What? You Don T Have Any? Time to Get Crackin!

It’s time to update your online security

What? You don’t have any? Time to get crackin!

By Joe Friendly

Most of us wouldn’t dream of leaving our car doors or the front door of our homes unlocked. So why would you do the equivalent of that with your computer or home network?

Savvy tech thieves are looking to gain access through any available portal.Just like the bolt on the front door of your house, security software provides a barrier against intrusion and unauthorized use. And, you don’t have to be a computer security expert or spend a lot to protect your computer and the personal information it contains.

Install anti-virus software

Installing a good anti-virus program from a highlyrated company is step number one.

Do the research on these yourself, and don’t buy security software that comes to you via a pop-up message or email, even — and especially if — they claim your computer has a problem. These offers are no different than the unsolicited salesman who comes knocking on the door of your home. Clicking on them opens a door to your precious information.

Thankfully, many companies that make reputable programs offer free versions to home computer users. Check out, Avast! Free Antivirus,AVG Anti-Virus Free, andMSE for starters. Other good options (although not free) are F-Secure and McAfee.

If you already haveantivirussoftware installed, check to be sure it’s updated and set to continue updating automatically.

Use a router with a firewall

Most routers come with an array of security features, including a firewall.As its name implies, a firewall establishes a barrier between a secure internal network and an unknown network, analyzing information to determine whether it should pass through the wall.

Keep in mind that while firewalls may block outside threats, they don’t identify or remove items, and aren’t a substitute for a good anti-virus program.

Software firewalls are included with Windows and Macoperatingsystems. Be sure yours is turned on, and never turn it off.

Also, be sure to check your router’s operating system (the “firmware”) for updates on occasion.

Be careful what you click on

Manyviruses come through email attachments, so exercise common sense and caution. Don’t click on that “You just won a million bucks!” attachment — delete the whole email immediately!You know your contacts and the type of electronic information they typically send. If an email subject or message doesn’t sound like them, delete it and let them know their account may have been hacked. Block or unsubscribe your address from unwelcome or suspicious senders.

If you’ve been hacked, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Start by going to the Federal Trade Commission website ( which has a great page on identity theft and how to cope with it.

Back it up!

Finally, back up your files regularly in one or more ways. Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links, or favorites in your web browser, change your default home page, or display pop-up ads frequently. Some spyware displays no symptoms that you can detect, but it secretly collects sensitive information, such as the websites you visit or the text you type. Most spyware is installed through free software that you download, but in some cases simply visiting a website results in a spyware infection. Copy them onto a disc or external hard drive, or store them in the cloud. That way you’ll always have access, no matter the security threat.

Joe Friendly is owner of ABC Satellite in Anytown, provider of Exede Internet. Contact him at or visit

To help protect your computer from spyware, use an antispyware program. This version of Windows has a built-in antispyware program called Windows Defender, which is turned on by default. Windows Defender alerts you when spyware tries to install itself on your computer. It also can scan your computer for existing spyware and then remove it.

Because new spyware appears every day, Windows Defender must be regularly updated to detect and guard against the latest spyware threats. Windows Defender is updated as needed whenever you update Windows. For the highest level of protection, set Windows to install updates automatically (see below).

Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links, or favorites in your web browser, change your default home page, or display pop-up ads frequently. Some spyware displays no symptoms that you can detect, but it secretly collects sensitive information, such as the websites you visit or the text you type. Most spyware is installed through free software that you download, but in some cases simply visiting a website results in a spyware infection.