What is Internet Security? Internet security software was created to act as a defense for you and your computer from the harm of predators working through online venues. These predators may create malignant programs referred to as viruses that are meant solely to damage the operating systems and corrupt the files of others' computers, or steal your information. Internet security suites are comprehensive security programs that are designed to identify the potential risks to your computer and personal security and neutralize them before they can cause harm.
First on your list of defenses should be a good firewall. Your firewall will prevent unauthorized access to your computer from any external source, and the settings can be varied from low security to high. Another thing the firewall does is to generate a log file capturing connection details, such as those of the systems which are trying to gain access to your computer, as well as record the data that is being sent out by you. Windows XP/Visa provides a firewall by default.
Next, you need a good antivirus program. A virus is nothing but a malicious computer program written to muck up the workings of your computer by corrupting your hard disc and data files. Viruses come in many guises. One of the most common is the Trojan horse. Like its Homeric predecessor, Trojan horses are seemingly-benign invaders - they enter your system disguised as something other than what they are and then destroy or steal your personal information without your being aware of what's happening. Then there are the worms. Worms are malicious programs which replicate themselves and spread to your entire computer network, often resulting in its total breakdown.
Other forms of dangerous malware include viruses, which are threats created specifically for the purpose of causing widespread harm. These programs can be downloaded onto your computer completely without your knowledge. The creators can attach it to an innocent-looking email, often one with an email address that you recognize but that has actually been stolen and is being used as a disguise. They can also get into your computer through websites, false system update warnings and other paths. These viruses can then crash your computer, often irreversibly. Security software programs identify these dangers and block them before they can cause any problems to your computer.
Another simple yet effective methodology is to enable "warning text boxes" that will alert you if you are entering an unsecured connection (in IE, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then Security, then Custom Level). A couple useful add-ons to keep in mind are Ad- block, which prevents pop-ups, and No-script, which protects you from XSS attacks by allowing scripts to run only from the sites that are trusted by you.
First on your list of defenses should be a good firewall. Your firewall will prevent unauthorized access to your computer from any external source, and the settings can be varied from low security to high. Another thing the firewall does is to generate a log file capturing connection details, such as those of the systems which are trying to gain access to your computer, as well as record the data that is being sent out by you. Windows XP/Visa provides a firewall by default.
Next, you need a good antivirus program. A virus is nothing but a malicious computer program written to muck up the workings of your computer by corrupting your hard disc and data files. Viruses come in many guises. One of the most common is the Trojan horse. Like its Homeric predecessor, Trojan horses are seemingly-benign invaders - they enter your system disguised as something other than what they are and then destroy or steal your personal information without your being aware of what's happening. Then there are the worms. Worms are malicious programs which replicate themselves and spread to your entire computer network, often resulting in its total breakdown.
Other forms of dangerous malware include viruses, which are threats created specifically for the purpose of causing widespread harm. These programs can be downloaded onto your computer completely without your knowledge. The creators can attach it to an innocent-looking email, often one with an email address that you recognize but that has actually been stolen and is being used as a disguise. They can also get into your computer through websites, false system update warnings and other paths. These viruses can then crash your computer, often irreversibly. Security software programs identify these dangers and block them before they can cause any problems to your computer.
Another simple yet effective methodology is to enable "warning text boxes" that will alert you if you are entering an unsecured connection (in IE, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then Security, then Custom Level). A couple useful add-ons to keep in mind are Ad- block, which prevents pop-ups, and No-script, which protects you from XSS attacks by allowing scripts to run only from the sites that are trusted by you.
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Learn more about internet security. Stop by Anna Grange's site where you can find out all about internt security software and what it can do for you.
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