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Most people with a broadband connection realise that their computer is under constant threat from being connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. The majority of users take at least the minimum precautions against dangers from the Internet and believe themselves to be safe from the threats that lurk online. But, they cannot be more wrong.

 

The average user’s approach to Internet security extends about as far as Windows is programmed to go. This includes the built-in firewall and some commercial or freely available anti-virus software. While this combination is enough for most people, for ultimate security against the threats on the Internet users need to take some extra precautions.

 

But why? Certainly the average user’s computer is of no interest to hackers and other criminals that lurk on the information superhighway? Well that is not entirely true. Even the most average computer can contain sensitive information that can be used by an unscrupulous person: financial statements, banking details or confidential business information are just some examples. Even if your computer doesn’t contain sensitive information, hackers can still use your computer to perform illegal activities without you even being at home.

 

So how do you defend yourself? The best way to defend yourself is to turn your computer and your broadband connection off when you are not at home. This removes your computer entirely from risk as it is no longer connected. But your computer might still be at risk even while you are using it.

 

While Window’s built-in firewall is an effective barrier against the average dangers, it won’t hold up against experienced or determined invaders. The Internet has a lot of free firewall software available that can be customised to your computer. It is important to check the validity of these firewall programmes to ensure you are downloading a trustworthy firewall. Downloading from sites like Download.com is your best bet.

 

Commercial firewall software is even better, of course, but not everyone is willing to pay the cost of these highly specialised programmes just for some extra computer security at home.

 

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software is the next line of defence. It is recommended that you purchase a commercial programme like Norton or McAfee to protect your computer as these programmes have years of experience behind them and offer regular updates. If, however, you cannot afford or are not willing to buy these programmes then the Internet is a good choice.

 

Like firewalls, the Internet has some very good anti-virus and anti-spyware programmes available. Avira, AVG and avast! are three well-known free anti-virus programmes while SpyBot and AdAware are two trusted free anti-spyware programmes. They are all available for download and are easy to use and install.

 

It is important to keep your ant-virus and anti-spyware software updated. Viruses and spyware is changing all the time so you want to be sure that your system can pick up all the infections before they become a problem.

 

Computer security is a serious issue when you have broadband Internet that is connected for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Don’t skimp on your computer security, rather be safe than sorry.

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