Every time you purchase merchandise on the Internet, do your banking online, check in with your office by email or just surf the Web for fun, you open a gateway to the personal information on your computer. And, if you use high-speed Internet access, you could be a prime target for hackers and computer viruses.
Many Internet Service Providers offer a high-speed Internet access - also known as broadband access - usually through a DSL connection (a digital subscriber line) or a cable modem. An increasing number of consumers choose to use DSL connection because it is faster than a dial-up connection, which reduces the time you spend waiting for web pages to load and lets your computer work faster. DSL connection allows your computer to connect to the Internet with no dialing and no busy signals. It also lets you make and receive voice calls over your phone line while you are connected to the Internet.
DSL or cable modems stay connected to the Internet unless you turn off the computer or disconnect your Internet service. These "always on" connections can make a computer vulnerable to attack any time. Unless you take a few precautions, hackers can leave a virus or other software code on your computer that could be released later. You could possibly lose important personal information or software stored on your hard drive.
If you use a high-speed connection to access the Internet, here are some tips that can enhance your protection against hackers and viruses, and help you to stay safe online:
- Use anti-virus software. Look for anti-virus software that scans your computer and your incoming email for viruses; recognizes current viruses, as well as older ones; can effectively reverse the damage; and updates automatically.
- Install a firewall. Firewalls are designed to block hackers from accessing your computer.
- Do not fall for "fibbing" emails. Most viruses will not damage your computer unless you open the email attachment that includes the virus. So hackers often lie to you to get you to open the attachment, disguising the email to make it appear to come from a friend or colleague.
- If your computer is infected, take action immediately. Scan your entire computer with fully updated anti-virus software and update your firewall. If you think you know how your system was hacked or infected by the virus, email a report of the incident to your Internet provider and the hacker's provider (if you can determine who that is).
- Use strong passwords. Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numerals or symbols and do not contain commonly used words.
- Turn off software features that you do not use. Turn off software features, such as instant messaging, printer sharing or file-sharing - that typically are "on" when a computer is shipped.
- Back up important files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and store them in a safe place.
For more guidance on information security, visit BBBOnLine.