Computer Security 101

Many criminals, hackers, hijackers and con artists are out there just waiting and preying on careless or uninformed users. Too often, we take for granted the vast amount of information we have at our fingertips. With this power of information comes a great responsibility. Even the less than technologically advanced among us can practice a few online safety procedures. Most of them seem like common sense and do not take a huge amount of effort to execute. It should be the responsibility of every computer user to take the time to learn about computer security and the implications of not doing so.

One of the first things you should understand is the importance of a good anti-virus software program. While you are surfing the Internet, downloading files and checking your emails, your computer is at a constant risk at contracting a virus. Viruses can attach themselves to many of your personal files and you also run the risk of passing them onto unsuspecting friends, family and coworkers. Viruses can allow hackers to get into your personal information and steal private things like social security numbers and credit card information. A good and up-to-date anti-virus software program can scan all incoming downloads and your entire system to detect and clear any viruses. It is important to keep a current version of the anti-virus software since viruses are ever changing and mutating.

Another good idea is to have an anti-Spyware software program installed onto your system. Spyware can be found in a variety of files and downloads on the Internet. Anytime you download a file or program, you run the risk of also installing a Spyware program on your computer. Spyware can allow hijackers to gain access to your personal files and in some cases, can even monitor your Internet activities in real time. This allows them to see your credit card and other personal information as you type it in. A good anti-Spyware program is an essential component to a healthy computer.

If you primarily access the Internet at a station that has multiple users, you should also take additional precautions to protect your privacy and personal information. You should always make sure to log out of your email account or other accounts that require a username and password. It is also a good idea to clear your cache when you are finished using the computer. These two steps only take a few moments to complete but can make it much more difficult for the would-be hacker to break into your files and accounts. You should additionally consider creating a password that is very difficult to crack. It is a good idea to create a password that contains a combination of letters, numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters; it should never be an easy word or word that is in the dictionary. Make the password something you can easily remember without writing down, but something that will be nearly impossible for a hacker to crack.

If you get a suspicious looking email from a bank or financial institution, online auction, email account or similar company, be very careful when clicking on the links. Phishing is a relatively new phenomenon in the Internet world but very serious, nonetheless. Scam artists will send out a very professional and legitimate looking email to various people in hopes that they will click on the link. When a person does fall for a phishing scam and clicks on the supplied link, the criminal can get access to much of your personal information. The links will often look nearly identical to the company’s actual link and will ask you for password, credit card or other sensitive and personal information.

If we all, as computer users, understand the risks and implications of using the Internet, we can all do our part to ensure everyone’s safety. We should all take the time to learn about classic, new and emerging Internet scams in order to protect ourselves. Going online without the protection of an anti-virus or anti-Spyware software program can be compared to getting into your car without your seatbelt on; you are always running the risk of someone else doing something to cause you harm and it is your own personal responsibility to make sure you and your computer is safe at all times.

Source: www.securitytutorial.com