Page 37 - IT Essentials And Data Recovery For Online Businesses

Protecting Yourself And Your Business

You’re probably aware issues such as computer viruses, cyber attacks, spyware,

adware and more. Do not access the Internet before you have a firewall and virus
protection in place.

Windows XP has its own integrated firewall, but many I.T. professionals have

doubts about effectiveness. In a recent article for Tech Republic, Mike Mullins points
out that while Windows XP does an adequate job of monitoring incoming

information, but is less effective when a program on your computer attempts to
initiate an outgoing connection to any Internet address. In fact, by the time

Windows alerts you, the connection has already occurred. According to Mullins:

“…a firewall mechanism that only works one way is a security feature
— not a firewall. Thanks to viruses, worms, Trojans, and a host of

other malware and spyware that arrive on your computer daily, you

need to be able to control communications from both directions.”

The bottom line: while Windows security is better than nothing at all, you’ll

definitely need a “real” firewall that requires minimal monitoring from you. The

Firewall Guide (http://www.firewallguide.com) has some good information on the
various firewalls, virus protection, and other security tools that are available for
free as well as purchase. In addition, you’ll learn about email clients and browsers

that can be used as an alternative to those integrated into the Windows OS.

One free utility that is practically indispensable is Ad-Aware SE. This is not an anti-
virus program, but one that allows you to monitor the ad-ware and spy-ware that is

frequently deposited on your hard drive by commercial web sites. These are used to

track surfers’ Internet usage. Unchecked, these little bits of code accumulate on the
hard drive and can eventually wreak havoc to the point where the computer won’t