Internet criminals are constantly looking for new ways to make a buck easily. They prowl around the internet looking for an easy mark to take advantage of. While this can be intimidating and even frightening, any computer user, no matter what their skill level can make their computer secure enough that a potential attacker will simply move to an easier target. This is because if they really wanted to work for their money, they would have found another way to make it.
Update Your Operating System Regularly
Any computer that is connected to the internet should have it's operating system updated regularly. This is because the manufacturers of these operating systems will release security hotfixes and system updates to make your computer work better. I recommend that anyone who is not an technophile using a Microsoft based operating system should have their updates downloaded and installed automatically. It simply saves the headache of having to go in and approve the updates that Microsoft pushes out regularly.
Install an Antivirus Program
If you could only do 2 things to secure your computer, updating and having Antivirus installed on your system would be the way to go. Antivirus is exactly what it sounds like. It is software that will scan your system and look for virus signatures. If it finds one, it will attempt to either repair or delete the infected file. It is also very important that you keep a current license contract with the developer so that you can receive updates to the virus definitions, which is what the software uses to identify the signatures of a virus.
Be Cautious of What You Download
If the software comes from what might seem a disreputable source, it probably is. If you receive something in an email that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of email attachments that come from an unknown source or one from a trusted source that seems fishy. For instance, might not want to open an email attachment which came in an email with a naughty title from your Great Aunt Josephine. If you do get something like this it is likely her computer has a virus that is trying to email itself to you.
Update Your Operating System Regularly
Any computer that is connected to the internet should have it's operating system updated regularly. This is because the manufacturers of these operating systems will release security hotfixes and system updates to make your computer work better. I recommend that anyone who is not an technophile using a Microsoft based operating system should have their updates downloaded and installed automatically. It simply saves the headache of having to go in and approve the updates that Microsoft pushes out regularly.
Install an Antivirus Program
If you could only do 2 things to secure your computer, updating and having Antivirus installed on your system would be the way to go. Antivirus is exactly what it sounds like. It is software that will scan your system and look for virus signatures. If it finds one, it will attempt to either repair or delete the infected file. It is also very important that you keep a current license contract with the developer so that you can receive updates to the virus definitions, which is what the software uses to identify the signatures of a virus.
Be Cautious of What You Download
If the software comes from what might seem a disreputable source, it probably is. If you receive something in an email that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of email attachments that come from an unknown source or one from a trusted source that seems fishy. For instance, might not want to open an email attachment which came in an email with a naughty title from your Great Aunt Josephine. If you do get something like this it is likely her computer has a virus that is trying to email itself to you.
Jake Smith is a Network Analyst for a financial institution. He currently holds 3 associates degrees in Web Design, Network/Information Security, and Network Support. He has over 5 years of professional experience working with computers and networking equipment. He is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts and Applied Sciences in Business Administration. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_K_Smith |  |
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