You’ve probably heard warnings on the news or gotten e-mail messages- another virus is loose and headed for your PC. As we’ve all realized by now, having access to the Internet can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

Although the Internet provides you with a world of information, malicious people can send you destructive files. Sometimes these files contain embedded viruses or Trojan horses. Like the original Trojan horse, a Trojan horse on your computer is a file that looks harmless on the outside, but contains hidden functions that damage your PC.

If your PC or your network have broadband (high-speed) access to the Internet you must have a firewall. A firewall is a system of hardware or software that sits between the Internet and your PC or network. It controls access between the two entities. Even if you connect to the Internet via a modem you can still be a target to hackers. Personal firewall software is available to protect your computer from unauthorized access to your PC from the Internet to make sure a Trojan Horse does not copy files or confidential information from your PC. Your PC’s must also be protected by anti-virus software. Anti-virus software should be a standard part of all PC’s that access the Internet. This software detects and repairs files that contain viruses. Currently there are over 48,000 known viruses. Updates to detect newly discovered viruses are regularly available for downloading by the software manufacturers.  Make it a habit to do this at least once a month.  Lastly, business PC’s need to have content filtering software. Content filtering software blocks objectionable web sites by computers on the network. Content categories can be set by administrators (pornography, racism, criminal act, sports, shopping, etc.) based on individual needs.  Software is available for each individual function or suites of software can provide all three functions. Hardware devices are also available that can provide protection without loading software on each PC.  Applied Computer Technology specializes in protecting networks and PC's from Internet threats.

Applied Computer Technology is now a member of Infragard a joint effort between the FBI and business the inform, educate, and protect corporate computer networks from computer viruses, espionage, and other electronic threats.