Improving Your Cyber Security - A Beginner's Guide

A recent Eurobarometer poll revealed some relatively alarming statistics. Firstly, that around 10% of all European internet users had experienced online fraud and/or identity theft in some form, and that 74% of those quizzed believed cyber-crime to be an 'increasing risk'. Secondly, that only just over 50% had some form of anti-virus software installed on their computers, and that 57% would open emails from addresses they did not recognize.

McAffe, in a separate study, has recently published a list of what it considers to be the foremost online threats in the coming year. Amongst the risks, it mentions employees of companies being targeted as 'doorways' past security and more advanced viruses designed to steal banking information. This, coupled with the findings of the Eurbarometer poll, presents a worrying risk to European citizens. If those quizzed were aware of the inherent risks posed by the internet, and yet did not take moves to protect themselves, then there are only a small number of possible reasons why. Firstly, that they did not feel threatened by cyber-crime, however, given the 10% that had been victims of said crimes, it is unlikely that this is a universal principle. The second possibility is that there is a widespread lack of awareness when it comes to protection. The study found that even the most basic of security protocols were being ignored, so we shall therefore examine some security tips for the beginner.

Antivirus software - While your operating system of choice may have built-in software for dealing with certain threats, without a full, dedicated antivirus program installed, it can be hard to get frequently-updated protection against the ever-changing world of viruses. Many such programs can be bought cheaply, and charge an annual fee, but if you cannot afford them, then there are plenty of reliable providers with a free version of their product. Any protection is better than no protection.

Common sense - As a general rule-of-thumb, do not open emails that you either were not expecting, or that are from addresses that you do not recognise. However, be cautious using email, regardless of source. Some viruses are able to access your friends' email accounts, and use them to forward virus-riddled spam messages to everyone in that address' directory. If you receive a message out-of-the-blue from a friend, perhaps just quickly check that it is a genuine one.

Caution in security - Many websites and online services require users to register an account and provide a password, which is a good thing: they are being protective of your details (and whatever else you keep there). However be cautious about having one 'universal' password. If a hacker were to get hold of it, then they would have access to everything, and could even use it to change your details, and lock you out of your accounts. Repairing such damage would be very time-consuming.

Be wary of 'Cloud Storage' - Cloud Storage is a form of data-storage conducted solely online. It offers users either free or cheap use of its servers, and many people use it to 'file' documents and the like. It is an innovative and useful service. However, be wary of storing anything containing personal or confidential information in 'The Cloud', as it has gained a reputation for not being totally secure.

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A Beginner's Guide to Anti-Virus Programs and Removing Computer Viruses

Due to the immense importance people put on computer and technology, it is crucial that one knows how to protect their computers against computer viruses. These viruses can be downloaded from Internet, which makes it easier for a user to introduce a virus into their computer without him/her knowing about it. Anti-virus software programs can help block viruses from entering a computer, but sometimes a virus may slip past these defenses. There are two things a person can do to remove a virus from their computer without taking it to the repair shop.

1. Back up their data. Some users seem to forget to do this, and once a virus infects the computer and deletes all the data on the computer's hard disk, it would set them back a long way. While most computers come with an option to store a back up of a user's files onto an external hard drive, this also increases the chance that any available viruses would also be copied to the external hard drive. Users can use a hard drive dock or upload their files on online file storage systems instead.

2. Run virus scans. Users should first boot their computers into safe mode before running the virus scan. They can also download anti-virus programs on the Internet, but users should make sure that they chose tried and tested programs. If users can still access the Internet on the computers, they can utilize online scanners that would help them pinpoint and remove viruses. These scanners are also able to improve the computer's performance and clean the hard disk.

Before one performs these steps, they should first make sure that their computer and technology is indeed infected with a virus. Some "symptoms" of an infected computer includes inaccessible disk drives or disks, distorted menus, and strange error messages. Computers that crash often, freeze, or run slowly may also be infected with a virus. However, these may also mean that the computer has some problems with the software. Anti-virus programs and scanners are the only sure way to determine if a virus has been introduced into the computer.

There are several kinds of anti-virus programs that people can install into their computers to help them remove any harmful add-ons. Spyware is directly aimed at removing any spyware from a computer, and even prevents any spyware from being installed in the future. Browser security assures users that they can surf the Internet safely, and the firewall serves as the computer's initial defense against unauthorized access. Parental controls, spam filters, and phishing protection are other types of anti-virus programs.

Aside from providing people with easier ways to communicate (among other things), computer and technology also gives people the chance to protect themselves from viruses and those with malicious intent. These programs lessen the risk of viruses, thus allowing people to use their computers without any delays.

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