Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
Computerworld illustrates the current state of information security, citing an arcade game from childhood: "If you've ever played the silly maddening game known as" Whac-a-Mole, " you know what futility feels. As you smack one mole with the mallet, up pops another. Their speed and number escalates as you flail away, trying to follow. At some point, you realize that there is no hope of winning. "That's why I hated this game. I was attracted at first, because, as the son of Barney Rubbles Bam Bam, I liked to hit things with blunt instruments. But it only takes you so far. To win, you need skill and precision.
In today's world of cyber security and identity theft prevention, it is not enough to drive the next taupe and hit with another patch, or shred your own data and hopefully someone will not hack your cell phone company. You need to understand the problem and to proactively implement a solution.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, hackers hacked for the challenge, pleasure and glory. He made them popular among other pirates. Soon after, consumers began to spend more time online. They used their computer for shopping, banking, and manage personal affairs. Now, hackers are not only wreaking havoc, deleting files, or make poor managers, they are also the theft of proprietary data. Now, the real game is an illegal financial gain. The motivations of hackers have changed, which means you need to change your perception of what a computer is and how to operate it. There is something just play solitaire or a game where you socialize with friends. Now it is a cash register to a pirate. It's a bank. And it should be treated and respected as a vault.
- Run Windows Update, or it may also be labeled "Microsoft Update" on your PC. If you have Windows XP, you want to "Service Pack 3" installed. You can also go to "Control Panel" and then "Security Center" and turn on the automatic updates, so Microsoft will install the latest security updates automatically. If you have Vista, the process is similar, but you want to "Service Pack 1".
- Install antivirus software. Most computers come with software that runs free for one year. Once it expires, you need to renew the license. If you do not do every day that your software is not updated to offer more opportunities for criminal hackers to turn your PC into a zombie that sends viruses to other PCs or sending spam Viagra shilling.
- Install anti-spyware software. Most antivirus vendors define spyware as a virus now. However, it is always best to run a spyware removal program once a month or more, to ensure that your PC is free of software that could allow a criminal hacker to remotely monitor your data, keystrokes, and Web sites you visit.
- Use Firefox. Internet Explorer is awkward, and the most frequently pirated software exists. Mozilla Firefox is more secure.
- Securing your wireless network. If you use an unsecured wireless connection to your home or office, everyone can jump on the network and access your files from up to 500 feet away. Your router should have instructions on how to configure WEP or WPA security. WPA is better. If this is a foreign language for you, you need to either hire someone or ask your 15 years of aid.
- Install a firewall. The Microsoft operating system comes with a built-in firewall, but it is particularly safe. Go with a third-party firewall that comes prepackaged with antivirus software.
- Get a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief.
- invest in identity theft protection. All forms of protection against identity theft can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.
Robert Siciliano, theft speaker identity, handles criminal hackers targeting wireless devices on Fox News .
Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. the thoughts and advice of Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.