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Basic Steps for PC Security

 Everyone who connects to the Internet potentially opens his or her computer to invasion by viruses or hackers. Computer users with high-speed or broadband Internet connections carry additional risk, since hackers are drawn to their enhanced online capabilities. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to protect your home computer.

  1. Use antivirus software. Antivirus software identifies infected email attachments and other virus carriers before they have a chance to damage your computer. Bundled software packages combine antivirus software and personal firewalls for $60 to $80.

  2. Regularly update antivirus software. Since new viruses emerge every day, the companies that make antivirus programs allow computer owners to subscribe to updates to catch the latest versions.

  3. Create strong passwords. Hackers easily can steal the information used to create common passwords such as your birthday or a pet's name. They also have access to programs that will plug in every known word from the dictionary in an attempt to crack your passwords. Strong passwords avoid personal information, login names, or adjacent keyboard symbols. Instead, they combine numbers and letters in passwords that contain at least eight characters.

  4. If you have a high-speed connection, install a personal firewall. This software blocks hackers who attempt to locate your computer or access your files. Personal firewalls range from about $40 to $50 depending on whether you buy it packaged or purchase it from a major vendor as a download. Virus protection alone runs about $35 to $50, and annual updates run about $30 to $35, depending on vendor and features.

  5. Be wary of unsolicited email. Viruses often are sent as attachments, and identity thieves may attempt to use email to get personal information by masquerading as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or another vendor. Always confirm the identity of the email's author before opening attachments, never send sensitive personal information to anyone using email, and always verify that an email request for sensitive material is genuine before sharing personal information.

     Source: "Simple Steps Enhance Computer Privacy, Security," by Darla Dernovsek