Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The threat of online security: How safe is our data?


In this century, Internet is becoming more and more famous. It is becoming part of our life as a lot of things can be done with Internet such as online banking, online shopping, communicating with our overseas friends and so on. However, it is important to safeguard our data when online. It is an important issue on online security for all Internet users. It is sad to say that there are various threats to online security such as viruses, Malware, Adware, hackers’ attacks and Trojans. These are the common online threat and this can lead web users to financial loss, information theft and so on.

Viruses in the computer is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document. Virus can be transmitted through downloaded file, attachment from e-mail and so on. Some of the virus can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting. A virus replicates itself by resending itself as an e-mail attachment or as part of a network message is known as a worm. Spyware is malicious software that is designed to take partial or full control of a computer's operation without the knowledge of its user. Thus the user’s data no longer safeguarded as Spyware program can gain access to e-mail accounts, to obtain passwords or personal information.

There are several steps of security for your computer:
First, install a firewall. It is software that runs on another computer, which inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of rules. It creates protective barriers between your computer and potential harmful attacks.
Secondly, use anti-virus software. Nowadays, there are a lot of new viruses. So, anti-virus programs need regular updates so they can recognize the new threats. It is better if you update it more frequently.
All and all, it is important to secure the data in your computer and do not simple leak out your password to anyone.

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