| Computer users have to deal with all sorts of security | | | | However, if your computer is already infected, you |
| threats each day, computer viruses, computer worms, | | | | may not be able to reach the free virus scan sites at |
| hackers, phishing, spyware. These malicious attacks | | | | all. |
| may damage your boot sector, system BIOS, | | | | 3. Keep your internet security programs up to date. |
| software and data files, cause disruption of internet | | | | New viruses, spyware, worms are coming out every |
| traffic, create back door to allow unauthorized access | | | | day, you need the most updated definition database to |
| to your computer, and steal confidential information | | | | block these threats. |
| from you. So how do they spread over the internet? | | | | 4. Install a firewall program and configure your firewall |
| Malware including computer viruses, worms, and | | | | program to block any unsolicited inbound or outbound |
| Trojan horses are spread via email, instant messages | | | | communication. This can protect you from hacker |
| and file sharing. Computer viruses need a host | | | | attack. |
| program to run whereas computer worms are self | | | | 5. Download security patches for your application |
| contained and replicate automatically. Trojan horses | | | | programs and browser programs. Some programs are |
| usually do not replicate, they are downloaded and run | | | | vulnerable to malicious attack and the patches can fix |
| by the computer users pretending to be some | | | | these vulnerabilities. |
| innocent programs, such as free games or free | | | | 6. Be vigilant and selective about what you download |
| screensavers. | | | | to your computer. Do not download free games, |
| Hackers are not malicious programs, they are | | | | freeware, free music files etc unless you are certain |
| computer users who gain unauthorized access to your | | | | that they are harmless. |
| computer. Hackers look for unprotected network or | | | | 7. Be careful with email attachment. Do not open |
| enter you system via a back door installed by other | | | | unexpected email attachment even if it comes from |
| malware. | | | | people in your address book. An internet security |
| Spyware are usually downloaded from web sites, | | | | program can protect your computer by scanning the |
| email messages, instant messages or file sharing | | | | attachment before you open it or save it to your |
| network. Sometimes, spyware are installed with some | | | | computer. |
| legitimate programs when you accept the End User | | | | 8. Delete spam messages or install a spam filter. Some |
| License Agreement. | | | | spam messages are merely a nuisance but some |
| Phishing is an emerging form of malicious attack. | | | | contain links which land on bogus sites where your |
| Phishers send out spam messages pretending to be | | | | personal information can be stolen (phishing). Computer |
| legitimate companies such as banks, financial institutes, | | | | viruses and spyware can also be spread using spam |
| PayPal. They would use scare tactic to urge you to | | | | messages. Do not click on the link or open any |
| update your personal information on phish sites which | | | | attachment of spam messages |
| look remarkably similar to the legitimate company sites. | | | | 9. Watch out for hoaxes. If you receive an email |
| If you log in, the phishers will steal your id and | | | | message warning you about a computer virus, search |
| password. | | | | the internet to see if it is a hoax. Don't delete any file |
| Now that you know how these security threats work, | | | | or spread the message to other people unless you |
| here are 10 tips to protect your computer: | | | | know that the warning is true. |
| 1. Install an antivirus + antispyware program or all-in-one | | | | 10. Change your password frequently and do not use |
| internet security program. Do not run any free scan | | | | the same password for all sites. Use complex words |
| and free download unless you have done your | | | | with characters and numbers. |
| research on the software developer. Some free | | | | To sum up, malicious attacks come in various forms |
| downloads can be spyware programs or malware | | | | and they spread and attack your computer in different |
| that create security hole in your system. | | | | ways. However, there are software tools available to |
| 2. Install security programs that provide active real time | | | | help you fend off these attacks. If you practice all of |
| protection. Some free antivirus programs can only | | | | the above, you can reduce the chance of malicious |
| detect viruses that have already infected your PC. | | | | attack substantially. |