What is Online Security & Internet Safety - Part 2
Online Security & Internet Safety - Concluded
3. Use a firewall for increased online security & internet safety. A firewall is a screen that helps protect your computer from unwanted attacks like viruses, spyware, hacking and adware. If you don't already have a firewall, get one today.
There are two types of firewalls - software firewalls run you your personal computer and hardware firewalls protects the online security & internet safety of a network. A firewall tries to filter out any potential threats while allowing safe data to travel across the Internet. Some standard browsers have there own firewall options but you can get increased protection from a good anti-virus program.
4. Download online security & internet safety updates and "patches" for operating systems and other software. Software companies like Microsoft make updates and patches available to their clients. These are released to make sure that any loopholes in the programs that make them vulnerable to attack are plugged. These patches are free and easy to download and install.
But beware! Make sure you are downloading your patch from the Real McCoy. There have been many instances in the past where fake Web sites were set up under the ruse of downloading security updates - only to be distributing damaging data to computers worldwide. Be cautious with your online security & internet safety and always make sure the sites you visit are legitimate.
5. When you choose a computer password make it hard-to-guess. Use a mixture of upper case, lower case, numbers, or other characters. Your password should be at least eight characters long. It must be hard to figure out or it won't be a good protective device. It should be as meaningless as possible or it could act against you in you search for online security & internet safety.
6. Always save your data. This means making a back-up of your computer data on disks and to CD at regular intervals. It is always better to be safe than sorry as many people have found out. If you work on a network save a copy of your data on another computer linked to the network. If your files get damaged use your original system files to make repairs and increase your online security & internet safety features so that you won't fall victim to attacks again.
7. Never allow strangers to use your computer. File sharing can threaten your online security & internet safety. Turn off file sharing - Don't do it!
8. Disconnect from the Internet when you are not at your desk. Turn off your connection so that nobody can access your computer while you aren't there. Your machine could even be used to infect another person without your knowledge. The only way you can assure your online security & internet safety is to make sure you know what is happening to your data at all times.
9. Make sure that you have all the appropriate protection programs installed to adequately allow for relative online security & internet safety. These include options for viruses, spyware and adware, spam, scumware and hijack attempts. If you suspect that somebody has stolen your identity make sure to report it to the appropriate authority immediately.
10. Finally, make sure you know what to do in the event that your system is compromised! Read up on the latest virus and other threats and make sure you have a plan in place when you are attacked. Being informed, aware and on alert is the only way to ensure that your online security & internet safety isn't compromised.
If you would like more in-depth security information try this
internet security site.
