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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