Is Computer Security Truly Important?
In this day and age, the truth of the matter is that you cannot neglect computer security. Not only can you not neglect it, you can't AFFORD to neglect it, not when you consider that it's practically free to keep yourself safe, and potentially quite expensive to leave yourself open to attack.
To ask the same question ten years ago, the answer would be somewhat different. People were scared of hackers and viruses back then, but honestly, all you had to do to stay safe in the old days was not open questionable emails. Today, we're all on wireless and high speed internet. It's simply not a good idea to leave yourself open anymore.
Are you LIKELY to become a victim of identity theft? Well, about as likely as you are to become a victim of a home burglarly or a car theft. But just because it hasn't happened yet, or because it doesn't happen regularly, you don't leave your doors unlocked when you go to work, do you? You don't leave the keys in the ignition when you go in for the night, do you? So why leave your computer open?
It's probably prudent, at this point, to explain exactly what the threat is, here, that we're discussing. It's pretty simple, actually. Information thieves want to get into your computer and your online accounts so that they can look at information like credit card numbers, bank account information and other financial details. If they have this and your social security number, they can essentially take all of your money from you, and it's down to whether or not the bank believes you as to whether or not you'll ever see any of that money back.
Obviously, what you need to do is set up the proper firewalls and security protocols, and then get some good, inexpensive security software. But beyond that, there are a couple of vital points you'll want to keep in mind, as well...
Be Careful in Public
You know, not all information thieves are hackers, and not all thieves are information thieves. We get so worried about identity thieves that sometimes we simply leave our laptop on the table at the coffee shop when we run off to the little boys/girls room. We may think "Well I know I'm safe, I have the top anti-virus software on my computer!" but how is anti-virus software going to stop someone who sees a laptop on a table, unattended, and decides to snatch it and run? Or even just peek at whatever was left open on it?
Only Access The Internet Through Secure Connections
It was revealed recently that most airports that provide free Wifi provide absolutely no security for it. This is a problem. You can keep people out of your computer, but there's no guarantee they can't pick up the information being sent OUT by it. If you're not sure if the connection's safe, don't use it. Sure, you want to watch your favorite show online right now, but... Just wait until you get home, okay?
To ask the same question ten years ago, the answer would be somewhat different. People were scared of hackers and viruses back then, but honestly, all you had to do to stay safe in the old days was not open questionable emails. Today, we're all on wireless and high speed internet. It's simply not a good idea to leave yourself open anymore.
Are you LIKELY to become a victim of identity theft? Well, about as likely as you are to become a victim of a home burglarly or a car theft. But just because it hasn't happened yet, or because it doesn't happen regularly, you don't leave your doors unlocked when you go to work, do you? You don't leave the keys in the ignition when you go in for the night, do you? So why leave your computer open?
It's probably prudent, at this point, to explain exactly what the threat is, here, that we're discussing. It's pretty simple, actually. Information thieves want to get into your computer and your online accounts so that they can look at information like credit card numbers, bank account information and other financial details. If they have this and your social security number, they can essentially take all of your money from you, and it's down to whether or not the bank believes you as to whether or not you'll ever see any of that money back.
Obviously, what you need to do is set up the proper firewalls and security protocols, and then get some good, inexpensive security software. But beyond that, there are a couple of vital points you'll want to keep in mind, as well...
Be Careful in Public
You know, not all information thieves are hackers, and not all thieves are information thieves. We get so worried about identity thieves that sometimes we simply leave our laptop on the table at the coffee shop when we run off to the little boys/girls room. We may think "Well I know I'm safe, I have the top anti-virus software on my computer!" but how is anti-virus software going to stop someone who sees a laptop on a table, unattended, and decides to snatch it and run? Or even just peek at whatever was left open on it?
Only Access The Internet Through Secure Connections
It was revealed recently that most airports that provide free Wifi provide absolutely no security for it. This is a problem. You can keep people out of your computer, but there's no guarantee they can't pick up the information being sent OUT by it. If you're not sure if the connection's safe, don't use it. Sure, you want to watch your favorite show online right now, but... Just wait until you get home, okay?
