Congratulations! You just bought a new computer and you're probably
anxious to start using it, but don't jump online just yet. The
security software that shipped with your new system may be out of
date and won't necessarily provide the protection you need.
Whether it's your first personal computer or laptop, or just your
latest purchase, opening the boxes and connecting a brand-new
machine is almost as great a thrill as jumping behind the wheel of a
new sports car. However, just like a new car, the safety features
are important and you should understand what you need to do before
you hit the highway. First and foremost, be sure that you have
adequate security software installed, and that you're set up and
up-to-date before hitting the information super-highway.
Why new computers are at an increased risk for viruses, worms and
hackers.
It's true that most computers today come preloaded with security
software; however, the average computer has been on the shelf of the
distribution center about two months before you bring it home. This
means that the security software that was loaded a couple of months
earlier by the manufacturer is already out of date.
According to McAfee Security, a leading security company and
division of Santa Clara, CA-based Network Associates, over 250
viruses are discovered each month, so your exposure is high by the
time you get your system home.
Yet many consumers continue to put computer security at the bottom
of the installation checklist and treat it as a "good-to-have" but
not a "must-have." In addition, most people don't realize that the
security software loaded on their new system is a limited trial
version; they still need to register and activate the software,
which can include additional fees.
Most new computer owners want to be connected to the
Internet-preferably with high speed access-and start working,
researching, sending and receiving email, downloading files,
chatting with friends, shopping and doing many other things that
bring satisfaction or simplification to our busy lives. However,
they often overlook the basics of ensuring safety and security while
online.
While we purchase insurance (life, home, car, health) to protect our
loved-ones and valuables, it's easy to overlook security software,
even as affordable as it is, although the information stored on our
computers is of increasing value. Think about what you bought this
computer to do. If this new machine is for business, you put
important information at risk, such as customer data, contracts and
proposals, accounting records and more, by not ensuring it is fully
protected each and every time you go online. Chances are, you will
also use the computer for personal business: to manage your personal
and household finances, produce tax returns, communicate with family
and friends, store and share pictures and home movies. And how many
of us keep other identity-based information on our systems, such as
usernames and passwords, account or pin numbers, social security and
other ID numbers?
How to get the "insurance" you need.
There are three easy ways to get the security software you need to
protect your new computer. You can:
Download it from the Web: with a click of the mouse, all of the
virus scanners (especially Norton) provides all-around protection
against the widest range of threats, while giving you accurate
measurements of your security status in real-time.
Buy trusted security software from a store, but be sure to
remember to keep it updated regularly once you install it.
Use the software that's preloaded on your system, however be
certain that it will meet your needs for robust protection, and
remember to update the software immediately so you're not exposed.
Remember, when shopping for security software you want to be fully
covered! To ensure you're optimally protected, look for a
bi-directional "personal firewall" and industry-leading antivirus
software.
A firewall will protect you from hackers or anyone trying to gain
access to your system. It will routinely query you to confirm
whether it should let an application communicate over a given port,
so you can tell it that a trusted source is allowed access, while an
unknown and therefore suspicious source is not. Look for a
bi-directional firewall, which will monitor and control both inbound
and outbound communications.
And, on the point of viruses, even if you think you know how to
avoid them, you can become infected. In fact, given the overwhelming
number of new threats discovered each month, chances are you will
get hit… and possibly infect family members, friends, customers and
colleagues listed in your address book in the process.
Connecting your new PC to the Internet without using a firewall and
antivirus software is like leaving the keys in the ignition of your
new, unlocked, sporty convertible- if you're lucky nothing will
happen, but it's risky.
