One of the banes of networks and office computer systems everywhere is the infiltration of problems like malware and viruses in the system and while the computers on such a network have virus protection that helps stop some of these malicious bugs from entering your system, there are still a few who can get in anyway. These often get in via other avenues like websites being browsed and seemingly harmless applications that people in your office may activate. Using an Internet filter in your system can help you prevent such things from happening, and you should use vulnerability scanning for you to pinpoint areas where these may insinuate themselves in.How do you get your network and your system an Internet filter and how do you enact vulnerability scanning to find out where threats to your system and network can easily get in? One of the things you can use when you need to protect your system from such threats is something called an anti-spam appliance or a unified threat management system. The use of penetration testing hardware can also help you keep your system’s walls up, so to speak, when it comes to such problems as viruses, malware, and other similar threats that can compromise your data and your network.When you get yourself an anti-spam appliance and penetration testing system, you are essentially setting up a safeguard for your network. This kind of safeguard includes certain functions like an Internet filter and vulnerability scanning. When you say that your system has a functioning Internet filter, you are actually saying that you are controlling the browsing capabilities of your employees or of the people who use the network. This means that sites that may seem harmful to your network are blocked from being viewed by anyone using the network to open these sites. The use of an Internet filter will not only stop harmful malware and spyware from penetrating your system via the computers of your employees, you also increase productivity by getting people to do more work and less leisurely browsing by restricting their access to such sites.Using a penetration testing appliance in conjunction with your spam and Internet filter hardware can help you find the areas where your system is most vulnerable to attacks from certain malicious entities that are out to hack into your network and to get information from you and your database and this may cost you a lot of money and even damage your business integrity. Vulnerability scanning, especially with the use of a penetration testing appliance, can show you which areas of your network and your system need to have more protection focused on and which areas are already protected from such harmful entities. You may need to activate certain safeguards that your employees may not like, like web and content filters, but then again, they too will suffer if your system gets compromised and your business goes down the drain because of a breach of your system’s protection and integrity.

The World Wide Web is useful and dangerous too! What most people may not know is that by connecting their computers to the internet they are setting themselves up as targets for thieves and unscrupulous people. The US government is taking steps towards inculcating an understanding of the importance of cyber security among citizens especially home computer users. Similarly DSL connection providers like Verizon are also making great efforts to provide secure connections.

DLS users like others need to protect their computer systems and private information stored on computers from cyber thieves and malicious hackers. Recent exercises such as the “Honeymoon Project” found that most computer systems can be hacked into between 3-5 days.

While DSL providers will have security systems in place it is best you take steps to protect yourself and your family and business. It is simple:

1. Install a firewall. It is software that recognizes unauthorized access and blocks it. What is more it prevents unauthorized movement of files from your computer too! This is important as a DSL connection means your computer is always connected to the internet and is susceptible to attack. A firewall must always be the latest version and configured properly to scan your system continuously.

2. Ensure that your anti virus software is functional and updated regularly. Never leave your computer system open to virus attacks. Not only are you putting your files and private information in jeopardy but also that of others who are in your address book and system. Cyber criminals steal credit card and bank information for personal financial gain. Ensure that your computer has the latest virus protection system in place. Be sure to renew the antivirus software license.

3. Configure your computer properly. If you don’t know how to do this seek the help of a trustworthy family member or friend. Use secure and original passwords. Its important to regularly change your password and create unique passwords that are a mix of words and numbers. Read through http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/technology/articles/cyberprimer_091802.htm .

4. Always used authentic operating systems and software. Pay the licensing fees and update your computer regularly with the latest vendor security patches. This will protect your computer system to the highest possible extent. See: http://www.cert.org/.

5. Always use safe e-mail practices. Most “bugs” attack your system through attachments. So never open emails with attachments from unknown sources. All attachments must be scanned before opening. Avoid opening attachments with file extensions like “.vbs.” P2P networks are dangerous as also downloading executable programs. Learn all you can about dangers termed as “Trojan horses.”

In order to protect yourself you need to learn as much as possible on computer security for home users. See: http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html . Protecting your system will make things difficult for hackers, attackers, and crackers. When shutting down your computer after use please make sure you have disconnected your system from the internet completely. This will ensure that attacks don’t happen while you are asleep.

Simple steps could save your life and money.