subject: Computer Security For Online Dating [print this page] Copyright (c) 2010 Dan DeLa CruzOnline Dating Requires Some Basic Computer Security:
Before you begin dating or chatting online, or for that matter doing else anything on the Internet, you should make your computer be as secure as possible. Make sure your operating system and browser have all the current updates and your computer is safe from attacks by viruses, Trojans, spyware and malicious hackers. If you're using a public computer, such as one that's in a library or airport, you should practice some important security precautions.Install and Use a Good Anti-Virus Program:
It's almost impossible to protect your computer from viruses, Trojans, spyware and hackers unless you scan it regularly with a good anti-virus program. Using a computer online without this protection is leaving the door wide open to an assortment of malicious attacks. Without an anti-virus program, your computer simply won't be secure and the information on it won't remain private and safe. Fortunately, most new computers are sold with a one or two year subscription to a popular anti-virus program like Norton or McAfee. If you haven't installed anti-virus software on your computer, you need to, so find and buy a good one. It will be your first line of defense against attacks.A Firewall is Also Important:
The purpose of a computer firewall is to detect and prevent suspicious connections between your computer and the Internet. Firewalls are there to defend your computer from any software that manages to slip through your anti-virus software: a properly installed and configured firewall will detect and block any application that gets past your anti-virus software and tries to connect to an unknown location online. The router you use at home probably includes a firewall, but installing a separate firewall program on your computer is generally a smart move because it adds an additional layer of protection.Computers without firewalls are much easier for hackers to connect with, hack into, and even control remotely. Without this layer of protection, any decent hacker or new virus could gain easy access to your computer and the files on your hard drive. Not having a firewall will set you up to be yet another victim of identity theft or some other type of fraud.Keep Your Operating System and Browser Updated:
The timely installation of all current operating system and browser security updates is another important part of securing your computer, whether you have a PC or a MAC. Today's operating systems are designed to check for important updates automatically, and whenever one is detected, to prompt you to download and install it. Typically, these updates are patches and fixes intended to plug recently-discovered security gaps. Basically, they help protect your computer from issues that have been found since it was built or after you installed its operating system. If your computer checks for updates and prompts you to install them but you don't always do it, re-think your strategy and go ahead and install them. If your computer doesn't already check for updates automatically, you should configure it to do so and then download and install all the security updates.Secure Your Wireless Network:
If you're using a wireless network to get online, make sure it's secure. Wireless networks are by nature less secure than the wired version, because information sent back and forth between your computer and the Internet travels over the air. Programs called "sniffers" can collect this information easily.Whether the wireless network you're using is in your home or somewhere else, like in an airport or hotel, make sure it's password-protected and uses data encryption. A wireless network that's not secure not only allows other people to use your Internet access, but also gives malicious people remote access to your computer and everything on your hard drive.Use Strong Passwords:
It's absolutely essential to secure the administrator account on your computer with a strong password, but you should also make sure any other user accounts on your computer use good passwords as well. If you'd like some good information on how to select a strong password, please take a look at our Password Security Tips.Protecting your administrator account with an effective password prevents unwanted people from accessing your computer. If you share a computer or use a public computer, using a good password to protect your user account will make sure other people will not be able to access your files, including information about your online dating account.Conclusion:
Most of what we've discussed is fairly basic and you won't need to be a computer geek to do what we've suggested. However, if you're not sure about how secure your computer really is, you should talk with someone who has a good understanding of computer security or head over to onlinedatingsecurityguide.com to find out how to test your computer security. It's important to have a secure computer for safe web browsing in general, not just for online dating.
