How to Protect Yourself from Computer-based attacks!
There is no point denying that without the internet we would be lost. You wouldn’t be able to read all the awesome articles on this site for free, there would be no Facebook to stalk your friends on, to do research for school work you would have to go to a library, and instead of emailing each other we’d still be writing letters.
But the Internet can be a scary place, with things like viruses and spy-ware floating around, you never know when or if your computer is under attack! But all you need is a little knowledge and caution and you should be well on your way to protecting your computer from viruses.
First and foremost the most important thing you can get to protect yourself is an anti-virus software program. If you head into any computer store they will have a wide-variety of different anti-virus programs at varying prices for you to pick from. Talk to the sales rep and make sure you get the one that is right for you.
Another handy-hint that you have probably heard a hundred times before is to never ever open an attachment when you don’t know where it is coming from. You may think this is common-knowledge, but it’s surprising how many people still open everything they receive in emails. Look at who the email/attachment is from and work out if you know them or not – If you don’t just delete the email. When you think about it, who would send you an attachment if they don’t know you? Nothing good can come from it. Most email providers such a Gmail or Hotmail have spam settings. Make sure you look through the settings and set them up to match your needs. That way you will only get emails that are relevant and from people you know or mailing lists you’ve signed up to.
When surfing websites you haven’t been on before always double-check where the links are sending you. Look at the URL-bar (the address bar at the top of the screen) and make sure it starts with exactly the same Internet domain name you would usually use to access the site. If it is different or you are slightly suspicious then close the page. Listen to your gut feelings, as it is usually right.
Finally the one last thing you can do which you probably didn’t even know you could do is keep your PC updated! Windows regularly sends out updates or ‘patches’ to get rid of bugs and errors that could be effecting the security of there software. When you get those annoying pop-up messages asking if you would like to update your computer don’t click ‘Remind me later’, click ‘Yes’.
Hopefully if you follow these few tips you can still enjoy the internet without worrying about all the nasty viruses that’s out there.
AVG is one of the providers of anti-virus and Internet Security software via www.avgfree.com.au.
Visit www.avgfree.com.au to download anti-virus and AVG LinkScanner software for free.
Being secure online doesn't have to cost anything...
By Simone Tralgia
