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Finding the Security Suite that meets your needs
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| Monday, January 5, 2009 |
Before reading this article, it is important that we have said something before. It is essential for the reader to understand and appreciate that there is no such thing as the security of the operating system or Web browser. Although the use of security suites and in addition to other products can greatly reduce your risk, they are not magic wands that you can wave to eliminate 100% of your risk. Any product claiming they can do, it must be regarded with great skepticism.
That said, talking about the safety and security suites. There are many ways in which the security of your computer can be breached. Most often, threats from worms, viruses, Trojan horses, phishing, hackers and crackers. Potential security breaches can take the form of downloading unknown attachments, monitored by spyware, malware or maliciously attacked by scanning probe port.
Dshield.org (www.dshield.org), a non-profit corporation, operates as a "correlation engine that dominates tied with global coverage." In short, they work with people and businesses to monitor, among other things, port scanning violations. Port scanning involves a person (hereinafter referred to a hacker or cracker) who attempts to enter your computer through open ports on your system. Once an open port is located, the person trying to collect your personal information or install malicious software on your computer program. On average, Dshield.org more than 1.1 billion logs attempts to scan port each month. What is even more frightening is that it is only on the basis of their program participants. You can imagine how many more incidents occur each month, with the entire population of computer users.
Dshield.org also reports on the survival time. Survival time refers to how long it would take before a PC is attacked or infected unpatched. Below is an overview of their current operating system breakdown:
Current breakdown OS
Category% Adjusted Survival Time
Windows 27.0000 128 min
Unix 0.5000 3648 min
Application 3.0000 1203 min
P2P 1.5000 1591 min
Backdoor 0.5000 5432 min
Source: Dshield.org - Survival Time History (11/8/05)
In short, if you have a Windows operating system patches and without a PC, you will be attacked or infected in a little over 2 hours. When you look in those terms, securing your computer becomes a mission.
Here are some easy steps you can take immediately to protect your computer.
1. Do not run familiar programs on your computer.
It seems that common sense, but many of the biggest attacks have involved spyware and attachments such as worms Bagle and Netsky. If you do not recognize the sender, do not download attachments.
2. Do not let physical access to your computer.
If you have sensitive information or on your computer, allowing other employees or family members to use your computer can lead to violations of the security of your computer.
3. Do not use weak passwords.
Use passwords that are difficult for someone to understand. People frequently use the names of children, pets, birthdays or anniversaries. As there seems to be a password needed for everything, it is not uncommon to see a large number of people using the same password for everything. Big mistake! Using a single password provides a hacker with easy access to a jumble of personal information. If you write your password down, it is best not to leave a post-it attached to your computer screen. May you laughing at the absurdity, but it happens more than you think.
4. Do not forget to regularly patch your operating system and other applications.
Many industry experts believe that most attacks on network security could be stopped if computer users simply keep their computers up to date with patches and security fixes. Too often we forget to do on a regular basis. Remember that every day, new viruses, worms and Trojan horses are created and distributed. They look for weaknesses in your system. Having outdated software is basically the same as holding the door open and invite them to visit.
5. Remember to make regular backups of important data
Always keep a copy of important files on removable media such as floppy / ZIP disks or CD-ROM. Keep the backup in a place separate from your computer.
In most cases, the Windows desktop and screensaver passwords offer adequate protection to security concerns normal. However, if you feel more comfortable taking additional security measures consider obtaining a comprehensive security suite.
Choosing Antivirus Software
The next question is how you choose the best product for your needs? You start by asking you a series of questions. Do you need password protection for individual files, the desktop, network, or block a person access to the Internet? Your computer is used only by you or multiple users have access to the computer? How many users in total, do you expect on your computer? What are your system requirements? How do you spend?
Once you're able to answer these questions, you can start the search for security response to your needs. Feedback from users of the product and the statements are a very good starting point. PCMagaine (www.pcmag.com), Zdnet.com (www.zdnet.com), and Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) are just a few sites that offer information research on various software products.
There are many security suites available on the market. Take time to choose one that meets your specific needs. As a starting point, we've listed some of the most popular programs:
1. Kaspersky Personal Security Suite
Description: A protection program designed to protect against worms, viruses, spyware, adware and other malicious programs. The program offers five pre-defined security levels and is useful for mobile users. System Requirements: Windows 98/2000/XP, Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher Memory: Minimum of 64 MB RAM, 100 MB of free space on the hard disk.
2. Shield Deluxe 2005
Description: This program provides protection against viruses, adware, spyware, threats and privacy while using very little system resources. In addition, the manufacturer, PC Security Shield offers free technical support in progress. System Requirements: Windows 98 or later, WinNT, WinXP, WinME, Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher Memory: 32 MB RAM or higher, 65 MB free disk space. |
posted by neptunus @ 5:59 PM
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