Your computer is constantly under threat of unauthorized access and viral attack especially over the internet.
Hackers and crackers are constantly trying to steal data from your computer through the internet, home and other networks.
To keep your data and by extension the machine always safe, there are various computer security tips that you should employ at all times.
Installation of antivirus softwares
This is perhaps the number one rule keeping your computer safe. Notable antivirus programs to consider are McAffee, Norton, Kerspersky, AVG and Avast antivirus softwares.
Packaged with innocent looking programs, viruses can run in the background and eventually cripple you computing system. Any good antivirus will prevent these malicious codes from executing on your computer and even if they do execute, the infected files will be either quarantined or cleaned.
Prevent loss of files and theft of data or identity with antivirus program which must be updated accordingly.
Use of Firewall software
Firewalls act as a gateway to communication between the computer and the internet resources. They can be included with antivirus softwares or installed independently on the computer or on routers for office and home networks.
Firewalls will alert you when potentially dangerous applications from hackers and crackers are trying to access your system and thus extremely helpful for office communications.
Password use and e-mail tips
Passwords are one of the earliest security options and are still effective especially for home and office networks where unauthorized access of files can have daunting repercussions.
Always create strong passwords for most of your applications. Be wary of unrecognized e-mail addresses and links. Often, avoid clicking e-mail links rather type the URLs afresh in independent browsers.
Install anti-spyware applications
Use the Spybot search and destroy or any other spyware to identify and deny access to potential spywares used by internet thieves. Some genuine programs installed on your computer may include spywares to fish for data without your knowledge. A spyware keeps you safe from such programs.
Online Virus Scanners
Sometimes viruses may cripple even the hard-disk resident antivirus or you may have an expired antivirus. In these cases, use online antivirus scanners to restore your system.
Also the hard disk antivirus may not work effectively with online and browser applications. In this case, use an online virus scanner. Popular antivirus programmers also do release online virus scanner options.
The top online virus scanners to use include the following:Symantec security check. This online virus scanner is free and primarily checks for the potential online threats that your computer may be exposed to and gives you precautionary recommendations.
The Kaspersky lab. If program on your computer or software downloaded from internet sources acts suspiciously or interferes with the functioning of other programs then you can log in to kaspersky.com/scanforvirus to check the validity of your programs. If the program is malicious the online virus scanner will recommend it removal or fresh install from authenticated sources.
The Bitdefender online scanner. This is one of the most used spyware and online virus scanners. It is accessible from your browser and rates the safety level of your PC. Additionally, you can use it to scan all your files, drive boot sectors and the system memories.
Other online virus scanners are McAfee FreeScan, PandaActiveScan, CA online, Trend Micro, ESET Online Scanner, Onecare Online Scanner, F-Secure and Avast Online Scanner.
Computer Security Tips 