PC Security - Why Should You Care?

Home computer users are usually oblivious to Firewalls, Security Patches, Critical updates, Data backup tools, Spyware and other technicalities that exist in the world of security. End users are usually unaware of the security threats that exist to their home computer or data. They generally tend to believe that if they have an antivirus installed, they are secure, its' like their Antivirus will kick-ass every virus, worm, trojan, rootkit or any other form of malware. The reality is different. Antivirus programs fail, systems crash, people lose data and then end up paying heavily both in terms of time and money.

In an ideal internet world, threats like viruses, worms, trojans, spyware spam, hacking, cracking, intrusions, stealing would not exist. However, internet threats do exist and they pose a serious danger to your pc if you are not security conscious, let alone secure.

There are prying eyes, hackers, crackers who want to keep a watch on you, gain access to your computer even if you think it won't do them any good. If you are in an illusion that hackers would have no use of your personal information, you are seriously at fault. Keeping a computer insecure over internet is liking inviting troubles. Its' like going out on a vacation leaving your home unbolted. You can never imagine the number of ways your personal information can be used or misused once your PC security is compromised. Hackers are very smart people, one of the smartest in IT. In order to fight them and ensure that your PC remains safe & your important data is not compromised, you must equip yourself with all the necessary information to safeguard against internet threats. That's why it is very important to be computer security conscious.

A PC security conscious user would not only have all the necessary security tools installed in her PC but she would also have knowledge of their proper application and pitfalls to avoid while on the internet highway.

As a bare minimum, before you are connected to internet, you must have a good firewall, an updated antivirus software, a robust antispyware/antimalware software working properly. Also ensure that the browsers & tools you use are updated to their latest version. Older software have security holes that could easily let others take control of your PC. Safeguard your PC, save your troubles!

Aakash is information security specialist & enjoys helping people with their PC Security problems in PC Security forum on PC Security World.