If you have a PC or a Laptop which connects to the internet, then you are vulnerable to a variety of threats ranging from viruses, spyware, and phishing scams. There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself however.
1) Always keep your PC up to date with Microsoft Updates.
2) Install Anti Virus software on your PC and keep it up to date. If you can't afford to pay for Anti Virus software then you can download a reasonable free package called AVG. You should be able to find this using Google.
3) Beware of suspicious looking emails and attachments. If you don't know who the email is from, then there is a good chance it is not genuine. Junk/Spam Email filters are pretty good but not always 100% effective so some may slip through into your Inbox from time to time - if you are unsure, then delete it. Also, never respond to requests for Personal Information such as Bank Details. No Bank would actually ask you to confirm your identity in such a way.
4) Be careful what you click on when using the Internet. Not everything that you see as the result of a Google search is necessarily safe. Try to stick to well known, reputable websites wherever possible.
5) Back up your data regularly. External Hard Drives and USB sticks are widely available now and reasonably priced. They are easy to use and and great way to ensure that your data is protected should your PC be attacked by a Virus.
6) If you use a Wireless Router to access the Internet, make sure it is security enabled and password protected. It is astonishing how many unsecured wireless networks there are out there and how easy they are to access. If your Wireless Network is not secure, then all sorts of people could be accessing it and using your Internet Connection.
There are some really spiteful people out there who can do quite a bit of damage to your computer and your data. By taking precautions such as those above, you can really minimize the risk of something like this happening to you.
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