Take Action to Protect Your and Clients' Web Security
 
The problem today is that we all tend to forget the tenets of
basic security that we were taught when we first started using personal
computers to connect to the Internet. In this brief article, I'm going to present three
of the things that you can do to help you in the effort to make sure that you
protect your computer equipment, personally identifiable information and
data.
- Virus Scanner/Internet security up-to-date and download the latest
virus definitions twice a week.
- Keep your Web browser updated
- Change all of your passwords frequently.
*This is not necessarily all that you must do to protect your computer
from attack and intrusion. Consult a qualified security expert in your
area for a full examination of possible opportunities for intrusion or
damage to your computer equipment, network, and software.
Virus Scanner/Internet Security
Everyone who uses a computer must understand that it is possible our
computer is at risk. While you may be diligent to protect the
privacy of your personal information when visiting Websites and sending
e-mail messages, it is important to note that many viruses can be
propagated from trusted resources.
For example, many of you may have received an e-mail, containing a
hyperlink, which was addressed to you and possibly multiple recipients.
When you click the link, you may find that there is no content on the page
or that the page contains information that is useless to you. Upon further
investigation, you may learn that the sender of the e-mail did not create
and send the e-mail. Rather, their computer was attacked by an intruder
and their e-mail address book was raided; so that all of their contacts
received the same e-mail with a link to a Web page containing malicious
code.
While you may be very careful not to follow links, open attachments or
visit Websites of those you do not know and trust, not everyone is so
diligent. Therefore, while none of us likes to think about the possibility
of someone gaining access to our computer without our permission, it is
important to install virus protection software and update your virus
scanner regularly. Further, make sure to initiate a full scan
regularly--even if your virus protection software is configured to
schedule the installation of virus definition/software updates and to
perform a scan.
Browser Updates
It seems as if every time we buy and install software on our personal
computer, a new version is released almost immediately. It can be
frustrating to computer users to discover that their new software is
obsolete, and many people feel as if they made a poor purchase decision or
that their investment in technology was overdue and that they may be
missing out on new features, which were included in the latest software
release.
In the case of browser software developers, a new version of their
software may integrate new functionality & interactivity with other
software applications, such as virus scanners. The new release may also
contain patches and fixes to address Internet security concerns discovered
in the previous release.
For example, one popular browser provides a warning when a Website has
been reported to contain malware. Webopedia.com defines malware as "Short
for malicious software, software designed specifically to
damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse." That
virus or Trojan horse may be capturing passwords, personally identifiable
information and credit card numbers.
Change Passwords Frequently
When I recommend to my clients that they change passwords frequently,
the suggestion is often met with resistance. "I just finally memorized the
password I use for my e-mail. Now, I have to learn another one?"
So many people have used the same password in order to access
their online accounts. Further, many people use that same password for
just about everything from e-mail to social media sites. Even after he/she
discovers they may have a virus on their personal computer, they fail to
change their password upon cleaning up their machine.
Instead, make it a common practice to change passwords, at minimum,
every 30-45 days; and use different passwords for each of your accounts. Your local, qualified security expert may be able to
advise you how frequently you should change your passwords, based upon how
you use your computer at the office and which resources you use on the
Internet. Even with a properly configured virus scanner, it may be
possible for an intruder to capture password information from your
personal computer, during transmission of unencrypted data or on the
server which stores the information.
Finally, be sure to create strong passwords whenever possible. Strong
passwords typically consist of upper and lower case letters with numbers
and special characters. For example, hGw8#34mVX contains each of these
elements to make it unlikely that anyone will ever guess your password.
Avoid using personally identifiable information or words which appear in
the dictionary. Never share your password with anyone and do not write
down the password.
These are merely some of the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Give attention to these neglected items to reduce some of the risk of
having your personally identifiable information captured and seek a
consultative session with a qualified security expert in your area.
Depending upon how you use your computer, you will find that there are
additional recommendations you must follow in order to protect yourself
and your computer.
Again, This is not necessarily all that you must do to protect your
computer from attack and intrusion. Consult a qualified security expert in
your area for a full examination of possible opportunities for intrusion
or damage to your computer equipment, network, and software.
Scott Jeffery is the owner of Voice Image Professionals, a company
specializing in unifying company brand/voice image at all points of
contact with clients. Voice Image Professionals helps clients deliver a
powerful, credible value proposition to clients and prospects on the Web,
Radio/Television advertising,
video/audio messaging. Primary services
include Website branding and
Website development, development of marketing
copy/collateral pieces, production and voiceover for advertising spots,
and business/marketing planning.
For more information, visit http://www.voiceimageprofessionals.com or
call 602.615.6700. Voice Image Professionals - Make your clients WANT to
hear more!
Contact us to share how you think we can best help you. Let us create a
custom solution to help give your company brand image a voice in
broadcast, e-Learning, telecommunications, and the Web. We look forward to
serving you!
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