With millions of computer users browsing the
web at any given time, there are plenty of
targets for malicious coders. While computer
experts don’t always know why coders choose to
build harmful computer programs, the fact is
that it happens all the time. Computer viruses
can steal personal information, interfere with
normal operations, attract spam and even shut
down your computer’s hard drive. Protecting
your computer is critical for browsing success.
Start with the basics
Most computer systems come with security
features already in place. For example, the
Windows operating system is packaged with
Microsoft Windows Security Center. When you
first open, boot up and register a new computer,
you should make sure that this program is
functioning. It will give basic protection against
spyware, viruses and malware. In addition, a
basic firewall is built into this program, providing
additional protection and stops for potentially
harmful programs. Upon activation, don’t be
surprised if your security system needs
immediate updating. Software that protects your
computer needs regular and consistent updating
to stay useful. Viruses are constantly being
generated and the several-month lag between
when your computer was made and when you
first started using it can mean that the database
the security system is loaded with is severely
out-of-date.
Upgrade to meet your needs
Many people operate computers for a long time
with only basic protection in place. However,
heavy computer users or those who have risky
browsing habits can sometimes benefit from
upgrading their virus, spyware and malware
protection, as well as using a fuller-featured
firewall; this is especially important if you use a
networked computer system. Basic or free virus
protection will still scan and update for viruses.
Paid programs, however, offer more features,
including ease-of-use and convenience features.
The most important thing is to verify the
publisher and make sure you are getting what is
promised. Most well-known virus protection
programs, such as AVG and Norton Security,
have reviews available to help you make your
choice.
Learn about spyware risk
Spyware creates risks that many computer users
are not aware of. If you are only protecting
against viruses, you could be leaving your
computer open to damage. Most people are
familiar with spyware that initiates and attracts
annoying ad programs. Spyware, however, can
be much more malicious as well. Your shopping
habits can be tracked by spyware. While not
exactly harmful, some people consider this a
breach of privacy. The worst spyware programs
interfere with normal operations and can even
track what you type, sending personal
information to people who want to steal your
identity. Some spyware redirects your browser to
different web addresses, increasing your risks of
virus infection and fraud.
How viruses work
The main difference between spyware and
viruses is how they are spread. A virus
reproduces itself and attaches to any document
that the computer sends, while spyware can be
stored as a cookie or tracking code. A virus is
most often found traveling with a piece of
computer software, such as a document, picture
or piece of music. When dealing with email, it is
necessary to open an attachment to become
infected, indicating that, in most cases, the
computer user must somehow invite the
malicious software to replicate on their system.
Of course, most people have no idea it is there
or what is happening. Some of the sneakiest and
most harmful viruses actually masquerade as
virus protection software, making them extremely
hard to detect. Because of this, it’s crucial to be
familiar with your particular virus protection
program and know what it looks like and what
the normal scripts and prompts are during
operation. Viruses do some of the same things
that spyware does; they just accomplish it
differently. An active virus can steal personal
information, generate ads or shut down your
system, including the very virus protection
programs that can fix the issue.
Take Steps For Protection
Like anything, the best way to protect against
viruses is to be educated. Become familiar with
what malicious software may look like. If you get
an email or are asked to download a file that you
don’t recognize or looks suspicious, do your
homework. Research virus protection, spyware,
malware and firewall programs and use them to
their fullest capacity. Set the software to update
and scan automatically to make sure that the
system is constantly monitored. In addition,
regularly check on the databases published by
various virus protection services; many will
provide lists of symptoms and risks, as well as
the standard way the file gains access for no
cost to the public.
Source: mrhacker
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