Computer Security 101 - are you at Risk?

With the number of identity theft victims growinglanguage. Often, they say they've never had a
every day, it is no surprise that computer security isproblem, but a quick check of their computers will
a big concern for most computer users. With thereveal so many viruses and annoying spyware
increase in attacks on computers and theft ofprograms that the poor systems can barely manage
sensitive information,firewalls and virus protectionto start up and do a few simple tasks.
programs have gone from being rarely used on homeOf course, not all the dangers are online. Offline
computers to being things even the mostproblems with identity theft are also growing at an
technologically challenged users want to have installed.alarming speed. From withdrawing cash from your
After all, noone wants to be the main character of aATM to handing your credit card to the waitstaff at
true life made for t.v. story about hackers breakingyour favorite restaurant, every transaction is
into a family's home computer, stealing theirsomewhat risky. Scammers continue to develop
information, and then wiping the whole system outtechniques to steal identities and money, such as
with a nasty virus or trojan program.taking a quick photo of your credit card with a
If you are one of the computer users who doesn'tcamera phone or putting a reader on the local ATM
worry about computer security, it is time to startmachine that sends your information to them. Still,
worrying. Without protection, your computer is asonline problems continue to be a major concern, as
open to attack as a bank that leaves its doorswell.
unlocked after it closes. Without virus protection andNow that you understand why computer security is
a firewall, it is just a matter of time until you are thesuch a major concern with people who spend time
victim of an attack. Hopefully, it won't be serioususing computers, it is time to learn to protect your
enough that you have to buy a new computer, orcomputer. Don't worry that this task is only for tech
even worse, try to repair your credit after someoneheads. People who are complete novices to the
stole your identity.world of computers can still keep their information
As dangerous as it is to have no security at all onsafe and protect their computers. We have designed
your computer, there are still many people whothis site to help you do just that by avoiding all of
simply don't bother to use it. They don't have eventhat technical jargon that is so confusing to new
the most basic anti-virus protection or firewallcomputer users. Learn how to protect your
software on their computers. Still, they happily opencomputer and the next time someone asks you
every email they receive, download files right and leftabout computer security, you will be able to say that
and surf iffy sites as if they have top of the lineyou have spyware detection, virus protection and a
security. If you talk to them about their lack offirewall on your computer.
protection, they act as if you are speaking a foreign