Maintain PC security

PC Security must be your first priority. Your personal computer is a common target for intruders and other malicious users because they want to access personal data such as bank account information, credit card numbers or any important data they could find.

Intruders not only steal your financial information, they could also use your computer resources – such as hard disk, processor and internet connection to attack other users. This way, law enforcement will find it difficult to solve where the attacks are coming from.

To prevent possible identity theft or computer hijack, follow these eight steps in maintaining PC security:

1. Anti-Virus Programs – These programs search and assess the contents of each computer file then removes or destroys “virus signatures”, which are known to be harmful to your computer.

2. Patch up your System – This process involves fixing the operating system and restoring different functions of your computer. Most computer vendors offer patches that are designed to fix bugs in their products. This process is repeated until the patch fixes the problem completely.

3. Email Attachment Precautions – Most unsolicited items, such as exploding packages or letter bombs, can be sent through your e-mail. Take extra precaution in opening emails to prevent any harm your computer may receive.

4. Firewall Programs – Install and use a firewall program. These programs act as a guard to your computer when looking at network traffic received from or destined for other computers. The firewall program determines if certain traffic should be allowed to continue to its destination or stopped. These programs keep the unwanted out and permit only “healthy” traffic to enter and leave your computer.

5. Data Backups – It is important that back up your data in your computer’s hard disk, external hard disk drives or any removable media. This ensures each important data will not be harmed when computer problems arise.

6. Strong Passwords – It is important to mix up several numbers, symbols and letters to strengthen password safety. An ideal length of password is around eight or more letters, numbers or symbols.

7. Download and Installation – Be careful in accepting or downloading any material online to prevent virus attacks and computer hijacks.

8. Hardware Firewall – Hardware firewall, which works similarly to firewall programs, stands between your personal computer and the Internet.

Although these steps may seem simple, remember that maintaining computer safety is a continuous process. You cannot perform these tasks once and let your computer be. Get back to each of these steps regularly and check if you need program updates.

Keeping your computer secure is in your hands. Outsmart computer hijackers by reinforcing computer safety precautions.

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