If you’re at all concerned about keeping your security and privacy while using your computer, the following article points out many of the issues and vulnerabilities that the typical cyberconsumer faces.  This series of articles will take a look at all that needs to be done to protect your computer out there in this sleazy environment.   Personally, it really annoys me when I see ads from Google popping up trying to sell me stuff I shopped for a couple minutes ago.   

Let’s just say I’ve been around the block a few times.  My personal experience with computers dates back to before there even were IBM PCs.  We learned computer programming in the SJSU mechanical engineering department on big mainframe computers back in the late 70s and early 80s.  In fact the first PC I used was an Apple II.   Back then, Apple computers were “open” to third party software and hardware.  Eventually, IBM PCs used the Microsoft Windows operating system and soon there was the need for virus software.  At first there were many issues with virus software such as slow operation, lockups, etc.   Many hours were spent installing, testing, and removing virus protection software.

At the very most basic level, your PC needs the best available virus and malware protection software.  Without this software, as you know, within weeks or even days, as sure as the rising sun, your computer will be infected and be on the road to becoming useless.

For those not familiar with these terms, I’ll begin by saying viruses are software programs that, when launched or executed, they hack into your PC to cause either loss of privacy or control of your PC.  Ransomware is an example of this.   Viruses are usually found in emails or attachments.  

The basic rule and best practice is: NEVER click on an email attachment or link inside an email UNLESS you have requested the link or attachment.  NO exceptions because hackers often send emails that look very authentic.  Hacked email sites like Yahoo will get your contact information and send fake emails that appear to be from people you know.

Malware is similar to viruses in the way they hack into and take control of your system against your wishes.  However, malware infection is usually a result of a website (or advertisement) that is designed to infect your computer.

Today we have so many choices for virus protection.  I’ve tried and used many virus software packages over the years.  I’ve heard horror stories from those using “free” (and not free) virus protection software.   My recommendation is Eset NOD32 software without hesitation.    It works with email client programs like Outlook to protect against phishing and other lurking phony emails bent on hacking your computer or stealing your identity.  I don’t give it a second thought.  It is money well spent. 

With that said, there still remains the mysterious malware problem to resolve.  Again, I can advise without hesitation the MALWAREBYTES software.  It works seamlessly with ESET to protect your computer from websites and advertisements intent on messing up your PC.  You can use the free trial version for 30 days but after that, the software won’t be running in real time.  It will only scan for infections after the fact.  I advise purchasing the subscription before the end of the 30 day trial.

Finally, don’t let your subscriptions lapse for very long.  While ESET will keep working, it won’t be able to update the “signature” file that is a list of the viruses currently in circulation.  And MALWAREBYTES won’t be operating in real time if the subscription expires.

So, to summarize, you need to be aware of and using virus protection as well as malware protection to prevent unauthorized hacking of your computer property.

Finally let it be known that I have no association or relationship with any of the companies mentioned in this article.