|
Protecting Your Computer
|
By Jeff Usher
[Hits: 8291]
|
|
If you surf the internet you have to take precautions so thatyour computer and the data does not get compromised.
If you buy items online, surf the internet or use email thenhere are several tips to keeping your computer and your personalinformation secure.
Many people find it very easy to safeguard themselves byinstalling antivirus protection. Most antivirus protectionsoftware protects your computer from known viruses and Trojanhorses. If a new virus is detected, your virus software willautomatically download the new definition so that your computerwill be safe.
Trojan horses are tiny programs that are downloadedinadvertently from the web. These small programs look forpersonal information and secretly upload it to a database. Manycomputer users have lost personal and financial information withthe use of Trojan Horses.
One of the most damaging of all malicious software is the backdoor Trojan virus. Unlike many other types of malicious code,the back door Trojan virus is designed specifically to takeadvantage of vulnerabilities in the operating system such asWindows. The virus uses a back door into the computer too stealpersonal information, wipe files, or do other types of damage.To make matters worse, some of these back door Trojan horsesdisguise themselves and hide from anti virus software. Some areeven intelligent enough to disable and render unusable your antivirus and firewall software.
You should also protect your computer from Spyware. Spyware is atiny program that is downloaded usually when you downloadanother program for free off the web. Spyware can be veryirritating. Spyware keeps records of what your search for onlineand then sends you advertisements. Spyware can be difficult toerase.
It is also vital to protect yourself from Spoof emails. Spoofemails look like real emails from Ebay, Paypal, Banks and bigcredit card companies, but they are fake. Most spoof emails askyou to provide a website with financial information and thenthey steal this information. If you receive any emails that askyou for financial details, shut your browser, open up a newbrowser and contact your company's web site personally to see ifthere is a message for you.
Steps you can take to avoid problems with viruses and Trojansinclude being vigilant and paying attention to how your computerappears to be running. If you notice a decrease in performancethat cannot be easily explained, or if you see an icon you donot recognize on the taskbar, it is a good idea to scan yourcomputer and look for problems. Paying attention to your owncomputer, and using your own common sense, is one of the bestways to protect yourself and your computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
