Although the internet can be a very valuable resource, it can also be the source of many problems if the proper security measures are not taken. Your personal information and computer can easily become the victims of viruses, spyware, and hackers, all of which can cause irreversible harm. Thankfully there are various ways to improve your internet security. You should definitely take the time to look into these things, before it is too late.
Use a Firewall
The use of a firewall should be your first step in improving internet security. A firewall is either in the form of a software program or hardware device, and basically acts as a filter for your computer. A firewall screens the information coming in from the internet and, depending on your firewall settings, blocks the information or allows it to pass through. This in turn prevents dangerous things like viruses, worms, spyware and adware from entering your computer’s hard drive. If you own a newer computer with a Windows operating system, a firewall comes pre-installed and is automatically turned on under the default settings.
Install Anti-Virus Software
Another way to improve the security of your internet connection is to install some sort of anti-virus software. This software should be used in conjunction with a firewall for added protection. Many types and brands of anti-virus software exist, and they help keep your computer safe by keeping harmful viruses from entering your computer. The software can also detect and remove most pre-existing issues if they are found before causing serious harm to your computer. Although many brands of anti-virus software exist, be cautious of free varieties. These are often not as efficient as software you pay for and may leave your computer at risk.
Install Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware is a term used to describe unwanted software that can collect your personal information and cause your computer to function improperly. It can track your activity online and pick up passwords and other information as you go. Spyware can also make changes to your computer’s settings without your consent or knowledge, and are often hard to reverse. Many anti-virus programs also protect against spyware, but some may not. If you find that your current anti-virus software doesn’t sufficiently protect you against spyware, you should take the time to install a separate anti-spyware program so your computer is fully protected.
Properly Secure Your Wireless Network
If you want to improve your level of internet security, be sure your wireless network is properly secured. This includes creating a unique network name, along with a strong security key and password. These will make it difficult for anyone to gain access to your wireless network. You should also enable some type of encryption to protect your network further, since it is possible for determined individuals to crack even a strong security key and password. Lastly, you should turn off the setting on your router that continuously broadcasts your SSID, or service set identifier. This will make your network invisible to other users that are in your area.
If you want to improve your internet security, you should make certain you are doing these things. They are each important and when used together, provide an outstanding level of security to your computer and network. You should always remember to use caution when using the internet as well, avoiding any sites that are deemed suspicious by your firewall or anti-virus software.
How to Improve your Internet Security,Guest post from Karen Schweitzer. Karen writes about internet providers for Internetserviceproviders.org.
karan
Jul 29. 2011
nice tips. Most antivirus these days act as anti spyware, anti malware and firewall too. So buying such AV’s is much better i guess.
Suraj
Jul 30. 2011
Very nice.
Thanks for sharing this article!
TechCrates
Jul 30. 2011
Thanks to our guest author for this great article
Latest Gadget
Jul 30. 2011
nice article about online security
and you can use security add-ons/extension for your web browser 🙂
TechCrates
Jul 30. 2011
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Olawale Daniel
Jul 30. 2011
Awesome tips on internet security. I love the post because it is full of techniques to use to help better our lives 🙂
Thanks for sharing @Admin
TechCrates
Jul 30. 2011
Thanks to Karen for contributing a great post here ….
Osho
Jul 30. 2011
Thanks For Sharing Awesome Article 🙂
TechCrates
Jul 30. 2011
You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
techGALAXY
Jul 30. 2011
wow… nice tips.. thanks for sharing
CrazyBlogWalker
Jul 31. 2011
Wonderful post dude ! Keep it up .
TechCrates
Jul 31. 2011
Thanks for stopping by and commenting …
shashank chinchli
Aug 01. 2011
great blog dude! wifi security is what people are not caring for!actually they are not bothered about dire consequences.
TechCrates
Aug 01. 2011
yep truly …
fazal mayar
Aug 02. 2011
thanks for this i try to use avg but i guess i need a firewall too.
TechCrates
Aug 02. 2011
Yep a firewall is a must protection … Anyways thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Oscar Tignach
Aug 02. 2011
It is very important to have good security so that all the data and information is maintained securely and no one can hack your system. This is a superb post giving good tips on how to improve internet security.
android phones review
Aug 03. 2011
firewall sometime may slow down your internet speed, try to free internet bandwidth of your firewall. use a good internet security. no need to extra firewall
IT Telemarketing
Aug 10. 2011
This is my recent problem, “wireless network security” in my home. I have trouble because I have a neighbor who is good in hacking and he always sneaks around my network. Thanks for the tips and looking for more technical aspects of network security.
I encourage you to keep on engaging on BE.
TechCrates
Aug 10. 2011
Thanks for stopping by and commenting ….. 🙂
IT Telemarketing
Aug 10. 2011
you’re welcome. looking forward for another great post of yours.
lock box
Aug 26. 2011
Ooops…I turned off my firewall. Is that important. It is blocking some applications that’s why I disabled it.
TechCrates
Aug 26. 2011
Yep .. buddy !! Firewall is a must …..
Denver Real Estate
Nov 03. 2011
I think scanning is fine. I’ve also been thinking of installing anti virus but some says that it slows down the system so reading this post cleared most of my doubts.
Puneet
Apr 09. 2012
For the best security concern, use of firewall is must.
raj
Jun 16. 2014
It is very important and very useful information related to security.It is a essential information which should know every computer user. Thanks you for sharing this article.