4 steps to protect your computer
- Keep firewall turned on.
- Keep software and operating system up to date.
- Keep antivirus software up to date.
- Keep antispyware technology up to date.
Read Microsoft's How to boost your malware defense and protect your PC.
Firewalls
- Firewalls restrict network traffic which can pass through them, based on a set of system administrator defined rules.
- A firewall consists of
- a server (with special software) connected on one side to the external network (usually the Internet)
- and on the other side to the computer system being protected.
- All incoming and outgoing data between the protected computer system and the network passes through the firewall
- The firewall server
- accepts connection requests
- decides whether the connection should be made
- and, if permissible, completes the connection
- A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to
- delete information
- crash your computer or even
- steal your passwords or credit card numbers
Antivirus software
- Consists of computer programs that attempt to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware)
- To cause problems in software or hardware, a virus program has to run (execute its code)
- Antivirus software, which detects and eliminates viruses before they run, is the only way to protect computers against damage.
Malware Removal Tools
- can be used to periodically clean your system of unwanted programs and files
- scans the system to look for malware and removes the unwanted files
- One example of this type of tool is Malwarebytes
- Free versions of this software can be easily found
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Consequences of Unsafe and Illegal Use of Technology
- Identity theft
- Hard drive crashes; loss of information
- You can become a victim of
- online predators
- cyberbullying
How to Protect Yourself
- Only open emails from trusted sources
- Be aware of phishing schemes
- Keep antivirus software updated
- Keep firewall turned on
- Never give out personal information
- If you are a victim, tell your parent or a teacher
A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that blocks hackers from entering and using your computer. Hackers search the Internet the way some telemarketers automatically dial random phone numbers. They send out pings to thousands of computers and wait for responses. Firewalls prevent your computer from responding to these random calls. A firewall blocks communications to and from sources you don't permit.
To avoid spyware in the first place, download software only from sites you know and trust. Piggybacking spyware can be an unseen cost of many "free" programs. Don't click on links in pop-up windows or in spam email.
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