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Computer Safety |
Medium Alert Level |
Computer Intrusions are when your computer is accessed by a person (hacker) or application (virus, spyware) without your knowledge or permission. These intrusions can play havoc with the operation of your computer, destroying your files and data. They may even gather sensitive personal information within these files, or record your passwords and user IDs the next time you access a secure website. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and prevention, you can prevent most intrusion attempts.
Beware of Spyware & Adware
Spyware is a quickly growing problem on the Internet today. Spyware gets into a computer when you download and install a software program on your PC. Spyware can masquerade as a software program offering faster internet speeds, virus scanning, or a wide range of various capabilities or enhancements. Be aware however, that Spyware often rides "piggyback" to a legitimate software application, often without your knowledge. Spyware records your online behavior, including your keystrokes you use while accessing a password protected or secure website, such as online banking. The individual or firm gathering your personal data can then access secure websites containing your financial records and other personal accounts. While not all spyware is malicious, or has criminal intent, it is important to be aware of anything that could compromise the security of your personal information and financial accounts.
Before installing any downloaded software, seek out comments made by other users who have downloaded and installed the program. Their comments can alert you to potential spyware issues or problems. They may even suggest a safer alternative. When downloading or installing any software, carefully read the software user agreement as well as any privacy statements to determine if any of your web browsing activities will be monitored.
Besides recording your web browsing habits, Spyware has been known to cause a reduction in your PC's processing speed, including freezes and crashes.
At the end of this article, you'll find several software programs which can monitor, scan and remove known spyware applications from your computer.
Review Cookies
An Internet "Cookie" gets into your computer by simply visiting a website which inserts the cookie into your web browser. Cookies are usually harmless and are used by a great number of legitimate websites. Web Marketers gather this information to be able to personalize and enhance your web browsing experience based on your preferences as indicated by your web browsing habits. Specific personal identifiable information is rarely gathered or stored.
After a while, too many cookies can begin to slow down your web browsing speed. Fortunately, most web browsers allow you to view the cookies that are installed in your browser. It's recommended that you review these cookies periodically and delete those issued by websites that are rarely visited, or are suspicious.
Use Anti-Virus Scanning and Protection
We also strongly recommend purchasing and installing a reputable virus scanning and protection program. These programs can not only detect a virus, but they can often halt the virus activity immediately and delete it from your system before it causes any problems.
While many people use an anti-virus program they often fail to keep it updated with the latest virus information. While this works for older viruses, it is ineffective against the latest and usually, more common viruses. Since new viruses appear on a weekly basis, it's a good practice to update your anti-virus program weekly. Many of the top programs can even do this automatically.
Use Caution When Opening Email Attachments
Many computer viruses today gain access to a computer as an email attachment. These attachments can even appear to be sent from someone you know. Be cautious of opening any email attachments and NEVER open those from someone you do not know.
Use a Firewall
Most computer systems today include a Firewall Program, yet many users fail to activate it. If you are using your computer to access the Internet, you should activate your Firewall program to help prevent "hackers", from accessing your computer and it's data files while you are online. While no firewall can prevent every intrusion, it can lessen your risk dramatically.
Update Your Web Browser and Operating System
Hackers gain access to a computer by understanding it's operating system as well as the web browser. It takes time for hackers to discover and learn about these security holes. Software engineers do their best to keep ahead of the hackers by providing consumers with frequent updates and security patches which fix these security holes, or introduce better security technology that makes it more difficult to exploit.
Users of Microsoft Windows as well as Macintosh operating systems, provide subscribers with automatically receiving and installation of these security patches and updates.
Users of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Opera, and other web browsers should check with their manufacturers for any updates and upgrades, and download and install those that provide better security.
Resources
- Consumer Education on Computer Safety - Computer security tips from an alliance of government & business organizations.
Website - Symantec Security Check - Test your computer's exposure to online security threats and learn how to make your computer more secure.
Website - Symantec- Antivirus software and intrusion prevention solutions. Makers of Norton Antivirus.
Website - McAfee- Antivirus software and intrusion prevention solutions.
Website - LavaSoft Ad-Aware- The original anti-adware tool. It has a good database of adware and spyware. SE Personal Edition is Free.
Website - Spybot Search & Destroy- Search your hard disk and registry for threats to your security and privacy. Free program. (PepiMK Software)
Website - Spyware Doctor- Detect and remove spyware, adware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, and tracking threats from your PC. (PC Tools Software)
Website - Spy Sweeper- Get protection from harmful spyware that invades your privacy and can lead to identity theft. Free 30 day trial available. (Webroot Software)
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