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For many PC users, security is an afterthought only considered when an unexpected popup or crash interrupts their normal routine. Often, once the outward signs of malware infection appear, it is far too late. There are many ways to pick up malware but most can be avoided.
Let's forget about protective software for the time being. Where would you be without your favourite antivirus, anti spyware or trojan scanner? You may be surprised to know that it's more than possible to use a computer without any such software installed and not become a victim of malware.
So why are security breaches so rife around the world?
The simple answer is trust. People show caution when faced with unknown situations in the real world but treat the internet and computer files with wild acceptance. The familiarity of their surroundings and equipment gives a false sence of security.
where do the dangers lie?
1. Untrustworthy websites
2. Downloading files
3. File sharing software
4. Copying files / borrowing disks from other PCusers
5. Emails
I wouldn't suggest anyone uses their computer without security software but being aware of the best practices makes infection far less likely. The thing to remember is that security software should be relied on as a fallback and not as a substitute for diligence. The best way to approach computer security is to think of it in terms of having a door with a lock and an alarm system. You wouldn't risk an intrusion by leaving the door unlocked and relying solely on the alarm. In such a case you risk losing something.
Having dealt with computer problems since the early 90's, I've seen the reliability of hardware increase and the corruption of software due to malware go through the roof. Whereas a lot of repair work used to be focused on hardware troubleshooting, these days it's mainly software and mostly security related. The worst security breaches are caused mainly by the user. It pays to remember that the worst infections and hardest to get rid of are usually files installed knowingly by the end user. The type of malware which poses as helpful software and is installed by the user acquires that users security level on the computer through the easiest possible route.
It's remarkable that some of the PCs and Laptops we look at are running so slow that they can hardly function.
To remove problems without having to call the experts it's best to act early. Why people leave it until the computer is unusable is truly mystifying. Best practice denotes that the first sign of unsolicited popups and slowing down should instigate an update and scan with security software.
Why can the experts get rid of malware and not the average user and what's the best software?
Computer security is an ongoing and changing beast. To be an expert at removing malware requires an understanding of the methods used to hook the malware to the system and the tools to find the hooks. A lot of end users know enough to get rid of relatively dangerous malware but the real stubborn ones can leave even some experts stumped. Also, most end users will scan their system but don't have the added knowledge of the other steps to take and seemingly unrelated files to remove.
A lot of money is spent in the computer security field and some experts sell their integrity to the big companies by becoming affiliates. I can think of nothig worse than having cleaned a machine and being forced to offer only one company's security product. As a PC technician, I like the flexibility of using various products and most of the time will recommend free solutions for end users. I extensively test various malware solutions and have my favourites but am always looking for new security tools. It would be tempting to list the best free security programs but there are already many such lists on the net and some of them very accurate indeed.
The point I'm trying to make overall is that Security is EASY! if you show caution.
The other point is that security is almost impossibly DIFFICULT! if you don't.
A Star Universal is based in Teynham and serves Maidstone, Medway, Swale and Gravesend. We offer our services to both Domestic and Small Business customers.
Article written by Bill.
(PC security technician at A Star Universal)
Let's forget about protective software for the time being. Where would you be without your favourite antivirus, anti spyware or trojan scanner? You may be surprised to know that it's more than possible to use a computer without any such software installed and not become a victim of malware.
So why are security breaches so rife around the world?
The simple answer is trust. People show caution when faced with unknown situations in the real world but treat the internet and computer files with wild acceptance. The familiarity of their surroundings and equipment gives a false sence of security.
where do the dangers lie?
1. Untrustworthy websites
2. Downloading files
3. File sharing software
4. Copying files / borrowing disks from other PCusers
5. Emails
I wouldn't suggest anyone uses their computer without security software but being aware of the best practices makes infection far less likely. The thing to remember is that security software should be relied on as a fallback and not as a substitute for diligence. The best way to approach computer security is to think of it in terms of having a door with a lock and an alarm system. You wouldn't risk an intrusion by leaving the door unlocked and relying solely on the alarm. In such a case you risk losing something.
Having dealt with computer problems since the early 90's, I've seen the reliability of hardware increase and the corruption of software due to malware go through the roof. Whereas a lot of repair work used to be focused on hardware troubleshooting, these days it's mainly software and mostly security related. The worst security breaches are caused mainly by the user. It pays to remember that the worst infections and hardest to get rid of are usually files installed knowingly by the end user. The type of malware which poses as helpful software and is installed by the user acquires that users security level on the computer through the easiest possible route.
It's remarkable that some of the PCs and Laptops we look at are running so slow that they can hardly function.
To remove problems without having to call the experts it's best to act early. Why people leave it until the computer is unusable is truly mystifying. Best practice denotes that the first sign of unsolicited popups and slowing down should instigate an update and scan with security software.
Why can the experts get rid of malware and not the average user and what's the best software?
Computer security is an ongoing and changing beast. To be an expert at removing malware requires an understanding of the methods used to hook the malware to the system and the tools to find the hooks. A lot of end users know enough to get rid of relatively dangerous malware but the real stubborn ones can leave even some experts stumped. Also, most end users will scan their system but don't have the added knowledge of the other steps to take and seemingly unrelated files to remove.
A lot of money is spent in the computer security field and some experts sell their integrity to the big companies by becoming affiliates. I can think of nothig worse than having cleaned a machine and being forced to offer only one company's security product. As a PC technician, I like the flexibility of using various products and most of the time will recommend free solutions for end users. I extensively test various malware solutions and have my favourites but am always looking for new security tools. It would be tempting to list the best free security programs but there are already many such lists on the net and some of them very accurate indeed.
The point I'm trying to make overall is that Security is EASY! if you show caution.
The other point is that security is almost impossibly DIFFICULT! if you don't.
A Star Universal is based in Teynham and serves Maidstone, Medway, Swale and Gravesend. We offer our services to both Domestic and Small Business customers.
Article written by Bill.
(PC security technician at A Star Universal)
Why security should be the number one priority for computer users.
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