How to Protect your System from Threats

It has been more than 30 years since the first computer virus appeared.  Since then, these online threats have significantly evolved to bypass today's security system.  The hazards now include injecting malicious code using worms, spyware, spam, phishing scam, rootkits, exploit, and Trojans.  The classic form of the virus is designed to destroy the system, but most of today's viruses are more dangerous.  They are intended to collect information about a particular person by invading the system for the sole purpose of generating money in an illegal method.  These malicious codes can be included in emails, downloadable programs, and fake software installed on your computer.  There are at least one billion malicious programs online, and around 560,000 are added every day based on the record. Read on to find out how to protect your system from threats.

 

The Anti Virus and Anti-Malware Solution

 

Your first defense against these cyber threats would be software that detects, protects, and removes these unwanted programs.  It is a preventative measure that significantly reduces the possibility of malware or virus attacks.  However, you need to be aware that the virus can penetrate your system even in the presence of antivirus or anti-malware software.  The protection can even be strengthened by using solid firewall protection and setting a regular update of your software. Remember our points below to know how to protect your system from threats.

 

Anti-Virus Software

 

AV programs protect your system from threats. They are your all-in-one defense solution when it comes to the virus.  It is automatically activated the moment that you open your system.  It functions by monitoring the possible threat that can pass through your network connection.  The software will immediately block the network from connecting to your system by correctly detecting the danger. Antivirus software commonly comes with a firewall and spam filtering function that prevents the suspicious program and webpage from loading or running.  On the off chance that your system has already been penetrated before the detection of the AV, your option is to perform a manual scan in your system.  Nonetheless, before you execute a manual scan, make sure that the database of your AV is updated (digit of the database corresponds typically to the current date if updated) to guarantee that it will accurately detect the more recent types of viruses.

 

Anti-Malware Software

 

When it comes to anti-malware programs, some AV software (ESET Smart Security, Iobit, McAfee, Kaspersky Lab) comes with an anti-malware function.  If it is not, your anti-malware software will not serve as a replacement for your AV software.  It will only provide additional support and protect your system from threats.  Some of the dangers that anti-malware can detect are rogue applications, spyware, dialers, rootkits, Trojans, worms, and virus droppers.

 

Finally, you should see that you will routinely update your Antivirus and anti-malware solution to correctly identify the ever-changing hazards in the online community and protect your system from threats. Remember that even though there has been continuous development in antivirus software, the threats are also constantly evolving.

 

How to Protect your System from Threats of Snoopers

 

Public Networks and Wi-Fi are commonly open; sometimes, they only require a particular code, room number, or a simple click to connect to the online world.  These types of networks that lack encryption are typically vulnerable to snoopers.  For instance, Hotel Wi-Fi is not necessarily private; the process of connecting is "limited" to the guest of the hotel but will not keep your online activity confidential.  Since you are accessing the network without encryption, the data sent to them will be in plain text.  Anyone connected to the network can snoop on your online activity except the encrypted webpage (HTTPS).

 

 

Being Aware That You Are Vulnerable

 

When you connect to the public network and the system prompts you for a password, you are protected from snooping to a certain level.  It only means that the data is encrypted.  Before connecting to a public network, analyze the hotspot's security; if it is protected (i.e., WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK), you will be fine; if not, you are vulnerable.  Windows 8.1 and later operating system has a better way of telling if you connect to an unsecured connection.  You will see a yellow exclamation point in the connection and a notification that other users may see your online activity.

 

Protection against Snooping

 

Snooping is one of the known threats when connecting to a public hotspot.  Aside from the encrypted website, the internet activity becomes visible to users who connect on the public network. Anyone adept in monitoring the data can easily snoop into your information.  In case you want to protect yourself from this snooping.  Here are some tips that we can give you.

 

·         Use a VPN when connecting to a public hotspot.  Virtual Private network functions like an encrypted tunnel wherein all your activity will be dumped into the tunnel when connected.

 

·         Avoiding file sharing is also recommended.  Refrain from visiting sites such as Morpheus that offers free downloads.

 

 

·         Disconnect when you are not using the public network.  It can minimize snooping attacks when you are not using Public Wi-Fi.

 

·         If you are using your smartphone, you can use your phone's hotspot feature to connect to an encrypted network.  The data sent to your smartphone is less vulnerable to snoopers.

 

 

·         Finally, it is also advised to alter your password frequently.  The purpose of the snooping is to get your password.  If someone managed to get your sign-in information on a social networking site, they could perform illegal methods.

 

Following these steps will allow you to connect to the public Wi-Fi without risk and worry and protect your system from threats of snoopers.