Protecting Your Computer
Against Internet Threats
Contributed by Elaine Landau
You want to be on the cutting edge of technology. So you want to enhance your basic computer education with basic Internet training, right? So how do you get started? You may want to start with a free Internet lesson. Since you learn at home, it is convenient and it doesn’t cost a cent.
Knowing Internet basics is an excellent start, but understanding that the Internet exposes you and your computer to some bad elements is something you do not want to forget.
Protect the newest addition to your family.
Bringing home a new computer is a little like bringing home a new baby. You need to protect it from all kinds of hidden dangers. True, it doesn’t eat, wet, or keep you up at all hours of the night, but if you don’t take precautions, the Internet could victimize your computer. Sound a little extreme? Read on.
Your new computer started becoming obsolete as soon as you removed it from the box. Technology is ever changing, improving, and in some cases, more threatening than ever before. Unfortunately, the sharp minds that create programs that enhance our personal and professional lives and develop sites to improve the quality of our lives are also capable of becoming computer attackers, effectively invading your computer using the Internet. Many Internet users are under attack and don’t know it, until the damage is done.
Did you know that numerous worms are wriggling all around the Internet scanning for new computers to exploit? Internet attackers know more than they should, from the common broadband to dial-up IP address ranges. By scanning them regularly, these attackers can search and destroy before owners of new computers have a chance to panic. Knowing that bad guys are out there is the first step.
Now do not be paralyzed with fear and assume every site is contaminated and every Internet offer is tainted. Then, the bad guys win. Arm yourself with knowledge so that you can use the Internet most effectively.
Patch this.
Most people excitedly download and install software patches as soon as they connect their new computer to the Internet. But the patching process can be compromised if you do not protect your computer before connecting it to the Internet. The second you log on to the Internet you have opened the door to the unknown. It only takes seconds for a worm or virus to invade and start doing some real damage. Don’t give any attacker that second or even microsecond. If you do, it will most likely be too late.
Experts have suggested following these preventative steps:
- Employ a firewall or firewall router for protection when completing installation of necessary software patches and downloading. Microsoft® actually provides instructions for enabling an Internet Connection Firewall on Windows® XP. However, even with built-in protection, experts recommend the installation of a third-party firewall.
- The Internet is a wonderful resource for current events, archival information, and in-depth articles on thousands upon thousands of subjects. Unfortunately, it isn’t always safe to download data from some sites. It is a good rule to only download from trusted, known sites.
- Stay secure by using an Internet account that can only be accessed by you. By using only user privileges and not administrator or root level accounts, you can help reduce the possibility of attackers gaining access to your account.
- If you have children, protect them from some of the harmful content found on the Internet. A young mind might be enticed by free offers from unknown sites. If you do not monitor your child’s computer activities, it is very possible that harmful viruses can enter your system through a seemingly harmless child’s computer game. Therefore you and anyone in the family who is allowed to use the computer need to be Internet aware.
The Internet is a valuable asset to students, professionals, homemakers—anyone who wants to have access to the best and brightest ideas available. Use it wisely, follow a few helpful precautions and never let down your guard. That way, your new computer will remain safe and attacker free.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the U.S. and other countries.
About the Author:
Elaine Landau is a freelance writer, publicist, web site editor, and television writer with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity.
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