Antivirus Blog

A firewall is essentially a security application that regulates information and access between the internet and a computer. Firewalls are also used to regulate traffic between computer networks, but for the average home computer user, a firewall is a tool specifically to protect them from the dangers of the internet. Windows operating systems come with a built-in firewall, so, why would you need to enlist the aid of a 3rd party firewall?

Not to take anything away from Windows Firewall, which is an effective basic product, but it does not offer anything close to the protection of the firewalls provided by leading antivirus and internet security companies. With the sophistication of hackers increasing all the time, youíll want a firewall that is also constantly evolving and being updated with the latest security information.

One common misconception is that only computers connected to the internet via broadband or some other type of high speed connection need a firewall. While it is true that these types of computers are more frequently targeted by thieves, that does not mean that computers on a dial-up connection are necessarily safe. Any computer connected to the internet needs to have an effective firewall running.

Without a firewall, your computer would be completely vulnerable to attack from the internet. Hackers could easily connect to your computer, transmit harmful information, and even steal your personal information and data.

One big difference between the basic Windows Firewall and more advanced firewall programs is that Windows Firewall only regulates incoming requests. The reason this still leaves you so vulnerable is because if you happen to contract a virus or some other type of malware, that malicious program may take your information and attempt to relay it to the criminal that distributed the harmful code in the first place. For instance, if you contract spyware that steals the online usernames and passwords you have saved in your browser, the virus will then attempt to send that information back to the source of that malware. If you have an effective firewall application running, however, such a transmission may not be allowed to occur.

Similarly, having a router that controls access to your home computer network is similar to the above scenario. You computer router will not allow non-trusted incoming requests, but it has no way to regulate outgoing requests. A powerful firewall is still needed to totally protect all of the computers on your network.

Another reason that the basic firewall as well as the firewall protection provided by routers is inadequate is simply because the technology is somewhat outdated. Hackers, for the most part, have already developed ways to get around these basic types of firewalls, and routinely do so in efforts to steal information or harm computers.

Upgrading to a full service firewall will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you are being protected by the latest technology that is constantly being improved upon by antivirus experts. Many internet security suite software packages include powerful firewalls that are regularly updated along with the rest of the software to keep it up to date and keep you safe from the latest threats.

If youíre unsure of which firewall program is best for you, take a look at some of the reviews online to get a better understanding of which products offer the best service and value. You might start by researching the security products of the top companies such as Norton and McAfee, both trusted names in PC security.

The internet has become a way of life for millions of people. Paying bills, shopping, and communicating with friends have all become activities regularly done online as opposed to the old fashioned ways. People are also using the internet to handle car loans, apply for credit cards, even to do their personal banking online.

All of this activity results in significant amounts of sensitive, private information being transmitted over the internet every single day. Some people are confident in the security of conducting such business online, while others are a bit more wary. Many people refuse to do it altogether. For instance, some people prefer to do all of their shopping online, while others won’t even submit their email address to a website. While it is true that there are some potential security risks associated with transmitting personal data online, with the right software and familiarity with the way the internet works, these risks can be minimized and such tasks can be performed safely.

Identity theft is a very common crime. Having your identity compromised can have serious consequences. In the event that your identity is stolen, criminals may use your information to:

• Create fraudulent utility accounts
• Take out loans
• Obtain credit cards
• Open fraudulent checking or savings accounts
• Commit bank fraud
• Obtain fraudulent government documents, such as IDs and passports

Some people think that because they have a fair or poor credit score that they don’t have to be as concerned with identity theft as someone with good credit. This is definitely not true, considering that some of the things mentioned above do not require a positive credit record, and can result in a significant headache. Once negative items appear on your record, even if they’re fraudulent, it can be a lengthy process to prove that they are erroneous and have them removed.

Internet Security Software

All major security software companies offer products that feature Internet security. Having this software installed on your machine greatly decreases your chances of having your information stolen.

Has Your Identity Been Compromised?

You should check your credit report on a regular basis. The sooner you spot suspicious entries the sooner you can get the problem resolved before any new ones arise. There are several credit monitoring services available online. You can also obtain one free credit report each year, so at the very least you should take advantage of that.
Shop at Secure Websites

Do not make any purchases from websites that appear suspicious, and as a general rule you should only make purchases on sites that use security encryption. Encryption makes it so that all information you transmit to their site is scrambled until they receive it, making it difficult to intercept and virtually impossible to use by thieves.

Keep Your Software Up to Date

Sometimes people have spyware running on their computers and they have no idea. More malicious types of spyware are designed to steal your personal information and relay it to the thieves that created the harmful software over the internet. Other types of spyware are more harmless, but should still be removed to protect your privacy and keep your computer running efficiently. The best way to combat spyware is to make sure your computer’s security software is constantly up to date with the latest information pertaining to new types of spyware. Most types of modern security software can be set to automatically update.

Although identity theft is a real danger and unfortunate reality, with a little bit of precaution it can easily be avoided, and you can still take advantage of all the conveniences the Internet has to offer.