PC security Computer Software Web Tips Guide
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PC Security Software For Online Safety
By Joel Wannamaker
As the quality of PC security systems continues to improve, so
does the ability of hackers and internet pirates to circumvent
the preventative measures that you put into place. The days that
saw the personal computer as nothing more than a gaming system
and a word processor are behind us.
PC’s are now the focal point of all of the information that runs
our everyday lives. Everything from bank statements to airline
confirmations are submitted, read, and authorized through your
PC. People insert every piece of vital information that they have
into their PC in an effort to streamline and simplify their lives.
Wireless Computer Security And Security Software
While the tools available to us online are extraordinary, the
need for wireless computer security and PC security software have
never been greater. The increased amount of information that is
available on PC’s has made them a prime target for cyber thieves.
Internet security is a very important subset of overall PC security.
When shopping or conducting business online, be sure to look for
Secured Socket Layer (SSL) certification. This encryption software
has become the standard for protecting credit card numbers and
other data from prying eyes, including those of hackers.
Wifi Hotspots Vulnerabilities
Wifi, or wireless internet, has exploded in popularity recently.
More than ever before, travelers are taking laptop computers on
the road and connecting to the internet through Wifi hotspots.
Sometimes charging a low fee, or in some places free, these Wifi
hotspots allow us to communicate via computer from points around
the world.
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Many Wifi spots use WEP encryption technology to provide wireless
computer security, but just as many do not. If you connect through
a non-encrypted Wifi hotspot, it is possible that data you transmit
could be seen by others in the area. Use discretion when transmitting
sensitive data.
Hardware Security
When thinking about PC security, hardware security is just as
important as data computer security. Many computer users are careful
to use PC security software and set their privacy settings to
a high level, but never think about protecting the computer itself.
Laptop computers are particularly vulnerable due to their portability,
but desktop systems are not immune.
When traveling with your laptop, think about ways to keep the
computer safe. A lockable case will deter thieves, but in many
cases a thief will simply take the entire case to be opened at
his or her leisure.
Keep Your Laptop Out Of Sight
Instead, lock the laptop in an in-room safe whenever possible,
and be especially vigilant about its protection in large common
areas such as airports. GPS tracking is available for laptops
and may be worth the expense if your computer is valuable or contains
sensitive data.
It is easy to get so caught up in securing the information on
your PC that is available online, that we often forget about the
physical security of the PC itself. When considering what PC security
systems you want to use, make sure that you at least consider
these options.
Simple Deterrents
Desktop computers can be permanently mounted to your desk and
laptops can be tucked away out of sight. These simple deterrents
are generally enough to cause a thief to go look elsewhere.
Back up your data regularly and store the backups away from the
computer. You will want to be able to re-create your files if
the computer is stolen. If you have especially sensitive data,
create more than one backup to be stored in separate locations.
The best way to protect your system is to not rely on just one
method of PC security. Make sure that every door a thief could
walk through is closed tightly. This means that you’ll need to
invest in the software required to stop spyware, adware and viruses.
You’ll need to invest in the computer firewalls in order to stop
the free flow of information in and out of your machine.
It may seem like a lot of hassle to get it all set up, but once
it is you’ll be able to use the full capabilities of your PC with
confidence.
About the Author:
Joel Wannamaker has written a number of articles on computers
and software including
Internet Traffic,
PC Computers,
Internet Connection Speed,
In Education Online,
Start A Website,
Affiliate Programs,
Pay Per Click,
Free Search Engine,
SEO Search Engine,
Search Marketing.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Give Me Just The Computer Facts.....
Do you use a wireless network in your house? Do you know who
else is using it? If you’re using your wireless network to support
computers that have sensitive personal and financial information
on them, then you need to make sure that your network is secure.
PC security must be one of your top priorities if you want to
keep identity thieves out. If someone can park a car in front
your house and use a laptop to access your network, then you are
not secure.
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