With security becoming more and more of an issue, a free computer security program may be the right first step to take on your system. The Internet has made access easy, not only from your computer, but to your computer as well. With this access come the dangers of your computer being hacked. This is why a computer security program is a smart idea if you want to surf safely and keep out of danger.
Criminals on the Internet are on the lookout for different things. Some of them practice “phishing” with the aim of stealing passwords, credit card numbers and codes. Others want to steal your complete identity. Yet others want to destroy computer installations, wreck software and make your data useless. But don’t despair! There are some easy, basic steps to take to stay safe.
First, make regular backups of your files and make sure that you keep these backups away from your computer. At the same time make a boot disk that you can use if the worst happens and an Internet virus causes your computer to crash.
Second, get the latest updates to your computer software from reputable manufacturers and install them. Manufacturers make updates because they know that security holes exist. They identify them and they provide you with solutions. However, the solutions will only be effective if you install them!
Thirdly, get protection from viruses and malicious software that might come into your PC over a network. A free computer security program can help here, for example with a basic firewall capability. Remember, just like your PC, to update your firewall software in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Configure your software for the right level of computer security. It’s easy to do in your browser and the programs like java and ActiveX can then be prevented from automatically serving the devious purposes of hackers and pirates. In the first instance set your security program settings to “high”.
Number five on the list is to only open the mail from people that you know. E-mail is still one of the easiest ways for pirates to attack your PC. An innocent looking attachment can contain a virus or a worm which will not only damage your PC but will be transmitted to the PC’s of the people that you know and talk to over the network. In the same way do not run .exe programs unless you are completely sure about what they do.
If you are running Microsoft Windows, then use the built in computer security mechanism to always see the file name extension of the files. This allows you to catch files that have been disguised by pirates as innocent looking documents or spreadsheets.
And finally, when you’re not using your PC then at least disconnect it from the network. If you leave it running and connected, your PC may automatically connect to the network and become vulnerable. A free computer security program will at least give you basic protection in that case.
