Linux Alliance

Posts Tagged ‘Malware’

Identity theft is on the rise and 71% of all fraud occurs within a week of the theft. Online identity theft accounts for 11% of all identity theft, so it is a good idea to protect your computer, your internet connection and your personal information. Antivirus software will scan your computer and incoming email messages for viruses and will delete them before they cause any damage to your computer, use your email address for spam messages or before spyware and malware are installed.

For optimum computer security there are a few steps you should take besides installing a good antivirus software. First, buy a computer with a good firewall or purchase firewall software that will protect your computer. While many computers come with a firewall already installed, most are not activated. Be sure that your firewall is properly activated before using your computer.

Second, be very wary of who you give your information to. There are scams called phishing scams in which a criminal will pose as a company such as a bank and ask for personal information like your social security number, account numbers and PIN’s. Most authentic banks will not send you emails asking for this information.

Third, don’t open unsolicited emails or attachments. They may contain viruses. Also, watch your Internet surfing activity. Many unscrupulous sites will attach spyware or viruses to your computer as you tour their site. Online gamers must be especially vigilant and should purchase special antivirus software made exclusively for online gamers.

Your antivirus software should come with a daily update system. You should run this update regularly as new viruses and bugs come online every day. Your antivirus software will update itself with the proper antidotes to those bugs. Don’t become another identity theft statistic by protecting yourself with antivirus software today.