How did you assure that your're secured when browsing??

Understanding the Basic Concepts of Network and System Devices        

                                                 

Network devices such as routers, firewalls, gateways, switches, hubs, and so forth create the infrastructure of local area networks (on the corporate scale) and the Internet (on the global scale). Securing such devices is fundamental to protecting the environment and outgoing/incoming communications. You also have to be aware of security risks and controls available in the public switched telephone networks (PSTN) infrastructure because PSTNs are often used for computer communications. This section of the chapter introduces the security concepts applicable to physical devices, network topologies, and storage media.

TURN OFF FIREWALL

In computing, a firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external network, such as the Internet.

INSTALL ANTIVIRUS

antivirus software is a type of utility used for scanning and removing viruses from your computer. While many types of antivirus (or "anti-virus") programs exist, their primary purpose is to protect computers from viruses and remove any viruses that are found.

Most antivirus programs include both automatic and manual scanning capabilities. The automatic scan may check files that are downloaded from the Internet, discs that are inserted into the computer, and files that are created by software installers. The automatic scan may also scan the entire hard drive on a regular basis. The manual scan option allows you to scan individual files or your entire system whenever you feel it is necessary.

While antivirus software is primarily designed to protect computers against viruses, many antivirus programs now protect against other types of malware, such as spyware, adware, and rootkits as well. Antivirus software may also be bundled with firewall features, which helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Utilities that include both antivirus and firewall capabilities are typically branded "Internet Security" software or something similar.

Here are some additional tips to help keep you safe and secure online:

Use a firewall - Mac and Windows have basic desktop firewalls as part of their operating system that 1.can help protect your computer from external attacks.

2.Use public wireless hot-spots wisely - follow these tips (link is external) for staying safe.

3.Be conscientious of what you plug in to your computer (flash drives and even smart phones can contain malware).

4.Be careful of what you share on social networking sites.

5.Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

6.Bank or shop online only on trusted devices and networks - and logout of these sites when you've completed your transactions.