The Internet can be a Very insecure place. What can we do to protect ourselves? And why do we need anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware software? isn’t an anti-virus program enough?
Absolutely not – While we all know what viruses are,
- MalWare is short for malicious software, is designed to secretly access a computer system without the owner’s informed consent and includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware and other malicious and unwanted software. “viruses” is a common catch-all phrase for all kinds of malware and true viruses. Check Wikipedia for more information
- Spyware – is a type of malware that can be installed on computers and collects bits of information about it’s users without their knowledge. Not only can it collect information, Spyware can change your browser or PC settings and even making your PC to not connect to the Internet.
- Computer Virus- is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term “virus” is also commonly called malware, adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can spread from one computer to another ( usually in the form of an executable file).
Basic Internet & E-mail Skills : Why Do We Need Internet Security?
All this can get pretty confusing, just remember there are true viruses and virus-like programs. basically, if your PC picks up an unwanted program- then you want to get rid of it.
Chris Pirillo, AKA Lockergnome on YouTube, is a trusted and great resource about the Internet, computers, or even some marketing info. He is definitely someone you should follow and subscribe to.
Before you try that free PC Scan
Did you know…………… that scammers and phishers create anti-virus, malware, and spyware programs? That MANY of those “scan your computer for you” ACTUALLY put spyware or malware onto your PC?
So think before you click- sometimes it’s difficult to tell the right button to click on. They are designed that way, so be warned!
Watch Chris Pirillo’s video on spyware programs to stay away from. I included the link only because the video is just a runoff of name of programs and no other information.
At the end of the post, I list the programs that I personally use -they are all FREE, as well as some resources for more info.
How to protect your PC?
MAC Myth Busted!
Despite all the Mac ads- they CAN get viruses! Most viruses are created for Windows PC, since they are the most popular and most widely used OS.
What programs do I use?
For anti-virus –
I use Avast Home Edition at present, I just have the free edition. I used to use AVG, but I have found Avast to find more things, plus they have more features than AVG does.
For Malware, Spyware and Adware –
I use Malwarebytesandof course, there’s a free version and a paid one.
Ad Awarewhich also includes Ad-Watch Live
and iObit Security 360 is an advanced malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes the deepest infections, and protects your PC from various of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, bots, worms, and hijackers .
I alternate the scans between Malwarebytes, iObit, and Ad Aware throughout the week. iObit also has other PC optimization tools and features- similar to Ccleaner only better and more effective.
To find out more about PC security, visit these sites
WP Security Lock has lots of up to date information, and they hold a couple webinars for members each month and usually have one that is open to the public. I am in the works of arranging another webinar with Regina Smola soon. I will update the blog when details are finalized.
Best Security Tips has lots of info, downloads, and resources to get even more info
Then there’s my favorite online tutorial site, YouTube
If there is anything special you would like see covered, please put in a comment below.
