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  Important Security Measures for your Home, Family, and Business - 5

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7 Simple Steps to
Online Computer Security
 
 

  Online computer security is critical right from the
  moment you boot up your brand new computer.
 

Here are 7 Simple Steps to Online Computer Security (Information Security online).

1. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Install Anti-virus and Anti-spyware software on your computer
before you start surfing the first time.

The difference between a computer virus and spyware is - a virus is a malicious piece of computer code that can be planted on any computer and can result in destruction of its file systems.

A virus can be transferred from one computer to another and
spread like a biological virus.

A spyware is a program that collects information about you without your knowledge or consent. Spyware does not spread like a virus.
   
2. Use strong password authentication

When you signup for an online membership like an online bank, Paypal, Ebay etc., do not use weak passwords that can make it easy to hack by people who know you or have some information about you,

Using your significant other’s name, child’s name, pet’s name etc. are weak. Use something stronger like first letters of the address of the house where you were born linked to your birth year or something along those lines. Try to no less than 7 alpha-numeric characters in your password with at least one number.

It's best if the password is NOT some meaningful word!

3. Keep your computer firewall ON all the time

Some anti-virus software packages include a firewall. If the operating system you are using is Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Macintosh OS X, then it has a built-in firewall.
 
Usually, the firewall is off when the computer is shipped to you.  Make certain to read instructions on how to turn on the firewall.   


4. Turn on the automatic software updates feature

Turn on the automatic updates feature of your anti-virus, anti-spyware, OS, and firewall to stay current. This is a good online computer security measure. It's important that you have the most current protection.

Hackers search on the internet for computers that are either unprotected or don't have the latest protection features. They can hack into your computer and install software. This will enable them to steal login details of your online bank accounts, other membership sites like Ebay, Paypal etc. and also send Spam emails  that appear to originate from your computer.

Sending Spam emails that appear to originate from your email address can result in your account being revoked!

5. Store your computer information safely

Storing your computer information safely can help the technician who is fixing/ restoring your computer. For example, on Windows, Click Start and then choose Run. This will bring up a small window.

Type ‘msinfo32’ without the quotes. This will bring up a system window. In this widow, choose the file menu and then Export. Export your system information on to a CD.

Similarly, for other operating systems, search on Google.com for information on storing the system information on a CD.

6. Backup important files

It's important to back up critical files. Determine what you would do to restore your computer if it has been attacked. Pretend that your computer file system has been corrupted and then determine steps you would take to restore. You will realize that having a backup can make things easier for you.

7. Protect your personal information

If you are asked to give out personal information like your phone number, address, SSN, identification numbers, etc. on the internet, use extreme caution.

Find out exactly why and how they will be used. If there is a link in your email that asks you to login by clicking on the link, then don’t!

Usually genuine emails don’t ask you to login directly by clicking a link. If you want to login to your membership accounts, always open a new browser and then type the URL of the website (to login to Paypal account, type paypal.com on the new browser instead of clicking on the link from an email that is asking you to login.).


If you are giving out credit card information, then the page that accepts credit card information must have secure encryption. The URL usually begins with https instead of the regular http. If you right click and select properties, the Connection section should
read something like 128 bit encryption (High) and also must have 1024 bit exchange.

Following these 7 steps to online computer security can protect you and your computer from online attacks.
                  

                                                                         ... Richard Rossbauer

         
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Richard started his "Firewalls and Virus Protection" website and "Security Alert News Reporter" to help everyday Internet users navigate safely through the Cyber Space that has become a 'Cyber Jungle', loaded with ambushes and booby traps. He promotes his "Computer Security Awareness Campaign" thru his website at https://www.firewalls-and-virus-protection.com
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Thank you and Safe Surfing.
Richard
www.RichardPresents.com

 

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