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How to Secure Your Business on the Internet

July 22, 2011 By

 

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When you run a business from your home office on the Internet, security should be one of your major priorities. This not helps to protect your private information, but also those of your customer.

The best place to start is by installing antivirus and online security software made specifically for a business. This is a wise investment, as this software regularly scans your computer and quarantines threats that can harm your system. The software you purchase should automatically update at regular intervals to keep current on the new threats that are on the web. It also should have options to do a full computer and a quick scan,depending on what you need.

When you set up an online store, you need to make sure that your site will protect your customers’ information. Your hosting company can give you an SSL certificate, showing that your site carries a higher level of security. This is imperative if you will be accepting credit cards, which are often a target for identity theft. There are other programs that can raise your level of protection, such as Verisign, which make it hard for others to get to personal information.

You should also check to see that your email provider has a secure connection when you are communicating with your customers. This is another area where spam, viruses and other threats can pop up often. The more secure your provider is, the better service that you can offer your customers. This will give them peace of mind when they shop with you.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet, Office, Security Tagged With: , ,

Protecting Your Personal Information while Online

June 6, 2011 By
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The privacy concept many people fear being infringed with online use is a valid concept, and wise internet practices will keep your information safe.

Be Careful what you Say Online

The internet has a lot of places for someone to speak their mind, and it’s very easy to forget there are real people reading your content in addition to people who may misuse your content. Be careful giving out your location, vacation plans, dates and times of planning… People can piece together bits of information to get the full story of when your house will be left unattended or when your husband is deploying.

Protect Your Data

Use the least popular browser at the given time. Be careful what you click. If you are unsure if a link will take you to a credible website, right click the link and choose properties to see the destination address. If a window pops up sporadically saying click here to scan for viruses, close the window and manually request your software to scan for viruses. Use some sort of protection like McAfee or Norton.

Read the Fine Print

Before downloading any program, clicking I agree to the terms and conditions, or joining social networking sites, read the fine print in the contract and make sure it’s kosher to your needs and expectations. Many legal scams are legal because they spell out every nasty thing they plan to do to you in their fine print.

Just like any other highway, the Internet Highway can be dangerous to those who don’t utilize safe practices. Look both ways before crossing the street, and drive safely.

Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , ,

Computers in the Military – The Automated Battlefield

March 28, 2011 By

In 1969, General William Westmorland, then Commander-in-Chief of U.S. forces in Vietnam predicted that the use of computers for military applications would create an entirely different Army on the ground and an “automated battlefield.” Over 40 years later, Westmorland’s vision is becoming a reality.

The U.S. military makes extensive use of computers in every environment – land, sea and air. More importantly, wireless technology allows computer systems to be linked together to give field commanders a complete picture of what is happening, down to the squad level. While many of these systems are fixed-function – embedded in equipment to perform a specific task – these systems, combined, provide real-time information that is vital in on the spot decision making at all levels.

Military computers, by design, are capable of taking more punishment and working in the field. Enclosures are sealed and components in the computer are and installed to, corrosives, wind and even Em/RFI radiation without being damaged.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has played a large role in making it possible for unmanned aircraft to be flown by wire from thousands of miles away, conduct missions and return to its home base safely. In he future, the same technology will be applies to tanks as well.

Ships now have the capability of launching missiles from ships sitting hundreds of miles off the coast of a country and hit a target deep inside the interior with incredible accuracy.

The greatest vulnerability to the military use of computers is the demonstrated ability for another country to hack into our computer systems and either steal data or wreak havoc. That is the next obstacle for the military to overcome.

Filed Under: Computer, Security Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Securing Your Computer

February 23, 2011 By

The Internet is an extremely useful and entertaining tool in which people utilize on a daily basis by the millions. However, while in fact the Internet poses plenty of positive elements, it also poses an equal amount of negative elements. As due to the fact so many people flock to the Internet to perform any number of specific tasks, there are entities who want to tap into this large concentration of people and find some way to benefit via illegal or unethical activities. This general concept is how viruses and scams came to be so prevalent in the online world. As a result of these potential problems, it is vital that everyone utilizing the Internet secure their computers to ensure these threats do not make their way into an unsuspecting machine.

There are various ways in which these malicious entities attempt to penetrate a computers defenses to initiate an attack. Whether through email, pop-ups on a host site, or cloaked products posing as something they are really not; the threats come in many different forms. Securing a computer might sound like an overwhelming concept to those who are not as savvy with the Internet and computers in general, but it can be done in a couple fairly simplistic steps.

First and foremost, ensure you have a decent anti-virus program installed on the machine. These programs typically run in the background and periodically scan your machine for potential threats that are looming. Secondly, set your machine to automatically download and install updates for the operating system as they are released. These updates generally contain important security updates for the operating system that are pivotal in the overall well-being of your system. Protecting yourself via these two fairly simplistic activities can cut 99% of the potential threats down to size.

Filed Under: Computer, Security Tagged With: ,

The Ongoing Race of Security Advancements and Viruses

February 3, 2011 By

The amount of people who own computers and people who are connected to the internet in one way or another is growing at a seemingly exponential rate. As more people become connected to the internet, the number of people who are unfamiliar with the potential problems that can occur will also rise. This poses a problem for the public, but an opportunity for those people who program viruses and run scams via the online world. Whether through email scams, or malicious programs posing as helpful software; there are many roadblocks that can impede the positivity a successful Internet surf can bring. As a result of this epidemic, there are new types of viruses popping up all the time, and developers of anti-virus software and computer security professionals are always having to seek the fastest and most efficient response when something new does pop up.

Many people are unaware of the constant struggle being conducted behind the scenes. The unfortunate fact lies in that there are many bright minds behind the development of computer viruses, and as such, there are always new ways that they discover to find loopholes through the most recent anti-virus measure implemented by the public. This in turn puts pressure on anti-virus software developers to find these loopholes and patch them accordingly before too many people get taken advantage of. When a patch is implemented and the prospective problem is fixed, many more loopholes pop up that in turn need their own patch.

As long as there are people who write viruses and conduct cyber-attacks on private and public entities, there will be a vast demand for security professionals who can implement the latest advancements in security technology to neutralize the constant stream of threats. These professionals will continue to track down the latest methods being employed by the authors of common viruses and take the appropriate measures to send updates to the millions of people who use their software and consult their expert services.

Filed Under: Computer, Security Tagged With: , ,

The Generalities of Virus Protection

February 1, 2011 By

Computers are becoming more of a necessity in all aspects of the modern world. From home offices that incorporate a computer network into daily activities, to corporate offices that utilize intranet capabilities to keep all of their employees in the loop, computers are a vastly growing aspect of importance in the daily lives of people. Unfortunately, with a rise in popularity and attention by consumers and professionals alike, computers and the internet become targets for non ethical practices by people looking to make a quick buck. These practices come in the form of the countless types of viruses and cyber attacks that are employed on a daily basis by these people.

Fortunately, there are always lines of defense when dealing with issues such as viruses. To begin with, the most important line of defense, and the basis for all virus protection is common knowledge of what to avoid in the internet world that might make a machine susceptible to attacks. These types of things to avoid include malicious emails that contain a file you are unfamiliar with, strange pop ups with flashy indications saying to click a specific button that will then install a malicious program on your machine, as well as general suspicious looking web sites or downloadable files. Knowing what specific aspects of these different things to look for prior to taking action is the key in protecting yourself from potential attacks or problems.

After you have become familiar with some of the basic outlines, it is important to explore what exactly it is that allows a virus to function the way it does. Clearly, there are a vast array of different viruses that exist in the online world that all exhibit different properties; however, the most common form of virus are programs that have been downloaded unknowingly that when activated, act as a doorway for additional viruses that can then leak your personal information to the developer of the program for use in a number of ominous matters. By understanding the basics of these viruses you will have less trouble remedying a problem after it occurs.

Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , ,

Safe and Secure Online Gaming

January 21, 2011 By

Legitimate gaming websites online exist to make sure that you have a safe and secure place where you can put down bets, play games, and have fun. It is important for you to realize, however, that not every gaming website online is a legitimate one. Some of these gaming sites exist to pull the wool over your eyes, to bilk you out of money, or to promote illegal gambling.

Knowing how to find safe and secure online casino games is vitally important. To ensure that you are only playing on secure, safe and trusted online sites do a search for reviews and information on the site before you send them any money or personal information about yourself. For example, if you want to see what other players are saying about a specific site before you log in, do a search engine search for the name of the online casino and the word “reviews.” If the site has been around for any length of time, you should find information about it online, including objective, unbiased reviews from people that have visited the site or used it in the past.

If a site is likely to give you a virus infection or to subject you to the whims of hackers, the reviews will probably tell you so. If the reviews are positive and the site seems trustworthy, then you are probably safe. If people are saying bad things about the site, then you should probably avoid it. On the other hand, if nobody seems to be saying anything at all, then it might be wise to step back and wait until other users can test out the site and share their experiences before you end up immersed in something that you will regret. It is important to make sure that you and your computer are safe when playing online casino games.

Filed Under: Networks, Security Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Computer Security- What these Companies offer

January 20, 2011 By

A businesses most indispensible tool is their computer. A business needs to have a top notch computer security system in place no matter how big they are. There are many computer security companies at there that can ensure that a business or organization security needs are being met.

These security companies are available to help you set up programs on your computer to keep it protected from any unauthorized person. The security networks highest level will be used to set up passwords and firewalls.

The company will look at the servers and see how secure it is. It is vital that this is secure because this is where email comes through and computer applications are ran. The servers will need to be in a area where it has a maximum level of security.Some of these computer securtiy companies even offer a secure location to place the servers.

A server can also provide company information security. It will also aid in protecting the IT infastructure security. All of the updates and changes can be seen by you (if set up that way). By you monitoring the server you will know if there has been a unauthoritzed user on it or a activity that is questionable.

Backup of data should be done to help keep it protected.This backup data should be placed in a safe location in case of a computer crash. This will enable  a business to be able to retrieve the data and then have it restored back to normal. It the information is sensitive and only to be available to certain people then it should be encrypted. This will allow only those authorized people to view the data.

The computer security company will help a business put together a security system that will be hard for someone to break into. When researching these companies be sure to check their credentials.

Filed Under: Computer, Security Tagged With:

Securing Computers at Home

December 1, 2010 By

Any access to some one else’s computer is an invasion of their privacy and is unethical and a crime. This does not stop the ones who are intended to break into other peoples computers and internet computers to steal identity, bank information, mails, to download illegal stuff, or to hack some other computers. It is fairy very easy to break into an open wireless network. Even a locked wireless internet connection will have many vulnerabilities that can be utilized by professional hackers for their use.

You can consult your home system support for different security information. If you are connecting to a Virtual Private Network from work, then you will have to impart special security to your network. There are various security policies and protocols concerning the company network. You will have to consult the personnel form work to find out about the security measures that they have taken. You will need an anti-virus more than ever with a wireless internet connection. Securing a wireless internet connection without an anti-virus is like a pig between lions. An anti-virus is important for any computer connected to internet. Keeping the antivirus software up to date is very important. Keeping the computer operating system updated is very important. Constant vulnerabilities are detected in the computer which can be used by hackers to hack in to your computer. A firewall is the second most important requirement for an open wireless connection. You can go for network firewalls which can be based on hardware or software. These firewalls provide some sort of protection for computers. A little precaution that you can do on your side is by not opening unknown internet attachments. Before opening any attachments, first store the file in your comp and scan with your updated antivirus. At no cost can you run softwares that you do not trust.

Filed Under: Computer, Security Tagged With: , ,