The basis of computer security

Unfortunately for us all, there are people out there who wish to do harm to other peoples' property and/or intend on engaging in the act of theft from another person. Sadly enough, there are still these kinds of people out there that wish to do the same - only to your computer. Sure, you can keep your computer secure by never shopping online, checking email or essentially using the internet. However, by doing so, you would essentially defy the point of having the internet.

Security first depends on what operating system. The vast majority of computer users have some form of Windows. While Macs and Linux machines are LESS LIKELY to be susceptible to attacks/viruses/spyware, anything is possible and you must take that into an account. Since the majority of people use Windows, that is where this guide's focus will be. However, if you use Linux, a handy tip is to remember what your file permissions are, make sure to set permissions to 700 (Linux users know what this means) on things that only you need to see/use.

The bare basic security of a system doesn't come from a program, it comes from you, the user. You need to be smart and responsible about things that can potentially harm your computer. Here's a list of things NOT TO DO: Don't visit adult/warez sites (these sites can download malicious spyware onto your computer and even viruses), Don't accept ActiveX controls EXCEPT from sites you trust, Don't open email attachments that are questionable or that are from an unknown sender and finally: Don't give people a reason to hack/send a virus/infect your computer. You'd be surprised how many viruses are sent out of spite from one user to another. Also be very wary of what you download. Just because the site appears reputable doesn't always mean that the program or files it has are safe. Make sure you have a trustworthy site loaded on your browser before you start downloading everything in site.

Dealing with Spyware - Spyware is a plague to us all. It not only is a drain on system performance, it may contain key loggers/data miners that can see what you are typing and when. Scary huh? The first thing to avoid with spyware is to avoid getting it in the first place. However, it is not always possible and it does happen to the best of us. I would recommend that all computers have some sort of anti-spyware program. I personally recommend Spybot - Search and Destroy because of its ability to "immunize" against spyware, its quick scan times and its efficient removal. However, any anti-spyware program will work as long as it works well and can clean your system. Another way to further protect your computer from spyware is using a different internet browser. Many spyware files are only tuned to Internet Explorer, so this can be a real help in preventing spyware. FireFox, for example, is an excellent internet browser and can even be installed on your computer with internet explorer. It's also free, which is a plus. Its ease of use and modular expandability make it highly recommended.

Keeping Viruses Away - Viruses are potentially devastating to any system. Viruses can rang from pranks, to serious ones that can erase your entire hard drive or gather important documents from you. EVERY COMPUTER CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET SHOULD HAVE AN ANTI-VIRUS! I honestly cannot stress this enough. Unfortunately, there are not many free anti-viruses that are extremely good. However, Avast! anti-virus has shown some potential and can help keep your system constantly monitored. If you only need a free virus scanner, Trend Micro offers a free online virus scan that can remove most viruses from your system. This is also recommended even if you have an anti-virus as it is nice to see if another program can pick something else that another missed. However, if you require better protection than a free anti-virus, then you should more than likely upgrade. For an anti-virus that costs money, Symantec makes a great product that is reasonably priced and will keep your computer running happily.

Firewalls - A firewall can save your butt in more way then one when you're using a computer. A good firewall is a great defense against those who want to do harm/infiltrate your computer. In my opinion, the ZoneAlarm free firewall is one of the best free solutions there is. Though, sometimes people just don't want to download anything or install it. This is why Windows XP has a firewall built into it. If you refuse to get a firewall, activate the XP firewall because it is better than nothing. Conversely, a firewall that you pay for is more than likely better than something that you can get for free. Trusted brands such as ZoneAlarm, Norton, Trend Micro and other big names all produce a good firewall that isn't terribly expensive.

Updating - ALWAYS keep your security software and Windows updated. Many Windows updates involve beneficial security updates that make it more difficult for others (including programs) to compromise your system's security. Also update all of your firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software. By doing so, your computer will have the latest defense against things (and people) that you don't want in your system.

Viruses

What is true virus computer ?

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive. Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.

Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses, which are technically different. When it is executed, virus may cause harm to either a computer system's hosted data, functional performance, or networking throughput. Some viruses and other malware have symptoms noticeable to the computer user, but most are surreptitious. This makes it hard for the average user to notice, find and disable and is why specialist anti-virus programs are now commonplace.

Most personal computers are now connected to the Internet and to local area networks, facilitating the spread of malicious code. Today's viruses may also take advantage of network services such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, Instant Messaging and file sharing systems to spread, blurring the line between viruses and worms. Furthermore, some sources use an alternative terminology in which a virus is any form of self-replicating malware.

Protect your information

Computers are perhaps a highly technological irony. As long as secure servers are working properly, it can allow Internet users to transact business such as sell their products or make purchases without ever having to worry if their information is being hacked. Yet they are inherently vulnerable to hackers whenever connected to the Internet. That is why it is important to learn how to enhance computer systems security.

The problem with Internet fraud is vastly growing, and it’s perfectly understandable. There are more and more people getting cleverer when it comes to computers. They can already go through the computer systems security to steal all the confidential information, which can then be used for illegal activities. Nevertheless, there are some solutions at hand, and anyone who is tasked to take care of these issues should know how to do the following things:

1. Create a backup of files. Just because they’re stored on computers doesn’t mean that they won’t get lost. Especially when your computer systems security is very weak, you may, in fact, loose all of your important data and information. For all critical files, make sure that you can create backup copies. There are plenty of storage options available. These options include disks, flash drives, and even web-based storage media, 4shared is for example. Web-based storage media allows you to access your files through an Internet connection.

2. Control the number of people who have access to highly important information. There are a lot of benefits that you gain if you learn how to regulate the number of persons who can access main computers. For one, there will be more accountability. With a controlled system it is very easy to pinpoint the cause or the individual responsible in case there is breach in computer systems security. Of course, it also means that you will lessen the risks of having data stolen.

3. Change passwords as often as possible. The age-old method of Internet protection, the use of passwords, still remains very effective today. However, since there is already a number of software programs that can crack the passwords used to secure computers, it’s highly advisable to modify them at least once a month. To ensure an even higher level of computer systems security, it’s advisable that few people as possible should know about the password.

4. Improve your knowledge in computer systems security. It's the most important. Technology changes so fast and so does the different hacking strategies of scammers on the World Wide Web. It’s important to always be aware of their new techniques, as well as the new procedures and solutions to combat these types of problems. Ignorance should never be an excuse.
People working on computer systems protection should be briefed well and study the internal policies and procedures company in running and monitoring computers. When very well organized and coherent procedures are in place, errors and possible hacker penetration can easily be avoided or detected.

Online safety

As the rise in popularity and use of the internet increases, the threats increased too. It is easy to get a virus and easy to have your credit card number stolen, but you can take steps to prevent these things from happening to you. The following is a simple guide that anyone can follow to increase protection from these threats.

1. Keep the operating system updated. Right click icon My computer > Properties > Automatic update and then setting it your choice. Make sure your system is set to update automatically, so that criticyal services are patched when specurity flaws are found. Hasckers and spyware in general take advantage of flaws in system software to infiltrate and install onto the system. Keeping the system up to date is the first step in computer security.

2. Keep all security software updated. Make sure your antivirus and antispyware solutions are the latest versions and that they are set to download signatures on a regular basis. Spyware authors constantly change tactics and use different techniques to avoid being detected. As spyware change the solutions also have to change in order to detect them. Keeping your security software updated can increase your chance of detecting a vulnerability.

3. Use a safe web browser and keep it updated. Because of its popularity, Internet Explorer is the most targeted browser for spyware authors. The flaws in the browser that allow access to the computer are well known and traded amongst hackers world wide. You can use another web browser sush as Firefox to reduce your chance of getting infected with spyware.


4. Use caution visiting unpopular sites, especially when you search in Google. This image is example. The text "This may harm your computer" tells that site have some spyware or virus that will install to your computer when you open it. Read everything carefully and if anything looks suspicious then leave. The internet is large and there are plenty of places to get the information you seek. It is always a good idea to careful everytime when you surf.

5. Use caution clicking on links sent to you. E-mail and instant messenger is the best way to spread virus and spyware. Make sure you know the person who sent the link and that there is a description of the link.
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6. Use caution clicking on links in discussion forums. Forums and chat rooms are a wonderful place to make new friends, but these social outlets are magnets for people wanting to do harm. Forums can attract thousands of people a day and hundreds of people can be attacked all at once by just one simple malicious post.

7. Download software from the original vendor. It is quite common for malware authors to bundle their wares with legitimate software and offer it for download on their site. To be safe you can do a search for the company that made the software and download it from that site. It is not only safer but a lot of times you get the latest version of the software.

8. Check links before logging on to do banking related activities. This call phishing, a common technique thieves use to get your credentials is to claim your password needs changed at an online banking service. Look carefully at the link and you will see that it is not the same as the link you usually use to login. These links sometimes start with numbers, or maybe they will just change one letter thinking you will not notice. To be safe, only use the link that your banking service gave you to do any banking or changing of passwords.

In fact it has a way that sure to keep your computer safe. That's offline or disconnect the internet. Do you known what I should say next. Must disconnect the internet if you don't use it for a long time is the best way to protect your computer from threats because connect the internet like open the door that many threats can come throught.

7 essential security tools

Unprotected computer or computer without any security tool is always vulnerable to cyber criminals, hackers, spammers and identity thieves. So, to avoid such security problems , you should always learn about security software such as antispyware, antivirus etc. or some features in your operating system that can protect that threats sush as firewall.

The following 5 essential security tools can help you to protect your identity, personal information and data on your computer, so learn how to use them and you'll worry free about computer threats.


1. Operating system firewall:

Firewall is essential to block the unauthorized access to your computer data. It monitors the inbound and outbound traffic from your computer to the internet and blocks any suspicious traffic. Operating system firewall is necessary to protect your operating system and your data. This security tool blocks any malicious software from causing damage to files in your core windows operating system. It also blocks entry of hard to remove spyware and protect your operating system from any damage.

To turn on Internet Connection Firewall (Windows) :

I. Go to Control Panel, double-click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Set up or change your home or small office network.

II. Follow the steps in the Network Setup Wizard to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall.

When you choose a configuration in the wizard that indicates that your computer is connected directly to the Internet, the Internet Connection Firewall is turned on.

2. Antivirus:

Antivirus is necessary to protect your computer from damages by viruses, worms and trojans. Viruses and worms spread from one computer to another either through e-mails or from files downloaded from internet. They can damaged data on your computer. So, to protect your data and your hard disk, you should always have updated antivirus program with the latest definition files.

For example of antivirus softwares are NOD (or ESET), Norton, McAfee, vScan, Trend Micro ect.

3. Antispyware:

Antispyware protects your computer from spywares and intruders to protect your personal information. Spywares get installed on your computer without your consent and take control of your computer, gather your personal data, information, web activities and web sites you visit and transmit that data to others.

For example of antivirus softwares are Spybot S&D, AdAware, Microsoft Windows Defender ect.

**Be careful that one computer can have only one antivirus and one antispyware installed.**

4. Real time updates:

Nothing can protect your computer if your software have only old database. Your computer, including antivirus, antispyware and windows security hotfix, should have latest updates or real time updates against viruses, spywares and any new possible attacks.

5. Anti Spam, Anti Phishing, Email protection:

Phishing is a scam, which looks like a correspondence from a bank or institution to gather your personal information or bank details. Sometime it's site that look alike and you should be careful before type your username, password or your creditcard number. Internet explorer 7 have Phishing filters that can help you. To setting it is click Tools > Phishing filter and then turn on it.

By the way, Instant messenger program is the best way threats come through. Must be careful when your friend send any URLs or files to you. Ask what it is before accept or click.

Spyware

Computer spyware is quickly becoming a high level security problem for computer users and companies that use technology products. This is a malicious matter that robs you of system speed and Internet access efficiency. Spyware can lead to data theft, spoil your system’s efficiency, and hamper your productivity.

While spyware may share some properties with viruses and worms, but it is much different from them. It tends to replicate and spread differently and is generally more resistant to quick-and-easy spyware removal than most computer viruses.

Spyware are especially designed to secretly monitor the user's computer behavior and collect its personal information, such as Internet surfing habit and websites that have been visited. It can also interfere with user control of the computer in different ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting internet browser, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful matter, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. There is much more to what blunder they can cause. Suffice to say, the damage that they can do to your PC is at a minimum annoying, and at worst, detrimental to your personal life as a whole (some can capture credit card and personal info). Typically, what most people have to deal with when they are infested with spyware is popups and added internet search bars. These tend to over task your computer, and decrease usability.

That's why the best solutions aren't found in antispyware packages, even if they comprise of basic spyware-blocking features. Nowadays, you don’t have to waste time or money in buying prohibitive antispyware software programs. Also managing them can be complex and time-consuming, so these solutions are not always ideal for businesses.

Sign of spyware

My computer have many processes. When you first boot your computer, before you open any program, hold down Ctrl-Alt-Del, to bring up the Task Manager. For Windows XP, a normal amount of startup processes is between 20 and 30. An infected system will typically have more than 40 running at startup.

I see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted software will bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particular Web site you're visiting. These ads are often for adult or other Web sites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon as you turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the Web, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer.

My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were. Some unwanted software has the ability to change your home page or search page settings. This means that the page that opens first when you start your Internet browser or the page that appears when you select "search" may be pages that you do not recognize. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find that they revert back every time you restart your computer.

My Web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading. Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your Web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer.

My computer seems sluggish. Spyware and other unwanted software are not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash.

If you have more than one of those signs,be sure that's caused by spyware.

How to fire them out !!

I'm sure that nothing better than free antispyware program now. Without antispyware software, your PC is highly vulnerable to computer threats, including infected email attachments, attacks by threats over the Internet depending on the software you use. Free antispyware software is one of the main defenses against online problems. For example of those programs : Spybot S&D, AdAware, Windows Defender ect. It's very easy if you open your mind and learn how to use and then you can use your computer without worry.