How Secure Is Your Home Computer?
In addition to being a potentially expensive asset, your home computer is likely full of personal and financial information you wouldn’t want the wrong people to gain access to. While using a password to protect the computer can stop people in your home from snooping around, it may not be enough to protect you against outside threats. Ensuring you have updated antivirus and Internet security programs in place can help protect your from outside intrusions.
Online Threats in Disguise
While many of the sites you frequently visit may be just as safe as they appear, some Internet sites are known havens for viruses and spyware. The most common sites to be wary of include:
- Adult sites
- File sharing sites
- Game sites.
The problem with many of these sites is that they require you to download files to your computer – or agree to terms that allow them to install files to your computer – that aren’t always what they appear to be.
You may also be familiar with the popups you encounter on some sites that warn you about viruses or spyware installed on your computer. In reality, the free virus protection software they’re offering you is actually designed to install viruses, malware, spyware or worms on your hard drive. While the offer of free virus protection software can sound tempting, it’s one bargain to avoid.
Trouble Lurking in Your Inbox
While we’ve likely all received the scam emails from Nigerian princes desperate to give us their millions, not all nefarious emails are as easy to detect and delete unopened. As hackers get better, many of the worst email dangers will come from our friends and colleagues.
In some instances, you may receive a mass email from someone on your contact list, so you open it. Inside, you’ll usually find a link and a very short message that doesn’t sound like your friend. Avoid following this link because it’s usually the first sign that your friend’s email account was hacked. If the link isn’t taking you to a site designed to load spyware on your computer, it’ll likely take you to an obnoxious sales site.
You may also occasionally receive emails from people with names you think are on your contact list at first glance, but once you dig further, you learn it’s just a spam message. While not all spam has the intent of installing viruses, it’s still best to only download files or follow links sent to you by people and sites you know and trust.
Protecting Your Computer
With so many people out to attack your computer, installing good virus protection software from a reputable company is your best bet. While you may have an upfront cost or annual renewal fees, installing a program that can identify and block viruses, spyware, malware and worms is well worth the money if it helps you avoid replacing your computer or having your personal information stolen.