime happens via emails, so be on guard when checking yours. Do not open any attachments you are not expecting, or click any random links you find in the text. If you are unsure if a site is genuine type the link into Google and see what comes up. It may shock you to learn just how close you have come to having your computer security compremised.

Only download software from trusted websites.

I know we think that every software download site is to be trusted. If you are looking for a piece of software, find out who makes it first and then go to their site to get it. For smaller free/shareware programs, try using big sites like cnets Download.com rather than getting them from anywhere.

Always vary your passwords for different sites.

Never store your passwords on your computer. Keep them safe in a handy book where you can refer to them easily. Never use the same login for different sites, it takes only one to fall into the wrong hands, then your whole online life is at risk. And change your passwords regularly.

Always clear your browsers cache after an online transaction.

Your browser cache stores certain information you typed into forms, etc when you are online, so it is always good to clear that after you are done. Also, if you get that message sometimes from your browser asking you whether you want it to automatically save your passwords, etc, click NO. It is another small pain, but it might help protect you and your computer security when you are online.

Firefox is considered more secure than IE and that is what a number of sites also have tested. Personally, I use Firefox and you should consider it if you are using IE 7. IE 7 has more than ever before, but it still has lots of holes also. Using a more secure browser can help protect against browser hijacking, etc. Anyway, most viruses are written for IE since it is more common, so it is more likely to be hacked.

Avoid saving credit card information on shopping sites.

We are all guilty of this. Many web sites today, such as Orbitz, Amazon, eBay, give you the option to save your credit card info so that you do not have to type in all the information each time you want to buy something. That is great for them, easy money and more sales, but what about you? What if someone eventually does hack into their database and downloads thousands of credit card numbers, bank account numbers, including yours? It might take an extra minute, but it is better to not save your info on any shopping site.

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The main types of Malware are:

Viruses.Hidden programs which wreak havoc with your computer security.

These are usually transmitted via websites, e-mail attachments, directly over the internet, or via any other removable media. They hide in applications or files and spread from computer to computer, generally wreaking havoc wherever they get the chance to.

Trojans.Bugs within harmless looking files.

Trojan (horses) are hidden within a file that looks harmless, like a picture of a celebrity, aiming to trick the user into installing the malicious software like spyware or adware on the computer.

Worms. Can leave your computer security open to attack by drilling in via open web connections.

Worms take advantage of any open Internet connection, to try and sneak in and replicate on the computer. Once loaded, they often start to send spam email from your computer without your knowledge.

So take some action. There is plenty of reliable computer security software out there. It is only like wearing a seat belt to protect you when you are driving your car. Always wear your computer security seat belt and keep you computer and your identity safe.

Below are some free Anti Virus Software sites.

www.microsoft.com/security
Free-av.com/
Avast!
AVG Free. AVG 9
Panda Cloud Antivirus.
iAntiVirus
ClamXAV Anti-Virus for Mac.
Outpost Firewall Free edition
Armour Personal Firewall.
Comodo Personal Firewall.

Return from Your Computer Security Page to Home Page

Even though you can use the free security software many people want extra security for their computers, or business files and sensative information stored on their computer hard drives. Take your time and purchase reputable security software, there are plenty to choose from.

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