Computer security is a very serious issue that everyone should be aware of. It is wrong to think that only the rich or prominent people are targeted by cyber-criminals and other people with malicious intentions. Some may be aware of computer security and protection and think or assume that they are protected, but in reality, they may still be at risk.

Computer Protection Myths and Facts

Computers have their own share of “urban legends”. Here are some of the most common computer protection myths put side-by-side with the corresponding facts debunking them.

• Myth: With millions of Internet users all over the world now, the chances of your computer being attacked or compromised is very low or almost zero.
• Fact: It is true that there are millions of Internet users, but the chances of your computer being compromised is still significantly high. DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, viruses, worms, and other forms of malware easily spread on the Internet, and your computer is no exception. It is easy to attack thousands or even millions of computers with the current technology today.

• Myth: Computer viruses can infect a computer even without being run or executed.
• Fact: Computer viruses can only spread and infect a computer when it is run or executed.When you have a virus in your hard drive or USB flash drive, it cannot infect other files or your computer unless you click it; however, virus programmers disguise these viruses by tricking users into clicking or running it.

• Myth: Surfing the Internet is safe and harmless and it is impossible to get viruses unless you download files into your computer.
• Fact: It is still possible that malware can make it onto your computer, especially if you don’t have an updated Internet browser, or even if you simply use the Internet for surfing. Spyware, drive-by downloads, and other malware can infect your computer even if you just surf the net. (Tips on how to get rid of malware)

• Myth: Antivirus software will keep me protected. As long as I have it, I don’t have to worry.
• Fact: This is partly true. Antivirus software can keep you protected from viruses and some other malware like trojans and sometimes spyware; however, your computer is not protected from other forms of malware and Internet-based attacks. Also, if your antivirus is not updated, your computer is at a higher risk of getting compromised.

• Myth: Hackers will not hack my computer because there is nothing important stored on it.
• Fact: You may think that your computer does not have anything important stored on it, but there are actually lots of file that are indeed integral for your daily transactions. Personal information, online banking transactions, user names and passwords to various websites, and credit card numbers are just some of the information available on a typical computer. Also, even if your computer has none of this information, it can also be used as a drone to attack other computers. Even if you have no knowledge of that illegal activity, you can still be held responsible in some degree because the attacks may originate from your machine.

• Myth: Having a firewall is sufficient to keep your computer secure.
• Fact: This one is partly true. A firewall alone cannot completely protect your computer from hackers and malware. It is just one piece of security software that won’t be effective by itself.

• Myth: I know what is installed in my computer, so I know my computer is safe.
• Fact: This is very wrong. The majority of malware hides its presence from the user, so that their activities cannot easily be detected. Rootkits, trojans, and other backdoor malware are just some of the malware that may be in your computer already without your knowledge. (Learn how to detect a rootkit.)

• Myth: I don’t need to secure my computer because no security incident has occurred.
• Fact: Again, you may not know that your computer has been compromised because malware typically hides activities from the user. As the saying goes — “prevention is better than the cure”. You do not have to wait until the damage is done.

• Myth: Computer and Internet security is only for experts and businesses.
• Fact: Anyone can secure their computer with the right security software. A lot of the software today is designed to be very simple and easy to configure and use. Some don’t even have to be configured at all. All the user has to do is to install the software and the rest is done automatically.

• Myth: Security software is very expensive to buy and maintain.
• Fact: It may be true that commercial security software may cost you money; however, there are other alternatives. There is cheaper commercial software as well as freeware and open source security software. Price is not always the basis of the performance of a particular security software. Plus, what seems expensive now may seem cheap later when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a virus, identity theft, or another attack.

• Myth: Using security software will slow down your computer.
• Fact: This may be partly true because this software constantly monitors your computer to keep you secure; however, if your computer’s specs meet at least the minimum system requirements of the software, you will almost never experience any slowdown.

A complete security software system is composed of an antivirus, firewall, and antispyware software. Some companies even sell Internet security suites that have all-in-one security packages. With these tips, your computer will be protected.

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