Computer Security!

By Bailey Hoover

Opening:

“Computer viruses are an urban legend.”

-Peter NortonActually:

Virus: software reproduces itself; causes computers harm

To protect against viruses:

Headings

Protecting Your Personal InformationKnow Who You’re Dealing WithUse Security Software that Updates A

utomaticallyKeep Operating System and Web Bro

wser Up-to-Date

Headings

Protect Your PasswordsBack Up Important FilesLearn What To Do In An Emergency

Protecting Your Personal Information

Phishing: criminals convincing to share information Messages claiming

you win prizes

Don’t reply to phishing

Read website privacy policies

Know Who You’re Dealing With

Unfamiliar Site? Call seller’s number

Type site’s name in search engine

Use software toolbar warning of sites

Filesharing might download copyright law unwillingly

Use Security Software that Updates Automatically At minimum: anti-virus,

anti-spyware, and firewall

Unprotected computers become a botnet

Malware hidden in software applications possibly

DON’T open attachments from unknown

Keep Operating System and Web Browser Up-to-Date

Set O.S. & browser software to download automatically.

Change built-in security and privacy settings

Disconnect from Internet, when not in use

Protect Your Passwords

Keep passwords in secure places

Use eight word passwords

Avoid common mistakes

Don’t use same password for everything

Back Up Important Files

Copy files on removable disks

Try external hard drives for backing-up

Store the hardware in safe place

Learn What To Do In An Emergency

Stop activities online if suspicious Confirm security software Delete problem identified

Protect Against Viruses!

Use these tips to protect against viruses

Computers will be damaged if left untreated

RECENT ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE STUDY!

‘Free anti-virus protection spurs more robust options!’

Norton: Symantec- $69.99

Webroot- $79.99

Microsoft- Free!

A recent study of anti-virus software has shown that protecting your PC is now only getting more important.

It shows although free may be the way to go, sometimes it may not be enough. Protection with a higher price is sometimes worth the pay.

Hackers have made $163 million dollars off of unprotected or bare minimum protected computers. Research anti-virus products and protect yourself!

Works Cited

‘The Difference Between a Virus, Worm, and Trojan Horse?’

Federal Trade Commission, ‘Dialing Up to the Internet: How to Stay Safe Online.’ September 2002. www.ftc.gov