Security Software
Security software is critical to all computer users whether it is your own home computer or your computer at work. Currently, there are more sophisticated cyber attacks than ever before so it is important to protect your laptops, tablets, or smartphones with the best security software possible. There are many good security software in the market, some are free as you can download from the internet but I would be caution here. It is absolute important that you know about the company behind these security software as the quality and reputation are critical. Many “unknown” free download software could be tools where hackers used to lure you in installing their virus or worms on your computer to infect your friends or your company. Many “free” applications and tools do have “backdoors” where hackers can use them to access to your computer when they want. When you first use them, they are “Clean” but later, hackers can get access to install virus, worms or malicious code, so you have to be careful.
Students often ask me whether they should buy security software application or using the free application such as Microsoft’s Essential. The issue is not all security software are the same. Some are very good and some are not. Some are constantly updated with the latest virus prevention and some are not so it is your choice to select the best for your computer. What you need is the reputation of the company who can support their products for a long time. You must select company that has the best technology and resources to continue to update their software against new threats. Today computing security is no longer about hackers to gain access into your computer but they can use your computer to launch an attack on governments, companies, industries etc.
Basically you get what you are willing to pay for. Sometime, the security need is important enough to warrant the cost. Be very careful when you share software and tools with others, some may not be as secured as you think.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
