Internet Security
When surfing the net it is vital you maximise your Internet Security to protect yourself from predators. The Internet may provide lots of free and useful information but it can also be used as a tool to get private and damaging information from unsuspecting victims.
Internet Security refers to the measures that are taken when using the Internet to minimise the chance of an illegal act occurring to the user. ISP providers are increasingly playing a role in this. Security can come in many forms including using antivirus software and only accepting information from trusted users and sites.
What is Anti Virus Software?
As described by its name, antivirus software is specially designed to stop and eliminate computers viruses from a computer or system and increase Internet Security. Viruses are being developed every second and for this reason Antivirus software companies have allowed for live updates to enable their software to detect the latest viruses. There are many types of software that antivirus software tries to defend its host computer from including:
- Computer viruses
- Trojan horses
- Spyware
- Computer worms
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a malicious program that aims to disturb the normal function of a computer system. This can be by manipulating files, which includes deleting, and editing files, but more commonly causing system failure after files have been stolen. Internet Security may also become jeopardised further as it is possible that computer ports might be left opened for unauthorized users to gain access to your personal computer or even as devastating a whole network.
A computer virus shares similar characteristics with a biological virus. The virus can decrease Internet Security the same way a biological virus decreases a person immune system. The size of a virus is small and can enter into your system undetected if antivirus software is not present. Additionally, these programs are able to multiply and spread to computers that the host computer communicates to just like a common cold.
What is a Trojan horse?
If you have heard of the famous story of the Trojan horse then it would be easy to understand how a trojan horse virus works. A trojan horse appears on the surface to be a useful and safe program but when run it does something different and typically can run viruses and other malicious programs without the user’s permission. This is where Internet Security is best left to the user’s judgement of knowing which programs are safe to download and use.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is associated with the use of the Internet. Spyware is used to track and record the actions of the user on a web browser. It can get information such as which web sites a user has visited as well as personal information including usernames, passwords and credit card details. It can also affect your browsers settings and download speeds.
What is a Computer Worm?
A worm replicates itself and spreads unaided around a network of computers. It isn’t as malicious as other softwares but can use up resources and network bandwidth if there are too many worms on the network.
Internet Security is a major area of concern for many people and has lead to the success of antivirus software companies. Even though using such softwares will greatly help protect user's personal information, it is also the user's own responsibility to be cautious when surfing the Internet. Everyone who doesn’t want to their information stolen needs some sort of online security. In the future, it might be possible for ISP providers to aid in increasing Internet Security.
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