This is a guest post by Jane Sheeba who is a brilliant blogger, gifted consultant and freelance writer. She also writes for a website that features Norton promotional code and Carbonite discount. You can make use of magnificent reductions offered by Norton and Carbonite to get optimum protection for your computer.

It is essential that every business should have an online presence. There are online businesses which are totally dependent on the internet to run day to day business transactions. New ways of businesses also invite new ways of risks. In this scenario, it is required to protect systems to maintain data integrity and to prevent intrusion into your networks in unauthorized ways. Business owners should be aware of latest technologies to protect computers and should be aware of the possible ways of online attacks.

Firewall

Firewalls provide access to legitimate communications and block unauthorized access to nefarious requests. Generally, the firewall will be included in the operating system. Routers used to access and share resources on networks will have built-in firewalls. In addition to basic firewall functionalities obtained from operating systems and routers, you can go for third party specialized firewalls. Although there are a number of free firewalls in market, a number of powerful features can be derived from premium firewalls.

Anti-virus

Every computer should be protected by installing the latest version of anti-virus software. Anti-virus software should be updated at regular intervals. As virus definitions are updated, the software will get strength to catch malicious code effectively. Active anti-virus software will detect virus files and Trojans and will block them immediately. The antivirus will scan when you copy files from different sources (USB, CD, DVD, etc.). It will scan while downloading files from websites and when you surf the web. If harmful code is present on web pages, anti-virus software will raise alert immediately.

Passwords

Passwords work like gate passes for entry into computers, networks and websites. ‘Easy to guess’ passwords should not be used. All kinds of computer users should be aware of security concerns and should abide by the rules framed by the organization. Some operating systems allow usage of a phrase with which it is not only easy to remember but also difficult to be cracked by others.

Online sources of attacks

• You should not use peer to peer networking sites such as BitTorrent, Limewire, etc. Probability of virus infection through these sites is very high. Further, your computer and network resources will be utilized to others’ advantage without your knowledge.

• When you download files from certain websites (including social networking sites) you might be prompted to install the latest Adobe Flash to view video files. As you click on ‘install’, virus will enter into your computer. So, you should not install software if it is not from a trusted source.

• Smileys and emoticons should not be downloaded from websites. Hackers will deploy a number of websites through which they play tricks to attract innocent users. Your browser settings should be set appropriately so that automatic downloads will not happen. You should be extremely careful while installing Active X controls. As far as possible, you should try to use the latest browser to surf the web. The browser should be updated regularly to enhance online protection.

• Emails are great ways of intrusion of harmful files into computers. You should not click on links sent through emails. You should not respond to messages like update your membership, verify membership, update account, etc. Even if you know the sender of an email, you should not click on links if messages are looking strange. Files with extension like .exe and .scr should not be opened. Instant Messengers are also great sources of entry of harmful files. You should not open small programs sent through messengers. As a matter of fact, you should not click on links and attachments sent by unknown persons.

• You should not believe proactive messages which promise to boost your system performance. Messages like ‘you need anti-virus to protect your computer’, ‘your computer is infected with viruses and ‘optimize your computer’ should not be believed. These are the times of entry of malware into your computer. Some kind of harmful files will be installed even if you try to click on the Cancel button.

Precautions

• Sensitive information should not be shared with others. Important documents (which carry banking and financial information) should be cut into pieces with paper shredders.

• You should go through the end user license agreement before installing software into business computers.

• Private and sensitive information should be shared on trusted and secured websites only.

• You should install sound and safe security software on all computers.

• You should have a security policy that is relevant to your current needs.

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