ProtectYourComputer-StateofCalifornia.pdfVIP

Protect Your Computer from Viruses, Hackers, Spies Tips for Consumers Consumer Information Sheet 12 • January 2015 Today we use our computers to do so many things. We go online to search for information, shop, bank, do homework, play games, and stay in touch with family and friends. As a result, our com- puters contain a wealth of personal information about us. This may include banking and other financial records, and medical information – information that we want to protect. If your computer is not protected, identity thieves and other fraudsters may be able to get access and steal your personal information. Spammers could use your computer as a “zombie drone” to send spam that looks like it came from you. Malicious viruses or spyware could be deposited on your computer, slowing it down or destroying files. By using safety measures and good practices to protect your home computer, you can protect your privacy and your family. The following tips are offered to help you lower your risk while you’re online. 3 Install a Firewall 3 Use Anti-virus Software A firewall is a software program or piece of Anti-virus software protects your computer hardware that blocks hackers from entering from viruses that can destroy your data, slow and using your computer. Hackers search the down or crash your computer, or allow spammers Internet the way some telemarketers automati- to send email through your account. Anti-virus cally dial random phone numbers. They send protection scans your computer and your out pings (calls) to thousands of computers incoming email for viruses, and then deletes and wait for responses. Firewalls prevent your them. You must keep your anti-virus software computer from responding to these random