Security Awareness Computer Software Web Tips Guide

Security Awareness And Online Protection

By Dirk C Wallace

Most people in today’s society have at least some passing security awareness. Popular television shows such as It Takes a Thief have thrown the issue of security into pop culture. Identity theft has become a household term thanks to a plethora of credit card commercials that highlight the importance of protection.

Yet too often, security awareness does not become fully realized. As is commonly stated by homeowners on It Takes a Thief, we know our security is poor but never get around to doing anything about it. Putting security awareness regarding your computer into practice requires a few changes. Some are software-based, while others require a physical change in behavior.

Protect Your Data WIth Computer Firewalls And Antivirus Software

Start with the software changes. Your goal is to prevent others from accessing your data remotely. A combination of computer firewalls and antivirus PC security software can take your sensitive information from unprotected to secure with very little effort. A firewall can be considered your first line of defense when connected to the internet.

In order for information that is behind a firewall to be sent or received from your computer, permission must be granted by the firewall. You can set up your firewall to always grant access to programs you trust and always block access to programs you do not trust. You can also set the firewall to ask for your confirmation before granting access to an unknown program.

Scan Your Computer For Viruses

Antivirus software protects your computer from viruses that are transmitted over the internet and through file exchanges. A good antivirus program will continually monitor all of your file transfers. However, it is still advisable to fully scan your entire system for viruses once a week.

You can schedule this scan to run automatically while you are asleep or away from home. You will also need to sign up for automatic updates to the antivirus program, as new viruses are released daily.

Set an administrative password even if you are the only user of your computer. This will prevent unauthorized parties from opening your desktop and looking through your files. The password should be easy to remember but difficult to guess.

Set Up Guest Accounts Without Admin Privileges

If you want to allow house guests or friends to use your computer, create a separate guest account that does not have administrator access. Check online at Microsoft.com for instructions on setting up accounts or ask a computer-savvy friend for help.

Consider physical changes to make your entire computer less likely to be stolen. Store a laptop in a lockable cabinet or safe when not in use and be sure to actually lock the cabinet. You can also buy computer locks that are designed to lock your laptop or desktop computer to a desk or wall.

Be especially vigilant when traveling with your laptop. Consider installing GPS tracking on your laptop, always use a locking case, and keep the laptop in your hotel safe when not in use. At home, you should have a home security system to protect all of your valuables.

Backup Important Data

One of the biggest mistakes that many PC users make is that they fail to back up pertinent information. Most web browsers now let you save password information so that you don’t have to type it in every time, but what happens if your system crashes and you have to reinstall your browser?

Do you remember your passwords? Make a hardcopy of this information and keep it in a secure location. A big part of security awareness is paying attention to things like this that could potentially go wrong.

The most important factor involved in security awareness is being willing to put that awareness to good use. It doesn’t matter if you are aware that it is raining if you don’t open your umbrella. Take the information that you are learning and act on it. Invest in PC security software and make sure that your interests are well protected.

About the Author:
Dirk C Wallace has written a number of articles on computers and software including Anti-Virus Protection, Basic Computer Training, Computer Virus, Computer Training Software, Internet And Security, Spyware Uninstall, Adware Spyware Removal, Computer Security Handbook, Antispyware Software, Computer Instruction.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.

Give Me Just The Computer Security Facts.....

If you’ve ever had your PC’s security program flash a message that said someone was trying to access your computer, then you know how important PC security is. If you haven’t, then take some advice from those who have. There are crooked people in cyber space, and if you give them access to your personal information they will use it against you.

Banking records and financial information are just the beginning. Take care of your private information. Make sure that your PC security system is up to date and will protect you from the latest hacking schemes and viruses which could compromise your computer.

Make sure all of the information on your computer is password protected and most of all, make sure that your firewall software is current and effective. Don’t fall prey to cyber thieves and hackers. Protect yourself and your information with the best PC security you can find.

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