Computer Security

About Computer Security

Every time you type in a password, pay bills online, access your bank account, or key in other personal information into the Internet or your own personal computer documents, you are putting yourself at risk. There are a number of fraudulent individuals located all throughout the globe who make their living by stealing computer information. This is why the computer security industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade.

Computer Security Software

There are many different software companies that manufacture products designed to enhance home and business computer security. The products vary in price considerably and contain a wide range of features.

The computer security software you purchase should be based on your needs and the level of security you want to achieve. Before you purchase any one product, it is a good idea to evaluate all of the different options that are available to you.

There is not necessarily any manufacturer that is better than another. Most have a wide selection of computer security offerings that meet both advanced and basic needs. However, there are two brands in particular that are popular among consumers. These brands are: McAfee and Norton.

McAfee

McAfee's most popular products include:

• VirusScan Plus (AntiVirus, Firewall, and AntiSpyware)
  • Protection from hackers, viruses, and spyware
  • Prevents multi prolonged attacks
  • Simplifies security
  • Shields your PC around the clock
  • Warns you about sites which attempt online scams, install adware, send spam

• Wireless Protection
  • Blocks hackers from attacking your wireless network
  • Encrypts information and transactions sent across your wireless network
  • Scheduled rotation of encryption keys keeps the most determined hacker out of your wireless network
  • Makes sharing printers and files easier by eliminating the hassles of networking

• SiteAdvisor Plus
  • Protects you from adware, spyware, online scams, viruses, spam, phishing sites
  • Advises you on the safety of sites
  • Places safety ratings next to search results
  • Adds link safety checking so you know which links are safe
  • Includes password-controlled "protect mode"
  • Informs you about important information you need to know about a site's downloads
  • Automatically updates to protect against new threats

Norton

• Internet Security
  • Blocks online identity theft
  • Detects and eliminates spyware
  • Removes Internet worms and viruses
  • Protects against hackers
  • Protects up to 3 computers
  • Rootkit protection detects and removes threats deep in the operating system
  • Two-way firewall stops hackers from breaking into your computer and stops spyware from transmitting your personal information
  • Advanced phishing protection

• AntiVirus Protection
  • Detects and removes viruses and spyware
  • Blocks spyware and worms automatically
  • Prevents infected emails from spreading
  • Scans email and instant messages for threats and removes them
  • Rootkit protection finds and removes threats deep in the operating system

Security Tips

To make sure that your computer system is secure, it is a good idea to install some sort of anti-virus software on every computer you use. Other security tips to implement include:

• Firewall Protection – A firewall will protect you from hackers by restricting the amount of traffic that goes through your network.
• Intrusion Detecting Systems – These systems will regularly check your computer for intruders who are looking to steal your information.
• Encryption Protection – By encrypting your files, you make it difficult for others to steal your personal information.