Internet security guide – online myths and top safety steps
- By Peter McKiel
- Published 05/30/2011
- Tools and Resources
- Unrated
Internet security guide – online myths and top safety steps
Cyber criminals are only getting cleverer at finding ways to scam the public. The sad fact is that they are also aided by people being misinformed when it comes to Internet security.
The following guide will outline some of the easiest yet effective ways to keep your computer free from malware infection, as well as do away with the top fallacies about Internet security.
Top Internet Security Myths
With common sense, you can tell if it’s a scam website or e-mail.
In the early days of Internet it was often blatant when websites or emails were suspicious, but gone are the days! Hackers love to find security flaws in legitimate websites to insert hidden malware code. Once they have completed the infiltration, any time you view the webpage it could then have the potential to install malware onto your computer if it finds any security gaps. Thus, even large trusted brands can be hacked to become the unwitting distributors of malware. This is why, again, robust Internet security is essential.
Malware is created by maladjusted teens for notoriety.
Many people might wonder who has time to create all these nasty malware programs. The fact is that time is money – cyber crime is now about finding ways to hijack your personal details for financial gain.
It is a serious and determined act of fraud, so you need to take your Internet security just as seriously, in the way you would safeguard your home against burglary.
Once you buy Antivirus software, the online security threat is taken care of.
A good security program will help a great deal, that is as long as you keep it current and configure it correctly to scan all areas of your computer on a regular basis.
The problem however is that even if you have the best Antivirus program installed, it cannot protect you when you click on a scam link and agree to download a file – in effect you have bypassed the security gate by giving permission for entry. Take some time to learn about the dos and don’ts when browsing online, such as never opening an email attachment unless you’re absolutely sure of the sender.
Another issue is that as fast as a good Antivirus program identifies a new malware threat, cyber criminals churn out a brand new host of different ones to stay ahead of Antivirus signatures. It’s a fierce battle, but the best way to do your bit is to keep your security software up to date. It’s also a good idea to make sure your Antivirus program includes the heuristic feature, which is a predictive function that can determine new trends in malware.
Cyber crimina
ls own the Internet so it’s best not to use it.
Many ordinary people might be tempted by the unrelenting news about cyber crime to feel overly threatened and view the Internet as a total minefield which is best avoided. While it’s true that every computer user needs to be highly vigilant against malware, don’t deny yourself all the benefits that the Internet offers. The best approach is to be well versed about Internet threats, security and what to avoid when online, thereby being able to enjoy yourself with your eyes open.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Computer Safe
No matter how robust your Antivirus software is, unfortunately the fact is that you can never eliminate all malware threats. Nevertheless, here are some of the main steps to guard against virus infection that anyone, regardless of skill, can follow:
1 – Be Informed
Cyber crime is about making money - from sensitive information and banking details to webmail passwords, take some time to learn about how to safeguard your personal details.
2 – Keep your Antivirus Software Current
Antivirus programs can only be effective if they have the most up-to-date database of malware releases so that they can recognise and block them. It’s recommended you use automatic updates so that you never forget to keep up with the latest malware attacks.
3 – Never open Files That Haven’t Been Scanned
Email attachments and in fact all downloadable files need to be thoroughly scanned for malware by your Antivirus software.
4 – Always Protect Your Passwords
If you access webmail or other services which require a password in risky places such as an Internet cafe or on a public PC, you’re advised to change your passwords when you get home, as this is a prime way for cyber criminals to access your personal details.
5 – Trusted Antivirus Software Is Worth Its Weight in Gold
There are tons of antivirus products being advertised online that in fact infect your computer with a virus and then demand you pay the price to remove them. Likewise, if you don’t buy a top end Antivirus product which can thoroughly scan for the latest malware, you’re leaving yourself wide open to being scammed. For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure you buy Internet security products from only the most trusted and reliable providers.
Conclusion
All in all, if you take the time to learn some basic facts about how to avoid opening the doors to malware attacks and ensure that you have a reliable, current Antivirus program which is configured to keep a close watch on your computer, chances are you will be in good shape when it comes to Internet security.
About the Author:Peter McKiel is an IT Consultant and expert in Internet Security.
The following guide will outline some of the easiest yet effective ways to keep your computer free from malware infection, as well as do away with the top fallacies about Internet security.
Top Internet Security Myths
With common sense, you can tell if it’s a scam website or e-mail.
In the early days of Internet it was often blatant when websites or emails were suspicious, but gone are the days! Hackers love to find security flaws in legitimate websites to insert hidden malware code. Once they have completed the infiltration, any time you view the webpage it could then have the potential to install malware onto your computer if it finds any security gaps. Thus, even large trusted brands can be hacked to become the unwitting distributors of malware. This is why, again, robust Internet security is essential.
Malware is created by maladjusted teens for notoriety.
Many people might wonder who has time to create all these nasty malware programs. The fact is that time is money – cyber crime is now about finding ways to hijack your personal details for financial gain.
It is a serious and determined act of fraud, so you need to take your Internet security just as seriously, in the way you would safeguard your home against burglary.
Once you buy Antivirus software, the online security threat is taken care of.
A good security program will help a great deal, that is as long as you keep it current and configure it correctly to scan all areas of your computer on a regular basis.
The problem however is that even if you have the best Antivirus program installed, it cannot protect you when you click on a scam link and agree to download a file – in effect you have bypassed the security gate by giving permission for entry. Take some time to learn about the dos and don’ts when browsing online, such as never opening an email attachment unless you’re absolutely sure of the sender.
Another issue is that as fast as a good Antivirus program identifies a new malware threat, cyber criminals churn out a brand new host of different ones to stay ahead of Antivirus signatures. It’s a fierce battle, but the best way to do your bit is to keep your security software up to date. It’s also a good idea to make sure your Antivirus program includes the heuristic feature, which is a predictive function that can determine new trends in malware.
Cyber crimina
Many ordinary people might be tempted by the unrelenting news about cyber crime to feel overly threatened and view the Internet as a total minefield which is best avoided. While it’s true that every computer user needs to be highly vigilant against malware, don’t deny yourself all the benefits that the Internet offers. The best approach is to be well versed about Internet threats, security and what to avoid when online, thereby being able to enjoy yourself with your eyes open.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Computer Safe
No matter how robust your Antivirus software is, unfortunately the fact is that you can never eliminate all malware threats. Nevertheless, here are some of the main steps to guard against virus infection that anyone, regardless of skill, can follow:
1 – Be Informed
Cyber crime is about making money - from sensitive information and banking details to webmail passwords, take some time to learn about how to safeguard your personal details.
2 – Keep your Antivirus Software Current
Antivirus programs can only be effective if they have the most up-to-date database of malware releases so that they can recognise and block them. It’s recommended you use automatic updates so that you never forget to keep up with the latest malware attacks.
3 – Never open Files That Haven’t Been Scanned
Email attachments and in fact all downloadable files need to be thoroughly scanned for malware by your Antivirus software.
4 – Always Protect Your Passwords
If you access webmail or other services which require a password in risky places such as an Internet cafe or on a public PC, you’re advised to change your passwords when you get home, as this is a prime way for cyber criminals to access your personal details.
5 – Trusted Antivirus Software Is Worth Its Weight in Gold
There are tons of antivirus products being advertised online that in fact infect your computer with a virus and then demand you pay the price to remove them. Likewise, if you don’t buy a top end Antivirus product which can thoroughly scan for the latest malware, you’re leaving yourself wide open to being scammed. For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure you buy Internet security products from only the most trusted and reliable providers.
Conclusion
All in all, if you take the time to learn some basic facts about how to avoid opening the doors to malware attacks and ensure that you have a reliable, current Antivirus program which is configured to keep a close watch on your computer, chances are you will be in good shape when it comes to Internet security.
About the Author:Peter McKiel is an IT Consultant and expert in Internet Security.
