Computer Security Basics
Computer Security Basics & Data Protection
Computer use has become ubiquitous in our society today. There are not that many homes that don't have a computer, whether for personal or home business use. Computers have also become a vital tool for small businesses, whether it's to keep track of financials or to have a presence on the Web.
While most people or small businesses don't have the resources (or the need) to consult with a high-priced computer security company in order to protect their personal and business data, the truth is that they don't need to take drastic steps like this; instead all they need is to grasp certain computer security basics. These are simple rules to follow when thinking about security, and most can be done by simply taking care and being serious about the threats that can cause damage, steal information, or steal money.
Blocking Malware
Choosing a top-of-the-line, subscription-based antivirus product is one of the most important steps in blocking malicious software. Viruses, spyware, adware, and rootkits can all cause serious damage to a computer, or even steal vital information. Stopping these forms of malware before they even get on to a computer is important, but so is the ability to remove these types of programs if it gets past the protections.
One way to do this is to buy a program such as Norton 360 for home and small business use. This program can help block malware, whether it comes via e-mail attachments, worms that travel through networks, or malicious links in instant messages. With its two-way firewall protection, Norton 360 not only can see if threats are coming onto a computer, but also if security has been breached and malicious files are attempting to be sent out by another source.
Another way to block malware is to make sure all software, including operating system, applications, and server, is current with the latest patches and updates. This will help seal any vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals use to break into computers.
Threat Awareness
Blocking known threats is one thing; however, blocking brand new threats is another. Norton 360 has best security features for seeking out new threats before they can attack their subscribers' computers. These include:
- Norton Reputation Service - The Norton Reputation Service protects computers against new threats much faster than typical antivirus software. The Norton Reputation Service scans a file for data, such as when and where it was created, and checks it against a database of known sources of malware.
- SONAR Behavioral Protection - Most antivirus software scans the attributes of a file in order to determine if it's a threat, or compares it against a list of known offending files. Norton 360 also features Norton SONAR which tracks a file to see if it behaves suspiciously.
Protecting personal and business data
Recently, a thief broke into the office of the CEO of a major company and stole important data off of his computer while he was on vacation. The odd part was that it was done in broad daylight during the work week while the office was packed with employees. The man waited by the front door until a kind worker held the door for him. He got past the security check when he feigned that he forgot his badge. From that point, he walked right into the CEO's office and stole his data with little trouble.
The CEO had hired the "thief" from a computer security firm. It's not hard to see that most of the errors had nothing to do with the computer itself but from a lack of taking security seriously. This can happen with personal computers for recreation or home businesses or even small businesses, especially because the smaller the organization, the more trusting people tend to be.
When following computer security basics, keep these steps in mind to protect personal and business data:
- Stand by security protocols – Security rules are there for a reason. While small companies may not have a security badge system, making sure doors and files are locked and looking out for strangers who are not where they are supposed to be, are easy ways to stay secure.
- Password security – The CEO did not give the "thief" his password information. This means he did not have a strong enough password that blocked someone who just needed to guess a few times. Using words like "password," "myname," or "mycompany," is not good enough to stay secure. Use a mix of letters, numerals, and punctuation. Also, a product like Norton 360 has encryption tools to protect form data.
- Loose lips sink ships – It won't do to have great security measures in line only to have someone ruin the secret by talking about it. Don't let others know about security schedules, or discuss personal data while out at lunch or even in the office cafeteria. Also, don't leave passwords lying around where anyone can see them.
Security isn't just about having antivirus software, although that is a part of it. Staying safe also means protecting against the latest threats and making sure security is taken seriously. Following the computer security basics listed on this page is a positive start and can go a long way in helping to keep one's computers secure.