5 Essential Computer Security Tips

It’s estimated that around 75% of all Americans use their computer on a regular basis. However, a significantly smaller percentage of computer users are aware of the important steps needed to protect their computer’s security. A computer that is vulnerable can be negatively affected by computer viruses, spyware and hackers. In some cases, an improperly secured computer can also result in the theft of personal information, such as credit card or bank account numbers. Having a secure computer is an important step that you can take towards protecting your personal information. Here are five essential tips to help you understand how to protect your computer’s security.

Exercise Safe Internet Browsing

Due to the large amount of information on the internet, most computer users spend their time online. However, there are many malicious programs that may use your internet browser to infiltrate your computer. Always use a “secure” internet browser, and never download a file from a source that you aren’t familiar with.

Be Careful When Installing Programs
When installing software on your computer, it’s always best to exercise caution. Some programs may offer “add-on” features that promise to bring you useful information, or provide a service at no extra charge. Be aware that some of these programs are also designed to collect personal information, which may occasionally be used by a company to develop marketing information. Other programs may change the advertisements that you see on specific websites, based on your browsing history.

Install Anti-Virus Software
Having virus protection is a very useful way to ensure that your computer is protected against potential security issues. Many people do not have virus protection because many programs cost from $20 to $50 for basic levels of protection. However, there are also many free antivirus programs which can help to protect your computer. Here is a short list of some of the best (both free and paid) antivirus software programs.

Free Antivirus Software

• A-Squared Free (Site)
• Avira AntiVir Personal (Site)
• Avast! Free AntiVirus (Site)
• Microsoft Security Essentials (Site)

Paid Antivirus Software

• AVG AntiVirus (Site)
• McAfee AntiVirus (Site)
• Norton AntiVirus (Site)
• PC-cillin (Site)

Update Your Operating System
If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, it’s essential that you update on a regular basis. Keeping your version of Windows up to date can help protect your computer from potential vulnerabilities, and may also help improve the performance of your computer. If you don’t have automatic updates enabled, it’s highly recommended that you navigate to the Windows Update page on a regular basis. Your computer will be scanned, and you will be notified of any available updates for your specific version of Windows.  

Monitor Your Active Connections
In order to ensure that your computer is secure, it can be useful to monitor all of the active connections currently running on your computer. The process to do this is fairly simple:

1. Click on your Start menu.

2. In the “Run” or “Search All Programs” box, type “cmd” or “command”. You will then see a box similar to this one:

3. Type in “netstat”, and then hit the enter key.

4. You will then receive a list of your active connections, as well as their status.

5. If you are having trouble identifying what programs are using some of the connections (or are concerned that the connections may be from a spyware program), you can install a program that will help you to identify your connections. Some useful programs for this purpose include:

• FPort by McAffee (Site)
• Active Ports (Site)
• TCPView (Site)

All three of these programs are freeware, and should be able to help you identify your connections.

5 Simple (and Free) Steps to a Secure PC

In today’s age of digitized information, it is essential to ensure your personal data remains secure. Thousands of people each year are victims of identity theft, often because their digital personal information has been compromised. Fortunately, there is an easy five-step process that you can follow to keep your computer secure. This can be done for free, and can be accomplished in a few minutes.

Step One to a Secure PC: Make Sure Windows Update is on Automatic 

Windows Update is responsible for keeping your PC up-to-date. It provides you with security fixes, malware definition updates, and patches for known exploits. A large percentage of viruses are designed to target older versions of Windows. Hackers know that most people do not bother updating, so the odds of successfully infecting a target computer are still fairly high. Stay out of that majority by keeping Windows updated at all times.

Go to the Start Menu, type ‘Windows Update’ in the search box, and select the first option that appears. On the left side of the following window, click ‘Change Settings’ and under ‘Important Updates’ select ‘Install updates automatically’. Click the ‘OK’ button to save your changes.

Step Two to a Secure PC: Install Antivirus Software 

Although an up-to-date Windows system has a good level of security, it is still highly recommended that you install an effective antivirus program. In general, you have two options: you can purchase an antivirus program, or choose a free option. One of the most popular free antivirus programs is Avast! Free Antivirus.

Download Link:

• Avast! Free Antivirus

If you choose to pay for your antivirus software instead, you can also refer to our article: "5 Essential Computer Security Tips" for links to other antivirus programs.

Step Three to a Secure PC: Install Antispyware Software (XP Only) 

If  you’re one of the many computer users that is still running Windows XP, it is essential that you have spyware protection. Unlike newer Windows operating systems, XP does not have a built-in spyware program. Each time you browse the web, you most likely will pick up spyware.  Fortunately, Microsoft published Windows Defender as a free download to provide an added level of spyware protection in Windows XP.

Download Link:

• Windows Defender

Click the “Get it Now” button, and follow the recommended settings to install the program. If you have installed Avast! Free Antivirus, you will actually be protected against spyware as well, since it is included with the software. NOTE: If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, you already have Windows Defender installed on your system.

Step Four to a Secure PC: Use a Secure Web Browser 

The default browser for Windows is Internet Explorer (IE). While this is most likely the browser you are most familiar with, it is actually one of the least secure browsers available today. There are plenty of better options, all free. Choosing between them is a matter of preference. Google Chrome is the fastest, Mozilla Firefox is the most customizable, and Opera has the highest performance. All three options have better sercurity than Internet Explorer.

Download Links:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Opera

Execute the setup program, and install with the recommended settings. When you run the browser for the first time, you can import data from Internet Explorer, such as your bookmark folders.

Step Five to a Secure PC: Be Wary of Public Networks 

When traveling, finding an internet connection can be a bit of a challenge. However, it is still possible to find unsecured networks, which you can connect to without providing a special password. It’s tempting to leech off of these networks to get some free on-the-go internet access.

Connecting to an unsecure network is actually a lot more dangerous than many people realize. Because the information that is sent over the network is not encrypted, anyone can “sniff out” packets of data and collect lots of sensitive information. Unfortunately, not all websites conceal the data that you send them. If another person is also connected to the same network, they could theoretically acquire all kinds of personal information. This could include passwords, bank acount numbers, or sensitive login information.

If you absolutely must connect to an unsecure network, make sure you do not access any websites that handle sensitive information. Be certain your firewall is active and running, and be sure you don’t have any files or folders shared without a password. By default, all of these settings should already be in place, unless you manually changed them.

3 Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras

Most people view wireless technology as being a relatively new invention. However, the first successful wireless transfer of electronic signals actually took place in 1879, by a man named David E. Hughes. Hughes was able to transmit radio signals several hundred yards, all by using a keyed transmitter. However, it was a long time before Hughes was fully recognized for the breakthrough that he’d made, since he did not satisfy the proper “scientific requirements” of the time period. Hughes eventually went on to produce the Hughes Telegraph, which was the first telegraph machine that could print out text messages that were transmitted over long distances.

Today, wireless technology has become extremely common, with most residential households now having their own wireless internet connections. In relation to home security, wireless technology helps to improve versatility and effectiveness of home security devices. One of the most notable devices that improves the security of a home is the wireless security camera. Using wireless technology for security cameras has several important advantages.

1. Versatility.
When placing a wireless security camera, one of the most important benefits is the versatility that you have with the placement. Since you don’t need to take into account the length of the wiring, you have more freedom to place your wireless security camera in an optimum location. This can also help you to improve the effectiveness of your video surveillance systems.

2. Flexibility
If you install a wired security camera surveillance system, it can be extremely difficult to move your cameras after they have been installed. With wireless security cameras, you have the flexibility to move them at any time. This can help you to have more control over the level of surveillance captured by your cameras. For example, if you have an outdoor pool that only requires surveillance during the summer, you have the freedom to move your cameras to other locations.

3. Inconspicuous Surveillance
With a wireless security camera, you aren’t required to place it in a specific location. This gives you the ability to hide your camera in any location that you deem appropriate. While some of the benefit of having a video surveillance system lies in the cameras being a visual deterrent against burglars, there may be times when you wish your cameras to remain hidden. Examples of when hidden cameras may be useful are: interior surveillance cameras, “nanny cams” and motion-activated security cameras. Also, with wireless security cameras, you don’t have to worry about drilling into your wall to find a place to hide the wiring.

Which Do You Value More: Security or Privacy?

The model for the internet was first invented in 1973 by two computer scientists named Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn. Cerf is often credited with being the “father of the internet”, due to the Transmission Control Protocols he developed to use with the idea of an interconnected network. Though first only available to the military, scientists and universities, the internet eventually expanded to the point that it was available to the public. Today, it’s hard to imagine the world without the ability to communicate, network and do research by using online services.

However, with the technological advancements of the online world, there has come to light an important debate. This debate highlights the delicate balance between security and privacy. Now, this debate is sometimes presented in reverse, with a lesser amount of privacy attributed to the freedom of information now available by searching online. For more information on this subject, you can check out "I`m Not Home, Please Rob Me", an article that brings to light how much information we really share by using social networking tools.

How Much Do You Value Your Privacy?

An interesting controversy has been recently presented regarding protecting homes, apartments and other structures from burglary. Landlords, co-op boards and condo boards are taking advantage of affordable security measures to install better security systems This can include video surveillance cameras in common areas, keypad-entry points with each person having a unique code, or card-swipe entry systems.

“We are in desperate need of legal protections that regulate the use and potential abuse of private information,” – Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

The debate ensues when you realize that these security measures allow administration to track what time each resident enters and leaves each monitored area. This information is not fully protected from being exploited or abused. This could allow landlords to monitor when a tenant lets in an unauthorized number of guests, brings a pet into a no-pets area, or uses the pool after-hours. However, it could also give them information which could be used to blackmail cheating spouses, track someone’s personal schedule, and watch video surveillance of people while they are in monitored areas.

Extra Security Measures

Some apartment complexes require their tenants to sign in and out when accessing their building. However, a few landlords are taking this one step further. For security reasons, some tenants are being required to present a photo ID, and may even be required to go through a metal detector in the future. Advocates of these measures say that they help protect residents in the building, while some people see this an invasion of personal privacy.

What Is Your Opinion?

Do you live in an area where there are security measures that you feel are violating your personal privacy? Or, do you think that enhanced security is the best way to protect against burglary and other crime in residential areas?

5 Popular and Trusted Car Alarm Brands

When you go to a dealership to purchase a new car, you will most likely find that it includes many “standard” features that weren’t present on older models. These features often include a security systems which is designed to be an effective protection against theft. However, if you are looking to upgrade your vehicle’s security (or are purchasing an entirely new alarm system), navigating the car security market can be a bit difficult. This short guide is designed to help familiarize you with five of the top brands that are currently popular for other vehicle owners.

Since the first three brands on this list are owned by Directed Electronics Inc., it’s important to be familiar with this company’s history and reputation. Directed Electronics was first founded in 1982, with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. The man that founded DEI was named Darrell Issa, who is now a congressman in California. DEI eventually moved to Vista, California, which is where its company headquarters are currently located. The current manager of the company is Jim Minarik. Aside from several car security brands, DEI also owns Polk Audio, Orion Car Audio, Astroflex, Autostart and other brands. There are currently no serious complaints or legal lawsuits that have been filed against Directed Electronics.

Python

The Python brand (and all of its associated products) is owned by Directed Electronics. Many of the Python car alarm products are dual-purpose, combining a remote starter with a car alarm for security (such as the Python 592 Responder HD Color SuperCode SST 2-Way Security and Remote Start System). Python also sells vehicle remotes, which can be integrated with existing car alarm systems. One of the highest rated of these remotes is the Python 7701P Responder SST LCD HHU Remote, which currently has a 5-star customer rating on Amazon.com.

Viper

The Viper brand of car alarm products is also owned by Directed Electronics. Viper’s line of products is similar to that of other alarm brands, including security remotes, dual security/remote starter products, and remotes with integration technology for existing secyrity systems The current most sophisticated security-only system by Viper is the Viper 3002 LED 2-Way Security System, which is usually priced from $359 – $400. For a dual-purpose security system and remote starter, the most sophisticated system is the Viper 5902 Responder HD Color SuperCode SST 2-Way Security and Remote Start System, which is usually priced from $799 – $999.

Hornet
All Hornet car alarm brand products are also owned by Directed Electronics. Aside from products for vehicle security, remote starting and keyless entry, Hornet also manufactures specialized products for motorcycle security. Some of the common features on Hornet’s vehicle security systems include “Failsafe Starter Kill”, “Clone Safe Code Hopping”, multiple channels, shock sensor and LED indicator lights.

Crimestopper
The Crimstopper brand of vehicle security products are manufactured and sold by Crimestopper Security Products, Inc. The company’s headquarters are currently located in Simi Valley, California. Crimestopper currently has a warranty policy that covers all of their security products for the lifetime of the vehicle in which they are installed. One of their most comprehensive products is The Crimestopper Fortress™ FS-90. This security system is marketed as providing a “wall of protection”, and includes features such as a hidden remote antenna, a 2-way LCD touch screen, trunk/door/hood triggers and shock sensors.

Cobra
The Cobra brand of vehicle security products are manufactured by Cobra Automotive Technologies. This company was first founded in 1975, and is extremely popular in the European and Asian markets. Aside from vehicle alarms, Cobra also sells Bluetooth systems, E-Cruise Control systems, parking aid systems, in-car DVD players and GPS locating. Many of their vehicle security products offer alarms combined with engine immobilizers or other security features. The Cobra Cat 2-1 ADR Alarm G368 is a unique alarm that also features “driver recognition”, and is usually priced from $120 – $180. The Cat 1 Modular Alarm 4138 includes a double engine immobilizer, auto door locking, a panic facility, and an anti-hijack facility.