Security Threats for Home Computers
Autor: Harris06 • January 12, 2013 • Case Study • 1,008 Words (5 Pages) • 1,319 Views
Security Threats for Home Computers
Introduction
As the concerns for security rises, we must understand the importance of securing our home computers. Online security risk for home computer users has increased due to the growing number of people using wireless connections. Some security threats that hackers use are attacks with malicious software. Malicious software consists of viruses, worms, adware, spyware, and Trojans, “Accessing the Wan”, (Vachon, Bob & Graziani, Rick, 2008 p. 217). These attacks can infect our computers and destroy the operating system or files. The newer programs are called spyware and adware which uses the web to monitor and try to take control of your online activities. Some ways to protect your computer from hackers and malicious software is to install antivirus (AV) software, firewalls and spyware detection programs.
Antivirus (AV) Software
You should install antivirus software to protect against known viruses, “Accessing the Wan”, (Vachon, Bob & Graziani, Rick, 2008, p. 220). Antivirus software can detect most viruses and Trojan horse applications and prevent them from spreading in the computer, “Accessing the Wan”, (Vachon, Bob & Graziani, Rick, 2008, p220). There are two ways that antivirus software protects your computer. Antivirus software will scan the files on your computer to detect viruses. It will also monitor and flag suspicious programs running on your computer. Remember to keep your antivirus software updated to ensure protection against new malicious attacks, “Accessing the Wan”, (Vachon, Bob & Graziani, Rick, 2008, p. 220).
Firewalls
You should use a firewall to protect your home network and family from offensive web sites and potential hackers, “How Firewalls Work” (Tyson, Jeff, 2000). Basically, a firewall is a barrier to keep malicious programs away from your computer. A firewall is a program or hardware that is designed to filter information that comes through the internet into your computer, “How Firewalls Work” (Tyson, Jeff, 2000). You can select the level of security to block many or all of the existing threats. However, it is probably better to use the software default
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