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Ready...Set...Go! Give Virus Protection the Green Light!

  

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 When you get behind the wheel of a car, it should be an automatic instinct to fasten your seatbelt. All laws aside, it's simply the smart thing to do and can protect you should you ever be in an auto accident. But what about being safe when you sit down in front of your computer? Today's machines don't come outfitted with seatbelts and air bags, so how can you protect yourself when navigating the highways of the internet?

There is an endless array of malicious and harmful programs, such as viruses, adware and spyware that can infect your computer, leading to system failure, costly repairs and even identity theft. But there are simple, tried-and-true methods that you can incorporate into your daily computing practices that can prevent disaster. So fasten your seatbelts and let's take a drive through the world of Safe Computing!

You wouldn't buy a house that doesn't have locks on the doors, so you should want the same level of security for your computer. Anti-virus software should be installed and virus definitions should be kept up-to-date. Virus scans should be performed on any file you download externally from the internet, whether it's from a website or an e-mail attachment.

• That link you received for Grandma's famous cookie recipe? Scan it.
• That spreadsheet your boss sent you last minute? Scan it.
• No matter what it is, if it's going to be downloaded to your computer, scan it!
• Never open any kind of e-mail or attachment from someone you don't recognize, or weren't expecting to receive.

Viruses come in all varieties, and some of the more nefarious ones don't even require you to open the attachment...merely opening the e-mail itself can cause irreparable harm to your system.

If your e-mail inbox is anything like mine, it can seem a daunting task to sort through the massive amounts of ads, spam and chain-letters. While spam filters do their best to catch the garbage, some is still bound to seep through. While it might be tempting to click on the link that promises you've just become an instant millionaire if you only send them your bank account number for them to wire the funds to, keep in mind the old adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

But what about those e-mails that appear to be legitimate? Perhaps something from your bank, credit card company or shipping service. Keep in mind that legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information, such as username, password or account details.  In today's fast-paced society, it can be easy to overlook something based on the appearance of legitimacy. If you receive an e-mail from a reputable company, such as your banking institution, and you question its validity, don't hesitate to contact the company directly for additional information.

Your identity and personal information should be kept secure at all times. When surfing the web, sometimes it can be difficult to know what a "bad" website is. If you are unsure about a website, then it's probably a safe bet to avoid it. Also, pay special attention to websites that you will be entering in any private information, such as personal data or credit card details. Make sure, before you input any information that you are on a secure website. Secure websites can be easily identified in the address bar, as they will begin with "https". This means that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted via a secure channel.

Practicing Safe Computing doesn't have to consume your time or detract from the sheer enjoyment of surfing the web. By keeping your virus definitions up-to-date, performing safe and smart e-mail operations, and completing routine monthly system scans, you can protect yourself from many of the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. The internet is a big place; chock full of every type of information possible. There is a world of data waiting at your fingertips, but before you venture out into the open, make sure that you protect yourself with good virus protection, so that your experience is one of satisfaction, not frustration!

If you would like to download free the latest security report please click here.