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Many people wonder whether or not their computer is safe or not. They fear that someone might be looking through their files, altering, copying, or even erasing them. They are uncomfortable about the thought that someone might be monitoring their every move in cyberspace. These concerns come to mind when reminded of the problem of viruses, hackers, and other security risks that abound in the Internet. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent these problems by following a few simple pointers.
Update
Perhaps the most crucial step for computer security is to keep it updated. Install the latest service packs and critical updates from Microsoft’s download center. If available, this is made easy by configuring the system to utilize Automatic Updates. If not available, updates can be downloaded directly from Microsoft’s download center. Presently, Service Pack 2 (SP2) is the most current Service Pack for Windows XP.
Firewall
The easiest means to increase the security level of a computer is by using a firewall. Firewalls monitor all activity that happens on a connection between one or more computers. They act as a “wall” with one or more computers on one side, and one or more computers (normally the Internet) on the other. Information transfer by suspicious programs are urgently cut off, preventing them from entering the protected side of the firewall. This way, denying access to anything coming from unauthorized and unknown sources prevents possible infection by worms, viruses, and other malicious codes.
Anti Spy-ware and Anti-Virus
Even if a computer is protected by a firewall, it is still necessary to use anti spy-ware and anti-virus. This is because a firewall only prevents unauthorized outside access, and cannot distinguish between benign and malicious access. It is still possible to inadvertently make a request for information that is damaging, which the firewall views as an authorized transfer. Anti-virus and anti spy-ware provides another layer of armor for a computer, making it more difficult for hackers and their malicious programs to penetrate and control a computer. Some well-known anti-virus programs include McAffee, Norton, and Trend Micro PC-cillin. Anti spy-ware programs are also important as they lessen the chances of spy-ware getting into a computer. Spy-ware behaves differently than viruses, making it necessary to use various programs to catch it. Spy-ware can track any activity a computer infected with it performs, or even act as a gateway to download additional spy-ware or viruses. Hackers typically use spy-ware to obtain important information that must remain confidential like social security numbers, police records and credit card numbers.
Secure Home Networks
It is likely for a computer owner to be unaware they are using a network at home. If more than one computer shares the same Internet connection or if wireless Internet access is being used, of course, a home network is present. In fact, securing a single computer is not much use if it is part of a network. The whole network must be protected as well to prevent malicious software from merely hopping from computer to computer to avoid attack. Different kinds of home networks face different kinds of threats. In the case of a wireless connection, anyone within the broadcast range of the network may be able to peek at any data contained within the network.
Many networking devices employ their own security mechanisms. Using this in combination with security defenses installed on each computer’s should offer enough protection to thwart attempts from hackers to hi-jack the network and use the computers connected to it. Most routers function as Network Address Translators (NAT) which makes them a secure connection to the Internet.
While no measure can guarantee total immunity from attack, these steps should increase the security of a computer or network enough to safeguard against any typical attack.
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