Nearly 7 in 10 computer users, have experienced at least one problem associated with unwanted software like viruses, spywares or adwares. Those problems include computers slowing down, freezing up, or crashing. In addition, some respondents reported seeing new programs appear which they didn't install, new icons suddenly appearing on the desktop, and having their Internet home page changed without them resetting it.

There are three types of threats that every desktop or every network needs protection from:

Virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. All computer viruses are manmade and also replicates itself. It is usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer or even replicates to the network (LAN, WAN etc).

Adwaretracks a person's Internet habits, so the information can be used to provide targeted advertising on the person's computer.

Spyware, on the other hand, is installed without explicit consent and can sometimes be used to track site visits and record keystrokes in order to try to steal confidential data or passwords.

An Office Desktop, standalone or on Local Area Network is a popular target for intruders. Why? Because intruders want what you’ve stored there. They look for credit card numbers, bank account information, and anything else they can find. By stealing that information, intruders can use your money or valuable information.

But it’s not just money-related information they’re after. Intruders also want your computer’s resources, meaning your hard disk space, your fast processor, and your Internet connection. They use these resources to attack other computers on the Internet. In fact, the more computers an intruder uses, the harder it is for law enforcement to figure out where the attack is really coming from. If intruders can’t be found, they can’t be stopped, and they can’t be prosecuted.

Why are intruders paying attention to desktop and network computers?

Desktop and network computers are typically not very secure and are easy to break into. When combined with high-speed Internet connections that are always turned on, intruders can quickly find and then attack. While intruders also attack computers connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, high-speed connections (cable modems and DSL modems) are a favorite target.

No matter how a computer is connected to the Internet, intruders’ attacks are often successful. Many computer owners don’t realize that they need to pay attention to computer security. In the same way that you are responsible for having insurance when you drive a car, you need to also be responsible for computer’s security.

How does intruders break into your computer?

In some cases, they send you email with a virus. Reading that email activates the virus, creating an opening that intruders use to enter or access your computer. In other cases, they take advantage of a flaw or weakness in one of your computer’s programs – a vulnerability – to gain access.  Once they’re on your computer, they often install new programs that let them continue to use your computer – even after you plug the holes they used to get onto your computer in the first place. These backdoors are usually cleverly disguised so that they blend in with the other programs running on your computer.

Whether your computer runs Microsoft^® Windows^®, Apple’s Mac OS, LINUX, or something else, the issues are the same and will remain so as new versions of your system are released. The key is to understand the security-related problems that you need to think about and solve.

What Should I Do To Secure the Computers?

Securing a computer is not a trivial task. There are many topics to consider and many steps to follow. They take time to learn and do. If you can, read this entire document before you begin to secure your computer. You’ll have a better understanding of the effort and all its facets. This ought to help you when you begin to tackle the tasks described here.

Here then is the list of tasks you need to do to secure your computer. Their order is based on how intruders attack computers, beginning with the most-often used attack methods. By starting with the lower numbered tasks, you address the biggest problems you face in securing your computer.

Task 1 -Install and Use Anti-Virus Programs
Task 2 - Keep Your System Patched
Task 3 - Use Care When Reading Email with Attachments
Task 4 - Make Backups of Important Files and Folders
Task 5 - Use Strong Passwords
Task 6 - Use Care When Downloading and Installing Programs
Task 7 - Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls

Summary

You don’t have that same luxury of time to learn how to care for and operate your computer. When you attach it to the Internet for the first time, it instantly becomes a target for intruders. You need to be ready right from the start.

Then there are additional costs to tailor it and to keep you and the others who use your system safe. These additional costs are also your responsibility, and they are part of the total cost of ownership of a computer.

By taking the time to read this pamphlet, you know more about securing your computer and the extra costs required to do this job.

We all benefit from a more secure networks.