Antivirus Software - The Defense Mechanism Of Your Business

Viruses have become very sophisticated these days, how could Anti-Virus lag behind? The latest face off between virus writers and antivirus makers has led to the release of many new viruses on the net on a daily basis. To counter them, antivirus makers have to constantly come up with latest release that you need to update on your computer. The threat compounds if you own a business and do all your business transactions on the internet. It becomes extremely important to ensure that you have a safe and strong defense system to safeguard your computer from the external threat.
For your convenience and knowledge, we have listed some advantages of having Antivirus software just in case you are having second thoughts:
Protection from Virus.
Defense against Malwares, Spam's and spywares.
Your data will be secured.
Your computer's performance will be optimum.
Antivirus Support - The savior in desperate times
There are many other benefits, but we have only listed a few of the most important benefits of having antivirus software installed. All these software's have their own antivirus technical support team to ensure you do not face any hiccup during the entire experience. Some of the functions of the Antivirus tech support team are mentioned below:
Help in installation of the software.
Assist in up gradation of database.
Scan your entire computer system to check if there are viruses in the computer.
Quarantine the infected areas and delete the viruses.
The antivirus support team is available 24/7; all you need to do is give them a call as soon as you run into any difficulty. Companies today give too much importance to the tech support team because they are the ones who help in maintaining the right image of the product in the market. The various ways of seeking help from them are:
Phone - You can directly give them a call and they will guide you.
Email- you can drop them a mail and they mail you the solution back.
Live chat - there are forums wherein you can log in and chat with them live and get the solution to your problems.
So, in the end what we are saying is:
Your antivirus is your assurance towards data security. You can transfer all your worries to the antivirus tech support team and sleep peacefully. You can sit in the comforts of your house or office and get all your issues resolved with accuracy and precision. They will also guide you towards what you need to do in case you face the same issue in the future. The world of internet is a dynamic world and increasingly it is being used for getting much work done. More and more companies are using this platform as a medium to get all their financial transactions done. Under these circumstances, the threat of virus is even more prominent since you are constantly keeping your doors open for them to come inside and create havoc. The only protection you have is the Antivirus software.

The writer is an antivirus tech support team expert at WeTechies LLC,a company offering tech support for computers. Call 1-800-986-4205, connect with a live technician remotely, and get your issue resolved instantly while speaking on the antivirus technical support number.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8746406

How to Protect Your Passwords Properly

Looking back at last 20 years ( I am writing this in 2014), use of systems and passwords has become an unwanted but unavoidable requirement in our daily life. We always require to stay atop of many forms and layers of online protection of our sensitive data. Some examples where we need to use passwords, pass phrases, identifiable pictures etc. are banks, schools, credit cards, emails, work login, work search, kids account, entertainment, communications, and more and more. As far as the number goes, all these requirements are increasing and as far as complication goes, they are becoming increasingly complicated in nature to use and manage.

20 years back, I had only two account passwords that I had to manage. One email and one bank account. Today I manage over 200 online safety memory chips including for me and for my family! (Wow writing this makes me feel safe! Really..?)

Again, 20 years back I could put in 6 alphabets or numbers and it was considered a safe, secure password. Today, I have to use alphabets in lower and upper case, numbers and special characters with the strength indicators showing strength of the password as we are typing it to understand how strong and safe the password is (In case there is a cyber crime to crack down the passwords.) Many companies will not let me use the parts of my name in the password. Then I have to associate my account to an image and keep the image in mind. Further I have to answer some security questions (typically from 3 to 5). To add even more, every now and then I need to associate and confirm my account with a cell phone number! Then there is separate 4 digit pin for bank ATM's etc. Even my voice mail has a 6 digit pass-code!

Talk about complexity! Talk about memorizing!

Is the technology helpful to protect our sensitive data? Yes! Has the technology complicated the issue and pushed us way more to manage in terms of passwords, security etc.? Yes!

So how to manage these complications. Here are some do's and don'ts for it.

Do's

1. Use long complex passwords.

2. Generate and use random passwords yourself.

3. Keep your passwords in an isolated safe file. Write if you want. Even better is to spend a few bucks to have a dedicated drive, USB etc.

4. Use limited login attempts at all the allowed institutions. It basically means after 3 or 2 or 4 (whatever the set number is) unsuccessful log in attempts, your account will be automatically disabled and you will have to go either personally or call to prove your ID and then get your account reinstated. It seems annoying in the beginning but it is a great tool to protect your ID in the long run.

5. Answer security questions in a non traditional manner. Example; Name of the first dog. Traditional answer: whisky. Non traditional answer: Ihadnodog.

6. Always keep the current back up out of your computer such as in a USB drive.

7. Many experts suggest to use copy+paste rather than typing in the web forms, so follow it when you are logging in.

8. Have a real complex master password for any file that you might be using to store and protect your sensitive information such as passwords, security questions etc.

9. Often change your passwords. Update your record if you are managing it.

10. Always have a working anti-virus program installed. Run the program every few days in manual mode.

11. Delete the accounts you no longer need.

Don'ts

1. Don't use any online system to save and protect your data. It might be chrome or internet explorer provoking you to 'remember' your login information. It might be a service provider tool as Norton protection. I personally call it a third party dependency and it can restrict, corrupt or disintegrate any time. Your passwords and other information is lost without any back up in this case and worst case now all of it can be available to someone else as well..

2. Never use same password for more than one log-in portfolio..

3. Do not use easily guessable passwords such as: abc123, 123ABC, 0123456789, XYZ etc. Cyber crime computers attack through the internet and try thousands of password combinations in a minute. They can easily guess the easy passwords and log into your account. The damage can take a-lot to repair in this case!.

4. Do not use a computer to generate random passwords.

5. Do not give access to unknown apps through social media.

6. Avoid using public computers in libraries, schools, restaurants, hotels etc. If you do have to use it, un-check the "remember me" option before you log-in and clear up everything after use such as cookies, history etc. Make sure you are allowed to clear it and you are not violating any public institution policy.

7. Sharing a password is usually prohibited so do not share your passwords.

Creating and managing as per these guidelines will help you to protect your accounts and data safety for a long period.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8743232

Beginners Guide to Selecting the Right Antivirus for Business

Why, what and How of the Antivirus World
Millions of dollars are spent every year to keep your computer clean from viruses and protect it from external threats. However, it may not be enough since virus creators are always finding new ways to breach your defense system. So how do you ensure safety and security in times of crisis? Well, selecting the best antivirus software is your first bet and if you are wondering how you are supposed to do that then you may consider following these guidelines:
Cost - This is obviously one of the parameters on the basis of which you will decide whether to go for particular software or not. Please understand that costly software's doesn't always mean efficient software's.
User interface - software which is hard to navigate ask more questions than it answers. Always select software which is easy to operate and understand.
Reviews - What others, who have already used the product, say about the product is extremely important. Their opinions can shape your decision or sway it in favor of one particular brand.
Technical Support- you need to ensure your software manufacturer provides you the antivirus technical support number, which you can call in case you run into trouble.
The latest data suggest that virus creators are finding better ways to skip past the defense mechanism and attack networks. What do you do in case you are told that your computer already has a virus and you don't even know about it? Surprised, aren't you? But this is the harsh reality. So what do you do after you identify that your computer is infected? Well, first things first, call the antivirus tech support number and tell them about the issues you are facing. They will perform the following actions:
They will first guide you towards the first precautionary measures that need to be taken to safeguard your data against the external threat.
Then they can either take remote access of your computer or scan your computer for you or you can do it yourself under their guidance.
Once the virus is identified, they will quarantine it.
They can also help you in configuration of the software and updating your database.
Thinking and Rethinking
The antivirus support number is one of the most vital parts of the entire software package, since it is this number that will ensure that you enjoy seamless computer and network usage. Most antivirus software's, use up a lot of your computer's hardware resulting in slow computer. The technical support team can optimize your computer's performance by re configuring the software according to your computer's configuration. What we need to remember is that the bad guys are getting worse and the internet world is increasingly being filled with malicious content. A computer without an antivirus is like an open invitation to the world to come in and set up base. It is the antivirus software which filters the good content from the bad one and decides what should go in and what should be stopped.

The writer is an antivirus tech support expert at WeTechies LLC,a company offering tech support for computers. Call 1-800-986-4205, connect with a live technician remotely, and get your issue resolved instantly while speaking on the antivirus support number.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8746340

Tips On How To Prevent Viruses And Malware From Attacking Your Computer

IT analysts state that every day, about 150,000 computer viruses circulate globally and around 148,000 computers are at risk daily. These viruses and malware do not simply annoy and bother the millions of computer users: they can also cost individuals and organizations thousands of dollars due to the damages and security attacks they cause.
There are several things you can do to avoid viruses and malware from attacking your computer. Below are some of these helpful tips and hints:
• Always have anti-virus software installed and running in your computer's system. Doing this is your first line of defence against the hundreds of viruses and malwares that are proliferating around the World Wide Web. IT experts also highly recommend that you always keep the definition database updated and the software runs both manual and automated virus scans regularly.
• Automate security updates. When you do this, you can be sure that your computer will always have the most recent form or updates of software and anti-virus programs.
• Enable your system's firewall. A firewall is a system-level software component that prevents unauthorized access to your computer by others through a network or Internet connection. Most new operating systems already have built-in firewalls that are highly efficient and effective. For older ones, you need to buy and have firewall software installed on the computer.
• Always be cautious of opening any e-mail attachment. Even when you know the sender, it is still possible that their efforts to prevent attacks were not enough and that a threat has infected their system. And this virus or malware was also passed onto you via some seemingly harmless e-mail. If you are the not sure about the contents and attachment of any e-mail you received, you can always contact the sender to verify if they really sent to this.
• Always encrypt your files, hard drives and backup disks. By following this tip, only authorized users with the valid password can have access to your sensitive data.
• Have perimeter security solutions installed on your network. Web hosting experts recommend installing and using an Intrusion Detection System and the Intrusion Prevention program in addition to the Firewall so that any kind of threat can be detected and thwarted immediately.
• Review your network security features periodically. Keep yourself updated when it comes to new security threats and improved solutions by visiting your security software or service vendor websites. Also, always keep up with news about the latest computer threats. If you hear of or read something from a legitimate source, update your security software immediately and make sure that the particular threat is covered.
• Lastly, IT experts say that you have to be extra careful when loading external media such as flash drives without scanning them. In addition, when using the different social networking sites, be careful about clicking any links that look suspicious.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8800856

You Have Already Been Hacked, They're Coming - Prepare!

I recently read an article in the New York Times titled "How my Mom Got Hacked" and it inspired me to make people in general aware of a much bigger picture that the New York Times chooses to ignore. In 1998 I wrote an article, The Internet Wars of the Tear 2000, in which I predicted the current situation where countries and companies begin to battle for internet dominance. I was a few years off. My apologies! What the Times and nearly every expert in the technology game ignores, maybe to avoid frightening the masses is that there are two simple steps to avoid being a victim, BUT antviruses are NOT on the list. In fact, I would remove most, if not all the antivirus programs from your system. What?! That sounds like insanity, right?
"The most important thing to note is that you have already been hacked!"
If your computer/router combination has been on for more than a few days, you have already been hacked. What, you say? True, I reply. They're Coming, so prepare! How do you avoid being a victim? It is really very simple and inexpensive! And the answer is NOT antiviruses, much to your dismay. There are TWO simple steps to take to avoid becoming a victim in this CyberWar. And, they're very inexpensive AND very easy to implement.
According to Infoworld there are new computer exploits every 24 hours, which makes it almost impossible for antivirus programs to keep up. "In today's 'threaterscape', antivirus software provides little peace of mind. In fact, antimalware scanners on the whole are horrifically inaccurate, especially with exploits less than 24 hours old." [1]
1) Never store files on your hard drive. Use "the cloud." Use Google Drive for "office-type" files and a memory chip for pictures. Backup all files on a memory chip/stick and in the cloud.
2) Get the restore program for your computer. Then you can simply plug your restore disk/stick in and restore to original manufacturer, out of the box, condition. This effectively wipes the drive and erases everything. You an also go to your local "nerd Herd", and ask them to restore your machine back to factory settings. Insist on a complete wipe/restore, not a cleaning.
Prepare yourself using these steps because remember, YOU HAVE ALL ALREADY BEEN HACKED." It is highly likely that somebody has already hacked your router/computer. They're just waiting to pull your switch. The Cyberwars I predicted decades ago started with the Sony hack.
"Should I remove my antivirus programs?"
I have changed my position regarding antivirus protection since the internet war started. I typically researched with the objective of recommending the best free antivirus program for which you could get free updates. Without daily updates, get rid of it, because, as stated earlier, there are new threats every day. Don't have more than one antivirus program running in "live" or "real time" because they can sometimes interfere with each other.
"It is time for a newer, wartime antivirus strategy, not time to 'cheap out'."
My new strategy for recommending antivirus programs is a more serious approach for a time of war. I recommend an antivirus that is created in the USA, provides daily updates and is the most comprehensive. According to a very detailed comparison chart which I located at Wikipedia(r) [2], there is only one antivirus program that meets all the criterion I lay out and that is McCafee. It is clearly one of the most comprehensive, is produced within the borders of the USA, and has daily updates. I believe there is a fee for updates, BUT PAY IT! This is no time to cheap out, and the free ones are constantly trying to trick you into paying. Sorry AVG, I am done with you.
"They're hacking our border too! This will keep you safe until they are at your front door having seeped through a porous, leaking border."
If you are prepared they can't hurt you or extort money from you. Not until they are at your doorstep, which is next, since we refuse to secure our southern border.
There are so many complacent entities when it comes to securing the southern border. The terrorists will hack their right to your computer with a border leak. They act as though this "hack" is a big deal, but it is only just the beginning of the coming invasion. The terrorists are emboldened at this point. Blame whomever you wish, but know it and prepare. We are under attack. Prepare!!
Source 1: http://www.infoworld.com/article/2612634/security/11-sure-signs-you-ve-been-hacked.html
Source 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_antivirus_software

Rob Thrasher is a nationally published author on topics of security (National, Home & Computer), researcher and radio show host. Learn more about Rob, Internet Security and more at http://www.RobThrasher.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8870087

New Chat Messenger for IOS and Android Users

There are lots of people on your Facebook, who keep sending you requests for various games and other stuff. Then there is MewChat that has recently caught the fancy of many a users, but what exactly is this all about? Let us find out what this app is and the utility of it for its users.
About MewChat
MewChat is one of the fast catching IM apps that seems to be somewhat similar to WhatsApp or any other chat messenger. However, the only thing to notice about this app is that it is a social networking app. Another interesting thing about this app is that this app helps one find their match online that is location based. It does sound similar to Tinder.
It begins when you install MewChat on your iPhone or iPad, Android Smartphones or Android device then it starts inviting people in your contacts sending pop-up messages. It is an invitation message sent to other users for inviting friends and joining in. Even when you are finished signing up for the chat, it asks you to select a number of people for sending invites. The messages get delivered within 24 hours.
Even after being a chat that is pro-active in sending message invites to other users within a span of 24 hours, this app enjoys popularity. This app is the most downloadable app in Australia, UK and other countries where youths enjoy getting connected to people world over instantly through messages or chat messenger.
What is this app about?
Users are connected via this app, this means that users who are already in your contacts will be added to MewChat so it is very similar to WhatsApp. This app differs at point where chat rooms are created according to location of people to help them connect with one another. Random chat rooms are created to initiate a connection between people in the same geographic location and thus help them find people with similar interests. The default setting of the app enables in getting in touch with people in the same country. If you want to broaden your reach, you can browse the world map to initiate conversation anywhere in the world. It is easy to initiate a chat as you just need to press on the orange cat, and you are done.
This messaging app is unique as it allows individuals from every country to join in chat rooms. The contacts in your phone are already a part of your network, but you can even add those who you find in random chat groups. To make it easier for users to connect, you can use your Facebook account to sign into your MewChat. Your matches get decided upon the information provided by you in your profile that determines who is compatible with you. Voice and photo messaging are supported by this chat app. The age limit that is required to be a part of this app is that of 13 years.

Russell Winters is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online tablet support, with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of tablet support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a online android tablet support technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8971454

The Truth About Computer Malware and Your System's Vulnerabilities

The truth is there are bad people lurking online waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of the available information from Internet users. The havoc caused by malware goes beyond data corruption. These days, malware does not only cause computer systems to crash, they can also to steal personal and financial information from people. Aside from standard viruses, other types of malicious software are on the prowl, including ransomware, Trojans, and rogue security software. They are being used as tools by organizations that seek to profit by committing heinous crimes such as identity theft.
Why do you need antivirus software?
Antivirus software is a type of computer program that is intended to protect computers against malicious computer software. New and more formidable anti-virus programs are available today that are designed to protect computer systems from malware that could invade a PC when a person visits a bait site. Although people still get viruses from downloading files, just enabling the browser's Java plug-in feature makes the system vulnerable to malware. Oftentimes, clicking on a URL is the only invitation that a lurking malware needs to corrupt a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Even trustworthy sites could be harboring an invisible monster.
The necessity for online security
No matter how careful a computer user is there is always a risk for invasion if the system is connected to the World Wide Web. People are now extra cautious when visiting websites and downloading files from the Web. Still, computer systems are highly vulnerable because viruses are engineered to counter existing defenses.
The bottom line is antivirus software is the last line of defense against rootkits, keyloggers, and all sorts of malware. There really is no reason why a computer should not have this form of protection, especially when plenty of reliable free antivirus software is available for download. Moreover, they provide an additional layer of protection without hogging computer resources. Most are lightweight and require very little disk space.
Finding the best free antivirus programs
There are many ways to improve computer security. A cursory Google search will reveal a long list of options, many of which offer hassle-free installation, automatic updates, and best of all free usage. The Web has so many resources to offer, and for someone who is serious about fortifying systems security, they have the option to download for free or purchase more than one antivirus program to protect themselves from harmful elements online. There are programs offering multiple device protection as well as utilities that provide comprehensive and effective defense against privacy incursion.
It helps to learn about the performance of an antivirus program before downloading or buying it. If reviews are available, then they are worth reading. Utilities that are deemed ineffective, problematic, or outdated should not be patronized lest they cause more problems than solutions. People are usually very generous with their feedback, and so it makes sense to read reviews determine which antivirus applications are worth installing. Learning about the reputation of the software developer helps in the decision-making process as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8959730