Protect Yourself From Online Intruders

Many of us have basic common sense when it comes to safety. For instance, we don’t open the door for strangers, or allow them to come in the house for that matter, or even answer a phone call if the number is not recognizable on the caller ID. So why do many of us have such a trusting nature when it comes to our computers? Unfortunately, there are many things hidden in cyber space that you may not be aware of. One of them is called intruders.

Online, each day intruders are violating users’ right to privacy by preying and seeking out credit card numbers and bank account information in hopes of stealing your identity for the purpose of purchasing goods and services. Bottom line, they want what you have stored on your hard drive. And it just isn’t the money their after. Hard disk space, a fast processor, and an Internet connection are other things intruders hope to gain, in an effort to use your property to escape the law. To help you avoid intrusion we will cover a few steps you can take to protect your property.

Below are nine steps to better, secure your home computer…

1. You should install anti-spyware/malware/adware programs to ward off infections. In addition, users should download free patches from Microsoft’s website to protect your identity and computer.

2. You should also use care when opening e-mails, since some have harmful attachments. Never open an attachment from someone you don’t know. Unless the file is something important, it is best to not even open attachments from those you do know.

3. You should backup important information, and install firewall programs to ward off hackers, crackers, intruders, etc. NOTE: Windows has its own integrated firewall, which users should set to “on” at all times.

4. You are advised to employ strong passwords, as well as distinct passwords. Using a combination of letters and numbers is one of the best ways to create a strong password

5. It is strongly recommended that you take caution when installing and/or downloading any programs to your hard drive. Never click “OK” to install from a pop-up window unless you are certain that it is an authentic window. It is best to download the file to your desktop, scan the file with your anti-virus program then open the file if it comes back clean.

6. Users should install, and make use of access controls, passwords, etc.

7. It is a fact that the more computers an intruder uses, the more difficult it is for law enforcement to trace his activities. Since the law cannot track intruders and stop them in their trail when they are constantly bouncing around, they can’t be prosecuted. There is a reason intruder’s pay attention to home computers.

Home computers are more vulnerable, especially when users do not implement the steps above to be better protected.

Anytime your computers are connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, and/or high-speed modems, you are a direct target.

To avoid becoming the next victim, you must adhere to the rules. Installation of an anti-virus program is the single most important thing to do after setting up a new computer and logging onto the internet. Virus Scanners will search for particular patterns that match profiles of virus signatures. A virus signature is a string of bits, or the binary patterns of a virus.

Virus scanners work in the same way as fingerprinting. That is, the virus scanners fingerprint and detect information to identify potential risks. Virus Scanners, once it detects potential risks will immediately act by responding, removing, and destroying bad files.

By following the first step above means that you are off to a good start, but make sure that you follow all the steps listed for your added safety. Most of the time we are trustful people and we never think this would happen to us. If you are prepared for home security, also consider to secure your home computer to avoid problems.

Popularity: 12% [?]

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

 Viewed 171 times by 62 viewers