The Internet is a tool for people to communicate, learn, and shop. Unfortunately, the Internet can also be used to commit criminal activities. Although, there is no fool-proof method to prevent online crime, our recommended solutions and Internet safety tips can help secure and protect your privacy and your computer data.
Step One: Use Antivirus Software
Viruses can get into your computer at home or at work and cause extensive damage to your computer. Viruses can even help a criminal steal your identity and put your personal information to use for illegal purposes.
We recommend installing an antivirus program, keeping it up-to-date and scanning your system on a regular basis.
Step Two: Install a Firewall
In addition to your antivirus software, you can use a firewall to guard your computer against hackers and unwanted inbound and outbound Internet traffic. One of the easiest ways a virus can enter your system is through a broadband connection.
With a broadband connection, your computer is open to the Internet whenever it is turned on. We recommend installing a firewall to safeguard your financial documents, personal information, photos and online communications.
Your Microsoft® Windows® operating system can also protect you from viruses, hackers and other online threats. You can receive automatic updates from Microsoft to protect your computer and keep your operating system current at the same time.
To update your Microsoft operating system and other applications, visit the Microsoft Windows Update site. The program will locate security gaps and automatically download and install the necessary patches for you.
In addition, we recommend that you activate Microsoft Windows Automatic Update for the latest security patches to avoid potential threats in the future.
Step Four: Install and Use Antispyware Software
Spyware programs can get into your system from a free web download, by visiting a Web site or clicking on an online advertisement. The spyware program then secretly gathers information about your computing habits and sends the information to the company that created the program. Once the company has your information, the spyware can affect your computer by:
* Changing your homepage to a particular Web site
* Producing unwanted pop-up ads—even when your browser is not running
* Causing your browser or system applications to close or crash
* Stopping your ability to connect to the Internet
* Slowing down your computer at start-up or reducing the performance of your system
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, your system may be infected with spyware.
The best way to remove spyware is to purchase and install an antispyware program. We recommend purchasing an updated product with built-in antispyware capabilities. You may also want to adjust your browser security settings to medium or higher and only download software from trusted sources.
Step Five: Practice Internet Safety
The Internet has made it easy for us to perform activities online such as shopping, banking and communicating with others. At the same time, transmitting information online can also put us at risk for identity theft and fraud. To ensure that the information you provide is not used maliciously, it is important to take some basic precautions.
We recommend that you invest time to learn what you can do to protect you, your family and your data from cyber threats. We have listed suggested topics from Microsoft's Web site to help you enjoy online activities while still practicing internet safety:
Security at Home—Protect Your Personal Information—Watch a video and read about protecting your personal information to avoid identity theft and other kinds of fraud while surfing the Internet.
Help Protect Yourself While Enjoying Online Activities—Learn how to protect yourself while still enjoying everything the Internet has to offer.
E-Mail and Spam—How to Reduce the Risks of Threats—Watch a video and learn how to reduce the risks of e-mail threats including spam, viruses, identity-theft schemes and hoaxes.
Protect Your Children's Privacy and Safety—Safety tips, articles and a video to help keep your children protected while they surf the Internet.
Step Six: Backup Your Important Files
Have you ever wondered what you would do if a virus deleted files on your system? What if your hard drive failed or a power surge during a lightning storm destroyed your hard drive? If you start thinking about what you would do after a problem occurs, it's probably too late. Your Internet favorites and bookmarks will be gone, e-mail addresses, family history and pictures, your thesis and your final report? All lost.
Is there anything more important on your system than the information you invested time in creating? So, why risk losing it?
We recommend you add additional storage media and a software backup application to your system. Then you can automatically backup and save your data as part of your regular computer maintenance routine. Taking this preventative measure can reduce your stress level when your important information is suddenly gone. We can assist you to select the best options to fit your time, budget and experience level.
