Virus Protection

Virus protection is essential. Studies show that nine out of every ten computers, without proper virus protection, are compromised within seven minutes of connecting to the Internet.  Good virus protection can be purchased at any discount store that sells software, or over the Internet. There are also many free virus protection software titles that can be obtained through the Internet.

Anti-Spyware

Virus protection does not catch spyware, in most cases. Therefore, you also need anti-spyware protection. This can be purchased, or downloaded for free. It will find and delete most spyware and adware from your system, but it may not automatically do so – which means that you need to make it a habit to run the anti-spyware software on a regular basis to see if there actually is spyware or adware on your system.

Anti-Trojan Horse

Virus protection also often fails to detect Trojan horses. Trojan horses are used to send passwords and other vital information to the creator of the malicious Trojan horse from your computer. Anti-Trojan horse software is available, and should be run at all times. Some anti-Trojan horse software does not run automatically, and you must remember to start it up, and run it on your system.

Firewall Protection

A firewall is used to keep people from actually accessing your computer through one of your open ports. It often just stops such attempts without notifying you that anything is going on. When a hacker is able to bypass your firewall protection, an alarm is usually sounded on your computer. Most computers come standard with firewall protection – make sure yours has it.

Downloads

Downloads can be dangerous. They may contain viruses, adware, spyware, or Trojan horses. When you download files from the Internet, it is important that you only open files that came from trusted sources. Purchased downloads are usually safe, but downloads from friends may be infected without your friend even knowing about it. Use caution, and scan downloads with your virus scanner and Trojan horse scanner before opening.

Instant Messages

Text messages themselves are often safe, but strangers who contact you by IM should be avoided. Set your security to reject messages from people that are not on your contact list. Also, avoid receiving files – even from friends – through instant messengers. These files, including pictures, may be infected with viruses or Trojan horses without your friend’s knowledge. No files should be accepted from a stranger.

Email Attachments

Email attachments pose high security risks. If you don’t know the person that sent you the email, don’t open the attachment. Use your virus scanner and Trojan horse scanner to scan all email attachments before opening them. Your virus scanner should be scanning all incoming and outgoing email.

Passwords

Don’t use common words, or identifying information – such as birthdays or kids initials - for passwords. Instead, use strong passwords that include a combination of both numbers and letters. These numbers and letters should have no connection with your life. When hackers start trying to guess passwords, they start with what they know about you.

System Updates

Keep your operating system, as well as any software you use updated with the newest version. Software makers continuously check their software for bugs and security holes, and write new programs to fix the problems – this makes the newest versions of the software more stable and secure than the older versions. Check for updates frequently.