Friday, June 15, 2012

Cyberattack! - eight steps to protect yourself.

http://www.appapillai.com

A criminal transmits a malicious program over the Internet. When the program finds your computer, it silently probes its online defenses. When it finds an unguarded door, it borrows deep into your computer and rummages around for useful information. The malicious program may then change to delete your computer files, e-mail itself to other computers or send passwords, financial details, or other confidential information back to intruder.

Those are the worse scenario that a cybercriminals could do. As nations and individuals become more reliant on computer technology, cyberattacks will likely to become more common. 


How can you protect yourself online? Consider the steps below
  1. Install antivirus, spyware-detection, and firewall software on you computer. Keep that software and your operating system updated with all security updates.
  2. Think before you click on links or open attachments in e-mails or instant messages-even from friends. Be  especially cautious if the mail is unsolicited and ask for personal information or passwords.
  3. Never copy or run software from unknown sources.
  4. Use password that have at least eight characters and include members and symbols, and change them regularly. Use different passwords to different accounts.
  5. Do business only with reputable companies that use secure connections. Try to check Web pages on Web browsers display a lock symbol and "https://"  in the address bar. The "s" means secure.
  6. Do not give out personal confirmation about yourself or your accounts when using unsecured WIFI connections,  such as in public places.
  7. Switch your computer off when it is not in use.
  8. Regularly back up your files, and store copies securely.