The Secret of Online Security Protection

  People these days are faced with a wide variety of choices when it comes to protection from viruses and other online threats. There are companies that have developed 100% free antivirus programs that offer basic protection, while some say they provide Internet security and protection from other threats like malware and spyware.

Choosing an antivirus software can be pretty daunting for most ordinary computer users. Many of them don't even know what kind of security they need and tend to get creative in choosing a program over another. Some people are thrown off by complicated software interface and end up settling with a user-friendly but ineffective free antivirus program. Some are fooled into thinking that the expensive programs are the most effective and end up paying too much for a software with features they don't even need.

Many security products allow people to subscribe to protection for a certain period of time. The danger here is that you end up renewing a subscription unknowingly and unwillingly, and shelling out money without intending to.

An antivirus company, for example, may require you to unsubscribe from their service one month before your current subscription expires. While they do send you a reminder of such a rule, they do so very discreetly that you end up ignoring it. Your credit card is then charged with a renewal of the subscription and you are forced to face a bill you are not prepared to pay.

Another problem with these antivirus programs is that their effectiveness in wiping out threats is simply on a decline. Some studies have shown that security software products are about half as effective now as they were the previous year and the percentage continues to decline the following year.

The explanation for this is that viruses and all forms of malware are simply more dangerous today than they were ever before. The people developing these viruses are getting smarter and are learning from their mistakes. Some threats are designed and disguised as simple ads online that fool even the most cautious of users. Other threats are created by well-funded professionals and are designed to bypass any security tool.

One product that can be a solution to your dilemma is using an online free antivirus scanner that has an unprecedented percentage in detecting suspicious files on your infected computer. There are tons of antivirus programs to choose from these days, but this Free Online Computer Virus Scanner is highly recommended.

To make it simple, firewall security acts as a barrier between the threats and the personal computer. It keeps away data from the hands of thieves and hackers who are responsible for many cyber crimes.

Firewall protection is a dual approach of software regulating and monitoring hardware and communication protocols. It is tasked to inspect network traffic and all "packets" of information within the computer, in its CPU and hard drives. With firewall protection, the possibility of threat is completely ruled out or minimized. This is done by the alarming and isolating the potential threats, depending on whether you it will deny or permit access your computer based on the rules you set.

The main task of the firewall security is to monitor the flow of traffic between varieties of computer networks with varying trust levels. Virtual world has infinite overlapping zones; some are safe while other is dead. On the contrary, internal networks are more likely to integrate a zone offering more trust.

It is highly essential that firewall should be properly configured; otherwise it would be worthless. Standard security practices demand for "default-deny" firewall rule signifying that only network connections are permitted after they are thoroughly monitored. A deep understanding of network applications along with efforts and time of an administrator are required for effective internet security.

Firewall protection blocks unauthorized access and security threats, as well as prevents and decrypts random information traveling through different domain line. A vital part of the firewall internet security is the fabrication of network address translation, helping to save the identity behind private addresses. It is also used by proxies helping the flawed information from spreading. It also efficiently monitors the traffic.

Users running the default on their security are not utilizing full potential of their firewall protection. You can deal with the common problems happening frequently associated with the computer by introducing some modification or making use of advanced firewall security tools. Hence it would be truly beneficial if the computer has dynamic firewall protection system.

A firewall intrusion detection system has several roles to play. It lowers down the action of threats on the system. A properly set up firewall is capable of reporting back to the creator.

To avail of this protection, you need to choose the best firewall security for your system. You can safeguard the system by installing and configuring a detection system before signing in online.

The changing face of technology has made many things possible, one such thing is mobile computing. Surfing internet, downloading apps or games, staying connected while on go and chatting with your friend network through Smartphone is the most convenient way of staying online. With all this there is one more thing that you need to be aware of, that of malware threat to your Smartphone.

According to a research it has been observed that hackers are targeting Smartphone and mobile security is under threat by malware. Your personal information and data are at stake. It is about time that you start thinking about securing your Smartphone.

The latest and freely available anti-virus software available are Avast (mobile security) and another by Lookout. It will help you by providing protection against any malware or potential threat to mobile security. Performing a regular scan on your phone for any malware, help create a backup of information and other such security measures are just a few activities.

Let us first learn how malware enters your phone.

How malware enters your phone?

Malware is a term that is deadly for your phone. It is malicious software designed to tamper with the data and steal information www.scoutdns.com. The worst part is that you will not be aware of its presence and it will work without your knowledge. Your personal information, passwords, contacts and other such details can be easily stolen. Additionally, your current location too can be easily tracked; you will start receiving hiked bills and subscription to services that you do not remember purchasing.

A malware will make way into your phone via downloads of any kind, including apps, files, links and websites; these are just a few examples. Hackers can easily mask or disguise a malware into any program or link that will easily enter in your phone. It can also be disguised as a free copy of your favorite game, Angry Birds for instance. As soon as you click to download the free version in your phone you unknowingly invite malware. Before long you discover the havoc wreaked it may have already harmed your phone and data to a lot extent.

Let us now discover how Lookout and Avast are helpful in keeping your phone secure from malware.

Lookout Mobile Security

This is a freely available mobile security app; you can protect your Android and iOS devices with it. This app conducts a complete scan of your device and ensures that there is no potential threat like virus or malware residing in your phone. It also enables in taking a backup for restore purpose and help with remote location of your device.

If you are an Android user then you can opt for its premium version. This includes generating privacy app reports, remote data lock, wipe, and other such security features for data protection. On the onset, you can opt for a 14 day trial after which you need to pay $3/ month subscription for the service. Additionally, as soon as you download an app it starts a scan for potential threat. If it is found dangerous then you immediately receive an alert.

The privacy report generated by Lookout is yet another amazing feature. This generates alert messages against apps that are accessing your data including contacts, location, messages and other sensitive information. Additionally, you are also given an option to take a backup of your contacts on the website of Lookout.

Signal Flare is yet another feature that you will come across with this security app. Through this tool you will be able to track location of your phone and even get an alert on the battery.

Mobile Security by Avast

This security software is designed for Android users. You will find similar security features to Lookout in this security software too. However, you can schedule for a scan on your device while specifying location like scanning the phone or SD card. If there is any potential threat you will receive an alert message asking you to uninstall the software from your phone immediately.

The only drawback with this security software is that you are not allowed a backup. Nonetheless, with various security tools and features you will still like to download it on your Smartphone. Security features that keep your data safe, remotely lock your device, trigger alarm and even help wipe off data remotely in case of theft are some of the amazing tools. Additionally, features like firewall are effective for thwarting attack by hackers.

You can also apply the following tips to keep your Smartphone secure:

• Download from authentic websites and sources

• Go through app reviews online before installing it

• Avoid sending or sharing personal details when working on public Wi-Fi

• Reading the privacy policy and then agreeing

Apart from the above-mentioned tips it is essential to install mobile security. Security apps/ software like Avast and Lookout to keep your Smartphone safe from hackers and malware threat.

Alicia Portman is a technology writer in Qresolve, who loves discussing various new emerging technological trend in computer and mobile technology. She is an avid tech-geek and a gadget freak who also writes how to's on virus removal, [http://www.qresolve.com/malware/virus-removal.html] tablet support [http://www.qresolve.com/tablet-support.html] articles and computer support self-help blogs. Her inputs on antivirus support and online tech support are helpful and easy to apply.