security

When we first install a firewall for a customer they are invariably astonished to see the number of people attempting to connect to their computer.

Each one of these attacks has the potential to take control of their computer and use it to generate spam, pass viruses onto their friends and colleagues, redirect their browser to pornography sites, steal their banking passwords and worse.

Just being connected to the internet can be a dangerous business!

If you don't have any of the following items, your privacy and security could be at risk.

Firewall
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-Spyware Software
Up-To-Date Windows Security Patches
Secure Wireless Connection

Don't panic! If you are a home user, there are many free solutions available on the internet. If you are a home or business user, there are a number of commercially available products, which offer very robust protection. Some of the free products, that we recommend, can be found below.

If you are still worried because it all sounds a bit complicated, we can help.

We can visit you to install the most appropriate protection for your computer and show you how to use it.

Firewall	Like the original meaning of the word, a wall that stops fire spreading from one room to the next, a firewall stops bad guys passing from the internet to your computer or network. This is the most important security software to install on your computer. If you use Windows XP, it has a firewall built in. You just need to activate it. Firewall software, that is free for personal use, can be found at Zonelabs or Kerio .
Anti-Virus Software	Not only can your computer become infected by direct attacks, dangers also lurk inside your email, websites and music downloads. Anti-virus software can protect against infection from viruses, worms and trojans. It works by scanning new and old files on your computer for signs of virus infection and stopping them in their tracks. Many offer much more sophisticated protection. Some popular free anti-virus programs are Avast! [our favourite] , AVG and Panda [online scan, use Internet Explorer] .
Anti-Spyware Software	This is used to remove a whole host of software described as spyware, adware and scumware. These are variously used to track your use of the internet, display adverts on your computer and hijack your web browser. While they have a less harmful impact on your computer than viruses, worms and trojans, they range in effect from invading your privacy or showing annoying pop-up windows to dramatically slowing down your browser and occasionally stopping your PC from booting. We would thoroughly recommend Lavasoft's Ad-Aware [free version is non-commercial use only] and Spybot S&D.
Up-To-Date Windows Security Patches	Most malware (as viruses etc. are collectively known) enters your system by exploiting flaws in the security of your Windows software. You can configure Windows to automatically download and install the latest security patches (fixes) from the internet. This should plug all the holes. Find out more on the Microsoft website.
Secure Wireless Connection	If you use a wireless connection at home, in the office or in a public place third parties can access your computer if it isn't secure. Don't think wireless hacking happens in Bath? We have first-hand experience of a drive-by hacker operating in the suburbs of Bath! Most wireless devices are insecure out-of-the-box. You need to activate the encryption features of your equipment, make your equipment 'invisible' and change the administrator's password.

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