Hackers, Viruses and Spyware: How Technology Protects Your Computer
Sometimes popularity is a bad thing. Take your computer, for example. There are literally thousands of malicious software programs just waiting to infect your computer over the Internet or through e-mail. Plus, the last thing you need is for your computer to attract the attention of online criminals who want to grab your social security or credit card numbers so they can steal your identity. And don't forget those pesky spyware programs that slow down your computer while they track all the sites you visit — without your permission. No thanks!
The security technology that protects your computer from unwanted visitors is pretty complicated, but you don't have to be a tech whiz to help keep your computer safe from online threats. The important thing is to make sure you use the technology that's available. And remember to keep it updated, because new threats appear every day.
Here are the four best ways to protect your computer:
- Use a firewall and keep it turned on
- Keep your operating system updated
- Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date
- Install anti-spyware software and keep it up to date
And here's how those four types of security technology work:
Firewalls
A firewall is the gatekeeper, creating a barrier between the Internet and your computer. It's your first line of defense against online attackers and malicious software. Firewalls also help to prevent unwanted downloads, updates and other alterations to your computer by asking your permission before allowing changes to occur.
A firewall is the gatekeeper, creating a barrier between the Internet and your computer. It's your first line of defense against online attackers and malicious software. Firewalls also help to prevent unwanted downloads, updates and other alterations to your computer by asking your permission before allowing changes to occur.
Want more info about the different types of firewalls and how they work? See What is a Firewall.
System Updates
Just as you'd refresh a Web page to make sure you have the latest info, your computer's operating system needs to be updated regularly because new malicious programs and intruders are introduced every day. You can do this yourself (if you remember), or you can make it easy by using the automatic updating service that is available with many operating systems. With automatic updating, the latest security updates are installed on your computer as soon as they become available. It's a no-brainer.
Want to set up automatic updating for your computer? See How to Use Automatic Updates.
Anti-virus Software
Everybody has heard about viruses, worms and Trojans — those malicious software programs that can sneak onto your computer through e-mail or the Internet. These programs can seriously damage your computer and destroy your files. If you've ever been hit by one you know how bad it can be.
There's no way to protect your computer 100 percent, but your best bet is to install strong anti-virus software and keep it updated, because these threats change every day. Anti-virus software helps to protect your computer by scanning e-mail, files and applications — all of the content that enters your computer — and destroying the intruders before they can cause any damage.
How do malicious programs work? And what can you do to protect your computer? See Protect Your Computer: Install Antivirus Software
Anti-spyware Software
Ever seen pop-up ads on your computer? Chances are you've been infected with spyware, probably without your consent. Spyware is aptly named because it spies on your computer-which sites you visit, what you buy, which music you listen to — and sends the info to marketing companies. Spyware can also switch your default browser setting to a site you don't want, place ads on your pages (this is called adware), and slow-down or crash your computer. Spyware is different from viruses, worms or Trojans because it doesn't do actual damage to your computer and you can't spread it to others, but it can be really annoying... and who likes to be spied on?
The only way to protect your computer from spyware is to install anti-spyware software and keep it updated. Anti-spyware software scans your computer and removes spyware that's already been downloaded, and it can also block bad Internet addresses and e-mail that carry spyware.
Get more info about spyware and how to stop it in How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware.
