‘Internet Security’ is software installed on your PC that provides re-assurance and insurance when you are online and browsing the internet and accessing emails.
Without it, you run a risk of many possibilities just as you would with driving a car without a seatbelt and insurance. So what are those online risks? Viruses, Malware, Identify Theft, Spam, Trojan Horses, and Worms are all threats included in the term “Internet Security” and it can infect and have an adverse effect on any home or business PC’s without proper and updated Internet Security. Currently, one of the more major threats is Malware. Short for Malicious Software. Malware code imports itself within a computer system without the user’s knowledge. This can range from annoying pop-ups on your screen to the theft of confidential passwords and critical data containing customer information. Thankfully, basic measures are available to protect you and your information. The first is a common sense approach and if an email is delivered to your Inbox that doesn’t appear to be authentic, do not open the attachment or click on the web link. Delete the email. The same rule applies to not install software on your computer if you are unsure of its source. You should look for Internet Security software that protects you against the following: Identity theft, Trojans, Bots, Root kits, Spam, Viruses, Spyware. Internet Security software should at a minimum include a firewall built into the software. Some but not all Internet Security software including free editions will only protect you against some of these threats and not all threats. This leads to a compromised system. Most importantly, ensure your Internet Security software is licensed for each computer and updated regularly. You can purchase full Internet Security software for under $100.00 which will give you 12months of updates; this works out cheaper than $10.00 a month to have software which does the majority of work for you. Here are 5 Best Practices for Internet Security: 1) Ensure your Internet Security software is licensed for each computer; home and business and scheduled to receive updates automatically and regularly. 2) Ensure your Operating System and Internet Browser is updated with the latest service packs and patches. 3) Schedule a full system scan weekly or fortnightly within your Internet Security software and remove threats found. 4) Avoid and/or minimise opening file sharing links, website links, instant messaging, peer to peer software and email from an unknown sources. 5) Consider the cost of the data to you. If it got infected, take measure to protect it from happening again and ensure your data backups are valid in case you need to restore after infection. Next month, I will focus more on Phising attacks, (pronounced FISHING) as we get closer to Christmas and purchasing presents online and what to look out for when performing online banking.
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