Risky Computer Behavior Opens the Door to Attacks With the explosion of the internet and the tens of thousands being added to the world-wide computer community every day, cyber criminals are becoming a bigger threat to our safety and peace of mind. Of course, we've all heard about the need for anti-virus and firewall protection, but very few people understand that these measures are not completely fool proof. There is no piece of hardware or software than can fully protect your computer from every possible threat, simply because those threats are evolving and being created anew every day. Making things worse is the risky behavior many computer users engage in. Behavior that increases the chances of a successful security breach. The following is a list of 5 of the most common risky behaviors and what to do about them.

LEAVING THE COMPUTER RUNNING 24/7
The vast majority of computers around the world are connected to the internet via DSL or broadband connections. In such cases the computer is connected to the internet whenever it's running and the modem is on. You don't have to be surfing the web, checking email, or downloading files to be connected.

Leaving the computer on is risky because malicious software is often programmed to scan the internet looking for vulnerable machines. Any user who leaves his computer running unattended is a potential open door for new threats that have not yet been dealt with. Not only is this is by far the most common risky behavior, it's also the easiest to correct. Just like we lock our homes and cars, your computer should receive no less security treatment. Turn off your computer when not in use.

PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) DOWNLOAD SITES
Peer-to-peer downloading has become so popular that few users realize the risks involved. Connecting to a P2P network means connecting your computer to millions of strangers all across the globe. You have no way of knowing who these people are, what their intentions are, or how much knowledge they have of computers and security. Just like the over-crowded and unsanitary cities of old Europe were breeding grounds for the plague, P2P networking is the cyber equivalent of today. Avoid this type of activity, you'll greatly reduce your security vulnerability.

INTERNET RELAY CHAT (IRC) AND INSTANT MESSAGING (IM)
Like P2P networking, IRC and IM are activities that open you up to many security risks. Back door and hidden attacks are rare due to the way IRC and IM software is written, but attacks are still possible through deceptive practices like file sharing and phishing. Users of IRC and IM should never use these programs to download or share files. Personal information should also never be disclosed in a chat room or one-on-one chat. Though conversations may appear to be private they are easily hacked by an experienced cyber criminal.

OPENING AND PASSING ON EMAIL ATTACHMENTS
One of the most popular methods of spreading malware is through email. Viruses, worms, etc. can all be disguised as documents, videos, or music files, ready to attack when the recipient tries opens them. Often the user will see what appears to be just a normal video for example, unaware that it contains a bug. In his enthusiasm to share it with friends, he forwards it on to his entire address book. To prevent this, simply do not open attachments unless you and the sender have agreed it's safe. Don't, under any circumstances, open attachments from strangers.

FAILURE TO KEEP ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE CURRENT
Just about every new PC comes with an anti-virus package pre-installed. Unfortunately, these programs are often trial versions which expire within a short period of time. Once the program has expired it may still continue to run, but it will no longer update its definitions or system files. Anti-virus software that is not kept current is useless. Make sure yours is current and automatic updates are enabled.