| Internet security involves the protection of a | | | | remember before downloading a particular program: |
| computer's Internet account and files from any form of | | | | Ease of installation/setup |
| attack or intrusion of an unauthorized user. | | | | An Internet security software must be easy to install |
| Unauthorized access of a computer may occur once | | | | and to set up. It should have a clear and step by step |
| the computer connects to a network and begins | | | | instructions in order to avoid application errors or |
| communicating with other computers or accessing a | | | | interfere with other programs in the computer. |
| malware-infected web site through the Internet. To | | | | Ease of Use |
| avoid this, it is recommended to set up a password | | | | An Internet security software must be designed so |
| and install an Internet security software. The following | | | | that every user can be able to use the software |
| are some major Internet threats that can badly | | | | regardless of their computer literacy. This also involves |
| jeopardize a computer: | | | | the program's interface as well as the terminologies |
| - Malware | | | | used that will help the user to easily manage the |
| - Worms | | | | software. |
| - Bots | | | | Other security features |
| - Spyware | | | | A reliable Internet security software must have |
| - Trojans | | | | additional Internet security programs bundled such as |
| - Viruses | | | | email and IM scanning, anti-phishing, and parental |
| The Internet threats mentioned above can be | | | | controls. |
| overlapped and combined, which can cause serious | | | | Antispyware |
| damage to your computer's system and personal files. | | | | An Internet security software must have an |
| These threats are the reason why they are made to | | | | antispyware function that will protect your computer |
| detect and eliminate viruses and other forms of | | | | against adware, keyloggers, trojans, and many more. |
| malicious attacks that can easily enter your computer. | | | | Firewall |
| Internet security programs can be purchased or | | | | An Internet security software must have a firewall |
| downloaded for free via the Internet. However, one | | | | protection that will shield your computer against outside |
| should be careful in selecting the Internet security | | | | attackers or malicious Internet traffic. There are two |
| software that they will use since some programs are | | | | types of firewalls namely: |
| not as effective as the others when it comes to | | | | - Hardware - These are typically called network |
| detecting and removing viruses or malware. One | | | | firewalls, which refers to external devices that are |
| should also be cautious when downloading such | | | | usually placed between your computer or network and |
| Internet security software since there are some | | | | your cable or DSL modem. Some Internet Service |
| existing websites that contain web links that would | | | | Providers (ISP) or vendors offer networking devices, |
| instruct you to install a security program for your | | | | such as a router, that already has a firewall installed. |
| computer, when in reality it would actually install | | | | Hardware-based firewalls have the advantage of |
| malware or even viruses on your computer. Most | | | | being separate devices, which are running on their own |
| Internet security software have antivirus, firewall, | | | | operating systems so they provide additional line of |
| antispyware, as well as parental controls already | | | | defense against Internet attacks. |
| integrated into one program to help you protect the | | | | - Software - These are firewalls that are built-in within |
| following: | | | | the computer's operating system. If your computer's |
| Personal information - Internet security programs | | | | operating system has a firewall feature included, you |
| contain antispyware, firewall, and anti-phishing | | | | may consider enabling it to provide an additional layer |
| protection to secure your sensitive data from creative | | | | of protection even if you already have an external |
| hackers who are constantly using latest developments | | | | firewall. Antivirus |
| in technology to gain access to personal information. | | | | A security software must have the ability to |
| Computer system - Internet security programs can | | | | continuously scan your computer for any harmful |
| shield your computer from being attacked by different | | | | viruses. It is also important that the antivirus you are |
| kinds of viruses in forms of email attachments and | | | | using are regularly updated to detect new viruses |
| other files, which may render your computer useless. | | | | since these threats are constantly evolving. |
| Family restriction - Parental controls are also included | | | | Help and Support |
| that allows you to filter and to restrict access of | | | | Manufacturers should be able to provide support to its |
| unacceptable sites or web contents that can also | | | | customers through FAQs, user manual, or tutorials on |
| harm your computer. This feature can also keep your | | | | how to properly use and maintain the Internet security |
| children from any possible online predators. | | | | software. It is also important that customers will obtain |
| When looking for a reliable software, the following are | | | | support through phone, chat, or email at all times. |
| some important criteria that a computer user must | | | | |