Nothing can guarantee your computer's security 100 per cent, but there are measures you can take yourself to protect you from predators from stealing your information or monitoring your every move. There are viruses, Trojan horses and worms out there that change day to day. One of the biggest mistakes people can make after installing an anti-virus software is assuming their computer is now safe. An outdated anti-virus is no protection at all. The program has to be updated so that it can recognize new variants of existing viruses. You can configure your anti-virus software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. We give you some tips to stay protected
Obvious Tip 1- Install a firewall. A firewall acts as a barrier between your home computer and the internet. It can help screen out unauthorized access and can log attempts to enter your system.
Obvious Tip 2 - Choose Passwords that are not obvious. Make it difficult for programs that are specially written to crack your password. Don't use words you can find in the dictionary, or obvious things like the name of your child, your pet's name or your month of birth. Have a book with the record of your passwords to different forums or on line magazines ect.
Obvious Tip 3 Be cautious attachments. Don't open e-mails and attachments from people you do not know. Make sure your e-mail program isn't set to automatically download attachments.
Tip 2 Spyware scanners- Spyware are programs that monitor your computer use, or look for personal data stored on your computer. It can be installed on your computer without your knowledge, sometimes through free programs downloaded from the internet, or peer-to-peer file sharing. Some spyware can hijack your home page or redirect your web searches. Others can cause pop-up ads out of the blue. These programs do slow down your computer. Others can record a user's keystrokes and gain access to passwords and financial information.
Tip 3 Having A Secure Wireless Network
Having a wireless network that is not secure is like leaving your doors wide open while you are sleeping at night, with signs that say "robb me" Even if you have a firewall, but do not protect the wireless end of your system, anyone will be able to access your computer or network. Someone with bad motives could use your with malicious intent can use your internet connection to attack other systems, or download illegal material such as child pornography.
Tip 4 Secure your Internet browser under Internet Options. Turn off features that allow automatic downloads, and turn on your browser's built-in security features. Get a blocker to stop those pop-up banners, and don't click on links in those pop-ups.
Tip 5 Make backups of important files onto separate disks. Just don't store it on your computer. If you have sensitive pictures, take them off of your computer. If you have sensitive material, such as financial statements, store them on disk. Not only if your computer crashes, you have a back up disk, but also if by chance someone gains access to your computer there is nothing left to take.
Tip 6. Our electricity bill dropped 20 dollars by turning our computers off while we sleep. To be honest, our older computers took some time to boot in the morning so we figured to leave them going. We got into the habit of turning it off, and not only did our monthly bill drop, but disconnecting our computers from the internet reduced the chance an intruder will be able to access our system.
