Test
Your Security and Privacy
Test Your Security
Is it secure and is it private?
Two things you should be asking yourself
about your computer and your Internet connection.
Here is some information about you...
Take a look to see if your
computer is secure from hacking.
These two links will take
you to a very reputable site that will
test the security of your computer. This
is done without sending any information
to the computer. If you are concerned about
the results please contact
us and we can help you secure your
computer.
Terms
Computer security and
privacy has become a topic of great concern
to
many home and business users over the
past few months. We are also concerned
about
your computer security and privacy and
offer a wide range of consulting services.
Virus
and Worms: Software programs
that can destroy all the data on your
hard drive. We will install the latest
anti virus software, scan your system
and show you how to keep your software
up to date.
Trojan
Horses: Tiny programs that run
on your computer without your knowledge.
When you are connected to the internet
hackers use these programs to give them
full and complete access to everything
on your computer - again without your
knowledge. We will search for any Trojans,
destroy them and help you protect yourself
in the future.
Firewalls: Software
or hardware that place a security
wall between you and hackers. They can
be used to protect single computers or
entire networks. We can advise you on the
best firewall for your needs and set it
up for you.
Privacy: Your computer can give out an awful lot
of information
about you. Everything you do and every
web site you visit is recorded on your
computer. We will show you how to maintain
your online anonymity and secure or delete
the information on your computer.
Spware and Adware: Small
programs frequently installed without your
knowledge from web sites and emails. Adware
tracks your movements on the web and reports
them to advertising agencies. Spyware can
record sensitive personal data (credit
crad numbers and bank account info) and
send it to hackers. Securing Your Computer and
Network
Layers of protection block different kinds
of threats and may provide backup if one
layer fails.
Hardware Router
Using NAT, masks IP address from port scans.
Blocks unsolicited incoming communications.
Does not protect against most malware,
such as Trojan horses, Viruses, E-Mail
worms,and spyware.
Recommendations: Linksys,
Net Gear, D-Link
Maintenance: Update firmware as needed.
Check with manufacturer.
Software Firewall
Prevents backdoor apps, Trojan Horses,
and unwanted applications from sending
data from the PC.
Protects a laptop on public wired and wireless
networks.
Can block some malware, but cant remove
it.
Recommendations: ZoneAlarm (free)
Maintenance: Update as needed. Check with
manufacturer.
Antispam Software
Blocks deceptive e-mail scams (phishing
schemes).
Reduces e-mail sorting fatigue, so users
are less likely to accidentally activate
and e-mail-borne virus in haste.
Recommendations: Built in filters with mail client.
Maintenance: Update weekly or more. Complete
scans 1-2 weeks.
Antivirus Software
Protects against known worms, viruses,
and Trojan horses but is less effective
against new infectors.
Systems are still vulnerable to infiltration
from adware, spyware, and browser hijackers.
Recommendations: AVG
Maintenance: Update weekly or more. Complete
scans 1-2 weeks.
Anti-spyware Software
Protects against adware, browser hijackers,
spyware, tracking cookies, and other Internet
parasites.
Recommendations: Spybot
Search and Destroy (free), AVG (free)
Maintenance: Update weekly or more. Complete
scans 1-2 weeks.
Operating (Windows) System Updates
Patches the operating system and some of
the components to fix known vulnerabilities.
Recommendations: Microsoft
Windows Update (free)
Maintenance: Set to automatically update.
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