The use of web applications from doing the most basic things like checking emails to social networking makes the internet as a whole a prime target for malicious viruses and cyber crimes.
As surprising as it may seem, it is estimated that the majority of the PCs get infected because of clicking on a nasty website address as compared to viruses residing on a local computer.
Here are four ways in which online computing can be made safer:
1. Avoid use of public or shared computers for sensitive information: This can seem a bit difficult at times but it is well worth it to avoid public or shared computers for checking the online bank balance, authorizing payments or even conducting online money transfers. This is because you never know what kind of software (like hidden key loggers that can record every keystroke made on the system, invisible remote viewers and so on are installed on the computer). This may sound scary because it is especially when you yourself aren't the owner of a system that you are using.
2. Lock down online profiles: Major social networking sites like Facebook may seem a good place to meet new friends and establish contacts but they are also a major source of personal information for the cyber criminals. Even displaying your full date of birth on the profile with your picture and email address may result in a case of identity theft or hacking attempts on your email accounts as many of them have a secret question as date of birth. Besides this, it is best to keep friend's list to a minimum and possibly add only those who you know in real life. Even then, share your personal details very carefully.
3. Use separate email accounts: As simple as this may seem, you will be surprised at the amount of spam that is cut down plus the added benefit of separating work and personal correspondence. For unknown sites that ask your email address for registration purposes only, provide a separate account for that use only. This will also avoid clutter in your personal email inbox.
4. Keep antivirus and firewall applications updated: Using only an antivirus application is not sufficient. Firewall blocks unauthorized connections to your computer and thwarts possible hacking attempts. Free antivirus applications like AVG and Avast are effective and easy to use. Free firewalls like ZoneAlarm are sufficient for home computers. The default Windows firewall also does a good job though.
As you can see, it isn't difficult to stay secure online provided a bit of discretion is used when using the internet. It is a fun and productive place to be for majority of the time.
Cheers.
The author is a tech enthusiast, systems administrator and a computer geek who got his first computer back in 1994 and fell in love with it. He blogs at ihaveapc.com regarding various stuff related to Windows and Linux.
