| Most of us rely on our personal computers and those | | | | can be attached to your computer. Never respond to |
| in our office to complete multiple tasks each day. If | | | | emails asking you for personal information as most |
| that data is lost or compromised it can create | | | | credible companies won't contact you for such |
| numerous problems for us. Protecting computers | | | | information. |
| against viruses and spyware is something you should | | | | Make sure you purchase a virus and spyware |
| do before you start using any program on it. The | | | | protection program that is very easy to install. Most of |
| information you prevent from being accessed could be | | | | them offer step by step instructions for you to follow. |
| your credit card accounts and bank accounts. If they | | | | You can find out how easy such software programs |
| are compromised you can end up becoming a victim | | | | are to install before you buy them just by reading |
| of identity theft. | | | | some independent reviews online. |
| One way that people accidentally end up with viruses | | | | You need to choose the program for your computer |
| or spyware on their computer is by not paying | | | | protection very carefully. While they are designed to |
| attention to the sites they use. Don't get into the habit | | | | give you the very best security, you can be sure those |
| of giving out your personal information online just | | | | trying to pass viruses or get spyware into your |
| because a site asks for it. To opt in, you should only | | | | system are very smart. They have learned elaborate |
| have to give them a first name and an email address. | | | | tricks to be able to gain access to your information. |
| Always check the address in the URL to make sure | | | | One of the latest tactics that these criminals have |
| you are accessing a secure site. It should start with | | | | been using is to sell software that is supposed to |
| "https" as this will let you know it is very secure. If it | | | | protect your computer from viruses and spyware. |
| only starts with "http" then the site is not secure and | | | | Unfortunately, what they are selling you is actually the |
| you can end up compromising the security of your | | | | very thing you are trying to protect yourself against. |
| computer if you continue entering information on the | | | | Always get such software from a company that has |
| site. | | | | an excellent reputation, not just any one that you |
| Viruses can spread very rapidly so if you think your | | | | come across online for a good price. |
| computer may be infected, you should take care not | | | | In order to ensure your computer is well protected |
| to pass it to any other area of your computer or to | | | | against viruses and spyware, you want a program |
| others via email. By disconnecting your computer from | | | | that offers you instant updates. These will usually |
| the network you have a good chance of isolating the | | | | happen for one full year after you install the program. |
| damages. | | | | This ensures that your protective software is always |
| Always be on the alert for various types of emails | | | | the most current available and criminals will have a |
| known as phishing. This is a scam to get you to | | | | hard time infecting your computer system with viruses |
| provide personal information. Once you do, spyware | | | | or spyware. |