Internet Security Do’s And Don’ts - Part 2

This month I am continuing with my series of articles dealing with threats posed by internet pirates to you and your finances. If you missed the previous articles you can read the expanded full versions online on my blog at http://blogspot.reidyonline.com
Basic Safeguards
Protecting your computer from Internet security threats is a serious business and is something neither you nor any other amateur computer tech should dabble with. Failure to properly protect your pc will result in: at best in your computer becoming spyware infected and at worst will lead to serious financial loss to you due to credit card or other frauds.
Recognizing the Signs Of Infection
There are a myriad of symptoms associated with virus or spyware infection but the following are the most common signs your computer has become infected.
Symptom: You Receive Virus or Spyware warnings from newly installed software downloaded from the internet which offers to clean your system if your purchase the software.
Symptom: Gambling or Adult content pop ups appearing on your screen every time you launch your internet browser.
Symptom: Your computer is very slow starting and crawls on the internet. The machine hangs and crashes.
Symptom: Your friends notify you that they are receiving unexplained email messages from your email address
Recommended Action: In all cases the longer your leave your computer turned on and connected to the internet the worse the infection will become. Immediately shutdown your computer, disconnect from the internet and seek professional assistance.
Common Mistakes With Internet Security
The three most common mistakes I come across with regard to security are:
Mistake No 1. Relying On Free Anti-Virus Software Products To Protect Your Computer.
There is no “free lunch” when it comes to anti-virus software and I am always amazed that people will risk losing a substantial amount of money just to save a relatively small amount of money. Free products do not include the most important features of full anti-virus products and will allow infections into your computer. Even with purchased anti-virus software you must still be careful about how and where you browse the internet. Relying on free products to protect your computer will end only in your tears.
Mistake No 2. Relying on unqualified personnel to both recommend and install security on your computer including anti-virus software.
We all love a bargain but protection of your computer is an area where you can’t afford to install the cheapest product. You must take your internet security seriously or you “will be taken to the cleaners”. Don’t install products without the recommendation of a professional and if at all possible ensure you have a professional recommend and install security on your system.
Mistake No 3.Ignoring warning signs including unexplained loss of internet connections and or unexplained programs appearing on your system.
In the initial stages of a virus or spyware attack you will usually notice changes in both the way your computer performs and or a change in the programs that suddenly start appearing on your computer. Watch for anti-virus programs which you neither downloaded nor installed suddenly popping up and warning you of multiple virus infections. If you lose internet connectivity and your provider assures you that your connection is fine this is another sign of virus/spyware infection. If your machine suddenly becomes very slow this is yet another sign that a virus has gotten control of your computer.