Tip #1: Physical Security – The first step of security is to make sure that your computer is in a safe place.  If you are a small business owner, then you want to make sure your office is always locked after hours and that you have some type of alarm security.  Second of all, you will want to make sure you have all of your network equipment and any servers that you may have locked in a closet.  Remember – you can have the best software security in the world but if your PC is physically accessible to a “bad” human being then all of that software security suddenly becomes money thrown out the window.

Tip#2: Protect Your Data – The next thing is to focus on is keeping your data files secure.  First of all you need to make sure you are backing up your data.  Then place these data backups in a locked safe; preferably offsite from your business or home.  Antivirus firewall software can help with virus and hacker security but it can’t necessarily save your data.  Then you should use software like Folder Castle which helps you hide data from snoopers (whether they are family members or real internet snoopers).  This type of software hides the files from view and will also encrypt your files to keep hackers from deciphering your data.

Tip#3: Use Internet Security Software – We recommend every PC owner to invest in an Internet Security Software suite, like ZoneAlarm or BitDefender.  These software bundles have antivirus, firewall, antispyware, IM Security, and parental control programs that fight against viruses, other malicious code, and internet hackers.

Tip#4: Email – Do not open up email that come from distrusted or unknown sources.  Many viruses come via email.

Tip#5: Attachments – Do not open attachments that look suspicious or have unexpected subjects, even if they are from someone you may know.  Many worms come from Email attachments and quickly spread throughout the internet via your contact list in your Email program.

This is a quick start in protecting your computer from a security viewpoint.  Of course, even if you don’t do any of the rest of the tips, we recommend installing antivirus firewall software as soon as possible.

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ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009:

• Antivirus: The Kaspersky virus scanning engine has improved their antivirus software by adding fast scan times, real-time email virus scanning, detection of stealth viruses.  This suite has implemented Instant Virus Recognition which catches viruses as soon as they enter your computer and before they get a chance to replicate.
• Firewall: This firewall has been a constant standard for the last ten years.  Unbelievably, it even gets better in the ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 suite.  The auto-learn mode (which they have had previously) has improved greatly and in many test cases has identified every form of malicious traffic sent its way.  This auto-learning increases its ease of use which is a big item in our minds because firewalls can often be very tricky to configure. 
• Antispyware: The antispyware software has added an OSFirewall feature that detects and destroys spyware while it tries to install itself.  This feature is able to detect everything from Trojan horses to rootkits to worms.  The deep scanner that is included in the antivirus firewall software scanner is very effective in preventing spyware from gathering personal information.
• Extra Security and Features: The extras that have been added to this software suite are IM security, myVAULT, popup blockers, ad blockers, flash ad blockers, and parental controls.  IM security works with all major IP clients.  MyVAULT keeps passwords and personal data protected and encrypted. 

Overall, this software suite was rated the best internet security software by our staff.  We have always ranked ZoneAlarm’s firewall as the best software firewall that is out on the SOHO market.  Now that they have added Kaspersky’s virus scanning engine, we feel they have created a software suite that is very hard to beat.  A home user or a small office will introduce a top of the line security suite if they install ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009.  The auto-learn feature of their firewall is a huge difference maker in our decision as well as the ease of use of their antivirus software.  This product is definitely a top antivirus firewall software package.    

Related posts:

1. Evaluating Internet Security Software
2. Internet Security Software Overview