Security

Let’s talk about Computer Security.  I will be giving an overview on the basic components of a good security plan. There is a lot of information to discuss in this topic, so I will cover each of the requirements listed below in weekly installments.

Here are eight security requirements and recommendations which all computers should have.

Firewalls – Every computer that connects to the Internet MUST have a firewall.  There are internal and external firewalls.  Internal are found in most anti-virus software and they serve their purpose.  External firewalls are considered hardware and they are connected via router or any other network device. They add more security and make it harder to hack into.  It’s a good idea to have one of each type. Also, if you have a router in your home, create a password for your router. This will block any intruders trying to get into your network.

Anti-Virus Software – Every computer should have anti-virus software installed.  Additionally, it must keep current.  Most anti-virus software packages offer many features you can activate to keep your computer protected.  There are many software companies who sell these products it depends which software and features are right for you.

Email Security – Email attachments may contain viruses so it’s important to know that you can be vulnerable if a virus is linked to an attachment.   You can set up your email security by blocking certain words in the subject line that make up a SPAM email.  The rule of thumb is NEVER open an email by someone you don’t know or looks like SPAM.

Browser Security – Only browse the internet with a safe browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and change the security settings to make it more secure.

Anti – Spyware/Adware – In addition to the anti- virus software, spyware and adware software will also help detect any threats that might have been overlooked. Having an anti-virus and spyware software may slow down your PC a little, but it is worth the peace of mind.  You can download some good spyware/adware from trusted sites on the Internet.

Downloads – Be careful about downloading and installing programs from the Internet, especially free ones.  Download software from only a trusted website.  If you do a lot of downloading, try downloading the program to your hard drive first then install the program from there.  This way the anti-virus software will scan the program for threats before installing it on your hard drive.

Email Confidentiality – Keep your email address confidential and NEVER post an email address in an unsecured webpage on the Internet.  This will reduce the chances of getting SPAM emails.  Use a different email address to those sites you can trust.  Also be aware of how retailers may use your email.  Some very well-known retailers have been known to sell email addresses.

Hyperlinks – Be careful of malicious hyperlinks.  Malicious hyperlinks are web links that look like they will take you to a particular site such as eBay but in reality they will take you to another site.  Manually type the address of the site you want to go to rather than clicking on the link in the email.

Please feel free to forward this information to others.  If you would like to learn more on this topic or would like to request an area of technology you are interested in, please send me an email.