How to protect your computers

Everyone needs protection from the threat of viruses, as well as your computer and gadgets. We do not want to get a disease that can inhibit, even paralyze our activities. Laptop, Ultra book, notebook or PC can be protected with some suggestions as follows, and the suggestion has even become a warning from the FBI. These institutions provide some suggestions so that no intruder can disrupt our computer.

How do I stop and inhibit viruses, spyware or maleware and other forms of cruel attacks on our computer. You can follow the following tips:

Protect your computer now. Image: nersonsite.com

   Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. 

      Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be faked and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It's like buying groceries—shop where you trust. 

      Block Spyware - spyware and viruses often go hand-in-hand but can take many forms. Some 'hijack' your web browser and redirects you to their website. Others quietly download and install trojans, keylogger programs, etc. to your computer so hackers can take control of your computer later.

2.              Use complex passwords - whether at home or at work use complex passwords (and never write them down!). Using a password longer than 8 characters can greatly reduce the chance that someone will guess your password. Hackers don't usually sit there and try to guess your password one at a time. They use automated brute force tools that can break a simple password in a few minutes to a few hours. Here's an example of a complex password: 1mSdM5m3MbEr (Hint: I am SDMS member). You should change your password at least every 3 months and never reuse old passwords...be creative, come up with something new.

3.                Backup your important data often – Please create backup  to protect your files or data - a CD recordable (CD-R) drive can help quickly backup your important data (700 MB per disc or equivalent to 485 diskettes). DVD recordable drives are also available. Other options include external USB hard drives to store all of your "data", documents, photos, music as well as USB "thumb" drives that you can carry on your keychain.

4.                Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.

5.    The Virus Bulletin (www.virusbtn.com) offers a list of viruses that are floating through the computer world at present. The site also offers the opportunity to report viruses, should you be unfortunate enough to encounter a new one firstha.

6.    Delete spam messages without opening them or replying to them.  Use great caution when clicking on links sent to you in e-mail or text messages.  Do not open e-mail attachments unless you know the sender and you're expecting the attachment.

7.                    Secure your wireless network:  If you use a wireless network in your home, take protection to secure it against hackers. Encrypting wireless communications is the first step. Choose a wireless router with an encryption feature and turn it on. WPA encryption is considered stronger than WEP. Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption. Think about disabling identifier broadcasting if your router enables it.   Change the SSID on your router and the pre-set administrative password. Hackers know the pre-set passwords on many wireless routers. Consider turning off your wireless network when you're not using it. Please note the name assigned to your Wi-Fi network. This name – called an SSID, or Service Set IDentifier – lets you connect your computers to the network manually. The SSID is often the equipment maker's name.

Update your antivirus. Image: securityworldnews.com

        Turn off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to    leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being "always on" renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker's connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer's resources to reach out to other unwitting users.

   Do not download software from an unknown source. These programs will often be full of  viruses. Software offered at no charge should always be suspect unless it is a known source.

      Be cautious about revealing personal and private details or your email address when you're online. This is especially important when you're using social networking sites. Make sure you're happy with your privacy settings. Your identity and personal information are valuable to criminals. 

In addition, you should be careful using your USB or flash in the Internet cafe, because public place means dozens of people use computers every day. You can buy a flash that was installed with antivirus, so that your data are free from viruses, trojans and friends