Fast Facts About Security Tools

Confused by all the ways you can keep your PC safe from Internet bad guys? Then let's take a quick look at the most common security tools and describe what they do.

Q. What is a firewall?

A. A firewall (or Internet firewall) helps make your computer invisible to online attackers and some malicious software such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. A firewall can also help prevent software on your computer from accessing the Internet to accept updates and modification without your permission. Firewalls come in both software and hardware form, but you can use a hardware firewall in addition to a software firewall.

It is important to have both a firewall and antivirus software turned on before you connect to the Internet. Windows XP comes with a built-in software firewall. To manage the security settings on the Windows Firewall, click Start, Control Panel, and then Windows Firewall.

Q. What is antivirus software?

A. Antivirus software helps protect your computer against specific viruses and related malicious software, such as worms and Trojan horses. Antivirus software must be kept up to date. These updates are generally available through a subscription from your antivirus vendor.

It is important to have both antivirus software and a firewall turned on before you connect to the Internet.

Q. Do I need both a firewall and antivirus software?

A. Yes. A firewall helps stop hackers and viruses before they reach your computer, while antivirus software helps get rid of known viruses if they manage to bypass the firewall or if they've already infected your computer. A common way for viruses to get past a firewall is when you ignore its warning messages when you download software from the Internet or e-mail. If you think you have a virus on your computer, you can run the free Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool that can detect and rid your PC of an infection.

Q. What is antispyware software?

A. Antispyware software helps detect and remove spyware from your computer. "Spyware" (also known as "adware") generally refers to software that is designed to monitor your activities on your computer. Spyware can produce unwanted pop-up advertising, collect personal information about you, or change the configuration of your computer to the spyware designer's specifications. At its worst, spyware can enable criminals to disable your computer and steal your identity.

Antispyware software is an important tool to help you keep your computer running properly and free from intrusion. This kind of software also must be kept up to date. Updates are generally available through a subscription from your antispyware vendor. Microsoft offers a free spyware protection tool that you can download. It's called Windows Defender.

Note: Some "spyware" actually helps desirable software run as intended, or enables some good software to be offered on a free-with-advertisements basis (such as many online e-mail programs). Most antispyware software allows you to customise your settings so you can enable or disable programs.

Q. What is a spam filter?

A. Spam filters (sometimes broadly referred to as "e-mail filters") evaluate incoming e-mail messages to determine if they contain elements that are commonly associated with unwanted or dangerous bulk mailing. If the filter determines that an e-mail message is suspicious, the message usually goes to a designated folder, and links and other code in it are disabled. Then you can evaluate the message more safely at your convenience. Microsoft Office Outlook includes a junk e-mail filter that you can customise to meet your needs.

Q: What is a phishing filter?

A: A phishing filter is usually a component of an e-mail filter or Internet toolbar. It evaluates incoming messages for signs they are connected with phishing scams. Phishing scams use e-mail and Web sites that appear identical to those that belong to legitimate sources (such as financial or government institutions) but are actually clever hoaxes. If you click links in the e-mail or enter your user name, password, and other data into these Web sites, it gives scammers information they can use to defraud you or to steal your identity. Phishing filters can help detect links associated with known scam sites, and other suspicious indicators.

Q: Does a brand new computer come with these software security tools?

A: Maybe. When you buy a new computer, check your packing list to see if the manufacturer has included firewall, antivirus, or antispyware software in addition to the operating system (such as Windows XP). E-mail software, such as Microsoft Office Outlook, or Web-based e-mail services such as Yahoo Mail, may come equipped with their own e-mail filters. Check your e-mail software provider to find out which filters are included with your program. If your computer is missing security tools, they are available from a variety of vendors.

So now that you understand the basic kinds of security tools that are available, what's your next step? Install any that you're missing! And if you want assistance in making your workplace secure, use the Find an IT Consultant tool to locate a small business security specialist that can customise a security plan for you.

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