Computer security system, in fundamental terms means keeping your PC and the information inside it safe and secure. Because for most people, computer is the place to keep our personal data.
Yet, most people don’t have enough understanding on how to make their computers safe and secure. By following just a few simple rules below you can improve the general security of your computer.
The first step to keep in mind is what precisely the meaning of being attached to the cyberspace. When your computer is connected to the internet, it defines that your home is open in many ways. There are many directions to get inside your home. Through the windows, front door, back door, etc. The more windows and doors you have got, the more path someone has into your home. An open door doesn’t constantly mean you are going to be robbed, but it does improve the risks.
Your PC has several windows and doors, not all of them are locked. New flaws are being found everyday and the cure still haven’t been found until few days later.
Similar to your home, you wouldn’t let your front door unlocked. You shouldn’t leave your computer open wide either. The first two things we will talk about are installing a quality firewall and regularly updating your installed security software.
Recently, updating your application is getting easier, especially your Operating System. In this article, we are not going to discuss in specific about the way to update the application that you have or use, but generally the software vendor will provide the guide to do this automatically through the internet. A good example of this case is the Microsoft Windows Update feature. Make sure to get the updates for your software.
There are two basic types of firewalls and both have the same services. First is hardware and second is software.
A hardware firewall is likely embedded in your router if you are using one.
Continuing the house analogy, a firewall is like making a wall and gate around your home and giving instruction to the security officer at the gate who can pass and who can not pass.
Having a firewall set up on your computer does not entirely protect your PC. Somebody with advanced knowledge on networking may find a whole to break your first level security system, which is firewall.
The most annoying thing is when we incidentally let somebody in our system by opening an email or even by browsing the internet. Spyware, virus, trojan and suchlike are even more adept in their methods of fooling you and your security. Emails that you accept from a trusted friend may carry a critical virus without their notice. This point is where the next layer of protection should work, anti-virus software.
Anti-virus software comes with complete package nowadays. These software packages are frequently come as suites, that is including a firewall and spyware scanner. While most of these application are very competent in their promised tasks, it is not wise to be lulled into a false sense of security by them. They are simply one level in what should be a multi level security program for your system. One last important note about anti virus program is to be sure that it updates on a scheduled procedure. New viruses come out day-to-day, so check its updates manually to be sure they have been updated.
Lets go back to the house analogy, we currently have locked all of our windows, doors and other entry ways. All the security system have also been fully updated. We have a wall around our house with a guard at the gate and we have application that scans everything that enters through the gate. That seems pretty good, but there’s one last security hole we need to address, it’s you.
A large percentage of infections are stimulated by the computer user. The cyberspace is a dynamic place that demands its users to be trained about its uses. You don’t need to be a computer expert to simply read your email. However, there is a simple advise for you, spare some time to be learn on some of the threats that pop up daily, and how to prevent them.
Your computer is a powerful machine attached to one of the greatest things ever invented, the internet. This vast resource can be a risky place if you are not properly prepared and informed. Regular software updates, a great firewall, anti virus software and a little training are the basic principle in computer security. Having and understanding these basics will have your computer safer, more secure and when your computer is secure you can browsing and doing activity on the internet.