ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 1 Email: [email protected] WHAT INTERNET SECURITY SHOULD I HAVE? You can never deny the fact that the Internet is one of the most essential and one of the most important tools man uses today. Through the Internet, you will be able to chat with family and friends for free, do your groceries, shop for clothes, and through the Internet, you can also shop for properties and cars. Because of this technology, the Internet is now considered to be an important factor in life and in business. Many companies today are now using the Internet for advertising as well as a tool to sell their goods and services. However, the Internet also has its drawbacks. Since it is connected to your computer, all your personal and financial information are exposed to other people. Having an Internet is like welcoming strangers in your own home and letting them install surveillance equipments right under your nose. The thought of it could make anyone cringe. This is why there are companies today that develops software programs to protect you from malicious software, adware, spyware, and viruses (for more information on these types of threats, check out ComputerFixed fact sheet). There are programs that even protect you from intruders that may access your personal files in your computer which may have your personal and financial information and use it to commit identity theft. It is a fact that many people using the Internet without the proper protection from malicious software's have been victimized by identity theft and suffered from huge financial losses and have also been involved in criminal cases that they didn’t even know they committed. This is why you should protect your computer and yourself with an Internet security software to avoid being victimized by malicious software, hackers, identity thieves, and viruses. ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet. ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 2 Email: [email protected] What should I look for in a Internet Security program? Most Internet Security programs will have most if not all of the following items: Antivirus – This tool will scan your emails, email attachments, websites, and your computer files for any known viruses. Once it detects a virus lurking in your system, it will automatically delete it or quarantine it. With this tool, you will keep your computer virus-free. Firewall – This particular tool is your defence against hackers. It will detect and reject any unauthorized access in your computer, such as hackers and network viruses. You can consider this tool as your first line of defence against unauthorized access in your computer made by hackers and network viruses. Anti Spyware/Adware – Spyware and adware are programs that are very different from viruses but are equally dangerous. It may not destroy your system files, but it can copy it and send it automatically to the spyware developer. Think of it as surveillance equipment software that will monitor every activity you do with your computer. Most good Internet Security programs will block or destroy most of these threats. Automatic Updates – Since there are new viruses, spyware, and other malicious software being developed and released everyday in the internet, it is important to keep your virus and spyware definition updated to keep your computer protected from new threats. Most good Internet Security programs will updated themselves automatically as long as they have an Internet connection. Some Internet Security programs also have Parental Controls, this particular tool will manage your children’s internet usage. It will block any websites that contains inappropriate content, such as pornography and violence. Pop up blockers that will stop those annoying pop up adverts that can appear when you are surfing the Internet. Spam filters that will block spam emails for appearing in your Inbox. At ComputerFixed we recommend the following Internet Security programs for our clients:  Kaspersky Internet Security (http://www.kaspersky.co.uk)  Bit Defender Internet Security (http://www.bitdefender.co.uk) Both these products are excellent at protecting your computer without slowing it down. Here at ComputerFixed we can purchase and install Internet Security for your computer, contact us for details. Important Point It is vital that you run a virus scan each week to keep your computer free from Internet threats. Although every Internet Security company have slightly different ways of running a virus scan, it should be quite clear how to achieve this by looking at the interface of the Internet Security program. If you are having difficulty running a virus scan then contact ComputerFixed and we can show you how to run a virus scan and how to further protect your privacy whilst online. Visit ComputerFixed website (www.computerfixed.co.uk) for more fact sheets on Internet threats. ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.