| Home Security is on everyone’s mind these days. Unemployment is rising leaving some people to resort to crime to survive. In the last year many computer-savy people were laid off, some angry and out to prove that they are highly skilled. Thus, a rise in computer crimes. As a home owner, you put a lot of thought into your home’s security system. You install a home security system, deadbolts on the doors, lock the windows, but you may have a weak link in your arsenal: the home computer. Depending on how much you use your computer, there may be valuable information stored on the machine. Bank accounts, social security number, insurance policies, your home address or addresses of other real estate investments are all information that can be used by a criminal to rob you of your property or your identity. This can be magnified if you have remote access to your work computer and confidential information can be stolen.
There are two main ways of attacking a computer: virus and hacking. A virus is created to destroy. They are anonymous and can be sent via e-mail or by having someone visit a website. The virus attaches to the computer and can either delete information, or cause processing to slow down.
To prevent viruses from attacking, you need to install anti-virus software. This is not fool-proof, but a positive step to minimize the damage. Yet any anti-virus software is only effective if it is used properly. Keep it up to date and run scans on your computer regularly at a time when you don’t usually use your computer. Many scans won’t run if your computer is asleep or idle. You should make sure your operating system is up to date. By installing any updates, you can close any holes in your current security. Be careful when downloading anti-virus software off the internet. Many “bad guys” sell viruses to customers packaged as an anti-virus. Before you realize what you’ve done, you’ve lost valuable time and money trying to remove the program. Do not open any e-mail attachments unless you know the sender and you are sure it is safe. You can get a program that will scan all attachments for viruses before you open them to make sure you don’t accidently get a virus from that forwarded e-mail from Grandma.
Hackers are another threat to your computer and by extension, your identity. If you use online banking, purchase something over the internet, or fill out forms with personal information online, you are putting yourself at risk. This information is stored in your computer, often hidden from you to make your future online experiences easier. Erasing your internet browser’s history and deleting cookies is one step, but periodically having someone who is trained in computer security come in to ensure no spyware or other unwanted programs are not on your computer is highly recommended.
It takes very little for a computer-savy person to steal your identity or money, at it takes a lot of time and money to get it back. Take extra precaution to ensure your computer isn’t the weakest link in your home security system. Home Security Systems and common sense will take you a long way.
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