The 10 Computer and Internet Security Rules
Keep computer viruses and
spyware out
– There are hundreds of new viruses created every month. Some are relatively
harmless, but most are designed to delete files, compromise your
confidential information, or damage your operating system. Both PCs and Macs
are vulnerable, and the latest generation of viruses can even spread without
human intervention. The best Internet Security step to stop them is
installing the best antivirus software and update it regularly. Same applies
to spyware.
Block hackers and intruders with a firewall
– There are hackers lurking in every corner of the web. Some are teenagers
with minor technical skill, some are pranksters, and some are just vandals.
But they all have a lot of help; there are at least 30,000 web sites
dedicated to helping hackers. Hackers can delete personal information, and
even use your personal computer to send SPAM. A firewall separates your
computer from the Internet and decides what gets in or out. Firewalls are
the most effective Internet Security defense against other intruders. Most
Internet Security Software products contain a Firewall feature.
Be careful when opening
email and attachments–Most
of us get dozens, if not hundreds, of unsolicited emails. Some, even the
ones from friends or co-workers, can carry a virus, worm, or Trojan horse
that can wreck a computer. The rule of thumb is: If you get an email from
someone you don’t recognize, or if the subject line or the purpose seems
questionable -- don't open it. Instead, delete the email and any
attachments.
Be selective about what you
download and from which sites – Part of the fun of surfing the Internet is
downloading games, applications, and other kinds of software, but they're
often the source of viruses and other malware. Be selective about what you
download, and update and run your anti virus protection regularly and make
sure your Internet
Security Software is activated and monitoring
your computer.
Choose a password that's
better than "password", it has to be complex today
– Passwords are one of your first lines of defense for Internet Security.
Make it difficult for hackers to guess. An ideal password is a combination
of letters and numbers and contains a minimum of eight characters. You
should avoid easily guessed combinations like addresses and birth dates. And
it's a good idea to change your passwords every three months or so.
Don't let your web browser
remember your personal information, turn such options off
– Your web browser may offer to remember frequently used passwords and
credit card numbers. Although it may make online shopping or banking a
little easier, you should decline the offer. Having the potentially costly
data stored on your computer means it could be accessible to hackers all
over the world.
Protect your kids online,
watch them and what they do on the Internet
– On the Internet,
your children may be exposed to objectionable material. Or they may be
tricked by others into directly giving personal information. You can monitor
your kids' online activities by putting the computer in a family room
instead of the bedroom. Install the best
Internet security software that blocks
access to objectionable material and potentially dangerous services.
Keep your private life
private, you don't know people out there
Even though you may develop friendships online with people, be aware that
the people you're communicating with might not be who you think they are.
Never give out personal information (such as phone numbers or where your
kids go to school) via online forums like instant messages, email, and web
forms.
Backup your computer,
regularly, both data and OS configuration
– One way you can keep your valuable information safe is to keep a backup of
it. These days, high-capacity disk drives and CDs can quickly copy your
valuable files onto a removable disk or CD-ROM that you can store in a
different location.
Update your Internet security software regularly, upgrade to new versions – OK, you've installed some Internet security software. But hackers are a productive group, constantly creating and spreading new viruses. In order to stop the latest attacks you'll need to schedule regular updates for your computer's Internet security, preferably once a week or more. Updating Internet Security Software can easily be done online. You can even schedule updates to run automatically.
