Balancing Act

Over the past weekend, I experienced a catastrophic failure on my computer. While it seems this is an annual event, I am always surprised and frustrated when this happens to my computer.

Perhaps it is even more frustrating to me as I believe I am somewhat of a tech geek. My computer is not just an appliance for work but it is a fun hobby for me. So when the bleeping thing breaks down I, perhaps irrationally, take it personally when my computer fails to perform.

With this in mind, I want to share some thoughts that I believe you will find useful for your computer.

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In my opinion, your computer can be your greatest tool and yet pose the greatest risk to your well being. For most of us, our computer holds the personal information that is the most dear. Our computers are in fact an extension of who we are.

Your personal computer is a common target for intruders and other malicious users because they want to access personal data such as bank account information, credit card numbers or any important data they can find. For this reason PC security must be our first priority.

Intruders not only steal your financial information, they could also use your computer resources – such as hard disk, processor and internet connection - to attack other users. This way, law enforcement will find it difficult to solve where the attacks are coming from.

To prevent possible identity theft or computer hijackings, we are providing you with these eight steps in maintaining PC security:

1. Anti-Virus Programs:
These programs search and assess the contents of each computer file then remove or destroy “virus signatures”, which are known to be harmful to your computer.

2. Patch up your System:
This process involves fixing the operating system and restoring different functions of your computer.
Most computer vendors offer patches that are designed to fix bugs in their products.
This process is repeated until the patch fixes the problem completely.

3. Email Attachment Precautions:
Most unsolicited items, such as exploding packages or letter bombs, can be sent through your e-mail.
Take extra precaution in opening emails to prevent any harm your computer may receive.

4. Firewall Programs:
Install and use a firewall program.
These programs act as a guard to your computer when looking at network traffic received from or destined for other computers.
The firewall program determines if certain traffic should be allowed to continue to its destination or stopped.
These programs keep the unwanted out and permit only “healthy” traffic to enter and leave your computer.

5. Data Backups:
It is important that you back up your data in your computer’s hard disk, external hard disk drives or any removable media.
This ensures important data will not be harmed when computer problems arise.

6. Strong Passwords:
It is important to mix up several numbers, symbols and letters to strengthen password safety.
An ideal length of password is around eight or more letters, numbers or symbols.

7. Download and Installation:
Be careful in accepting or downloading any material online to prevent virus attacks and computer hijacks.

8. Hardware Firewall:
Hardware firewall, which works similarly to firewall programs, stands between your personal computer and the Internet.

Although these steps may seem simple, remember that maintaining computer safety is a continuous process.

The criminals who are interested in exploiting your computer are counting on your general lack of vigilance. You cannot afford to perform these tasks only once and let your computer be. Be sure to follow these steps regularly and check if you need program updates.

Keeping your computer secure is in your hands. Outsmart computer hijackers by reinforcing computer safety precautions.