Is Your Valuable Computer Information Totally Safe and Protected? It Better Be! by Mark Brilliant

Nothing is more valuable than your information. Don’t risk its loss! In today’s computer and Internet World, you certainly recognize the value of the information on your computer. You know that your business – and personal – lives depend on it being safe, secure and protected. Do you really understand the risks you face by exposing your information online? Are you fully protected from viruses, spyware, hackers, identity theft and other new threats? In a simple risk/reward analysis, it is easy to see – and justify – having the AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection you need.

Nothing – I repeat nothing – is more valuable than your information. The prospect of its loss, use by others, or replacement is unimaginable.

NULL So, while the cost of the AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection you select is a factor, it should be a very minor one. Because the cost of lost or stolen information is incalculable. And the cost to remove infections can – and usually does – far exceed the cost of the protection itself. That is why I cannot stress enough the importance of having, updating and maintaining current, quality AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection. Whatever product(s) you choose to employ, it should offer complete, comprehensive protection, be easy to use, and keep your computer running at its optimum without any problems or intrusions. In the past few weeks there has been a very strong onslaught of e-mails with a .pdf file attached – which contain a virus that you do NOT want on your computer – it can both destroy your information and/or automatically send it to the intruder. Since the sender names, the subject, and the file names of this virus attack change each time, they are very difficult to stop. However, all the AntiVirus and AntiSpyware manufacturers are working on this problem and will have a solution shortly that will automatically update their programs. Of course, if you don’t have AntiVirus protection…

Regardless, remember, NEVER OPEN ANY E-MAIL UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, THAT IT WAS EXPECTED, OR YOU CAN VERIFY THE LEGITIMACY OF THE SENDER!

There are numerous AntiVirus and AntiSpyware options to choose from. They range from boxed solutions available in your local retail stores as well through Internet purchase, to solutions that can be ordered when you purchase a new computer, to continuous online/remote solutions. While any of these solutions can do the job, I recommend that it be a comprehensive PC/Internet security system that protects against hackers, viruses, worms, spyware and other dangerous Internet threats – in one package if possible. Another question I’m often asked is: Do You Need Anti-Virus Software for Your Handhelds? Direct viral attacks on handheld devices such as PDAs and Smartphones are still rare – but if you get your e-mails on them, they might still be vulnerable. So, next month I’ll discuss the necessity, as well as the ways, of protecting your PDAs or Smartphones in detail. Mark Brilliant P.S. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming Webinar in which I’ll be reviewing the PC Cleanup that I talked about last month.