Computer Internet Security

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 informaton 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.

This article is intended for all Internet users whether they are using dial-up or high-speed connections.

Computer Internet Security - Risks of an attack

Most computer users do not recognize how much at risk they are to attack 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:

• The loss of your personal data.
• 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 cick a link or open a file. Users with standalone anti-virus or anti-spyware software should install (1) a firewall with inbound and outbound protection, and (2) safe surfing protection.

Computer Internet Security - Protecting yourself and your family

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 'Safe Internet Surfing'.. This Website provides tips and other important information "dedicated to helping families surf the Internet with awareness, safety and knowledge".

Click here to read 'A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety'. This is a guide provided by the FBI which outlines ways that a parrent can protect their children while they are on the Internet.

Click here to read 'Kidz Privacy'. This is a fun site for everyone to learn about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

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'.

Try to keep track of the sites that your children visit. Click here to view Microsoft's 'Improve your family's Web Security in 4 Steps'.

Click here to visit Microsoft's Website to get tips on keeping your computer safe.

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

http://onguardonline.gov/index.html

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft

http://www.us-cert.gov

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx

http://www.staysafeonline.info

http://www.ftc.gov/infosecurity

http://www.staysafeonline.info/practices/index.html

For Updates:

http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx

Protect You and Your PC from Windows Rootkits

What are Rootkits?

Rootkits are tools used by the authors of malware to hide malicious codes such as viruses, worms, backdoor and spyware programs. Click here to read about Rootkits.

Developers are continuously working on rootkit-detection tools. One of them of note (considered even by the makers of rootkits to be the best) is the IceSword. Click here to read an article written by Brian Livingston on IceSword.

Computer Internet Security - Instant Messaging

Using Instant Messaging (IM) - Could be Viruses in Disguise!

Instant messaging (IM) is an extremely popular online method of communication whereby messages can be typed from one person to another and seen instantaneously. This is now being used to send viruses. Click here to read about Instant Messaging Viruses and how to help to prevent getting them.

Tips to Help to Keep Your Computer Safe

• Install computer 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 an Internet security suite which includes firewall protection, antivirus protection along with other security and privacy features.

• Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers 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:

Microsoft Windows Defender
Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spywareblaster
Webroot Spy Sweeper

Final Thoughts:

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.