An investigation by the BBC reported that, on average, a PC connected to the Internet is attacked every 12-15 mintues! The BBC reporters set up a PC, connected it to the internet and monitored what happened over the next month. Over just one seven hour period the PC was attacked 53 times - that’s one every 8 minutes. Many were fake security warnings or attempts to trick people that their PC had been hijacked. Along with the fake warnings comes a link to install software to solve the problem - but it’s a con. Instead of fixing the security threat the software downloads and installs lots and lots of spyware. Some attacks, however, were real hijack attempts. That is, attempts togain control of the PC so it can be used to carry out criminal activity without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Other attacks were attempts by malicious computer programs called “worms” to cripple the PC.
The BBC report shows how essential it is to keep your PC safe. Imagine if burglars came up to try the doors and windows of your house every 12 - 15 minutes to see if they could get in. That’s the kind of threat you face when you connect your PC to the Internet.
Installing security software on your PC is no longer an option it’s an absolute necessity. Not doing so is like leaving your doors and windows of your home open for anyone to come right in.
According to the BBC report it is essential that you take the following action:
- Install anti-virus software and keep it regularly updated - once a week at least.
- Install spyware removal software and keep it regularly updated - once a week at least.
- Install a personal firewall in addition to the Windows XP firewall - and make sure its activated.
- Install a Spam filter and keep it regularly updated - once a week at least.
- Never reply to Spam not even to unsubscribe.
- Always type in the website address of your bank or credit card - never follow a link in an email.
- Never open unexpected attachments in emails -first reply to the sender to check they’ve sent the file.
- Take time to keep yourself informed about the latest threat to your PC.
The software listed on this site are all provided by reputable security software companies and come recommended by computer magazines such as “PC Advisor”, “PC Pro”, “PC Answers” and “PC Magazine”. Once installed don’t forget to register your use of the software so that you can keep it updated and gain the maximum protection the software provides.
Anti-Virus Software
PC Tools Anti-Virus
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A computer virus is the term used to describe any type of malicious software which alters the way a computer operates without the knowledge or permission of the user. Many automatically copy or send themselves to other computers using any one of a variety of methods such as e-mail or a security flaw in a PC network. A computer virus may have a number of possible purposes or “payload”. For example, some use your PC to send “Spam” others may destroy all your digital pictures.PC Tools Anti-Virus provides real-time protection and rapid database updates and is trusted by millions of people worlwide to keep their PCs free from malicious programs. |
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Click HERE for more information on “PC Tools Anti-Virus”
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Spyware Cleaner
PC Tools Spyware Doctor
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Spyware Doctor is one of the most advanced Spyware Detection and Removal applications available. All Spyware is bad for your PC because, even the most harmless are taking up resources of memory, computing power and Internet bandwidth which may cause your PC to slow down. The worst are stealing your credit card details or your passwords for online accounts. If your PC is connected to the Internet you need an Anti-Spyware program.Use the Free Trial to find out if your PC is infected with spyware, adware, malware, browser hijacks and keyloggers. |
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Click HERE for more information on “PC Tools Spyware Doctor”
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Personal Firewall
Sunbelt Personal Firewall
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Sunbelt Personal Firewall makes your PC invisible to other people on the Internet. It prevents hackers breaking in to your PC and blocks information going out that you haven’t allowed. The Windows XP firewall does not stop information going out from your PC. Credit card numbers or other personal information could be sent out from your PC without the Windows XP firewall (or you) knowing anything about it. That’s why the BBC report recommended the use of a personal firewall. |
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Click HERE for more information on “Sunbelt Personal Firewall”
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Spam Filter
iHateSpam Spam Filter
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Unsolicited junk e-mail, or “Spam”, sounds harmless enough but not only are they a real nuisance, they clog up your use of the Internet with their traffic and fill your Inbox with junk. In 2002 9% of all emails was Spam. In 2003 that had risen to 40% but now it has reached a staggering 73% of all emails. Its a problem that is not going to go away for some time yet and as many viruses are distributed by Spam you need a good Spam filter such as iHateSpam to add that extra layer of protection. |
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Click HERE for more information on “iHateSpam”
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Internet Security Suite
Kaspersky Internet Suite
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Kaspersky® Internet Security Suite provides you with integrated protection all in one software installation which includes Antivirus, Parental Control, a personal firewall, an anti-spam filter, Privacy Control and more.Protection from all of today’s Internet threats. Kaspersky Internet Security Suite combines protection technologies to protect you against viruses, Trojans, worms, keyloggers, rootkits and other threats. This means that you are safe from spyware, adware, pornware, crimeware and anything else today’s cyber criminals invent. |
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Click HERE for a FREE TRIAL of “Kaspersky Internet Suite”
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