Protection and Risk-prevention tools and methods against Virus, Worms, Spyware, Phishing, and other threats etc

Are you afraid that someone that you do not know actually knows your name, your home address, your favorites, and what’s worst – your credit card numbers, passwords, and IDs? If you are afraid, then I will tell you not to be. Chinese spirits have Taoist priests to capture them. Human viruses have immune systems to destroy them. And Computer threats have security programs to eliminate them.

10 Ways to protect your PC!!!

1. Never download anything from doubtful source, never share confidential information through messaging systems, and avoid storing such data on a laptop, which is easier to lose. (Info stored in Hardware PC must be safeguarded too. Don’t be sorry like Edison’s case)

2. Use all-in-one security programs such as Symantec or McAfee, which include anti-virus, anti-phishing, anti-spyware and other useful tools. Always make sure that free anti-virus software provider is credible. *careful of Trojan

3. Always remember to update software definitions to ensure the computer is protected against the latest hacker programs.

4. Always remember to enable firewall, anti-spyware software installed, and non-expired anti-virus software present in the computer before going online.

5. Shred or tear up credit card and bank statements before disposal

6. Use less obvious passwords. If possible, do not use I/C numbers, phone numbers etc.

7. Check up on the person who requests for your personal information.

8. Refrain from revealing too much personal information in online diaries, social network sites etc. One potential source for retrieving personal data is Facebook or MySpace social networking sites.

9. Keep oneself updated with the latest news on cybercrime, security programs, methods implemented by banks to safeguard personal details etc

10. No choice, then encrypt your laptop.

References

Singh, K. (2007, September 14). Many have lax attitude towards IT fraud; Poll shows 1 in 5 does not shred credit card or bank statements before disposal, while one-third use easy-to-recall passwords. The Straits Times. Retrieved on March 5, 2008, from Lexis-Nexis database.

Loh, W. L. (2007, October 7). The price of your b@nk account: Just $440; Personal information pilfered by hackers can be sold and used for crimes like fraud and identity theft. The Straits Times. Retrieved on March 5, 2008, from Lexis-Nexis database.