The majority of people using the internet are on social sites such as Facebook. Bringing a new spin on pen-pals because, no one can see pictures and chat in real time as opposed to waiting until the postal service delivers. Some use the internet for research seeing as there are bucket loads of information available via the internet on what are called search engines. These search engines are companies that provide information across the internet such as Google, Bing and Dogpile. There are others who use the internet to link their home computer to their work computer which is a form of networking. Just like anything else that deals with other people, you have to protect yourself. Since the internet is open to everybody there are people out there with bad intentions that are called “hackers”. These “hackers” are educated in means to access your computer as well as others in the form of programs such as Script or HTML which is used on most sites so you can see videos or pictures on the internet. Some more advanced “hackers” use what is called “binary code” which is what all computers use to run different operating systems such as Windows. Because of “hackers” there are programs designed specifically to try and protect your personal computer from attacks. These are called internet security programs and have also been bundled with other programs to protect your computer that are called “suites”. These programs are known by names such as Norton and McAffee and AVG. It is highly recommended that if you intend to access the internet that you have these programs in place. It is also recommended that you do a regular “system maintenance” on your computer to clear out what are called “cookies” which are the bits of information left on your computer each time you go to most internet pages so the page “remembers” you the next time you go to that page.
Quick Networking Security
- Image by JenWaller via Flickr
Networks can expose our information to being downloaded by others. Our desire to keep them protected is not unfounded. Here are a few guidelines to help keep your networking secure.
Most people who hop on the internet, give little thought to keeping their information secure. They jump between networking sites, placing personal information up without a second thought about it. Check to see if your account offers you to customize your privacy settings. With the amount of member sites being launched all the time, smaller sites may not have the same security measures that larger, more well-known sites do.
Change your passwords frequently to offer additional security. Choose something you can memorize or easily recall, but that others will not be able to guess. Also, use different passwords with different sites. Switch them up by changing them every six months or so. Be cautious of using computers with public access, such as in a cafe. You never know who is watching you put in that password. Just be aware of who’s around you. Public libraries are generally a good place to check your accounts away from home.
Personal information such as birthdays, home addresses, home phone numbers, and even your educational history should be kept secret or vague. If you must place a contact number up for whatever reason, make sure its a mobile number. Your personal information is what hackers are after. If you feel that your account has been accessed by someone other than you, change your passwords right away. If you’ve used your credit card in connection with that account, notify your financial institution immediately.
Another preemptive strike on would be hackers is to install a current Anti-virus program onto your home PC or laptop and make sure those programs have been properly installed with driver downloads. Once you have it, keeping it updated with new versions as they are available is a sure way to ensure your computer is protected as best as possible.
