Security through the Internet is something that has to be treated with great care. Cyber crime is increasing every day, and this is a trend that has no sign of reduction, since Internet users are increasing every day. When the question is to reinforce your online security, they tend to install some antivirus.

This is only a small step. Besides of getting help from the software, you should also be able to recognize the threats that arise when you access the internet. The e-mails that enter your inbox are already filtered to a certain extent. This work is done by the email service provider itself. There are security flaws in the internet that are evident in many websites you enter.

But you need to identify the places where you can venture safely. Firewall is something that can protect you from dangers that can be overlooked. The browser is the first port through which any security breach can take place. A browser itself has a certain degree of security. Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox are the two most secure browsers available for users.

However, Internet Explorer is mounted with numerous security holes that have to be fixed by other means. You must be sure which software you use and which data you send over the internet through your browser. The software you install on your system must be updated so that you are not left behind without protection.

Freeware software that comes with a security label is something that can help you overcome security threats on the Internet. This is an important method of keeping yourself safe from threats. Firewall protection along with adware and spyware are some tools that can keep you out of threats. These are some basic ways to help you keep your system safe and prevent data theft, keep your browsing safer.

Suspicious software tends to cause damage to your computer and is something you should be very careful about. The email that arrives at your inbox should be filtered. You should still be aware of the threats that come along with an unknown email.

Unknown emails may contain attachments that may contain anything that you would not like to download on your system. Viruses spread once they are opened on your system. So if you find any running file in your email attachment you should respectfully be cautious and 100% sure before opening and installing it on your computer.

You should see the file extension that is downloaded on your system. Malware scanners have some useful tools that can help you avoid threats. All online system security is solely the responsibility of the user and how he/she uses the systems and understands the threats that may affect them.

The basic fixes are available through the internet and software, along with some tools that can leave you to keep threats at bay. But cyber crime is very big. The best tool to keep your data safe is to interact with the internet in a foolproof way, that depending on any unknown content can be more than harmful for you and your system.

It is essential to be always alert for internet security. Thus, there are attitudes that can minimize the risk:

• Protect your passwords: (a) Change your passwords periodically (at least every 3 months); (b) Passwords with 12 characters are more secure than passwords with 8, as well as passwords with letters and numbers; (c) Do not use words related to personal information (e.g. name, date of birth, login, mother’s name, etc.); (d) It is inadvisable to write the passwords on paper; (e) Avoid using the option of your browser (Internet Explorer, mozilla) for password management, because whoever uses the computer afterwards can use them.
• How to receive e-mails with links and attached files: When receiving e-mails with promotions, avoid clicking on the links. Open another instance of the browser, enter the seller’s address and search the offer.
• On public computers (e.g. lan-house): extreme caution. There are no guarantees about the programs installed and there may be programs to store passwords, installed by previous users. If there is no other internet access option, close all programs after use, log off and delete the history in your browser (Tools/Options/Delete History).
• The physical protection of the computer is an essential practice: being away from the desk for a few moments may be enough for another person to install a program that captures passwords and personal information. Lock access to the system, with password, when not using the computer.
• When “plugging in” the networked computer: When using your personal networked computer (e.g. wireless), some precautions are basic: (a) use the encrypted data option for information traffic.
• Caution when sharing files. File sharing programs connect your computer to millions of others to exchange music, video and other types of information. This is done through installed programs that can compromise your computer?s security.
• Antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall: its use is recommended, as well as regular updating of lists (blacklists, virus definitions). The UOL bar, which can be installed for free, offers the “Antifraud” option, whose settings can prevent sites that send unsolicited e-mails (spam) and sites that spread viruses and spy programs that steal confidential data from your computer or that are involved with fraudulent actions (phishing).

All these actions must be taken together, because any item not performed can increase the risk of compromising information.