Security Software

Protecting your computer, network and information

The Internet has fast become a global community – a meeting place for culture, commerce, entertainment and information. But like any community, it has the potential to be dangerous, both to you and to your computer. Without the protection of security software, connecting to the Internet is like leaving your car unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

The term security software refers to a number of programs designed to keep a personal computer (PC) or computer network safe. This includes antivirus software, spyware removal software, firewall software and encryption software. Not all computers or networks will require all of these security devices, but each offers protection against a certain type of danger, so knowing what risks you're exposed to will help determine which Internet security software is right for you.

Antivirus software protects your computer from viruses – harmful programs that "infect" a computer and interfere with its data or function. Like the biological agents they're named for, computer viruses can reproduce themselves and may be spread to other computers through Internet connections, downloads, shared files and external inputs such as floppy disks and USB drives.

Spyware removal software helps detect and remove spyware – an application that secretly monitors your Internet activities (surfing time, sites visited, etc.) and then uses the data to show you advertisements related to your searches. Often hidden in free software downloads (especially P2P software), this adware or malmare, as it is sometimes called, may also scan personal information (such as email addresses, passwords – even credit card numbers) and could potentially alter your computer's operations (such as resetting the default home page on your Web browser) or cause pop-up ads to fill your screen.

Like the physical structure it was named after, a firewall protects the overall structure (in this case, a computer or network) from further damage when a fire (i.e., a hacker or a malicious program) occurs in a particular area. In other words, a computer firewall is software and/or hardware that keeps external parties from accessing your computer via the Internet. Firewalls are fairly standard network computer security software, but they can provide added protection for personal computers as well.

For computers storing particularly sensitive information, encryption software is the last bastion of security. Encryption software makes the information in a file or email message unreadable to anyone without the key. It can be used to protect files on hard drives, floppy disks, USB keys and other removable storage media, as well as those sent via email or as packets over a computer network. Most people looking for basic PC security software won't need this level of protection, but it is essential for anyone handling sensitive data like credit card numbers.

For the average user, a good antivirus and spyware removal program is generally enough protection. Small business owners may want to further protect their business data with a firewall and, depending on the nature of the data, encryption software, as well.

Is free security software trustworthy?

While it's possible to find free security software online, be aware that there are risks to doing so. First, you often get what you pay for when it comes to free antivirus software and the like. These programs do a decent job of protecting you from common risks, but they do not offer the degree of protection you would get from buying a security software license from a trusted provider.

Second, you put yourself at risk when you search for terms like "free antivirus software." The sites that will come up in your search engine results are not all trustworthy. After all, the best way for those making viruses and other malicious software to target unprotected computers is to disguise their viruses as security software.

Whatever security measures you choose, the important thing to remember is that software security is only one part of protecting your computer and the information on it. Use passwords that aren't easily guessed, change your passwords often and, of course, never share them. And the best way to protect private information is to make sure that it isn't stored on a network server or even on a computer. Exercise sound judgment and good care when using your computer and the Internet; couple that with up-to-date security software, and you'll be well protected as you explore the online community.