Nexon Wrote:
Security Awareness Month 2013: PC Security

Computers have become a large part of our daily lives, especially after a little invention called the Internet came along. We browse websites and communicate personal and private information on the internet every day. As we store more and more information on our computers, the threat of malicious software aimed at hijacking that information grows.


Review our steps below to help protect your computer from unauthorized access.


Update Your Computer Programs Frequently

Many of the programs installed on your computer receive frequent updates to fix bugs, optimize code, and strengthen vulnerabilities. Java is one of the essential programs that has frequent updates. Applying updates as soon as they are available will ensure that your programs are up to date and protected against the latest hacking exploits.


Install Windows Updates When Ready

Every second Tuesday of each month, Microsoft releases updates through Windows Update. Windows Update will notify you when updates are available. Install important updates right away to ensure that you have the latest version of Windows, complete with all the latest patches and security measures.


Note: Sometimes Microsoft will release emergency updates. These updates should be applied immediately to patch potentially serious vulnerabilities.


Install an Antivirus / Spyware Program

Its important to use an antivirus / spyware program to scan your computer for viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and other malicious software. There are many free antivirus solutions available. Microsoft Security Essentials is one example. Whichever program you use, make sure to scan often and keep your antivirus definitions updated.


Dont Share Your Personal Computer

Theres likely to be a lot of personal and sensitive information on your computer, so avoid sharing it if you can. Use a password for login, and dont let people use your computer without your presence. Friends may not intentionally jeopardize your computer, but a careless mistake can lead to a compromise. If you must share a computer, set up separate user accounts with appropriate rights.


Practice Safe Internet Browsing

In the end, the safety of your computer and personal information is your responsibility. One mistake can compromise your computer, so be wary of anything you do on the Internet. Utilize tools provided by your Internet browser to block things like pop-ups and ads. Only visit websites that you know are secure and be cautious of links you find in emails, forums, or elsewhere. Phishers like to hijack accounts and use them to blast out legitimate-looking emails.


Always be mindful of where you enter your personal information. If youre signing into a website, triple check to make sure the URL is correct, especially if you followed a link to the website. If youre making a new account on a website, check the URL to make sure it is a site you recognize.


These are all simple steps that will help you protect your computer against malicious attacks. Taking a few minutes to secure your computer now will help you avoid a compromise in the future.

Zerard Wrote:Funny they should mention security.

Declaimed Wrote:Why do they even bother with junk like this? :f6:

Jedward Wrote:The exploits aren't an issue of user security, they're an issue of game programming.

Zerard Wrote:Yeah? Their game programming is vulnerable to exploits, so wouldn't you say it needs to be more secure? My statement remains.

Nion Wrote:One thing caught my mind: What monster is that ninja? I've never seen it before.

MountLag Wrote:I like how they assume everyone is using Windows.