5 Security Tips to keep your computer safe

5 Security Tips to keep your computer safe

There are numerous ways in which the security of your computer can be breached. The most common threats come from worms, viruses, Trojans, phishing, hackers and crackers. Potential security breaches can come in the form of downloading unfamiliar email attachments, being monitored by spyware, maliciously attacked by malware, or probed through port scanning.

Here are a few easy steps you can take to immediately protect your computer.

1. Don’t run unfamiliar programs on your computer.

It sounds like common sense, but many of the most prominent attacks have involved spyware and email attachment worms such as Bagle and Netsky. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t download its attachments.

2. Don’t allow unrestricted physical access to your computer.

If you have sensitive or proprietary information on your computer, allowing other employees or family members to use your computer can lead to potential breaches in your computer’s security.

3. Don’t use weak passwords.

Use passwords which are difficult for someone to figure out. People frequently use the names of children, pets, anniversary dates, or birthdays. Because there seems to be a password needed for everything, it is not uncommon to see many people using the same password for everything. Big mistake! The use of only one password provides a hacker with easy access to a smorgasbord of personal information. If you have to write your passwords down, it is best not to leave them on a post-it, attached to the screen of your computer. You may chuckle at the absurdity, but it happens more than you think.

4. Don’t forget to regularly patch your operating system and other applications.

Many industry experts believe that most network security attacks would be stopped if computer users would just keep their computers updated with patches and security fixes. Too often, we forget to do this on a regular basis. Remember that every day, new viruses, worms and Trojans are being created and distributed. They are looking for the weaknesses in your computer system. Having outdated software is basically the same as holding the door open and inviting them in for a visit.

5. Don’t forget to make regular backups of important data

Always keep a copy of important files on removable media such as HP 16 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive or recordable CD-ROM disks. Store the backups in a location separate from the computer.

Antivirus Software

Now that you’ve taken those 5 easy steps to immediately protect your computer, it’s time to choose some software that will protect your computer from cyber attacks.

Symantec 360 Version 3.0 All-in-one Security Suite, 3-User

Norton 360 Version 3.0 is a comprehensive software suite that eliminates the need for any additional security, performance optimization and data backup and restore products providing a hassle-free user experience. It includes the strengths of Norton Antivirus 2009 with Antispyware for online threat protection and powerful features similar as those of Norton SystemWorks Premier Edition for backing up your data securely as well as continuously optimizing your PC for peak performance.

McAfee AntiVirus Plus 3User 2010

McAfee AntiVirus Plus software offers essential PC security with accelerated performance and helps keep you safe online. It's now available with revolutionary Active Protection technology, enabling the fastest updates and highest levels of detection against malicious threats. It provides Anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and two-way firewall protection. McAfee AntiVirus Plus software also features McAfee SiteAdvisor technology, a powerful website safety advisor that uses simple color codes to identify risky websites so you can safely surf the Web and transact online. With continuous and automatic updates, McAfee helps ensure that you are running the most current security to combat the ever-evolving Internet threats.