Tips, Tricks and Guides for Staying Safe Online

2011-09-18

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Types of Threats and Protection Levels

Securing a computer and its network depends on the type of users at the home or office. For example, if it’s a family computer, where a child or children use the Internet, you should be protecting them from inappropriate content and rogue contacts. This does not mean that you can go easy on Internet security if children aren’t around. Some seemingly fine content can hide nasty scams, tricks and malware.

The guides in this article will keep you aware of different type of threats, tell you about protection tools to use and how you can stay safe online.

Malware Protection

Malware, as you may already know, is a shortened name for malicious software. This type of threat can be distributed in many ways, such as an email attachment, unsafe downloads from websites, file transfers in instant messengers or Internet relay chat (IRC) client software, compromised websites and social networking services.

The software we need to protect against malware are anti-virus and anti-malware programs. You can choose to use cloud-based anti-virus or traditional anti-virus software, but ensure that the on-access, or what other calls as “real-time protection,” is enabled. Some free anti-malware software programs do not include real-time protection, so it is best to check the key features before you start using your Internet connection to download files or click on hyperlinks in webpages and email messages. It’s also better to use an advanced antivirus program that will protect you and your computer from exploits that most attackers will use to spread zero-day malware. Below, you will find a selection of reviews and comparisons to make the choice easier.

Another thing to consider in choosing malware protection program is the operating system that your computer has. Are you using Windows Home Server (WHS), Windows 7 or a mobile operating system?

Keeping the Network in Stealth Mode

Firewall protection is a must for any type of computer, whether it’s a Mac, Linux or Windows system. It will protect the computer and the network from being seen by attackers. It can also protect against known and unknown trojans that will try to download and install malicious software without the user’s consent. Advanced firewall programs can also help to determine which applications on the computer will call home, without the user’s knowledge. Learn what firewall software (or hardware) to use and find out if your computer is leaking data.

Protecting Your Privacy

Identity theft is one very important threat to protect against. People can lose money, take a hit to their credit score or suffer embarrassment from friends and business contacts if their private information has been stolen or used by attackers. This type of threat should be protected using the following software or services, or by following the tips listed below for keeping your private information safe:

Avoiding Scams

Fraudsters are another type of attacker that you need to avoid and protect yourself against. Phishing and SMiShing is seen often by people who use email, browse the Internet, use an online chat system or receive short messages (SMS) using their mobile phone, personal or office computers. These fake messages are also distributed in popular social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook.

Patch Management

Windows Update

Malware and other types of malicious attacks on networks and computers will be very successful if the computer is not protected against known vulnerabilities and exploits. Software vendors such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Adobe and others help protect end-users by releasing software and security updates. It’s important to keep your computer up-to-date because no anti-virus will provide 100% protection if the computer is missing security or critical systems updates.

References

Image credit: Screenshots generated by the author