Securing your Home Computer from Attacks How to stay safe

Many of us have basic common sense when it comes to safety. For instance, we don’t open the door for strangers, or allow them to come in the house for that matter, or even answer a phone call if the number is not recognizable on the caller ID. So why do many of us have such a trusting nature when it comes to our computers? Unfortunately, there are many things hidden in the cyber space world that you are not aware of. One of them is called intruders. 

Online, each day intruders are violating users’ right to privacy by preying and seeking out credit card numbers and bank account information in hopes of stealing your identity for the purpose of purchasing goods and services. Bottom line, they want what you have stored on your hard drive. And it just isn’t the money their after. Hard disk space, a fast processor, and an Internet connection are what intruders hope to gain in an effort to use your property to escape the law. To help you avoid intrusion we will consider nine steps you can take to protect your property.

Below are nine steps to better, secure your home computer…

Users should install anti-virus programs to ward off Worms, Trojans, Viruses, etc. In addition, users should download free patches from Microsoft’s website to protect your identity and computer. Users should also use care when opening e-mails, since some have harmful attachments. Users should also backup important information, and install firewall programs to ward off hackers, crackers, intruders, etc. NOTE: Windows has its own integrated firewall, which users should set to on at all times. Users are advised to employ strong passwords, as well as distinct passwords. It is recommended that you take caution when installing and⁄or downloading any programs to your hard drive. Users should install, and make use of installations, such as file encryptions, access controls, passwords, etc.

It is a fact that the more computers intruder uses, the more difficult it is for law enforcement to trace activities. Since the law cannot track intruders and stop them in their trail, they can’t be prosecuted. There is a reason intruder’s pay attention to home computers. 

Home computers are more vulnerable, especially when users do not implement the steps above to be better protected. 

Anytime your computers are connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, and⁄or high-speed modems, you are a direct target.

To avoid becoming the next victim, you must adhere to the rules. Installation of an anti-virus program is the single most important thing to do first after setting up a new computer and logging onto the internet. Virus Scanners will search for particular patterns that match profiles of virus signatures. A virus signature is a string of bits, or the binary patterns, invented of a virus. 

Virus scanners work in the same way as fingerprinting. That is the virus scanners fingerprint and detect information to identify potential risks. Virus Scanners, once it detects potential risks will immediately act by responding, removing, and destroying bad files. 

By following the first step above means that you are off to a good start, but make sure that the following nine steps are taken for added safety. Most of the time we are trustful people and we never think this would happen to us. We would all like privacy, but in this day and age, privacy has become almost extinct. If you are prepared for home security, also consider to secure your home computer to avoid problems. 

Tip: Preparing and practicing can help you avoid problems.