Securing your computer(s) when connected to the internet has become a priority for users who frequent the net. Even if you don't think you have anything worth protecting on your computer, it's still important that you keep your system locked down.
Your files are not the only thing at stake here. If someone gains access to your computer, it can be used as a "zombie" for hacking into other computer(s), hiding the trail of the person who is actually doing it.
The idea is to keep your computer "hidden" from prying eyes over the internet, as well as protected from viruses and other malware that can be spread through email or other methods.
You also need to make sure you're familiar with the different types of security threats so you can deal with them if they ever come up.
We've got information on all the major types of security threats on this website and will show you how to combat against them.
The 5 Most Important Pieces Of Internet Security Software
Internet security is a fairly broad term, covering quite a few different areas. In reality, each of these areas needs a particular type of software to keep you protected. Some internet security suites include many or all of these.
1. Firewall
A firewall blocks your computer from being visible on the internet and both keeps hackers out and keeps your information from being sent out without your permission.
Firewalls can be either software running on your computer or a hardware device that connects between your computer and your internet connection. Windows XP SP2 and higher have a bundled firewall that is built in to the software.
2. Antivirus
Viruses are one of the biggest problems related to internet security. They can come in many forms, and there are new ones all the time so it's important that you have an antivirus program installed AND that you keep it up to date on a regular basis.
3. Anti-Spyware
Spyware is software that tracks what you do on the internet and sends that information back to someone who can use it to feed you ads or other unwanted junk. A noticeable symptom that your pc is infected with spyware is a decline in responsiveness when opening up programs or the internet. Ads will begin to pop up on your screen and increase in frequency.
Anti-spyware programs are much like antiviruses - they need to be kept up to date in order to catch the latest types of spyware.
4. Anti-Spam
Many email programs include spam filtering these days, but they are not always the best at getting rid of the junk.
Additional anti-spam programs will filter the email as it comes in and they're generally much better at catching the garbage, without deleting things you wanted by mistake.
5. Common Sense
This one isn't something you install on your computer but it's probably the most important of the five.
If something sounds too good to be true (like some Nigerian businessman wanting to send you thousands of dollars in return for helping him out) chances are pretty good it is.
Use your common sense when dealing with email and websites - if you aren't sure how legitimate something is, just delete it and move on. Which by the way, AOL and Microsoft in NO WAY shape or form have ever offered money back to the public just for forwarding emails to other people. Please don't get reeled into such propoganda because it sounds legitimate.
Lavasoft's Adware is a product that i highly recommend in combatting spware/malware from your pc (s). This product will scan your hard drive thorougly and detect and remove any traces of spyware. The executable is zipped up. You will need to run winzip or winrar utility to unpack the file. You can then run adaware.exe.
Antivirus Software is an absolute MUST in today's technology in keeping our networks protected from the ever growing problems with viruses. Every pc is susceptible to getting one of these trojans no matter how good you think you may be protected. So many clients forget or are not even sure if they are properly protected from the intrusions out on the net. This is why it is imperative to stay one step ahead of the game by having a "good" antivirus suite that is up to date with it's signature files. That is why I recommend Eset's NOD32 Antivirus Suite. I have used this product for over 2 yrs now and I am sold on the product for it's ease of operation and how well it detects and quarantines those stubborn bugs.
Webroot's Window Washer As you work on your computer and browse the Internet, you leave behind traces of your activity. This information not only takes up valuable disk space but also jeopardizes your privacy. Window Washer simply and safely wipes your tracks clean and removes unnecessary files for complete privacy and improved PC performance.
Window Washer eliminates useless files that clog your hard drive and slow down
your PC. Permanently washes away files and folders for ultimate privacy. Gives you complete control over where and what gets washed.
You will need to run winzip or winrar utility to unpack the file. You can then run winwasher.exe.