Using Encryption and Firewall Software on Your Home Computer to Protect Your Information

Using Encryption and Firewall Software on Your Home Computer to Protect Your Information
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Encryption

The use of encryption is not as widespread as it should be among home computer users. Encryption software enables the user to scramble digital data to protect the contents of stored files, emails, online communications and online transmissions. Protection of your electronic privacy depends on encryption. Users should install and maintain the most updated version of encryption software as you do with other software. Encryption software is not an exception to infectors and malware exploiting known software vulnerabilities.

Firewalls

Proxies and firewalls are the two main types of barriers between a computer and the internet that allow communications only under certain circumstances and block certain types of communications entirely.

A proxy computer can be set up to block communications such as cookies, junk e-mail, java, ad banners, the types of communications used by intruders attempting to hack into computers, and others. An example of a third party proxy server accessed on the internet is the Anonymizer https://www.anonymizer.com.

Firewalls are to a computer what locks are to a door. When the firewall functions properly, data can pass to and from the computer only on specific ports which are monitored. Some firewall programs make a list of unauthorized intrusion attempts. Be sure the firewall you install protects both incoming and outgoing information. There will be times when your firewall software constantly warns you programs attempt to transmit data over a network (mainly a network that is connected to the internet). You can set your firewall to work in the background so it does not warn you every time it does its job. Hopefully, after repeated attempts, the would-be intruder would give up on your protected computer and continue searching for an unprotected computer.

If you use a home network or wireless home network then you most likely have a router. Be sure to change the default password for your router from the manufacturer’s default password. Also disable the remote administration feature of the router so hackers do not have the option to control it.

Protection Software

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software recognize and isolate or disinfect infectors in the computer system. Firewalls allow or deny requests for entry or exit from your computer. Firewalls don’t protect information and files on your computer. Encryption software protects information and files on your computer and during transmission from one location to another. All protection software has a particular purpose. All are needed.