Pushing the power button on our
computer, tablet or mobile device initiates our television endorphins
that have for years allowed us as viewers to passively watch our
favorite programs. Right now, any one of us can think about a
favorite TV show that captures our attention. With a push of a
button, and a little channel surfing, the screen is soon filled with
our favorite actors or program of interest.
So, now imagine, instead of settling
into that comfy chair, you must put on layers and layers of
protective gear, before it is safe to watch your favorite program! Well, of
course, that's just crazy, right? Or is it, really? Sitting in front of the television has always been a passive
sport. Hasn't it? With the exception of someone yelling at the
television on game day, the television experience is passive, right? So, what am I getting at? What I'm getting at is that none of us really feel the need to put on a full metal jacket
before pressing the on button.
The passive you and me, then press the
power button on our computer, tablet or smart phone and we expect to
have a similar passive experience as we had as a TV viewer. It is at this point, that our
television endorphins kick-in and mislead us to think that switching
on our computing device is going to be the same passive experience as
watching television. Not so – not by a long shot! No matter what
your television endorphins are telling you, computing is a full metal
jacket experience!
What is meant by full metal jacket
relates to the dangers that lurk on your computer or mobile device
and what steps are needed (i.e., security, anti-virus, anti-malware) to insure that when you or I turn on our device, an intruder has not
made off with our sensitive information, or rendered our device
inoperable. Online banking has become a necessary reality for most of
us, but even if your computer or mobile device isn't used for online
banking, it is a good idea to take the necessary steps to protect you
and your family from potential predators. So, while television has
conditioned us to a degree to be more passive and less interactive
experience, our computing life requires a different degree of
participation.
OK, so here are a few important tips and questions to ask yourself before you turn on your computing device the next time.
- Do I have unknown pop ups suggesting I buy an Anti-virus software? Many times this is a sign that your computer or device is infected by a fake or misleading program masquerading as an anti-virus program.
- Am I being redirected to unknown websites, when I open my browser? This is often a sign that your computer or device is infected with malware.
- Is my computer or device acting unusual or odd? Sometimes, your computer can be used by a rogue program to carry out attacks on other computers, or to send spam.
- If I have anti-virus installed on my computer, why isn't it working? Not all anti-virus programs are effective. It has been my experience that many of the more popular anti-virus programs that come installed on many systems are not reliable. Don't choose an anti-virus program, because you like the name, or because it came with your computer.
- Am I having trouble getting my email, or am I losing emails? Viruses and malware can cause file corruptions that can keep you from accessing your email or scan for private information.
- Am I unsure about updates needed on my computer? Updates are necessary to help protect your computer from intruders, yet some updates are misleading such as when you are prompted to update your media player, flash player or drivers, when visiting a website.
- Do I have someone I can trust to evaluate the security on my computer or smart device? If you do not have someone that you can trust to evaluate your security for your computer, tablet or smart device, your computer or device may be compromised leaving you or your family vulnerable to an unwelcome virus, trojan, worm or malware attack.
Thanks! That's all for this time. Keep in mind
that next time you power up your computer or smart mobile device,
that it is a full metal jacket experience and requires effective
security and protection.None of us can afford to be couch potatoes any longer, when it comes to securing our computer or mobile device. Don't put it off any longer. Addressing your computer's security is no
longer an option, it is your best course to better computing.
