Computer Security – An Overview
Ease of operation and unmatched efficacy at affordable cost has leveraged the proliferation of computer into our home. Internet has further
strengthened its utility and the whole ocean of information is available to you on your monitor. And of course, this immense convenience has its
dark sides too, one of which being its vulnerability. The largess is eyed well by people with malicious intents, owing to a user’s complete
online accessibility, ensuring the possibility of potential exploitation. This very well advocates about the safety issues of a system forcing
security beef up, just like any other valuable.
Defending your system’s information with the help of processes and technology is called computer security. Business machines are generally
secured with the help of firewalls and encrypting, which are tough to crack, if not impossible. However, due to lack of vigilant awareness, home
PC is usually not as well laced with deterrents as required and is often a soft target for people with baleful aim. Irrespective of the type of
Internet connection you have, dial-up, cable, DSL modem, or broadband, your PC is vulnerable across the board.
Hacking is the riskiest proposition with systems. As the name suggests, hackers are computer experts who manage to access your machine
illegally and use it for their fraudulent personal means. Once hackers are able to reach up to your system, all the data stored in it becomes
available for them. They can access all your personal information found on your computer, including usernames, passwords, account numbers, etc.
Hackers may then also personally use your machine’s processor, hard disk space, and even your internet connection.
Virus, worms, Trojans, spyware and malware are the other serious threats damaging your computer. Right from slowing down and/or impairing your
system’s processing, to lost, modified or deleted files, to booting, hanging and restarting problems, to distorted display, to meddling with your
computer’s security settings and many other, your machine may be attacked in more than one ways. The malicious software may enter your system
through advertisements, emails, attachments, instant messenger messages, freeware and links to name some.
Data loss is also a major issue with computer security. Information on your machine may corrupt due to hard disk crash. Hacking, malicious
software, erratic power supply, and physical shock are some key reasons for damaging your computer’s hard disk. Your system’s hardware is also
vulnerable to menaces such as theft, fire, natural calamities such as flood & earthquake, and functional damages caused due to erratic power
supply.
Keeping hardware locked, using surge protectors, uninterrupted power supplies and ensuring proper earthing of your system ensure its physical
security. Refraining from insecure downloads, backing up your data, installing antivirus, anti-spyware & firewall, and passwords & data
encryption are some effective steps for your system’s software security.
Computer security is an urgent step required to control gravity of your machine’s vulnerability and damage. Note that no preventive measure is
exhaustive in effect and therefore, even after all the cautions; your PC may not be completely threat free. Securing your computer is an ongoing
process requiring regular revisions to combat the ever evolving hazards.
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