Computer Security
Far too many people still do not have computer security. If you do not secure your computer, you may well be storing up trouble for yourself. If you use your computer for work, banking or on-line shopping and allow yourself to get infected by viruses, Trojans etc., personal details, card numbers etc. may be gathered up from your computer and used to empty your bank account. E-mail addresses can end up in the hands of Spammers and we all know what that can mean.
The main avenues used to infect your computer are e-mail viruses and what may be described as ‘naughty’ websites. E-mails themselves are safe. It is in attachments where the danger lies. Always scan attachments for viruses etc. The following attachment types can harbour a virus: - .exe, .bat, .vbs, .scr , .pif & .com.
Computer security is non-negotiable. You must have a good set of security tools installed and kept up to date. A bare minimum level of protection is anti virus and firewall software. If you do not want to pay for it, there are some reasonable free versions available. AVG Free Anti-Virus and Zone Labs Firewall for example. Free protection is not as good as professional, but does provide a good basic level of security. My personal preference is paid for, and is from McAfee Security which is very reasonably priced. Symantec also produce excellent security software.
To keep your computer free from ‘Spyware’ and similar, visit Spybot or Lavasoft where you can download free software.
To test your computer for any vulnerability try the free virus scan at McAfee Freescan, then the security tests at Shields Up. The tests at this site will expose any security problems on your computer. You may be surprised as to what vulnerabilities it shows up on your computer.
Then, of course, there is ‘Phishing’. This is where you are sent e-mails purporting to be from your bank or building society etc. These ask to to click on a link to a website which asks you to confirm personal information, passwords, account details etc. These websites are designed to look like a bank or building society’s website in order to fool you. If you provide the details asked for, your bank or building society account would soon be emptied. No financial institute will ask you for such information by e-mail. Ignore such e-mails and report them to your bank or building society. When logging on to an on-line financial service, type the address into the Address Bar rather than use a link.
If you need advice. drop me an e-mail. The address is on the Contacts page.