“Today, no telephone in America makes a call without leaving a record with the NSA. Today, no Internet transaction enters or leaves America without passing through the NSA’s hands” – NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden.
As NSA leaks continue to fill the headlines, painting an increasingly claustrophobic reality of the world wide web dragnet, computer security has become ever-appealing to the masses. Unfortunately, countless agencies including the TSA now have illegal access to vast amounts of American’s personal data. Not only that, everyday people fall victim to identity thieves and hackers. While computer security is an often daunting task, here are the simplest beginning steps to increase your computers security.
BEGINNER
1. Malware Scanner
The first step in protection is prevention. Malware, short for malicious software, is usually in the form of worms or trojans, used to steal private information from your computer. A free and powerful Malware scanner is “Malwarebytes.” Running the program once a week can keep one free from a wide-range of threats.
Click Photo To Download (Windows)
2.Virus Scanner
Along with Malware, viruses, a specific type of malware, can cause havoc on a computer if allowed to replicate. A simple and free program such as Avast! can protect your computer in real-time as well as detect hidden viruses with regular scans. Make sure your firewall is configured to work with all virus and malware scanners.
Click Photo To Download (Windows, MAC)
3. CCleaner
CCleaner is a privacy, cleaning and system optimization tool. Scheduled scans can remove unused system files as well as clean out your internet history, cookie history, cache, temporary internet files and much more with just one click. While many believe simply placing items into the Recycle Bin is enough to remove them, CCleaner can overwrite files up to 35 times. Other tools include a registry cleaner to keep your computers speed up to par.
Click Photo To Download (Windows)
4. Root Kit
A rootkit is an advanced stealth type of software, normally undetectable by normal virus and malware scanning programs. One placed on a computer, outside sources may obtain the ability to gain full control over a system. Although rare, it never hurts to check. Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit program is an easy way to quickly check your computer.
Click Photo To Download (Windows)
5. Solutions
Protecting and keeping your computer maintained is the first step in securing your information. Although this is an important step, this is only the beginning, as most information is obtained through internet activity. Storyleak.com will continue to bring you solutions, including how to increase your security while surfing the web, and even your personal security while on the go.
The most important step anyone can take is to speak out! Unless the people demand accountability by directly approaching their elected representatives and the surveillance state itself, our freedoms will continue to deteriorate.
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Source: Storyleak