The Content Maker

October 13th, 2008

What to Look for before You Purchase Spyware Software

Posted by admin in Universe Of Security

Huge number of spyware software applications are available in the market, some being offered as shareware while rest as freeware. (Shareware means a software available for download / CD, and can be used for a particular length of time, usually 30 days. Some are disabled as well). Before making a decision to purchase any such software we should check the reliability and should consider various attributes possessed by them and then select the best and the most appropriate one. The various attributes that one should consider to be the most important when purchasing spyware detection and removal software are -

The spyware software should include tools to enhance the ease of spyware detection and removal. The software should be able to offer descriptions of detected spyware so we can determine whether or not to keep each item. The software should also have auto-update and auto-scheduling capabilities. Auto-update facility ensures that we never forget to download latest spyware definition file. Auto-scheduling ensures that the system is scanned for these malicious codes at a defined interval. This means that even is the system user has changed, the computer is still safe from these spywares. There should be “undo” capabilities in case we accidentally delete something we actually need, and many other features as per individual requirements. The product should provide real-time protection from spyware. In other words, the software should help us prevent spyware installation instead of just removing it afterward. The product should be effective at finding and removing the many different types of spyware.

The product should be easy to use. Its features should be user friendly avoiding any technical jargon, not so easily understood by an average computer user. The user interface should be pleasing to look at, and more importantly, should offer the ease of navigation. The product should be easy to download and install, it should be comfortable enough for running and us to get it up without consulting a book or a tech support person.

There should be a help section installed with the product and should offer easy to understand answers to our questions. There should be someone we can call for support, and the support staff should respond quickly to our email questions. With the right solution for removing and detecting spyware in place, you can keep your computer privacy protected and PC ad-free.

Few top most Spyware software are- Spyware Eliminator, Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, MS AntiSpyware, Ad-Aware, McAfee, Pest Patrol, NoAdware, Spybot S&D. Best Personal Firewalls are- ZoneAlarm, Outpost Pro, Sygate Firewall, Norton Firewall, Norman Firewall, SurfSecret, Windows Firewall, BlackIce, Injoy, McAfee Firewall.

Computer security awareness is certainly on the improve however it is still amazing how many computer users leave themselves wide open to malicious attacks. Get more free info at: http://www.nichearticles.com/spyware/

October 13th, 2008

5 Tips For An Unbreakable Password

Posted by admin in Universe Of Security

Despite the current wave of identity theft and corporate security breaches it’s amazing how very few people treat their passwords with any level of seriousness. Most computers users, both at home and in the office, see passwords as a nuisance and therefore make them as easy to remember as possible. This can be a catastrophic mistake.

There are certain specific guidelines you need to follow to choose a safe and secure password. Use the following tips as a “how to” on making your password secure.

1. Your password must be alphanumeric. That simply means a mixture of numbers and letters such as xpf2778z. Why? When a hacker tries to break into a system they often use what are called dictionary or brute force hacks. A dictionary hack is an application that simply uses standard words and word combinations in an attempt to guess your password. For example many computer users use the word “password” as their actual password. A dictionary hack would crack that password in a few moments. Using alphanumeric passwords increases the number of possible password combinations by millions.

2. It should be 6 - 8 characters in length. The longer the password the harder it is for a hacking program to get around. If your password was abc then there are 6 possible password combinations. If your password was abc123 there are now over 720 password combinations possible. If your password was abc1234 there are now almost 6,000 possible combinations. Never, ever use a short password only comprised of letters.

3. Never use personal details in your password. People often use their home address, their age, husband or wives name, their social security number or their date of birth. These are incredibly easy to get access to by either a fellow employee or potential system hacker. Your password needs to be secure and hard to guess and personal details meet neither of these criteria.

4. Do not write your password down anywhere. Keeping a record of your password for somebody to find is as dangerous as keeping a copy of your ATM pin number in your wallet beside your ATM card. Create a memorable password that you’ll have no problem recalling. This is not as hard as it sounds and if you jot some password ideas down you’ll quickly come up with some good ones. Obviously burn the piece of paper you jotted your ideas down on.

5. Do not use the same password for more than 90 days. Create several variants of the same password and recycle them every 60 - 90 days. This adds an extra layer of security to your data. By recycling your password frequently you make your data 1000% more secure. You’ll notice that most large corporates force their employees to change their password every month for this exact reason.

Hopefully these tips will help you choose a password that’s both safe and secure and that you’ll have some fun creating your new passwords too!

EzineArticles Expert Author Niall Roche

If you need a review of the spam blocker you intend buying then check out Spam-Site.com for spam blocker reviews.

Next Entries »