To avoid theft of your data, you need two primary levels of protection:
Anti-virus protection — Chances are you’ve already had at least one experience with a computer virus. But with the proliferation of anti-virus software now available, “your exposure to, or protection from, viruses is really up to you,” says Jeff Zbar, author of “Safe@Home: Seven Keys to Home Office Security.” “Anti-virus protection can be one of the most important — and easiest to implement — applications for your computer.”
Most viruses sneak into computers via Internet downloads and e-mail. So your anti-virus software should:
Scan all in-bound email or software
Alert you to any viruses or questionable elements
Quarantine the questionable content or delete it and cease the application
Remain active in the background, constantly scanning for and protecting your computer from potentially harmful content
“The most important thing to remember about anti-virus protection is that it’s only as good as your last update,” says Zbar.
Updating is simple and can be done automatically at startup. Set up your program to automatically log onto the manufacturer’s Web site and download the most recent definitions for new viruses.
“I update once a week automatically, and it’s done seamlessly and in the background while I work,” says Zbar.
Firewalls — If you have an always on broadband Internet connection, then everyone else on the Internet basically has an always open connection to your computer’s hard drive — and everything on it. “This includes hackers who are thrilled that your computer is open for business 24/7,” says Zbar.
This exposure and liability make the need for firewall protection absolutely essential if you have a broadband connection. Unfortunately, the National Cyber Security Alliance reports that only about 60 percent of broadband users have a firewall.
Broadband service providers are increasingly providing minimum levels of firewall protection. But you can buffer this protection by installing an additional personal firewall. This is especially critical if you have a wireless (or WiFi) broadband connection.
“My security technician recently located no fewer than eight wide-open WiFi connections in my neighborhood as soon as he turned into our street,” says Zbar.
