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Computer security - Step1 |
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Step 2-Virus protection
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The danger of being online
When your computer is connected to the Internet, it is exposed
to a variety of potential threats. When you browse the Internet, other computers
on the Internet can communicate with your computer. This leaves you extremely
vulnerable to a variety of common attacks. This is especially troubling as
several popular programs (such as Kazaa) open up services on your computer that
allow others to view your files.
Security flaws are discovered on a regular basis and allow
hackers to attack your computer with the potential to view or destroy the
sensitive data stored there.
With the advent of high speed Internet connections, people are
putting their computers at great risk. Being constantly online means leaving
yourself open to attack at any time.
Several virus outbreaks have been spread by attacking
vulnerable computers connected to the Internet. Is your computer safe?
Beware common attacks
Many people believe that online attacks are the domain of
computer experts. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Even an
inexperienced computer user can easily attack your computer. These hackers
(often referred to as “script kiddies” as they are typically teenage boys),
download scanner programs that automatically search for computers with common
security flaws. These programs scan thousands of computers per minute and then
flag the computers that have security flaws.
The scanners enable the hacker to, for example, attack and
exploit vulnerable computers. These attacks can be orchestrated simply by
downloading and installing the offending program onto a computer.
This form of attack is extremely common and most new firewall
users are shocked at the number of probes and attacks their computer receives
from the Internet.
Secure your computer with a REAL firewall
To secure your computer from attacks you need to
"teach" your computer to ignore or resist external connection attempts
and probes. The generic term for such a program is a Firewall. There are
two common firewall types:
This installs
directly onto your computer. These programs monitor your Internet connection
and attempt to block unwanted external attacks. While your computer has a
direct connection to the Internet , the software attempts to control and
protect the connection.
Hardware Firewall: This is a piece
of equipment that is connected to the Internet. The hardware firewall is the
only piece of hardware that is directly connected to the Internet. Your computer
is protected as it requests information from the Internet through the firewall.
There are a multitude of “firewall routers” being offered
to consumers to “secure” your connection to the Internet. Unfortunately,
these routers mainly provide a way to share an Internet connection with little
or no true security. It is critical to know if your connection is secure.
Understanding firewalls
Software firewalls are best used on individual home computers.
Hardware firewalls are best used in multi-computer environments to secure all
computers in an office. Software and hardware firewalls can be used together,
but great care must be taken to ensure proper setup and operation.
A well configured hardware firewall offers more protection
than a software firewall as it is not susceptible to direct virus attacks (a
virus can disable or circumvent the software firewall). A hardware firewall can
not be circumvented by users, and manages/maintains all security policies in one
location. A hardware firewall allows for effective enforcement of the firewall
configuration in an office and can protect multiple workstations.
As with Antivirus software, a software firewall, if not
utilized and updated properly, can provide a false sense of security. Software
firewall options are critical, and changing the configuration of the software
(for example to allow a game to work) can create significant risk of unintended
security breaches.
Setting up an effective firewall requires careful
planning.
AWC Consulting can help you create an effective security plan to protect your
computers) from attack.
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