Computer Internet Security

How secure are you on the Internet?

Computer Internet Security needs to be practiced by all computer users to prevent malicious codes being installed on their computer. Securing your computer against Internet threats is a priority.

Today, with the help of a computer and an Internet Service Provider (ISP), we can find information on most of the subjects that we will ever desire to know about.

The Internet has become such an important part of most of us lives that, if you are not connected to the Internet, you are missing out on a lot of knowledge.

A computer firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware software are mandatory to help to keep your computer secure.

Computer Internet Security - How Secure is the Internet?

By using the Internet, you are sending information from computer-to-computer until the information you are sending reaches its destination.

This allows the possibility of the information that you are sending to be viewed via unauthorized computers thereby resulting in a computer security problem.

Everyday, there are more and more viruses, Trojan horses and worms being spread across the Internet and affecting numerous computers.

Hackers are always ready to get your personal data. As identity theft becomes more and more common, the need to tighten your computer internet security increases. There are internet security software services that offer powerful protection for your PCs, smart phones, tablets, etc. Surf, bank, game and shop online more securely. Click here to view a variety of internet security software.

This article is intended for all Internet users.

Computer Internet Security - Protecting yourself and your family

Take Steps to Keep Personal Data Private

Keeping personal data safe is more important today than it ever has been before. Armed with your personal data, thieves can withdraw all the money in your accounts, open up new lines of credit and completely ruin your life. It can take weeks, or even months, to recover from identity theft.

While companies can help you recover after your identity has been stolen, the best way to combat identity theft is to proactively take steps towards keeping your personal data private. Here are five simple steps that you can implement today. These steps also include the safety and security of your personal physical documents.

Step 1: Don’t Be Fooled

Phishing has become an extremely common strategy thieves attempt to use to gather your personal data. In a phishing scam, thieves represent themselves as someone they are not, in order to collect personal data from you. They may pretend to be a utility company, cable provider, computer manufacturer or another company.

To reduce your chances of falling victim to one of these scams, do not provide personal information to anyone who either calls or emails you. Instead, either hang up (politely, because it may be legitimate) or delete the email. Then find the company’s real phone number on their website and call them directly.

Keep in mind that one of the first things a thief will go after is a laptop or computer. Those items are often easy to access and are valuable for their data and physical value. One great option for home security is an alarm service to ensure your home is safe and sound from unwanted guests.

Step 2: Guard Digital Data

Many of the processes thieves use are automated and target digital data. Take steps to ensure your digital personal data is kept private by:

• Keeping antivirus software and a firewall updated and active on your computer.
• Only entering personal information online when you are connected through a secure connection.
• Only providing personal information to encrypted websites.

Step 3: Shred Physical Documents

Physical documents also have all the information someone needs to steal your identity. Any documents you do not need should be shredded to reduce the chances that they fall into a thief’s hands. The government stipulates how long you must keep certain financial documents but, some that can safely be shredded include:

• Credit card offers.
• Old utility bills (assuming they are not used for taxes).
• Tax documents over 7 years old (confirm with your accountant).

4: Protect Physical Documents

No matter how much you shred, there will be many documents that contain personal data but cannot be shredded. These documents must be kept safe from prying thieves, which typically involves a two-step process.

First, any personal documents should be locked in a secure container. They can be kept in a safe, of which there are many different ones to choose from. A less secure, but also less expensive, alternative is to lock them in a filing cabinet.

Second, your home should be protected with a home security system. A security system will reduce the time a thief has to peruse the contents of your home and it will reduce the likelihood that your home will be targeted. If someone does break in, he will likely not have enough time to break into your locked-up documents.

Step 5: Copy Your Wallet Contents

The most vulnerable items are those that you carry on your person, either in your wallet or purse. These should be copied, in case your wallet is stolen. Also, you should not carry your social security card in your wallet.

Step 6: Protect Computer Data

Hacking is the action performed by some unauthorized persons to illegally get into computer systems in order to steal or manipulate such computers. This action is often achieved by installing malicious software (malware) on someone's computer without their knowledge.

The hacker can now gain access to your most private and personal information.

How secure are you and your children on the Internet?

Protecting your children on the Internet:

This is an extremely important topic. Going on the Internet has allowed children to widen their knowledge but, there is also the disadvantage of them being exposed to the dangers of the Internet.

The articles below will give you computer internet security tips on how you can help to keep your children safe:

Click here to read 'NetSmartz'. Learn about Computer Internet Safety to help to prevent your children from online risks.

Click here to read 'Keeping Children Safe Online'.

Listed below are a number of Websites which provide additional SECURITY TIPS & GENERAL SECURITY INFORMATION:

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft

http://www.us-cert.gov

http://business.ftc.gov/privacy-and-security

Computer Internet Security - Risks of an attack

Most computer users do not recognize how much at risk they are to attacks while using the Internet. They fail to take enough Internet security precautions thereby making themselves prime targets for Internet crooks.

Being on the Internet exposes you to continuous vulnerabilities which could result in:

- Hackers remotely accessing your computer.

- Malware and other unauthorized programs affecting your computer.

Some of these vulnerabilities can allow hackers to attack your computer even if you did not click a link or open a file.

Other Tips to Help to Keep Your Computer Safe

• Install computer internet security updates. These updates will help to protect your computer from worms, viruses and other computer threats.

• Always keep your operating system and Internet browser up-to-date.

• Use any other up-to-date software that will give you added protection from viruses, spyware, ad-ware, Trojans and any other malicious code that is now prevalent on the Internet.

• Install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Click here to read my Antivirus Software Guide.

• Install an Internet firewall to help to protect your computer from outside attacks. Click here to read my Firewall Guide.

• Ensure that you have the very latest computer internet security features installed for all your computer software.

• You should consider a computer internet security suite which includes firewall protection, antivirus protection along with other security and privacy features.

• Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers computer internet security features such as virus, spam and content filters.

• If you have two or more computers connected to the Internet, use a hardware router with firewall features. Wireless routers are not as secure as wired routers.

• Never click "Yes" when a message says that you need to download ActiveX to view a Website unless you know exactly what you are downloading.

• Never e-mail your personal and financial information.

• Always look for the closed padlock icon or unbroken key on your browser's status bar and 'https' in the address bar before submitting your personal information via a Web site. This usually confirms that you are transmitting your information via a secure site.

• You should examine your financial statements (such as your credit cards and bank account statements) as soon as they are received to determine if there are any unauthorized charges.

• If you receive a threatening email stating that your account will be closed/shut down unless you verify your billing information, you should never reply or click on any link provided. You should visit the Website using the URL address that you know to be correct or contact the company by using the telephone number that you are familiar with.

• Ensure that all requests which are made for your personal and financial information are genuine.

• Practice computer internet security - Do not download anything from unknown Web sites.

• Always ensure that all attachments that you open are from trusted sources.

• Provide your e-mail address only to sources that you trust.

• Never give your User ID or password to anyone.

• Select passwords that are not easy for someone else to guess and try to use different passwords for your various online accounts. You should change your passwords often and use upper and lower case letters along with a mixture of numbers and letters.

• Always remember to sign off from your online banking accounts and from any other secure Website that you visit.

• For security reasons, turn off your computer when not in use.

Spyware and Adware - Detection and Removal Tools

There are a number of tools available to detect and remove spyware and adware from your computer. I would recommend the tools listed below. Please click on each link:

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal.

Spybot Search & Destroy.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Final Thoughts …..

Computer Internet Security involves the installation of the latest security updates along with a good antivirus software and firewall. They are the 'life-blood' of your computer protection since their installation will lessen the possibility of you becoming a victim of Internet fraud.

You must also practice safe web surfing by keeping away from suspicious Web sites and you must never click into any link or open any attachment that you might receive via e-mails, etc. that you did not expect.

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