How I Protect my Devices and Computer from Internet Threats

By Naota

Date: 4/18/2012

Devices: iPod Touch, Windows 7 Desktop, Windows 7 Laptop, Nokia Lumia 900

Remember back when it was safe to browse the internet? Neither do I. I do however, remember a time when it was only PCs that needed protection. These days, even mobile devices need all the security they can get. In fact, I am starting to wonder if I need security for my new Smart TV! It is time for Security 101. Here is what I do to protect my desktop and mobile devices from threats on the internet.

One.  Be mindful of pop-ups and ads.

This sounds kind of straight forward at first.  Many ads and pop-ups try to get users to download things. Be careful of fake sites that tell you that you have a virus and pretend to scan your computer.  Do not hit every flashy download button.  Even reputable companies like CNET can have ads that pretend to be download buttons.  Sites like Dell even have ads that look like they are part of your order. Sure these may not always be malicious, but you might get tricked into spending more money.

So what do you do? Step 1. Would be to update to one of the latest popular browsers. The latest versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Opera would be good options. If you are on a version of Windows earlier than Vista with SP2 then go ahead get Firefox or Chrome. Why? These browsers have modernized methods of preventing forced downloads and installs.  They also have more compatibility with modern security software.  It also helps that they have a pop-up blocker that will block some pop-ups unless the user requests them to load.

Ok great so now what? Well if you feel like you have trouble knowing which links are real or are ads, then I would suggest getting an adblocker.  Google Chrome and Firefox both have adblocker Plus.  This is a great blocking program.

Downloading can be quite dangerous.  Always read product reviews/comments before downloading them.  There are plenty of programs that users have downloaded and gotten viruses, spyware, malware, or the program corrupted their machine.  If this happened, there is a significant chance that the user could have posted a negative review of the file.  If it is just one person with a problem out of a few hundred reviews then it’s probably fine.  However, if a bunch of people have similar issues, then you might need to worry. 

This is especially true for the mobile appstores now.  Even malicious programs can get through the Apple Appstore Great Wall.  Less restricted Appstores like the Android’s and Windows Phone 7 are even more vulnerable.  Simply put, putting in a minute to look at reviews can save you hours of time fixing everything that went wrong.

Three. Shop at sites with security certificates, and that are well-known

Sure I said that well-known sites can have bad ads, but it doesn’t mean that site you are looking at is bad itself.   When shopping on your mobile device or computer, be mindful that a site has an up-to-date security certificate.  Security certificates help the user know that they are at the real website and not a fake one.  If they have an expired certificate or do not have one when you go to create an account, log-in, and/or make a purchase, that is a big warning signal.

Four. Save yourself the hassle and heartache.  Protect yourself all-around.

It can be a scary world out there.  Protect yourself with an all-in-one security solution.  Make sure the security solutions update their virus definitions and program capabilities regularly, search for malware, spyware, joke programs, Trojans, keyloggers, cookies,the works!  Your security solution should be able to check your search results to give your warnings about sites, should be able to identify spoofing websites, and have a firewall that allows customization.  It is important that your security solution is real-time and that it doesn’t take up too many resources.   Make sure you schedule it to regularly scan your entire machine.

If you’re like me, you’re addicted to your smartphone, tablet, maybe even your laptop. What is your best tip for keeping all of your devices protected? Comment below and you’ll be entered to win a $400 Amazon gift card from Kaspersky Lab.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kaspersky. The opinions and text are all mine.