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Welcome to the glass house!!! Surf all you want but know that any unprotected information you put in the net can be accessed by those that make it their business. You are as exposed as if you live in a glass house. Pros at data scooping have all the tools to do this and because you cannot see them, you feel safe. But they are there and their tools can easily shut down even some managed networks. Such tools are usually referred to as malware....remember malevolent? Malware includes viruses which propagate with the support of a host file, worms which are self propagating and use the network connections of your computer or e-mail services to infect other computers, spyware and adware which are slipped into your computer without your consent. This happens when you access some websites and these malware are there to spy on your browsing so companies can target their advertising to your interests. However, the worst of these steal confidential information such as credit cards, banking data, passwords and anything their clients can use. Here's how you can put some curtains in your glass house:
Step 1:

Install effective antivirus software and keep this updated to detect newer malware. There are some free ones that are quite effective and there are many         commercial ones you can install for a fee with constant updates to protect your     computer. Make sure though that they are compatible with your system as they can create their own problems affecting the performance of your computer.

Step 2:

Open only e-mail and e-mail attachments from known sources. If these are not      from your address book or contact list, stop...be careful. If possible, download files only from known sources. Sometimes, people in our contact list may unwittingly get their computer infected so when you get ads from them all of a sudden or e-mails you are not comfortable about, chances are malware is at work. Don't hit reply.      Contact the person or just delete the e-mail.

Step 3:

Download automatic updates for your operating software. This will ensure that your operating system and software work effectively. As vendors discover some problems in their software, they send you patches to resolve these.

Step 4:

Use very strong passwords for all accounts. To make your passwords stronger, sites usually recommend including letters and numbers with some letters in capital. Don't leave your front door unlocked or curtains in the glass house won't help at all.

Step 5:

Configure installed applications. Learn how to do this or ask someone reliable to install applications for you to ensure maximum level of security.

Step 6:

Enable a personal firewall in your computer.

Step 7:

When people share files with you, ask them to send it by e-mail. It is better not to allow anyone to use pen drives, CD ROMs or diskettes in your computer and don't use your pen drive in other computers. E-mail is more reliable.

Step 8:

Do regular maintenance in your computer. Also, sign out each time you use a site. Delete cookies, files, browsing history.

Keep thinking of that glass house! Upgrade the glass to bullet proof. Put up curtains. Check your locks...or you are completely exposed....and it will cost you.

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