Computer Safety Tips

Online Security

Nov 9, 2008 Beverly Lee

The Internet is infested with new high tech virus threats every day. Here's easy steps to take to secure your computer.

Hackers jeopardize online security with invasive computer programs designed to steal passwords, personal information, even identity. Spammers send emails with links to free software that unleashes spy-ware, trojans, or worms, on your computer system. According to stay-safe-online computer users who use the following tips will be safe, their computer secure.

Security Applications

• Install Anti-Virus Software. An anti-virus protects the computer from viruses that destroy data, cause computer crashes or even steal users' personal information. Anti-virus software protects the computer by scanning all incoming data. And stopping destructive data. Remember to update your anti-virus on a regular basis so the computer is up-to-date with all new virus threats. AVG is a good free anti-virus software favored by many.
• Personal Firewall. A firewall protects data in the computer. And a firewall will block any intruders or hackers trying to access the computer. A firewall will also stop malicious viruses before they start. Always make sure your firewall software is running when on-line. Use the personal firewall bundled with Windows.
• Install a Pop Up Blocker. Windows has a good pop up blocker. And Google has a free pop up blocker; so does Yahoo. The only drawback is the computer user will have to download and install their tool-bar. Many computer users think it is worth it for the extra protection against invasive pop up s.

Privacy Online

• . Know Privacy Policy. Read the website's privacy policy before releasing personal information. Note whether they share or sell information to third parties. If they release your info to third parties you should reconsider releasing your personal information.
• Passwords. Never use easy to guess passwords like a favorite color, social security number, birth-date, words less than six characters. Mix up passwords with combinations of numbers and symbols.
• Virus Warnings. Don't forward virus warnings received in emails. This is a ploy used to convince innocent users to circulate a fake warning designed to scare receivers into downloading trojans or removing important files on their computer.
• Keep it Secret. Keep all passwords private. Be suspicious of any emails asking for personal passwords for accounts on-line. Or emails requesting the user to click a link and enter their password on the site. This might be a fake site setup by hackers "phishing" for victims personal information and passwords.
• Primary Email Address. Don't divulge a primary email address on unfamiliar sites. Unsavory marketers will sell the address to other marketers on-line. Then 3rd party marketers will continually spam in-boxes with their unwanted sales messages.
• Free Accounts. Set up several free email accounts with a fake name to handle spam; when registering with unfamiliar sites use these free account addresses.

Security Warnings

• Chat Line and Message Board Warnings. Never release personal information on chat lines or message boards. This is one way many identity thefts occur.
• Shopping. Make sure the site is secure before releasing important personal information. Look for https:// in the website's URL. This "s" stands for secure site. Also look for a lit lock icon on the browser's bar. This is another sign the information you release to the site is secure.
• File Sharing/Updates. Experts warn computer users not to download file sharing software. If the software is not configured properly an easy access door is opened to the computer user's personal data.
• Update Your Operating System. It is very important to keep your computer operating system updated with patches to keep hackers out.

Use this important information to secure your computer and stay safe online.

The copyright of the article Computer Safety Tips in Small/Home Business is owned by Beverly Lee. Permission to republish Computer Safety Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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