Anti-CIV

If you are using the Internet at all, you probably already know your computer is susceptible to threats and viruses developed by thieves looking to steal your personal information. They could be snooping for your credit card numbers, banking information, or any other pertinent data that might help them “impersonate” you. They may use a tactic of gaining access to your email address book to attack other computer users whose email addresses you store on your PC. It is for reasons such as these that you need to ensure your computer is protected at all times.

There are many ways you can protect your computer, starting with the critical anti-virus program. This type of program when running on your PC is always on the lookout for viruses that attempt to enter through your email, computer programs, or Internet downloads and then alerts you to their presence and deletes them. The anti-virus program is your first wall of defense while on the Internet.

Along with your anti-virus program, you absolutely must have a firewall program on your computer. Most newer computer operating systems come equipped with a built-in firewall; but if you do not have one, you should purchase and install one as soon as possible. A firewall guards your computer by determining the type of pre-configured information allowed onto your computer. It keeps out any unwanted or dangerous traffic and alerts you when something damaging is attempting to infiltrate your computer.

You can also help to maintain your computer’s security by taking appropriate email precautions. This includes not opening any unsolicited email, especially those with attachments. Never – under any circumstances – open an attachment if you are not completely sure you know the sender and what is being delivered.

First let’s cover the basics.

Definitions

*Virus: a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer …

*Spy-ware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the users interaction with the computer, without the users informed consent.

*Junk Files: Over the course of time, your computer accumulates unwanted and unremoved junk files that are no longer necessary. These junk files remain unused by the operating system, but occupy much disk space.

The first step to optimizing your computer is removal of any virus, malware, spyware, and adware infecting your computer. You may notice pop-ups, error messages, difficulty navigating on the internet, a change in home page, a slowdown in computer functions, and other undesirable behaviours. You need programs designed to eliminate these threats. Once the threats have been neutralized and eliminated you will be ready to take the next step in optimizing the performance of your computer. First let’s look at what we are dealing with.

A computer virus is a malicious program that can do irreparable harm to your computer. An anti virus program is necessary to prevent, and or remove these. Ad-ware and spy-ware are also troublesome. They can create unwanted pop ups and also track the way you surf the web. Over time, if not addressed, they can significantly slow down the operation of your computer. An antivirus or anti-spyware program is necessary to remove these from your computer. Some companies offer what is called a ‘suite’ which encompasses all this into one program and usually has preventative protection as well. This makes it easy and uncomplicated for the regular user to combat and prevent these threats.

Internet protection and computer security go hand in hand, when we look at why we need both of these additional measures when using our computers and the internet together. More and more people are using their computers for shopping online and banking online, because of this present trend the undesirable people in today’s society have now found a another way to obtain money easy. Computer security and internet protection are one of the same things.

The undesirables in our society will steal your information from your computer will even damage your hard drive for the pure fun of it. The security of your personal information should be at the very top of your wish list if using the internet. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to reduce if not eliminate the risk of the information held on your computer being stolen/hacked into:

Top of the list is obtaining and installing a good anti-virus/anti-spyware software, although the present operating systems have some of these facilities already in them it is always better to have your own, make sure that this software will work in conjunction with the operating system. These programs will check everything whilst you are using the machine and warn if an attempt is being made to access your system, it will also block known virus’s and threats, scan your e-mail for the same problems and warn or block the content. Remember these people are good at what they do namely hacking into systems, granted the software will cost some money but it far cheaper than having your bank details, credit card details and other personal details stolen that they can then use to defraud you.

Computer Security is a branch of technology known as information security as applied to computers. Information security means protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The objective of computer security varies and can include protection of information from theft or corruption, or the preservation of availability, as defined in the security policy.

Technological and managerial procedures applied to computer systems to ensure the availability, integrity and confidentiality of information managed by the computer system

Computer security imposes requirements on computers that are different from most system requirements because they often take the form of constraints on what computers are not supposed to do.

Typical approaches to improving computer security can include the following:

o Physically limit access to computers to only those who will not compromise security.

o Hardware mechanisms that impose rules on computer programs, thus avoiding depending on computer programs for computer security.

o Operating system mechanisms that impose rules on programs to avoid trusting computer programs.

o Programming strategies to make computer programs dependable and resist subversion.

Computer Security has three Layers:

o Hacking

o Cracking

o Phreaking

Hacking:

Unauthorized use or attempts to circumvent or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network.

Computer hacking always involves some degree of infringement on the privacy of others or damage to computer-based property such as files, web pages or software. The impact of computer hacking varies from simply being simply invasive and annoying to illegal.

Cracking:

The act of breaking into a computer system. Software Cracking is the modification of software to remove protection methods: copy prevention, trial/demo version, serial number, hardware key, CD check or software annoyances like nag screens and adware.

This is a paper about securing your home computers and networks.

The goal of computer security is to keep unauthorized users from using your resources. This can be anything from your computer to your printer or even your web camera. Detection is another important aspect that should be monitored as well.

I often get asked “Why should I worry?”

Maybe you shouldn’t. If you are concerned about any of your files or the possibility of losing them you should care. There is also online banking that many people use to watch their accounts. Malicious users can also use your computer to launch attacks against other networks, or put files on your computer as a means of storage. Even if you have the computer just to send email to Grandma don’t think that you are not at risk. Attackers like to hide there tracks by jumping thru multiple locations such as your computer. Malicious users can take over your webcam and watch and even listen to you!

Attackers like to use multiple systems to launch denial of service attacks-sending tons of packets to bring a network to its knees.

Identity theft is huge right now. Your credit report should be reviewed frequently. Identity thieves can gain allot of information from your home computers. FTC said there are approximately over 10 million victims a year. If your ID is stolen or think it is visit [http://www.consumer.gov/idetheft]. Never send out your personal information in email it is not secured.

The risk is getting greater daily as more people connect to the Internet. Script Kiddies download tools that make breaking into computers as easy as pressing a button. Security patches are offered thru vendors but most people do not bother to patch there systems or have the time.