subject: Protecting Yourself From Computer Hackers [print this page] People protect their personal belonging by locking them up somewhere safe such as the bank or a personal safe. The information you have on your computer should be just as valuable. It needs to be protected. At a bare minimum, a firewall security should be purchased to be the first defense if a virus is attacking your system. Some viruses are so dangerous they can totally incapacitate your system.
For most people, losing what is on the computer, pictures, e-mails, music and movies would be devastating enough, but think beyond just the personal possessions that you keep on the computer. Who doesn't shop online or do some sort of banking or financial work? Almost everybody does, because it is convenient and for the most part it is safe. The companies that you are dealing with try their best to make sure everything is secure and safe and if you ever have a doubt, you should not continue with the transaction.
You should stop immediately and call the institution that you are dealing with and ask any questions about the process that you are not comfortable with or that seem less than legit. Always remembering that no matter how safe the site appears to be, the guys that are trying to rip you off are always one step ahead of the guys trying to protect you. But, despite losing important personal things like photos and music, you personal information is even worse to lose.
When you get attacked by a virus or some sort of computer bug that is looking at your computer, they don't want your pictures and music. They want your social security numbers and bank account numbers and checking account number; they want to steal from you. Losing the other stuff is bad enough, but the cost is minimal compared to losing the personal information. That results in not only lost money, but lost time and unnecessary stress on your life.
The cost of a good high quality firewall is well worth the cost. Protecting your personal information is critical and every step needs to be taken in order to do this. If you are operating your computer without a security system you could be making the biggest mistake of your life. You wouldn't leave all your money out on the kitchen table, why would you leave your computer vulnerable to those who would grab the chance to steal from you?
