Tips for Computer Additional Security........

Tips for Computer Additional Security
Everything from our social security numbers, bank account numbers, addresses, and login information is either stored on or sent through our computers every day. If you have adequate protection, Online transactions can be a relatively safe way to do business. It’s important to take the following tips into consideration before entering any private information into your computer.Never Skip the Virus Protection

If you’re like many, you haven’t bothered with virus protection since the factory installed free-trial ran out on your computer. If this is the case, you are in real danger. Viruses are pieces of code that can not only ruin your computer, but snatch your private information without you even knowing. A good virus protection program will routinely scan your computer for threats, deleting or quarantining anything that is a risk to your internet safety. They will alert you when you go to a website that is not trusted or open an email that contains corrupt information.
While viruses can be avoided by simply downloading a program to do all the work for you, avoiding a phishing scam actually takes some attention to detail on your part. "Phishing scams are a type of deception people use to gain access to your personal information". Things to look out for are emails or websites claiming to be official, trusted sites that require you to enter your account or log-in information. Always double check website addresses and details on webpages to ensure that you are on a trusted site.Password Safety
While it’s easy to assume that no one would ever guess your password is your birthday backwards, don’t fool yourself. There are people who are skilled at getting into your head and knowing what likely password combinations you use. Make sure your password is something completely random. Your birthday, pet’s name, or addresses are bad ideas. Use a complicated combination of letters and numbers, and change passwords frequently.Stay Behind a Firewall
A firewall forms a protective barrier between your computer and the outside world. They single-handedly keep people from gaining access to your computer while you’re connected to the internet. Just because you don’t know how to access somebody else’s computer through their internet connection, doesn’t mean there aren’t thousands of people out there who do. Stay protected!
Use Your Common Sense
Just like kids are told not to answer the door unless they know who it is, never open emails with attachments unless you know who it’s from. There is likely no reason that an unknown person should be sending you something to download anyway. If they do, chances are, it’s a virus. Once you open the attachment, it downloads. Even if it appears to be from a known source, be suspicious.
Protecting your computer is equal to protecting yourself. Don’t allow an internet predator to take advantage of your weaknesses. If you take the proper precautions, follow these steps, and use common sense, there’s no reason why you can’t safely surf the web to your heart’s desire.