Computer Security Software

Whether or not you subscribe to cable or broadband for your computer odds are that you have been attacked several times per day. The most vulnerable systems are Windows XP and also other Windows operating systems and hackers are just waiting to get to your computer.

Even with the outstanding reputation that Microsoft has they are still attacked by hackers due to very small holes in your system.

These holes can be found in your administrator account, your firewall service, your guest log on, shared folders, messaging services, identifier broadcasts, port openings, and your encrypted files. Hackers view these openings like a kid would view candy in a candy store.

These are called security holes and can be easily patched within a couple of hours.

It is your responsibility to maintain and protect your computer by installing the best security software and you have to cover yourself at every angle. You need a firewall; you have to keep your operating systems up to date at all times, install updated antivirus software, use updated anti spyware technology.

These are all ways to secure your computer and most are very basic but there are other ways that you can secure your computer. Most people do not even know if they are using a limited or an administrator account and this is where education comes into play.

If you work in a limited user account then you might be less vulnerable to a virus or other malicious software.

However, that same attack would not turn out the same if you were in an administrator account because the attacker can gain full access to your computer and the results can be very bad. Setting up accounts is very simple so try and educate yourself on when to use each.

You will want to secure your computer from what is commonly called "browser hijacking." This is when hijackers take control of your Internet browser and change everything around, namely displays that you use when you surf the Web.

Keeping your computer updated with the latest security software is a big step in the right direction in preventing a future attack. Some indicators that your browser has been hijacked is if either your home page or any other settings on your computer just changed and you did not do it, you just can not get to certain Web pages especially any security software sites, you have endless pop ups, new toolbars have been installed or icons that you do not want, or if your computer runs very slow.

Having the latest updates and security software installed can not be stressed enough. Make sure that they are all downloaded and installed before you connect to the Internet. Once connected update as often as you can on both anti spyware and anti virus software.

So now run through the checklist again real quick and make sure that you have it all covered. Verify your firewall, get software updates, download antivirus software, download anti spyware software, and record system information.