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TIP: Essential Security & Privacy Software
The frequency of privacy and security incidents is on the rise.
People who suffer computer damage, financial loss, or both from viruses, spyware, or "phishing" e-mail scams |
1 in 3 |
People whose computers are infected with a virus |
1 in 4 |
People whose computers are infected with spyware |
1 in 8 |
People who lost money ($850 average) from a phishing attack |
1 in 115 |
According to a 2006 ConsumerReports national study |
Why You Need Security and Privacy Software
Without enabled, up-to-date antivirus and firewall protection, you’re an easy target for viruses, spyware, hackers and other threats. You can also spread these bad things to other computer users without your knowledge. You are also at risk of identity theft. These articles explain the very real risks.
We highly encourage using the following software programs to protect your computer's security and privacy. Be careful when choosing security and privacy software - there are many bad software programs masquerading as good ones. Especially in spyware cleaners.
Anti-virus Software
We don't recommend Norton AntiVirus because it eats up way too much system resources and can really slow your computer down compared to other AntiVirus programs. While these aren't the only good ones out there, these are definitely a few of the best.
If budget is really tight, try AVG free version. It has the same scanning effectiveness as the paid version, but lacks some of the automation and advanced features (that, in our opinion, are well worth the cost).
Security/Privacy Suites
Both FSecure and ZoneAlarm offer good firewalls bundled with anti-virus, spyware cleaners, and a host of other very useful privacy and security utilities. Both are well worth the money, tightly integrated, and easy to use. They also offer free firewalls with fewer features for those on a limited budget. Compare the features to see which most closely matches your needs.
Without a firewall, anyone can - and will - look at your computer files and even install viruses or malicious software on your hard drive. Confidential information can be taken and used to steal your identity. You computer data can be destroyed.
Some people, including some computer consultants, will try to tell you that you don't need a firewall if you are on dialup. Or that you don't need a software firewall on each computer that connects to your network if you have a network router with firewall. Or that Windows includes a perfectly good firewall. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. If you have a computer consultant who recommends you use the Windows firewall, get a new consultant - and fast! It has several weaknesses and hackers consider it easy to compromise. It's better than nothing but not good.
It is absolutely essential that any computer that connects to the internet in any way be protected by at least anti-virus software and a software firewall. Once the software is installed, go through the tutorials to learn to use it. Also set a password so that no one else who uses your computer can turn it off, accidentally or otherwise.
Smartphone/Mobile Phone Security Software
According to FSecure, "The first viruses for mobile phones have emerged and it is now possible to create malicious code that makes the phone unusable. A virus can cause false billing, unwanted disclosure of stored information, and deleted, corrupted, modified or stolen user data."
Anti-Spyware
Spyware is malicious software (malware) that watches what users do with their computer and then sends that information over the internet to a waiting computer. No one spyware cleaner catches everything so we recommend using two.
It's rare to find a computer without spyware these days unless you use a spyware scanner to clean it off. Most computers are sold with spyware or adware already installed, and installed spyware invites buddies in so you'll often find dozens or hundreds of spyware programs on a single pc.
Be wary of ad-sponsored or "free" screen savers, games, utilities, videos, toolbars, and music or movie file-sharing programs. Those frequently include spyware that may slow down your PC. Shut off the computer or disconnect the modem when you don’t need to use it for an extended period.
Spyware cleaners will remove or disable the offending components. If that causes a problem with your software, consider finding another software option. Do you really want to use software that monitors your use, forces popup ads on you, and probably shares your info with others?
Examples of spyware include Kazaa, Grokster, Weatherbug, FlashGet (free version), and Messenger Plus (if you agree to their "sponsor" program). Programs formerly distributed with spyware include AOL Instant Messenger and Wild Tangent, which were bundled on many, many computers for years.
Password Management Software
RoboForm is one of the most useful utilities available. It makes securely managing and using logins, credit cards, and other confidential information fast and easy. It takes a few days to get used to, but once you use it you will wonder how you ever got along without it.
Windows Updates
Set Windows to automatically download and install updates on a regular basis. In Internet Explorer, choose Tools, then Windows Update.
It's critical to download patches to Windows operating system regularly. Hackers exploit weaknesses found in Windows so unless you download and install patches you will be vulnerable. Set Windows to automatically check for updates. If you are on dialup, you can set it to notify you of available updates but ask you when to download and install them. This allows you to schedule the download when it's most convenient to you. Just be sure to install updates as soon as possible.
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Martens Farms has been providing
individual training and setup for customers by phone and in
person across the United States since 1996. We help you make
the most of Farm Works software, Ag Leader SMS software and Precision Ag equipment.
Call us at at 877-585-6761
and ask for Lorra.
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