In the modern home, the personal computer has become an integral part of everyday life and the broad range of uses we have for the PC means it is home to some important and sensitive information. It is vital, therefore, that you protect this delicate information. Listed below are the top five security concerns that face computer users and a simple solution to help rectify each problem.
1. Keyloggers: These malicious pieces of code record every press of the key you make and report them back to hackers who can then use the information to find out sensitive data about you such as bank details, account numbers and similar. They are often accidentally downloaded through email attachments, infected software or from disreputable websites.
Solution: An established, popular and frequently updated free antivirus program, such as Kaspersky Antivirus, is the best way to ensure your system is protected from keyloggers. Not only does it offer you instant checks on any downloads, warning you of infected files, but it also allows you to check your entire system to ensure that security is not compromised.
2. Adware: You will know when your PC is infected with adware when you switch it on and are bombarded with annoying, pop-up advertisements. These adverts appear often and completely unannounced. Many try to direct the user to a site, or erroneously state that the PC is infected with a vast number of viruses. Clicking on the advertised link to ‘rectify’ the problem can result in more malware downloading onto your computer.
Solution: PC users can use a two-pronged attack against adware and it does not have to cost you a penny. The first line of attack is always quality free antivirus software, which can stop the adware getting onto your computer. For extra security, you can also download free software from reputed sites to check specifically for adware. If you frequently use the browser on your mobile and are worried about security, be sure to install mobile antivirus.
3. Spyware: Spyware is very much like a keylogger in that it is downloaded onto your PC from infected emails, attachments or via downloads from websites. Once on your PC, it spies on your activities, reporting information, passwords, bank information and confidential issues to the hacker. It is different from a keylogger in that it does not log every keystroke made, but instead looks for patterns that could refer to your personal information.
Solution: The best solution to rid your PC of spyware is a similar approach to that for getting rid of adware. First line of defence is a robust security suite and Kaspersky free antivirus is an industry leader. This will immediately give you front line protection. For additional security, you can download additional software to check specifically for spyware from a reputed download site.
4. Hijackers: Hijackers are annoying pieces of malware in that they can eat up a PC’s memory and resources, causing it to crash or work more slowly. Additionally, they keep directing you to websites, products and downloads that you do not want.
Solution: Once again, there are many free antivirus downloads available that will help you keep your system free from hijackers. It is worth checking the security of your Internet browser too, chiefly to ensure that you have it set at the highest level.
5. The ‘unexpected phone call’: A new security concern for PC users is when they receive a phone call unexpectedly from someone claiming to be from the “Windows Security team” or “Windows Anti Virus team” or similar. They tell the listener that their PC is infected with lots of viruses and that they will fix the problem for them if they grant access to their PC by downloading something from a website.
Solution: Put the phone down, as this is a well-known fraud. Under no circumstances should you follow their instructions to download software from a site or allow them to log in remotely to your PC. If you do, you are opening up your entire system to a potential hacker who can then access all your information and who may even try to charge you for the ‘service’. More worryingly, they can install lots of other damaging malware that can compromise your security in future. Never listen to them and put the phone down immediately.