As an online marketer my computers security is always in the
back of my mind. My computer is the heart of my business, so
keeping it safe should be prioty number one. Although sometimes
it does slip to priority number two, which could as a result
have a devastating effect on both myself and my customers. So
this is a gentle reminder to be really aware of your online
security. Ask yourself the question, Do you have a firewall? Do
you have antivirus? Do you have antispyware software? You
have...fantastic. You haven't got all three protectors then
start too panic just a little. However there is an easy solution.
Visit expert websites such as Microsoft etc
www.Microsoft.com
and view their online security sections. There are amazing
resources available offering full expert advice and links to
applications and scans that will help you patch all the gaps in
your computers security.
I am quite aware of Internet security issues at most times, but
lately have been a little lazy when it comes to important
issues, like keeping all of my security applications fully
updated. What brought my attention to this issue was the current
threat, the 'Sober' virus, although a medium risk it is still a
threat. It is just one of hundreds that have appeared before and
that will appear again in the future in many different forms.
The pointer of this current threat for myself, started as usual
by getting emails with attachments, addressed from such sources
as the FBI and Paris & Nicky Hilton. From experience of virus
threats before, I deleted then instantly, even though it was so
tempting to open them. But resisting the urge, they were
instantly deleted. Then I checked all of the current virus
threats doing the rounds, and there the information instantly
was before me. Had I opened those emails, the result would have
been, that my full email list would have been sent out too, with
the virus attached, thus replicating the ongoing effect of the
virus. And secondly it would have turned off all my computers
antivirus protection. Such are the penalties and the effects of
opening a simple email attachment from someone whom I did not
know, which may have had as a result, a devastating effect to my
whole computer system and online business activities.
There would have been no excuse for myself if this result had of
happened. Because there is no valid reason or excuse on the
planet available at all for me to not be aware of security
issues. The range of information and software available to
combat any security problems are readily available and mostly
free. Ad-aware as one example combats spyware and adware and is
available in a free version. Zonealarm is another example which
is an Internet firewall and is available also in a free version.
And most antivius companies offer free trial versions of their
software as well. All of these company names given are as a
guide only, always make your own individual provider choices.
And there are so many choices available out there online, so do
the research, and make your decisions on your own computer
security requirements. Although as a note, I would advise you to
only visit expert sites and use the companies that they
recommend. There are issues with certain products pretending to
be what they are not. So check the information only through
valid expert sources and search all your options from there.
Your computers security and your online surfing safety, using
available security applications is a paramount action. But as
always the action to protect is solely up to you. Be exactly
aware of what is happening online with ongoing security issues
and react always accordingly. Update your available security
software always and check that it is always enabled. Because it
will only ever save you time, money and your own piece of mind
in the long run.
About the author:
Michael J. Keenan (CEO - SitePromotionNow) Achieving high online
sales turnover for over 5 years. email: mickyk703@hotmail.com
Website:
http://www.sitepromotionnow.org Also visit my new
online marketing blog at
http://sitepromotionnow.blogspot.com/
