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IT for Everyone
by Trey Aldrich
http://www.fcbpeople.com
Almost everyone uses a computer on a daily basis. But just
because you spend time in front of a computer does not mean
you are an expert in information technology. However, the
issues of computer security are something that most people,
especially frequent computer users, should take an interest
in.
In this day and age of the information superhighway,
~smart~ cards, and digital identification, privacy and
security in the online (and offline) worlds are becoming
a more and more important priority. If you have even
filled out a form online, given someone your email
address (or your phone number, or your home address
for that matter), or entered a contest put on by a local
business, your name is most likely floating around in a
database somewhere. You may not know who OWNS
this database, and you may not even have the legal right
to find out who owns it (or who they have sold it to).
This is why it is critical that you understand, at least at
a basic level how to improve the security and privacy of
your online experience.
At the very least we all need to install anti-virus and
anti-spy ware software on our personal computers. These are
two ways that identity thieves get inside our systems to
steal information. Viruses and spy ware can locate
sensitive information about us and our financial details
inside our personal files. Using our credit cards
indiscriminately online can also be compromised as the
account numbers may also be stored on our hard drives. We
all must be more aware of viruses and malware (malicious
software) and protect our computers.
Another item that is commonly overlooked is the
humble firewall. Firewalls come in the form of
hardware and software and should be used on any
broadband internet connection. Some folks in the
security industry even suggest running firewall software
no matter what type of internet connection you have,
even dial up.
The best protection from virus or malware invasion is
knowing the enemy. We must all be responsible for our own
computers and learn all we can about any threats. Two good
examples are to know not to download anything from a site
you aren~t familiar with, and to not ever open email
attachments from strange addresses. You should even scan
any attachments from friends or relatives as they may
unwittingly pass a virus on. Your computer may be clean but
maybe theirs isn~t.
Most people can be comfortable with their online experience
as long as they are willing to exercise a little caution,
and a bit of patience, no matter what their skill level
with computers is.
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