Security

Security

Computers provide great resources for people and businesses to manage their affairs. We can shop over the Internet, manage our finances, and conduct complex analyses of corporate data. Unfortunately, intruders have realized how much information they can steal from servers, workstations, and the Internet. Cyber crimes are rampant and could cost you and your business a lot of money. It is important that you are aware of the security threats to your information. Only then can you take adequate measures to protect yourself. You should know how to use anti-virus programs, firewalls, encryption, patches, backups, spyware removers, and complex passwords.

Firewalls

Firewalls act like routers by stopping suspicious files from entering your computers. You can also program your firewall to prevent certain content, connections, files, or web pages. You can configure a firewall to stop an occurrence before it happens. ZoneAlarm is a popular program for home users and can cost between $30 and $40 after a free trial. McAfee provides software for networks and small businesses and can cost between $35 and $117 per license.

Antivirus

Viruses can steal your personal information, wreck you finances, and damage all of your files. Antivirus programs protect you against all types of threats. The antivirus companies research what viruses are out there and then develop safeguards against files that appear to be part of a virus code. You can set an antivirus program to scan your computer regularly and to create reports of identifiable threats. You should update your antivirus program often to make sure that it stays current. AVG provides a free virus scanner for home users, and Symantec produces the popular Norton AntiVirus program that ranges in cost from $30 to hundreds of dollars.

Adware

Adware is an advertising-supported program or a software package that displays, downloads, and launches an advertisement when a program is running. Sometimes adware could be packaged with spyware which could track and record personal or business information of the user. You should only obtain adware from reliable providers to ensure that there is no spyware in it. You can also install programs like Ad-Aware to make sure that your computer is free from threatening spyware.

Malware

Malware refers to any software that you do not want on your system. Worms are a type of malware that self propagate in a system in order to cause problems. Trojans, spyware, root kit, adware, and key loggers are all different variations of malware. Typically, your antivirus program can identify and remove malware during regular system scans.

Spyware

Spyware refers to an unwanted program that operates from your hard drive. Typically, spyware installs itself automatically, or you may install spyware inadvertently while installing another program. Spyware operates through your web browser to monitor what you do on your system. Spyware will distribute your personal information to unintended and unwanted parties. Use programs like Ad-Aware to remove spyware from your hard drive, and make sure that you monitor what programs you are installing.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is a method that is used to trick people into giving out personal information like social security numbers, credit card numbers, or bank account details. Typically, phishing scams occur over email. A scammer will send you an e-mail that appears to be from a legitimate company, like a bank. The email will ask you to respond with personal information. Scammers will then steal this information to use or to sell.

Identity Theft

Identify theft describes situations when scammers actually steal your identity. Scammers will use your identity to apply for jobs, purchase cars, and apply for government benefits. They will use your credit card and destroy your personal finances. Be careful when you are sharing information online, and only share your personal information with trusted and reputable sites. LifeLock is a company that provides services to protect people against identity theft.

Encryption

Encryptions provide additional levels of protection for your information. Encryption programs will scramble the information that is sent from your system and put it back together when it reaches its destination. This protects the message from outsiders who may try to steal valuable information.

Wireless Security

Wireless technology is becoming more prominent in everyday affairs. As a result, we need security measures to protect ourselves against threats since it can be easy to hack a wireless network. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) networks keep you safe from hackers. WEP networks are as safe as wired networks. If you have confidential or private information, make sure that you keep your wireless networks secure.

Email Spam

Spam emails are usually used to spread viruses. Do not open emails and email attachments that appear suspicious. You can even install a spam blocker if you would like. You can filter your spam email, delete your spam email, or block it altogether.