biranal: Be Safe on the Information Highway

শনিবার, ৩ মার্চ, ২০১২

Be Safe on the Information Highway - Technology Tips for SMB's

While we are on the Internet, either doing business or for fun, I?m sure the question has come to mind, How safe am I?

To put it bluntly, as safe as you want to be. In some ways you could compare the Internet to walking the streets in a big city. Most of the time, nothing will happen, but when it does, it could be murder.

If you walk the main streets of the Internet, usually no harm will befall you. But just like walking a big city streets when you venture into the dark alleys and the more dangerous sections, you are obviously going to be in more danger.

There are ways to help to be safe while using the Internet. One of the best ways is to be aware of what you are doing and think before reacting. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. There aren?t really any ways to get rich by doing nothing.

Be prepared.

It can help by keeping the software on your computer up-to-date. Sometimes a newer version may need to be purchased, but often all that is needed is to make certain that the ones you are using have all of the security patches installed.

There are many malicious programs cruising the Internet. Some of those are just out there knocking on doors to see who answers. Others may be hiding in the shadows of attachments to emails messages that appear to be from friends.

To keep these malicious programs from infecting your computers, the computer needs to protected. Use Anti-virus programs and Anti-spyware. Anti-virus programs can be set up to scan the computer from time to time as well as to check email messages for hidden viruses. Anti-spyware can keep programs such as Adware (programs that sits your computer and feed ads to you) from taking roost on your computer

You will want to fun a firewall on your computer as well. A firewall hides the computer from automated attackers.

Just as walking the streets in a big city there are things to follow to keep you safe.

Do Not Open Spam.
Before opening an attachment, check and double check that it is not a malicious program. It?s easy to steal and fake someone email address so even attachments from someone you know may not safe, check.
If while on the Internet an Ad pops up, such as one saying you have a virus on your computer, you may wonder how do they know. They don?t. They are just trying to sell you a product and lead you to their site.
Purchase products from locations that you are familiar.
If the site looks like it leads to a dangerous path, leave and don?t go back.

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