The Threat of Online Security: How Safe is Our Data?

Posted by Pit Ei

Online Security has become an enormous concern to people surfing the Internet, and to people conducting business on the World Wide Web. We have all heard reports of and been affected by online viruses spread through emails, online business scams, online identity theft, and online sexual abuses. So, online security really refers to many aspects of our new online world.

The Scary Part
Just about everybody has heard about computer viruses and “worms” that can infect your PC and wreak havoc on your operating system or files, and very few of us have completely escaped from these forms of online threats. New forms of these threats emerge every day. These viruses and worms are insidious little programs that can take control of your system or email service and cause great annoyance if not damage. Recently new variants of software called spyware and adware have rampaged over the web to monitor and try and take control of your online activities.

Today online security risk for Home PC users has escalated even further due to the many people online via dedicated broadband connections. Some folks remain online 24 hours a day. People who remain connected through such a broadband connection are “sitting on the Internet” and potentially exposed to any hacker out there with a malicious desire to try to access your files.

Another reason security risk has escalated is the increased availability of wireless access and use of wireless home networks. For those that use them, these are great and they're fast! But they do present some risk. The bottom line is that unless your PC and your network is protected, a malicious person could be standing in your driveway and gain access to an Excel file that contains the names and phone numbers of your best friends, or into a Word document that contains a list of your credit cards.

How to Protect Your PC and Data?
Virus Protection

Malicious code such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses can infiltrate personal computers, allowing attackers to compromise the integrity of software packages or even take control of your computer. It's up to you to protect your critical information.

Fortunately, it’s easy to safeguard your computer against viruses and malicious code. First, install antivirus software to protect, detect, and repair attacks from most viruses. Second, and just as important, ensure that software is up to date. New viruses appear daily. Your antivirus software is only as good as its last update.

Personal FirewallsHackers' virus-like worms are constantly “knocking on doors” looking for available targets. You can help protect your computer by using a firewall. Firewall software on computers protects them from the hazards of the Internet by monitoring the types of activity or attempted activity between the computer and a network. Computers guarded by a firewall can refuse attempted connections that aren't initiated by you or that are suspicious.

SpywareEven computers that are protected by a firewall and safeguarded against viruses can be targeted by spyware. Spyware is software that appears to offer some tangible benefit, but actually monitors your behavior, typically to deliver targeted popup advertising. This illegal access is often used to intercept the user IDs and passwords to your online accounts. So, install anti-spyware software which will help combat and remove spyware from your computer.

Password PrecautionsYour best line of defense on the Internet is your password. No amount of technology can protect you if your password becomes compromised or is easy to guess. Here are a few tips for keeping this personal information safe.

1. Change your password regularly
2. Practice smart password management
- Create longer user names and passwords because they're more secure than shorter ones.
- Refrain from using your name as part of your user name or password because it's too easy to guess.

References:

http://www.online-security-solution.com/

http://www.firstrade.com/public/en_us/knowledgecenter/securitycenter/protectyourself/

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