Top tips to protect your PC online
Most of us use a PC these days, but how many of us really want to protect it? Well, not most of us! They just need to do their work sitting at the PC and so look no further. But they are in big trouble when PC crashes, files get corrupted, login information is stolen or attacked by viruses and malware. Now, we know that “prevention is better than cure” and “self help is the best help”. So, along the lines of these famous proverbs, I will try to highlight some tips through which a novice user could secure her PC. This article applies to both advanced and experienced users. So read on and help yourself avoid PC security problems.
1. Use an Antivirus
In the age of high-speed Internet and portable media, you can’t afford to compromise your PC and your valuable data. Therefore, antivirus software is a must for each and every PC user. Antivirus stays active in system memory and monitors your file transfers, network/internet connections, and programs for suspicious activity and prevents harmful computer viruses, worms, and Trojans from playing the devil on your PC. It can even clean, heal or quarantine affected files already on your PC and keeps your data safe.
There are many antivirus packages available, many of which are free to use.
Some of the free packages are:
has. AVG Free Edition: http://www.free.grisoft.com
b. avast! Home Edition: http://www.avast.com
against Antivir Personal Edition: http://www.free-av.com
2. Use a firewall
To protect your PC with network/internet connection from the prying eyes of hackers and abusers, it is necessary to install firewall software. A firewall is simply a piece of software that sits between your PC and the outside world (network/www) and allows certain programs/data to pass through it, thus filtering traffic based on configured rules.
Just like antivirus software, the list of firewall software is also long… and there are several free options available.
Some of the free packages are:
has. Free ZoneAlarm: http://www.zonelabs.com
b. Kerio Staff: http://www.kerio.com
vs Free Outpost: http://www.agnitum.com
d. Sygate Staff: http://www.sygate.com
3. Use an AntiSpyware/Adware
Every day that passes gives birth to about twenty new malware, which is any type of program written solely to install itself on a victim’s PC without their knowledge, monitor their activities/logins, and send them to a hacker for data theft. identity. Similarly, there are adware that deliver unwanted ads and spoof/redirect browser addresses. So you never know that the form you filled out 10 minutes ago is not from the original site! To protect your PC against these nasty pests, you need an Anti-Spyware/Adware package.
Some of the free packages are:
has. S&D spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org
b. advertising: http://www.lavasoft.com
against MS Antispyware: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
4. Backup frequently
It is really important to back up your valuable data frequently so that you can have a copy on hand when there is a system crash, virus attack, or hack. Just keep important files and folders as backup and not the whole drive! The habit of backing up never bothers you in the long run. It’s a good idea to back up your data to a different hard drive or to inexpensive removable media like CDs, DVDs, and thumb drives, to name a few. There are many free and paid software to choose from.
5. Follow some good habits
has. Never give your password/login information to anyone.
b. Do not provide your credit card number or any online banking login to anyone.
against Use a strong password that is difficult to guess; containing letters, numbers and special characters.
d. Password protect or encrypt sensitive and valuable information to prevent anyone from misusing it.
me. Always set a password for your OS/BIOS login.
F. Do not open suspicious email attachments or knowingly send someone an infected file.
gram. Do not mount media affected by a known virus on a PC without virus protection.
H. Do not respond to emails requesting sensitive login information, even if they appear to come from the company or website. It may be a phishing attempt.
Yo. Do not reply to spam messages or scam emails such as “You have won a lottery sum of $10 million!”. If you reply to spam emails, spammers notice your activity and send you even more spam. Just ignore them and keep your spam filter on.
d. Don’t post your email ID on the internet (eg forums)…spam bots could be collecting them. use my id[at]supplier.com format.
To conclude, I would like to say that the steps that have been described above are not too difficult or time consuming to follow. You would certainly benefit from using these precautions and measures to protect your computer. Remember, by insuring your own PC, you not only help yourself, but many other users as well. So spread the word and start taking action now… Good luck!