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Security Threats for 2007 and Beyond
Every day brings new, and increasingly complex threats to our computer
security. Here are a few tips on what you can do to keep up:
1. Don't let your Anti-Virus Subscription lapse:
Most every
commercially available anti-virus product supplies its virus definitions
on a subscription basis. Virus definitions are updates to your existing
virus protection sofrware which make your computers aware of the latest
viruses. Do not let the subscription expire - even for a day. Your
subscription information is usually available in a few mouse clicks from
your desktop.
Mac Users: Don't take this lightly!
Until recently, Macintosh users thought they were immune from viruses. While this has never been the case,
there were few if any widespread viruses for Apple's current operating system—OS X. Well, they're out there now.
Although the first big Mac /OS X virus hoopla was in February 2006, there was another big fuss over some new ones in November, including the
Macarena! While the
virus, much like the dance, did not turn out to be anything noteworthy, it was definitely a proof-of-concept that Mac users are NOT immune from viruses.
Symantec's AntiVirus for Macintosh has been around since the early 1990s. Sophos and McAfee both make anti-virus
products for Macintosh. There are several criteria by which to judge anti-virus products. Which one works best at any given time will change.
Contact us for more information,
and we'll be happy to work with you to find the solution that's best for you.
2. Spyware protection:
There are many security threats much
more insidious than viruses. Spyware
is/are little pieces of unwanted software may get to your computer via
an e-mail, a visit to a website, or just installing a piece of software
known to have spyware in it. AdAware and Spybot are two free products that together, allow
for a modicum of protection from spyware. Watch out for products whose names are similar to "Spybot".
There are many fakes trying to take advantage of Spybot's popularity by using names similar to "Spybot Search & Destroy".
3. Hardware firewalls:
If your computer goes out to the
internet, you're leaving a door open for those who may want to come in
via the same path through which your organization accesses the internet.
Your Internet connection leaves many potential security holes open to
hackers. Protecting your network and/or internet connection with a
hardware firewall will alleviate many of the security threats.
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