Every day, new security threats emerge in the World Wide Web.
These threats can range from simple programs that collect data
about your web usage without your consent, to very serious viruses
that can destroy your data and render your computer inoperable.
While these are very scary things, there are simple steps you can
take to protect yourself and your computer from them. Below are a
few of these steps:
- Install anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware software,
and keep it updated. There are several free and paid-for options
available. One of the most popular paid-for choices is Norton
Internet Security. This is a comprehensive security suite
that includes real-time protection from all kinds of security
threats. You can also use free software to protect your
computer. Some of my favorite free programs include AVG
Anti-Virus Free Edition, Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware, and Spybot -
Search & Destroy. The combination of these programs
provides adequate protection for most PC users. All software
mentioned above can be downloaded from Download.com, listed
below:
http://download.cnet.com/windows/security-software/?tag=rb_content;contentNav
- Install and use a browser other than Microsoft Internet
Explorer, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera.
Internet Explorer, because it comes installed with Windows, is the
most popular browser and therefore is the target of more malicious
attacks. It also has more security vulnerabilities, such as
with ActiveX. These free alternative browsers can be
downloaded here:
http://download.cnet.com/windows/web-browsers/?tag=ltcol;nav
- Do not download files from or provide personal or financial
information to any website that is not reputable. The vast
majority of websites are safe to browse, but there are many that
are not. If you are not sure whether a website is reputable
or not, don't take the chance. The link below will take you to a
guide that can help you determine whether or not a website is
reputable:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5824500_website-reputable-not.html
These are some basic steps you can take right away to ensure you
have a safe online experience. For more information about
online safety, or for help installing and using any of these
programs, please contact me at brian.holmertz@cmsschicago.org.
Brian Holmertz, Coordinator, United Methodist Senior Home
Maintenance
Chicago Senior Living
Assisted Living
in Chicago