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Internet Security
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Internet security is a broad subject that covers many vital areas. The first area to address deals with properly protecting your computer against people with malicious intent, who wish to exploit your computer and/or compromise your data. To prevent this, you need to protect your computer against three primary vectors or holes through which theses vandals and thieves gain access to unsecured computers.
Viruses
A good antivirus software program with virus definitions kept up to date daily is the best protection against this form of infection. We recommend Norman Virus Control, since it provides a higher level of protection and utilizes Sandbox technology to detect and prevent viruses, even when definition files don't yet exist for a virus. Norman also doesn't slow down your computer or conflict with other applications like other major brands. We also support Symantec/Norton, McAfee, and other antivirus products as well, but recommend Norman due to its superior features, compatibility, and efficacy.
Spyware
The phenomena of spyware became a serious problem starting in 2004, infecting millions of computers worldwide. You can get it by simply visiting a tainted website. An antivirus product does not protect against spyware infections, which are often more problematic than viruses. Only a good commercial anti-spyware program such as Spy Sweeper, which runs proactively, can prevent the frustration of a spyware infection and the expensive repairs they engender. The free/shareware products that try and clean spyware infections after the fact are inadequate and ineffectual. Once you are infected, a trained professional is the best way to eradicate spyware properly. Not all anti-spyware programs are equal in their effectiveness. Getting the right one installed on your computer is vital if you use the Internet at all.
Hackers
Hackers compromise your system and gain access to your computer by scanning open IP addresses on the Internet or attaching to an unsecured wireless network, and then "hacking" those who don't protect themselves. A firewall is the only protection against hackers. If you have a router on your network or in your home, it incorporates a hardware firewall utilizing NAT, that should be good enough to keep out all but the most expert of hackers. Microsoft Windows XP, properly updated to Service Pack 2, includes a software firewall to prevent unauthorized access. While this affords some protection, a hardware firewall is going to provide a higher level of protection. Higher-end hardware firewalls are available which can also prevent phlooding (which is a denial of service attack on your network and business) from affecting your network. Check with our staff on the price for a higher end router/firewall for your company.
One of our trained security experts would be happy to discuss all three vectors with you and help properly protect your computer. Call us or fill out our inquiry form, and we will contact you to discuss your concerns. For more information on viruses and spyware, please visit our Virus & Spyware page.
Another important area of Internet security involves your wireless router. You should always change the default password that comes set on the router when it is purchased. Likewise, enabling encryption like WEP or WPA to prevent others from leeching onto your broadband connection and using up your bandwidth is also very important. With encryption, unauthorized users can't utilize your pipeline to the Internet. We can help you properly secure your router and Internet access.
A few separate security issues deal with spam and phishing. Spam is unsolicited sales advertisements that arrive in your email and can bog down your email account with hundreds of junk emails. Opening and deleting this junk email can be very time consuming. Usually, your ISP will charge a fee to provide the service of spam filtering. If you ISP doesn't offer this service, software spam filters can be purchased from MCW, to help mitigate your spam problem. Phishing is also unsolicited email, but instead of trying to sell you something they pretend to be a company you may do business with who has "lost" your personal information. In the email, they request information (banking numbers, credit card info, passwords, social security information, etc.) in order for them to continue providing their "service". In reality, these phishing emails are from thieves, attempting to get you to give them your confidential information. Never give your confidential information via an email. Always call the company if you are suspicious and talk to a representative in person. Use common sense when responding to any email that asks for your confidential or personal information!
Many parents and employers want the ability to monitor usage and/or prevent access to inappropriate websites by their children or employees. Madison Computer Works has products available and will be happy to set you up with the best product for your needs. Fill out our form and let us know what security needs you have, and we'll help you to secure your Internet access.
For all of your Internet security needs, come to Madison Computer Works. We have the experience, professionalism, and friendly staff, to make your Internet access safe, secure, and worry-free.
...computers that work for you!
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