Security is Not Just About Anti-Virus Anymore
Credit card numbers, banking account information, Social Security Numbers, and financial records are all forms of information found on your computer that can be left open to hackers if your computer is not protected. This week you may have heard a lot about the Conficker worm lurking around the Internet. This worm and other malicious programs can be used by hackers to capture that data. Once captured, the thieves can use this data to steal your identity or money.
Last week’s article “Is danger lurking in your e-mail” discussed protecting your computer from virus laden e-mails. This week I want to talk about the other layers of security for your computers and network. These layers include updates, virus protection, firewalls and anti-malware software. The best part of protecting your computer is that there are many free ways to get protection; links are available on our website.
The first level of security is an updated virus protection. Virus protection comes in two versions, most commonly the software is installed directly on the computer. There are many vendors who provide anti-virus software, the most common ones being Symantec, AVG and McAffee. AVG offers a great free anti-virus solution for home users.
No matter which anti-virus you pick, the most important thing is that you make sure the anti-virus is kept up to date and that you have a recent version of the software. Newer versions of anti-virus will be more effective in tracking down newer viruses. You should update your anti-virus version no less than every two years.
The second form of anti-virus comes built in a firewall. This version protects computers on the network, but should be used as a supplement to regular anti-virus.
Speaking of firewalls, this is the second layer of protection for your computer. Firewalls also come in two different versions. Software firewalls which are part of Internet Security packages or independent packages such as Zone Alarm, which also offers a free version, are designed for non-networked computers. Network computers should be protected by a hardware firewall, which is the second type of firewall. Depending on your requirements, firewall can range from small home firewalls to more expensive firewalls for business.
Firewalls are designed to protect your computing resources from outside attacks, but can also protect the spreading viruses throughout your network.
The next level of protection is making sure your computer is up to date with the latest patches from Microsoft and other vendors. Patches from Microsoft are delivered through the Windows Update site as well as Windows Update Services.
Even if you have Windows Update Services turned on in the Control Panel, you must also visit Windows Update through Internet Explorer, by clicking Tools, then Windows Update. Going to the Windows Update site and performing a “Custom” update will install important updates not normally downloaded through the regular update process.
Updates not only increase program performance, but increase security and reduce fatal crashes.
The final level of security is probably the least known level and most ignored. Anti-malware, sometimes referred to as anti-spyware, software compliments anti-virus software by removing adware and other malicious software. The difference between a virus and malware is very small, but is dependent on the actions of the software. Viruses try to spread and infect other computers, where malware embeds itself in your computer and performs tasks such as sending out spam. Just like anti-virus software, anti-malware software is available in several free versions and must be current and up to date. One of the most popular free anti-spyware software is Spybot Search and Destroy.
There are many levels of protection required to keep your computers and network secure. Current and updated anti-virus and anti-malware software along with a firewall and keeping your computer up to date will compliment the spam protection you have implemented to keep you safe.
You can find links to the software mentioned in this article on our website www.connectutech.com.
Eric Wichhart is the CEO of ConnectU, a Business Technology firm located in Eustis, Florida. He can be reached at eric@connectutech.com or (352) 702-0354.
Last week’s article “Is danger lurking in your e-mail” discussed protecting your computer from virus laden e-mails. This week I want to talk about the other layers of security for your computers and network. These layers include updates, virus protection, firewalls and anti-malware software. The best part of protecting your computer is that there are many free ways to get protection; links are available on our website.
The first level of security is an updated virus protection. Virus protection comes in two versions, most commonly the software is installed directly on the computer. There are many vendors who provide anti-virus software, the most common ones being Symantec, AVG and McAffee. AVG offers a great free anti-virus solution for home users.
No matter which anti-virus you pick, the most important thing is that you make sure the anti-virus is kept up to date and that you have a recent version of the software. Newer versions of anti-virus will be more effective in tracking down newer viruses. You should update your anti-virus version no less than every two years.
The second form of anti-virus comes built in a firewall. This version protects computers on the network, but should be used as a supplement to regular anti-virus.
Speaking of firewalls, this is the second layer of protection for your computer. Firewalls also come in two different versions. Software firewalls which are part of Internet Security packages or independent packages such as Zone Alarm, which also offers a free version, are designed for non-networked computers. Network computers should be protected by a hardware firewall, which is the second type of firewall. Depending on your requirements, firewall can range from small home firewalls to more expensive firewalls for business.
Firewalls are designed to protect your computing resources from outside attacks, but can also protect the spreading viruses throughout your network.
The next level of protection is making sure your computer is up to date with the latest patches from Microsoft and other vendors. Patches from Microsoft are delivered through the Windows Update site as well as Windows Update Services.
Even if you have Windows Update Services turned on in the Control Panel, you must also visit Windows Update through Internet Explorer, by clicking Tools, then Windows Update. Going to the Windows Update site and performing a “Custom” update will install important updates not normally downloaded through the regular update process.
Updates not only increase program performance, but increase security and reduce fatal crashes.
The final level of security is probably the least known level and most ignored. Anti-malware, sometimes referred to as anti-spyware, software compliments anti-virus software by removing adware and other malicious software. The difference between a virus and malware is very small, but is dependent on the actions of the software. Viruses try to spread and infect other computers, where malware embeds itself in your computer and performs tasks such as sending out spam. Just like anti-virus software, anti-malware software is available in several free versions and must be current and up to date. One of the most popular free anti-spyware software is Spybot Search and Destroy.
There are many levels of protection required to keep your computers and network secure. Current and updated anti-virus and anti-malware software along with a firewall and keeping your computer up to date will compliment the spam protection you have implemented to keep you safe.
You can find links to the software mentioned in this article on our website www.connectutech.com.
Eric Wichhart is the CEO of ConnectU, a Business Technology firm located in Eustis, Florida. He can be reached at eric@connectutech.com or (352) 702-0354.
posted by Eric at
12:04 AM
