Antivirus and Security
Online Security, what you need to know
The Internet not only provides information and entertainment; it also contains harmful programs that can invade and damage your computer if it's not properly secured. This is particularly true for computers running Microsoft software.
A computer that is connected to the Internet without sufficient security can be turned into a hacker's destructive tool. They can use your computer and internet connection to send spam and viruses without your knowledge. Your PC is also susceptible to damage: viruses can delete files, corrupt programs, and in some cases completely crash the PC. Your personal and/or business information may also be stolen: account numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, banking info, etc. Viruses can invade your machine through email attachments, by browsing certain web pages with an out-of-date browser, through instant messenger programs, java applets, software bugs, etc.
For more information please read Online Security (link goes to the Federal Trade Commission's web site).
What does Antietam Broadband do to protect you?
We inspect all incoming email for viruses and remove them at our server, before the email has a chance to reach your computer. We'll catch most of them, but we can't catch them all, so additional security is required. We also respond to all reports of virus activity originating from our customers, and we'll notify you if we suspect your computer or device has a virus. We will send a notification email to your @MyACTV.net email address. If the virus activity continues, we will temporarily suspend that account (until the issue can be resolved) to protect the rest of our customers and our network.
However, because of the volume of traffic on our system and the nature of viruses and other harmful programs, steps must be taken on your computer to ensure adequate security.
Keeping Your Computer Safe
- Install Antivirus software
- Keep it updated on a daily basis
- Run full system scans at least once a week
- Check for Windows Updates (or updates for your operating system)
- Install Critical Updates
- Install a firewall (optional, but recommended)
Antietam Broadband is proud to offer Antietam Protection Plan, a multi-tiered solution to protect your computer and the wires in your home. Antietam Protection Plan features anti-virus/Internet security, file storage, password protection, and in-home wire maintenance for just $3.95/month. Click here to learn more!
Antivirus software is an essential tool in securing your computer. A computer should not be connected to the Internet unless it has up to date antivirus software. Note that just having antivirus software is not enough; new viruses come out every day and your software must be kept up to date to be effective.
Antivirus software is relatively easy to install and there are even a few free antivirus programs available for download on the Internet. Once antivirus software is installed, it should be updated daily so it has all the latest updates for the newest threats. Most programs can be configured to update themselves automatically; check with the vendor for details on how to do this. It should also be setup to scan your entire PC at least once a week for viruses and to scan email attachments automatically.
Click here to see some of the most commonly used Antivirus programs.
Windows Updates should also be regularly installed to help secure your computers running Microsoft software. Windows updates not only fix bugs in the operating system but they correct security vulnerabilities that may otherwise leave your computer open to attack. Windows updates are easy to obtain and we recommend installing all critical updates on a regular basis.
Click this site: Windows Update and follow the online directions to find and install updates for your Microsoft software.
Firewalls can help keep out hackers, viruses and other malicious programs. Recent Microsoft operating system releases come with a firewall built in. They can also be implemented as an additional piece of hardware or as software running on your computer. Prices usually start low for the home user but can quickly grow with added features and complexity. Please note that firewalls require a knowledge of networking and the TCP/IP protocols.
Click here for some links to popular firewall vendors.