Home Security How to Guide 

Computer Protection

Many of us have basic common sense when it comes to safety. For instance, we don't open the door for strangers, or allow them to come in the house for that matter, or even answer a phone call if the number is not recognizable on the caller ID. So why do many of us have such a trusting nature when it comes to our computers?

Here are some steps you can take to protect your home computer against intruders:

1. Install anti-virus programs to ward off Worms, Trojans, Viruses, etc. 2. Download free patches from Microsoft's website to protect your identity and computer. 3. Take care when opening e-mails, since some have harmful attachments. 4. Backup important information 5. Install firewall programs to ward off hackers, crackers, intruders, etc. NOTE: Windows has its own integrated firewall, which users should set to on at all times. 6. Use strong passwords, as well as distinct passwords. 7. Be cautious when installing and/or downloading any programs to your hard drive.

It is a fact that the more computers intruder uses, the more difficult it is for law enforcement to trace activities. For this reason, your home computer is attractive to an intruder, because it can be used not only to steal your personal information, but can be remotely controlled as a slave system to send out spam email, spread viruses, or to support other illegal activities.

To avoid becoming the next victim, you must adhere to the rules. Installation of an anti-virus program is the single most important thing to do first after setting up a new computer and logging onto the internet. Virus Scanners will search for particular patterns that match profiles of virus signatures. A virus signature is a string of bits, or the binary patterns, invented of a virus.

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