Is your computer secure?

By Kim Edwards

Security is not an easy thing for the average consumer. The methods and procedures to ensure that you are not vulnerable to attacks are typically difficult and prone to configuration errors. With so many solutions out there, where does a consumer start?

Since Windows dominates the consumer market, let’s focus on securing this beast. Let’s use the analogy of physically securing one’s house. If I lock the door with my super expensive medico lock, but I leave my basement window open, am I secure? So I then lock all my windows, great I am now secure … Wrong!! The thief kicks on my door which has the expensive lock but I forgot to reinforce my door frame and within 5 big kicks, the thief is in. I reinforce my door to the point that the thief will need to drive a car through it. Haha, I showed that thief that he cannot mess with me … Wrong again!! The thief breaks my basement window and enters my house again. Now I need lock bars across all Windows and make it look like Alcatraz except people are trying to get in instead of out. I hope that you are starting to see my point.