Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Internet Security - in plain English

Internet security in plain English is about understanding one concept: if you use a computer for sending emails, or surfing the internet, you are in danger from some pretty aggressive and ruthless criminals.

It might not be the same as wandering into a bad part of town late at night, but it might as well be; you can be robbed just as easily.

So, internet security in plain English comes down to protecting your computer from external tampering with malicious intent.

And unless you are an IT professional or employ one, the simplest way to get the best protection is to purchase the best and most advanced anti-virus software programme you can afford.

Good anti-virus protection includes creating firewalls and intercepting viruses.

A software programme called a Firewall is like a redoubt, or moat, which surrounds a castle, and records and accepts/declines all the connections (and attempts to connect) that are made by your computer and other computers trying to connect to it. This basically ensures that those with envious eyes on your personal data, are kept at bay.

And if this sounds a little far-fetched, just remember that your computer can easily be controlled by another computer, as long as they are connected via the internet. This remote desktop control is a facility that most modern day computers enjoy and now some companies are promoting such a system for people who are away from home and wish to check their personal computer, remotely. But if it has a benign use, it also has a sinister use.

The anti-virus bit of the protection is just that; it is designed to locate, look-out for, monitor and defeat any attempt to embed a virus within your computer.

Viruses are now extremely sophisticated pieces of computer code and have specific functions. Although virus is used as a generic name for a number of baddies, they are but one of a whole host of computer nasties, including malware, trojan horses and worms.

They are all designed to reek havoc with your computer. Whether installing instructions to record and transmit your personal details (for identity theft), to rob you of your bank details (for later theft and fraud), or play havoc with your email programme (such as sending further viruses to all those in your email address list), they are extremely aggressive and damaging.

So, internet security in plain English is all about getting help out there in cyber space. Do not wander out there alone!

< Back