Best Practices to Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses, Malware and Hackers

DENVER, CO, July 28, 2012 (Press-News.org) Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems in order to steal, change or destroy information, often by installing dangerous malware without your knowledge or consent. These computer hackers use viruses and malware to access information you really don't want them to have such as your credit card information.

Anyone who uses a computer connected to the Internet is susceptible to the threats that computer hackers and predators pose. These online thieves typically use phishing scams, spam email or instant messages and bogus Web sites to deliver dangerous malware to your computer and compromise your computer security.

Email Phishing scams are carried out online by tech-savvy con artists and identity theft criminals. They use spam, fake websites constructed to look identical to real sites, email and instant messages to trick you into divulging sensitive information, like bank account passwords and credit card numbers. Once you take the phisher's bait, they can use the information to create fake accounts in your name, ruin your credit, and steal your money or even your identity.

Here are 10 things you can do to prevent these cyber-criminals from infecting your computer with viruses, malware or spyware:

1. Windows Updates: It's important for you to keep your OS up to speed in order to minimize the possibility of having worms or viruses compromise your system.

2. Software Updates: Make sure to get the latest fixes or versions of your favorite applications in order to never let hackers find the opportunity to infect your network and computer. Make sure that your web browsers and other web-based programs are given good upgrades or patches.

3. Anti-Virus Software: Running your machine without an anti-virus software—especially if it's regularly connected to the Internet—is downright suicidal in these modern, computer-virus-ridden times. Get one as soon as you can, and always confirm if its virus definitions are regularly updated.

4. Anti-Spyware Software: Spyware remains to be a continuous threat to computer users everywhere.

5. Switch to Macintosh: Macs get a pass for the simple fact that it's not as commonly targeted as, Windows-based computers.

6. Hacker-Controlled Websites: Common sense dictates that you should avoid going to bad neighborhoods, especially if you carry a lot of valuables. Avoid getting snared by dubious sites dedicated to porn, free downloads, online games, and so on; this way, there are less chances for you to be hacked.

7. Firewall: If you don't have a third-party firewall then it's highly recommended for you to activate your Windows firewall (available on all Windows versions from XP and up). Firewalls help filter your traffic, and there are some products that even filter both incoming and outgoing data streams.

8. Spam Email: Unsolicited messages should never be opened, and that goes double for unsolicited messages with file attachments. Fortunately, web-based email sites like Gmail have an extra layer of protection integrated in them although it's still not recommended for you to overly rely on them. When in doubt, just delete the message.

9. Data Backup: If you have critical data, work-related documents, or personal files, then you must back them up as often as possible, because you never know what will happen to your computer. From viruses to system crashes, these sensitive bits of information can be wiped clean from your hard drive in the blink of an eye, so it's best to always have a backup at hand.

10. Password Policies: The passwords you pick could mean the difference between a breached computer and a safe computer. At any rate, the most common recommendations when it comes to picking a password includes not using the same password on every one of your accounts, using combinations of letters and numbers, and making sure that your password is as arcane as possible without necessarily making it too difficult for you to remember it.

Never give out your password to anyone.


There is no way of completely protecting yourself 100% from computer viruses but if the above 10 measures are taken the likelihood of a virus infection on your network and computer will be greatly reduced.

Call iComputer if you suspect a computer virus infection. The certified technicians will remove all traces of the virus and install a good free anti-virus for no additional charge and even perform a hardware diagnostic to make sure everything is running smoothly.

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Background: Maintaining technology is not everyone's "cup of tea." Nevertheless, most of us would find life difficult without it. With the rapid and ever changing technological landscape, organizations and individuals are constantly challenged to maintain their day-to-day tools of efficiency—computers.

iComputer is a Denver, CO-based Asian-woman-owned small IT business. We provide hardware, software, and IT services for Mac and Windows platforms that keep you operationally effective. Our certified technicians provide expert network support honed by more than 15 years experience serving customers throughout the Metro Denver area—from large and small commercial businesses, to support for high security government projects and non-profit organizations. Because of our high level of expertise, iComputer is able to create, reproduce, modify, and test the software applications that "keep you in business."

Our mission is to exceed customer expectations for technical service, support and development by providing customized technology solutions that are cost and operationally effective. Further, we tailor workflow processes to the unique needs of our client/s. iComputer is dedicated to achieving 100% client satisfaction through transparency, open communication and quick response times. We strive to meet client needs, and when possible, pinpoint low-level technical issues before they become "major".

Our Premise: iComputer was founded to help small and large corporations organize and simplify their IT products and services. We recognize the importance of maintaining the critical technology systems that are an organization's life blood. Our goal is use innovative, industry leading technology and knowledge to provide an IT environment for our clients that is problem adverse and easy to maintain and monitor. And we deliver our services in a cost effective, prompt and responsible manner.

iComputer Services:

• Hardware service and support for laptops, desktops, printers, wireless devices, servers, storage systems, POS stations, and networking devices.

• Software support, troubleshooting and repair for Windows, Apple, Linux, and other platforms.

• IT and Network Design, Support and Management including the following:

o Complete support - 24/7 round the clock monitoring and availability for technical assistance
o Integrated solutions - we research, coordinate, and implement all of our clients' technologies
o IT security - including risk assessment and implementation of appropriate layered security systems to deflect threats
o Business Applications - we can help you choose the best business applications to streamline workflow and then we can monitor and manage these systems
o Virtualization - we support you with cost effective virtualization solutions that decrease hardware costs. We partner with our clients every step of the way from the early phase of a technical and business analysis and assessments through a proof of concept, pilot deployments, production roll-outs, and training and support.

• Software development with the following specialties:

o Custom software development
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o Software Testing & QA
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o Identifying architectural and design security flaws and applying appropriate mitigation measures

Our Goal:

iComputer is motivated to help solve your IT issues. Our technicians are prepared to support your requirements at your or our location. Give us a call; we're open to projects large and/or small. Let us prove that IT services need not be cost prohibitive or ineffective.

Contact Information

Sun Pak
Email: sun@icomputerdenver.com
Phone: 720-253-0092
Phone: 323-497-3133

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