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Many computer
owners don’t realize the need to pay attention to computer
security. Your computer is a popular target for
trespassers because of the information you have stored there.
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Identity thieves and other intruders look
for credit card numbers, bank account information, and anything else
they can find. Your computer can also be used to provide resources
such as its disk space, processor, and Internet connection.
When
combined with high-speed always-on Internet connections, intruders can
quickly find and attack your computer. No matter how your computer
is connected to the Internet, attacks are often successful.
One of the most common
methods intruders use to break into your computer is by sending you
email containing a virus. Opening or reading that email activates
the virus, creating an opening that intruders use to access your
computer. In some cases, the email only needs to be previewed by
your email software - not even opened. |
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In other cases, many
viruses and worms takes advantage of a vulnerability in one of
your computer’s programs to gain access and even disable your system's
security capabilities. Once they’re on your computer, they often
install new programs that let them continue to use your computer; even
after you plug the holes they used to get onto your computer initially. These backdoors can be
concealed so they blend in with the
other software running on your computer.
Whether your computer
runs Microsoft Windows, or something else, the issues are the same.
The key to computer security is to understand the problems that you need
to be aware of.
 Use a
Firewall
Windows has a built-in
firewall that protects against incoming threats. While it may
suffice for many users, we recommend that you install more robust
third-party firewall software from one of the major antivirus vendors
mentioned in the next section. A firewall is advantageous for
anyone on the Internet, but is essential for broadband users.
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Install
Antivirus Software and Keep it Up to Date
All of these
manufacturers have excellent reputations in the security software
industry. There are pros and cons with each brand - so talk to
people you know about their experiences with their own antivirus
software. Regardless of the brand you choose, keep your virus
definitions up to date and don't let your subscription expire!
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If you
think you have a virus, or if you question the current
condition of your antivirus software, Trend Micro offers
an excellent
free online scanner that scans your computer for
viruses, spyware and other security threats. Even
when your computer is running fine, it is good to run
this scanner occasionally. |
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Protect Yourself Against Adware and Spyware
One of the biggest
threats to your computer is you - the user. Don't become a victim
of identity theft because of a fraudulent email, a phony website, or
malicious software. Don't install software you don't need just
because it is offered to you for free. Many programs purporting to
rid your computer of spyware are actually spyware themselves.
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Most
free screensavers, toolbars, etc. have risks associated
with them. If you see new toolbars in your web
browser that you didn't intentionally install, if your
browser crashes, or if your browser start page has
changed without your knowing, you likely have spyware.
Even if
you don't see anything, you may be infected, because
more and more spyware is emerging that silently tracks
your surfing behavior to create a marketing profile of
you that can be sold. |
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It's not difficult to
visit Google, Yahoo, or another search engine when you need to find
something - you don't need a free search toolbar. We also feel
that you don't
need "weather on your desktop" or free screensavers. Unless
software like this comes from a site you know you can trust, they
commonly contain adware or spyware. Many brands of file sharing
software are also infamous for containing adware and spyware. Not
only do "toys" like these sometimes contain malware, they can also
disrupt your computer's operational stability.
To sum it up, we don't
think you
really need that "neat" piece of software, so we advise you
not to install it.
Run your computer "lean and clean" with only software that you really
need and use on a regular basis. "Bells and whistles" may be fun,
but many times lead to trouble.
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Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware
is free and has the ability to scan your RAM, registry,
hard drives, and external storage devices for known
data-mining, advertising, and tracking components.
Ad-aware can easily clean your system, allowing you to
maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the
Web.
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Spybot Search and
Destroy
Free
software scans your computer for adware and spyware
threats and removes them. We recommend you use
this program in conjunction with Ad-Aware. We
recommend that you don't enable the "teatimer" option
this program offers. It is a handy feature, but is
not yet user-friendly enough for most users.
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SpywareBlaster
This is
an excellent free program that works in conjunction with
your web browser. It prevents the installation of
ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers,
dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests. It
blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and
Mozilla/Firefox. It also restricts the actions of
potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.
SpywareBlaster is easy to update except when there is a
new version, which requires reinstallation.
Regardless, we recommend you use it.
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Windows Defender
This is
a software product from Microsoft designed to prevent,
remove and quarantine spyware in Microsoft Windows.
It is part of Windows Vista and available as a free
download for Windows XP. Windows Defender not only
features scanning of the system similar to other free
products on the market, but also includes a number of
real-time security agents that monitor several common
areas of Windows for changes which may be caused by
spyware. It also includes the ability to easily
remove ActiveX applications that are installed. |
Don't confuse spyware
with computer viruses. They are NOT the same thing. You
should have software to protect your computer against both types of
threats. As with antivirus software, install these programs and
update and run them regularly.
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Consider Using an Alternative Web Browser
Once a piece of software
gains enough public acceptance, it becomes the target of the Internet's
"black hat" community. Internet Explorer is a perfect example of
such a target. You will find that alternative web browsers perform
very well unless your corporate intranet or a particular website
requires Internet Explorer.
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Firefox
Firefox
includes a host of features including tabbed browsing,
and built-in and customizable search bars. This
browser is the one that is putting a dent in Internet
Explorer's control of the browser market. It is fast and stable with an
array of advanced browsing options. Widespread
adoption of this browser will certainly cause it to
become a target in the future, but security concerns are
at the forefront of Firefox's development team.
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Opera
Opera's
features include a pop-up blocker, multiple-window
navigation, keyboard shortcuts, and integrated search.
Users can run multiple windows as well as personalize
the user interface. Opera also contains special
elements for users with disabilities, user profiles, and
a variety of other features. |
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Keep Your
Computer
Updated |
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Keep your operating system and software
up to date with the latest patches.
Although you can set most software to
update automatically, be proactive and
make sure your operating system and
security software are up to date.
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Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams |
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Identity theft on the Internet commonly
takes place in the form of a Phishing
scam. These scams occur when you
are solicited with a official-looking
email that asks you to visit a
fraudulent (yet realistic looking)
website where an impostor can collect
your personal information. Do
yourself a favor and take a few minutes
to check out SonicWall's
Phishing Email IQ Test to learn how
susceptible you may be to a phishing
scam. |
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