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Showing posts with label internet security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet security. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
How to Prevent Identity Theft
Internet banking is a piece of cake for all those who know how to handle it. Free online bill-payment, the 'next day’ bank to bank funds transfer and much more, are some of its features that make your life so much easier. But, with this bliss you may also invite a serious trouble. One of the worst things that could happen to you is someone using your identity to borrow money from creditors and stealing money from your bank accounts. This is called Identity theft.
One would only need two pieces of your personal information to impersonate you: your date of birth (DOB) and your Social Security Number (SSN). Technically, these are the keys to your bank accounts, credit files, credit cards, health information and everything. No matter how fool proof banking might be these days you are ALWAYS at a risk of being a victim of Identity theft.
More Information at: www.ehow.com
One would only need two pieces of your personal information to impersonate you: your date of birth (DOB) and your Social Security Number (SSN). Technically, these are the keys to your bank accounts, credit files, credit cards, health information and everything. No matter how fool proof banking might be these days you are ALWAYS at a risk of being a victim of Identity theft.
More Information at: www.ehow.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
Spyware The Peeping Toms of the Web
While the internet is a great tool for research, or for just keeping in touch with e-mail or looking for a perfect gift, there is an annoying problem that is becoming increasingly dangerous for your computer. While everyone understands what a computer virus does, many people are still relatively unaware of the problem that is Spyware.
Spyware is another word for Advertising Supported software (Adware). There are several large media companies that place banner ads and pop-ups on certain web pages in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This is the front for the more harmful Spyware that almost always comes along with it behind the scenes. While the banner placement may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home" and using your Internet connection to report on everything on your computer and everywhere you go, and then reports this information back to the source program. While every site you may visit may have a privacy policy about not sharing information, the fact remains that someone put a program on your PC that is sending non-stop information about you and your surfing habits to someone else.
Although Spyware is something that because of its very nature seems like it should be illegal, it actually is not, though there are obviously major privacy issues. Spyware also has a tendency to open your computer up to receiving more computer viruses, which is another reason why someone should look at removing any Spyware from their computer. Spyware detection and removal software often comes with security software like Norton or MacAfee, but there are also plenty of programs out there that exist for the specific purpose of finding and removing Spyware. Any detailed research will help you find programs that you can download to your computer in order to take care of these problems.
There is also the type of Spyware that can be intentionally downloaded to a computer. This type is most often used by parents or guardians to get a monthly report to find out all the various web sites people in their household have visited over the past month. In some Christian circles, a particular type of Spyware has become popular, where a certain group of friends will receive a monthly list of every web site visited in the past month, as an “accountability” thing. Otherwise, most Spyware is best removed from a computer as soon as it is found.
Spyware is another word for Advertising Supported software (Adware). There are several large media companies that place banner ads and pop-ups on certain web pages in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This is the front for the more harmful Spyware that almost always comes along with it behind the scenes. While the banner placement may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home" and using your Internet connection to report on everything on your computer and everywhere you go, and then reports this information back to the source program. While every site you may visit may have a privacy policy about not sharing information, the fact remains that someone put a program on your PC that is sending non-stop information about you and your surfing habits to someone else.
Although Spyware is something that because of its very nature seems like it should be illegal, it actually is not, though there are obviously major privacy issues. Spyware also has a tendency to open your computer up to receiving more computer viruses, which is another reason why someone should look at removing any Spyware from their computer. Spyware detection and removal software often comes with security software like Norton or MacAfee, but there are also plenty of programs out there that exist for the specific purpose of finding and removing Spyware. Any detailed research will help you find programs that you can download to your computer in order to take care of these problems.
There is also the type of Spyware that can be intentionally downloaded to a computer. This type is most often used by parents or guardians to get a monthly report to find out all the various web sites people in their household have visited over the past month. In some Christian circles, a particular type of Spyware has become popular, where a certain group of friends will receive a monthly list of every web site visited in the past month, as an “accountability” thing. Otherwise, most Spyware is best removed from a computer as soon as it is found.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Check The Internet Forecast Before You Go Online
According to a recent survey conducted by the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), more computer users are becoming increasingly insecure about using the Internet. Forty-eight percent of those surveyed avoid making purchases on the Internet because they are afraid their financial information might be stolen. Fewer than one in five of the 1,150 U.S. adults surveyed believed that existing laws can protect them from fraud, identity theft and other crimes on the Internet. More than two-thirds (70 percent) want Congress to pass stronger data- protection legislation.
Consumers have clearly taken notice of Internet threats and scams, but there have been few resources they can use to understand what the immediate risks are and what they can do to more safely participate in their favorite online activities. Consumers want to be informed of the risk levels associated with common online activities and the precautions they can take to protect themselves. One such tool is The Symantec Internet Threat Meter, which helps computer users become aware of the most recent Internet threats and educates them about the steps they can take to safeguard their computers and personal data while online.
While high-profile computer worms and other online attacks are not as visible as they have been in the past, Internet threats have changed shape and present even more risks to consumers. Today's threats spread in many ways-through Web sites, instant messaging and e-mail-but use more silent, targeted methods than before. Many attacks are launched with criminal intent to steal users' personal data or to take over computers in order to launch targeted attacks that result in financial gain for cybercriminals.
The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by taking an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities-e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging and file sharing--on a low-, medium- or high-risk level based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks and spam.
Consumers want to feel more confident about their security when they are online, whether they are communicating via e-mail, conducting financial transactions on the Internet, chatting over instant messaging or sharing files. Just as prepared travelers check the weather forecast for their destination city, consumers who are online now have a tool they can use to help them prepare for a safe and productive experience on the Internet.
Consumers have clearly taken notice of Internet threats and scams, but there have been few resources they can use to understand what the immediate risks are and what they can do to more safely participate in their favorite online activities. Consumers want to be informed of the risk levels associated with common online activities and the precautions they can take to protect themselves. One such tool is The Symantec Internet Threat Meter, which helps computer users become aware of the most recent Internet threats and educates them about the steps they can take to safeguard their computers and personal data while online.
While high-profile computer worms and other online attacks are not as visible as they have been in the past, Internet threats have changed shape and present even more risks to consumers. Today's threats spread in many ways-through Web sites, instant messaging and e-mail-but use more silent, targeted methods than before. Many attacks are launched with criminal intent to steal users' personal data or to take over computers in order to launch targeted attacks that result in financial gain for cybercriminals.
The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by taking an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities-e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging and file sharing--on a low-, medium- or high-risk level based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks and spam.
Consumers want to feel more confident about their security when they are online, whether they are communicating via e-mail, conducting financial transactions on the Internet, chatting over instant messaging or sharing files. Just as prepared travelers check the weather forecast for their destination city, consumers who are online now have a tool they can use to help them prepare for a safe and productive experience on the Internet.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Top 5 Reasons to Choose An Internet Filtering Appliance Over Software
The need for organizations to monitor and control Internet usage in the workplace should be an accepted fact of doing business in a cyber-connected world. Statistics indicating that 30 to 40 percent of Internet use in the workplace is unrelated to work issues should come as no surprise. Neither should the report that 90 percent of employee computers harbor as many as 30 spyware programs. In fact, studies indicate that companies may be incurring average costs of $5,000 per year per employee in lost productivity due to Internet abuse. Other data suggest that as much as 72% of employees are downloading music and video clips, eroding bandwidth and leaving networks open to spyware and other malicious agents.
As these dramatic statistics show, the need for organizations to manage their Internet access should be a baseline requirement. But how do organizations choose from the wide range of filters available to them? Perhaps one of the first decisions they will to make is between a software-based filtering solution and dedicated filtering appliance.
Both appliance and software-based options offer standard functionality -- they monitor Internet activity, block site access, automatically enforce corporate Acceptable Usage Policy guidelines and report inappropriate behavior. However, upon closer examination, there are some important and compelling reasons to choose an appliance-based solution.
An overview of the advantages of an appliance over software when it comes to handling your organization’s Internet access include these basic five categories:
• Security
• Stability
• Accuracy & Reliability
• Maintenance
• TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
Because software-based filtering solutions must integrate with your OS, you cannot be assured that the complexity will not cause security and stability problems. Filters that are software–based can degrade performance because they share resources with their hosts and performance degradation can increase in conjunction with load. It’s hard to scale a software-based filter because more users create increased loads on the host systems. A dedicated Internet filtering appliance uses pass-by technology to check website and IM requests against a list that is updated automatically. If the request matches a name on the list that is not allowed, a denial is sent back to the requester and no bandwidth is utilized.
The dedicated resource of an appliance and its pass-by technology will prevent network slowdowns as well as single-points of failure on the system. The accuracy and reliability of an appliance-based Internet filter is maintained through fluid updates to the system. Software has to ‘check’ every single request, creating a bottleneck that it is a single point of failure. If the bottleneck becomes overwhelmed or crashes, no Internet traffic will be able to pass into or out of the company.
In terms of time and cost, a dedicated Internet filtering appliance requires less maintenance than a software-based filtering system. The database is maintained on the appliance filtering device, where it can be updated automatically with new sites, protocols and even port activities in order to block port-hopping servers. Software filters require manual updates and again, require all traffic to travel through that one single point of failure.
The cost of maintaining both is measured by what each type of service provides. While investing in an Internet filtering appliance may not be feasible for a very small company with only a handful of employees, software based programs are not scaled for handling large loads. The costs of failing software filters are more likely to impact a company’s revenues than the investment in an Internet filtering appliance.
The ultimate task of a Web filter is to filter both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. The Web filtering solution you choose must be able to protect employees from visiting sites that do not match the Acceptable Usage Policy while also protecting the company from the financial, legal and security ramifications of employee Internet activity. An appliance-based Internet filter protects a company’s assets, reputation, employees and their bandwidth in one package.
As these dramatic statistics show, the need for organizations to manage their Internet access should be a baseline requirement. But how do organizations choose from the wide range of filters available to them? Perhaps one of the first decisions they will to make is between a software-based filtering solution and dedicated filtering appliance.
Both appliance and software-based options offer standard functionality -- they monitor Internet activity, block site access, automatically enforce corporate Acceptable Usage Policy guidelines and report inappropriate behavior. However, upon closer examination, there are some important and compelling reasons to choose an appliance-based solution.
An overview of the advantages of an appliance over software when it comes to handling your organization’s Internet access include these basic five categories:
• Security
• Stability
• Accuracy & Reliability
• Maintenance
• TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
Because software-based filtering solutions must integrate with your OS, you cannot be assured that the complexity will not cause security and stability problems. Filters that are software–based can degrade performance because they share resources with their hosts and performance degradation can increase in conjunction with load. It’s hard to scale a software-based filter because more users create increased loads on the host systems. A dedicated Internet filtering appliance uses pass-by technology to check website and IM requests against a list that is updated automatically. If the request matches a name on the list that is not allowed, a denial is sent back to the requester and no bandwidth is utilized.
The dedicated resource of an appliance and its pass-by technology will prevent network slowdowns as well as single-points of failure on the system. The accuracy and reliability of an appliance-based Internet filter is maintained through fluid updates to the system. Software has to ‘check’ every single request, creating a bottleneck that it is a single point of failure. If the bottleneck becomes overwhelmed or crashes, no Internet traffic will be able to pass into or out of the company.
In terms of time and cost, a dedicated Internet filtering appliance requires less maintenance than a software-based filtering system. The database is maintained on the appliance filtering device, where it can be updated automatically with new sites, protocols and even port activities in order to block port-hopping servers. Software filters require manual updates and again, require all traffic to travel through that one single point of failure.
The cost of maintaining both is measured by what each type of service provides. While investing in an Internet filtering appliance may not be feasible for a very small company with only a handful of employees, software based programs are not scaled for handling large loads. The costs of failing software filters are more likely to impact a company’s revenues than the investment in an Internet filtering appliance.
The ultimate task of a Web filter is to filter both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. The Web filtering solution you choose must be able to protect employees from visiting sites that do not match the Acceptable Usage Policy while also protecting the company from the financial, legal and security ramifications of employee Internet activity. An appliance-based Internet filter protects a company’s assets, reputation, employees and their bandwidth in one package.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Basic Guide To Internet Security
The internet is a wonderful place; many of us use it on a regular basis for a multitude of functions. Email helps us to keep in touch with family, and friends all over the world and most people have at least one email account. The growing use of digital cameras and camera phones means that we can send pictures at the click of a mouse. MP3 players have become increasingly popular, and we can download songs to play on them with extreme ease. All of this is great, and the internet is becoming a big part of our everyday lives.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to all of this increased use of the internet. That is the growth of the spread of viruses and other so-called ‘malware’. Originally, internet hackers were satisfied keeping their attentions focussed on government and business websites, and their viruses were intended to attack corporations. Most hackers saw this as a challenge. However, there is now an increasing trend towards home computer users being targeted by these attacks. The amount of damage that can be caused by a virus varies, but there are a number of easy steps that a person can take to help increase their internet security.
The first step to keeping your computer free from viruses is to have up-to-date antivirus software running on your computer. You need to make regular checks to ensure that your software is updated, and to scan your entire computer for viruses. There are a number of cheap, and free antivirus software programs available that provide excellent protection. You can find these by searching through your search engine for antivirus software.
The next step to maintain your internet security is to be extremely cautious about the type of files that you open, or download. The majority of viruses are actually spread through email attachments. Having these on your computer, in your inbox, is not the danger; the real danger is when you open the attachment. It may not be obvious that anything has happened when you first open the attachment containing the virus, quite often they appear blank. The damage is caused by the program that is activated within the attachment. If you do not know, and trust, the person who has sent you the attachment then delete the email.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to all of this increased use of the internet. That is the growth of the spread of viruses and other so-called ‘malware’. Originally, internet hackers were satisfied keeping their attentions focussed on government and business websites, and their viruses were intended to attack corporations. Most hackers saw this as a challenge. However, there is now an increasing trend towards home computer users being targeted by these attacks. The amount of damage that can be caused by a virus varies, but there are a number of easy steps that a person can take to help increase their internet security.
The first step to keeping your computer free from viruses is to have up-to-date antivirus software running on your computer. You need to make regular checks to ensure that your software is updated, and to scan your entire computer for viruses. There are a number of cheap, and free antivirus software programs available that provide excellent protection. You can find these by searching through your search engine for antivirus software.
The next step to maintain your internet security is to be extremely cautious about the type of files that you open, or download. The majority of viruses are actually spread through email attachments. Having these on your computer, in your inbox, is not the danger; the real danger is when you open the attachment. It may not be obvious that anything has happened when you first open the attachment containing the virus, quite often they appear blank. The damage is caused by the program that is activated within the attachment. If you do not know, and trust, the person who has sent you the attachment then delete the email.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Intrusion Prevention - IT Risk Management
Intrusion Prevention solutions detect and eliminate content-based threats from email, viruses, worms, intrusions, etc. in real time without degrading network performance. They detect and eliminate the most damaging, content-based threats from email and Web traffic such as viruses, worms, intrusions, inappropriate Web content and more in real time - without degrading network performance.
Today's global information infrastructure faces possible huge financial losses caused by ineffective Intrusion Prevention. Among the most vulnerable technologies are Providers of VoIP, video teleconferencing and data over cellular networks. While these providers have integrated into their products, the need for new Intrusion Prevention solutions is constant. Here are some of the area in which Intrusion Prevention offers effective solutions.
Instant Messaging - Intrusion Prevention
The real-time, interactive nature of Instant Messaging makes it a valuable tool for business partners, customers and fellow employees. The breach of security opportunities created by the use of IM must be managed for given its postion as a widely accepted business communications tool.
Real Time Vulnerability - Intrusion Prevention
Real Time Vulnerability Protection Suite breaks away from the reactive method of chasing attacks after they happen to eliminating and protecting vulnerabilities on your systems. By protecting against known and unknown vulnerabilities, you can ensure data reliablity and sercurity.
Network Infrastructure - Intrusion Prevention
Intrusion Prevention protect the network infrastructure to carry on your business without disruption. Enterprise level solutions offer effectevie network intrusion prevention solutions (IPS) within the context of your company's comprehensive security policy.
Email - Intrusion Prevention
Financial Companies, manufactures, retailers, etc. use intrusion prevention to scan messages and attachments for viruses. Together with "preemptive" email security approach, effective intrusion prevention offers the best protection from spam and virus attacks.
Application Level Attacks - Intrusion Prevention
A successful denial of service attack can put a corporate website off line for hours or more. Intrusion Prevention products offer the best protection against application level attacks and secure all networked applications, users and server resources.
Large Enterprises - Intrusion Prevention
Large Enterprises with widely dispersed Carrier & Data Center Networks need specially built high-performance security gateway Intrusion Prevention with proven firewall and IPSec VPN to deliver scalable network and application level security. Intrusion prevention protects the enterprise against the seemingly insignificant worm, virus, trojan, etc. that can topple its network.
Today's global information infrastructure faces possible huge financial losses caused by ineffective Intrusion Prevention. Among the most vulnerable technologies are Providers of VoIP, video teleconferencing and data over cellular networks. While these providers have integrated into their products, the need for new Intrusion Prevention solutions is constant. Here are some of the area in which Intrusion Prevention offers effective solutions.
Instant Messaging - Intrusion Prevention
The real-time, interactive nature of Instant Messaging makes it a valuable tool for business partners, customers and fellow employees. The breach of security opportunities created by the use of IM must be managed for given its postion as a widely accepted business communications tool.
Real Time Vulnerability - Intrusion Prevention
Real Time Vulnerability Protection Suite breaks away from the reactive method of chasing attacks after they happen to eliminating and protecting vulnerabilities on your systems. By protecting against known and unknown vulnerabilities, you can ensure data reliablity and sercurity.
Network Infrastructure - Intrusion Prevention
Intrusion Prevention protect the network infrastructure to carry on your business without disruption. Enterprise level solutions offer effectevie network intrusion prevention solutions (IPS) within the context of your company's comprehensive security policy.
Email - Intrusion Prevention
Financial Companies, manufactures, retailers, etc. use intrusion prevention to scan messages and attachments for viruses. Together with "preemptive" email security approach, effective intrusion prevention offers the best protection from spam and virus attacks.
Application Level Attacks - Intrusion Prevention
A successful denial of service attack can put a corporate website off line for hours or more. Intrusion Prevention products offer the best protection against application level attacks and secure all networked applications, users and server resources.
Large Enterprises - Intrusion Prevention
Large Enterprises with widely dispersed Carrier & Data Center Networks need specially built high-performance security gateway Intrusion Prevention with proven firewall and IPSec VPN to deliver scalable network and application level security. Intrusion prevention protects the enterprise against the seemingly insignificant worm, virus, trojan, etc. that can topple its network.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Identity Theft – Who is ‘phishing’ for your information?
There’s a new type of internet piracy called ‘phishing’ (pronounced ‘fishing’). Internet thieves are ‘fishing’ for your personal information. They’re looking for ways to trick you into giving out your Social Security Number, credit card number and other personal information that they can use to their advantage. You could become a victim of identity theft that could take years to clear your financial history and personal reputation. But understanding how these internet thieves work, will help you to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
How do these thieves get your information?
Typically, you might receive an email from a company that you are familiar with that looks ‘real’. It has the company logo, they may call you by name, and the tone of the email is that they are looking out for your best interests. This email will warn you of some imminent danger to your account or credit card and that you need to take action immediately or you will suffer dire consequences. There will be a link (underlined writing usually in blue) for you to click on that will take you to their website. And guess what? The website they take you to will look like the real thing with the company logo and all.
Next, you will be asked to ‘verify’ your account, password, or credit card information. If you ever find yourself here, STOP! Do nothing. Do not fill in any personal information. Immediately exit from this website and delete the phony email that you received.
How to know that this is a ‘phishing’ email.
If you did not email this company asking for information about your account or for help with a problem, be suspicious. If you are still not sure because it looks so ‘real’, call the company yourself and ask. You can find these phone numbers on your monthly statement. If it is after hours and no one is there to take your call, wait until the next day when you can reach someone. Don’t fall for the ‘imminent danger’ message and feel that you have to take action immediately. ‘Phishers’ are hoping that you will take immediate action – don’t panic and let them trick you into clicking on their link.
What can you do?
Never give someone your password over the internet or phone when it is an unsolicited request. Your credit card company knows what your password and credit card number is. They don’t need to ask you for it.
Likewise, your bank knows what your account number and social security number, they won’t ask you to repeat it verbally over the phone.
Review all of your monthly statements every month as soon as they arrive. Check for charges that you never made. If your statement is ever late in arriving in the mail, call and ask why. Protect yourself from these would-be thieves. Don’t let them take your identity! Please remember to Bookmark www.wheatgrass-fountain-of-youth.info now! Thanks for visiting.
How do these thieves get your information?
Typically, you might receive an email from a company that you are familiar with that looks ‘real’. It has the company logo, they may call you by name, and the tone of the email is that they are looking out for your best interests. This email will warn you of some imminent danger to your account or credit card and that you need to take action immediately or you will suffer dire consequences. There will be a link (underlined writing usually in blue) for you to click on that will take you to their website. And guess what? The website they take you to will look like the real thing with the company logo and all.
Next, you will be asked to ‘verify’ your account, password, or credit card information. If you ever find yourself here, STOP! Do nothing. Do not fill in any personal information. Immediately exit from this website and delete the phony email that you received.
How to know that this is a ‘phishing’ email.
If you did not email this company asking for information about your account or for help with a problem, be suspicious. If you are still not sure because it looks so ‘real’, call the company yourself and ask. You can find these phone numbers on your monthly statement. If it is after hours and no one is there to take your call, wait until the next day when you can reach someone. Don’t fall for the ‘imminent danger’ message and feel that you have to take action immediately. ‘Phishers’ are hoping that you will take immediate action – don’t panic and let them trick you into clicking on their link.
What can you do?
Never give someone your password over the internet or phone when it is an unsolicited request. Your credit card company knows what your password and credit card number is. They don’t need to ask you for it.
Likewise, your bank knows what your account number and social security number, they won’t ask you to repeat it verbally over the phone.
Review all of your monthly statements every month as soon as they arrive. Check for charges that you never made. If your statement is ever late in arriving in the mail, call and ask why. Protect yourself from these would-be thieves. Don’t let them take your identity! Please remember to Bookmark www.wheatgrass-fountain-of-youth.info now! Thanks for visiting.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Internet Security: The Secure Free Option
This high speed revolution has increased the swiftness of accessibility for unscrupulous hackers to upload private information quickly and easily, through your home internet connection.
With the threat of viruses, identity fraud, phishing, spyware and keyloggers, never has it been more important to protect the valuable contents of your home computer.
There are many types of internet security software out there, which offer varying ranges of performance when it comes to security. The most popular software requires the computer owner to purchase a license and download the software over the internet or buy the software from a reputable computer outlet for a set fee which includes 12 months of free updates, with a view to paying a further fee every 12 months to keep this update service going, this for some computer owners can be a slightly expensive encounter and can put owners off placing that all important security software on their home computer.
Is there a FREE and secure alternative? The answer I’m happy to say is yes.
Home internet security comes in four main categories of protection, Spyware Protection, Anti-Virus Protection, Firewall Protection and Windows Updates.
Spyware Protection
Spybot found at www.spybot.info is an excellent free spyware removal tool which helps clear your system of any threats from Adware, Keyloggers, Malware etc, the program is very easy to use and updates can be downloaded for free and are updated on a regular basis to help make sure you are protected.
Anti-virus Protection
Avast! Anti-virus found at www.avast.com is a more than adequate anti-virus protection, registration is absolutely free for home and small business users and just requires the user to register once every twelve months, which is a very small burden especially when you can download virus definitions and program updates totally free.
Firewall Protection
Sygate Personal Firewall found at www.sygate.com is again a totally free for home and small business users personal firewall, the setup of the program is very user friendly and can easily be setup by someone with little computer knowledge. The protection is highly suitable and very secure.
Windows Update
All computer users should make it their fortnightly chore to visit the Windows update service and download the latest security patches, these are most important to cover any floors which have been discovered in Microsoft applications. You can also switch the update to automatic, so when important downloads are available windows will download them using low bandwidth, so not to disturb your internet browsing.
CONCLUSION
Internet security is a high priority for all computer users, and whether this service is paid for or users wish to take advantage of the three excellent and secure software programs above for free, that is completely up to the individual. Some sort of internet security is better than none at all.
With the threat of viruses, identity fraud, phishing, spyware and keyloggers, never has it been more important to protect the valuable contents of your home computer.
There are many types of internet security software out there, which offer varying ranges of performance when it comes to security. The most popular software requires the computer owner to purchase a license and download the software over the internet or buy the software from a reputable computer outlet for a set fee which includes 12 months of free updates, with a view to paying a further fee every 12 months to keep this update service going, this for some computer owners can be a slightly expensive encounter and can put owners off placing that all important security software on their home computer.
Is there a FREE and secure alternative? The answer I’m happy to say is yes.
Home internet security comes in four main categories of protection, Spyware Protection, Anti-Virus Protection, Firewall Protection and Windows Updates.
Spyware Protection
Spybot found at www.spybot.info is an excellent free spyware removal tool which helps clear your system of any threats from Adware, Keyloggers, Malware etc, the program is very easy to use and updates can be downloaded for free and are updated on a regular basis to help make sure you are protected.
Anti-virus Protection
Avast! Anti-virus found at www.avast.com is a more than adequate anti-virus protection, registration is absolutely free for home and small business users and just requires the user to register once every twelve months, which is a very small burden especially when you can download virus definitions and program updates totally free.
Firewall Protection
Sygate Personal Firewall found at www.sygate.com is again a totally free for home and small business users personal firewall, the setup of the program is very user friendly and can easily be setup by someone with little computer knowledge. The protection is highly suitable and very secure.
Windows Update
All computer users should make it their fortnightly chore to visit the Windows update service and download the latest security patches, these are most important to cover any floors which have been discovered in Microsoft applications. You can also switch the update to automatic, so when important downloads are available windows will download them using low bandwidth, so not to disturb your internet browsing.
CONCLUSION
Internet security is a high priority for all computer users, and whether this service is paid for or users wish to take advantage of the three excellent and secure software programs above for free, that is completely up to the individual. Some sort of internet security is better than none at all.
