Free Security Tools for Staying Safe Online
As I shop online this holiday season trying to seek out the best prices, I realize how many “online deals” I’ve received in my email inbox. As I start going through the emails, I begin to wonder, “Have I really signed up for all of these email offers?” More importantly, however, how am I supposed to know which emails are legitimate and which are waiting to infect my machine with the latest malware threats? Although most of us should know by now that we shouldn’t click on unsolicited links, there are other malicious threats – like “drive-by downloads” – where your machine can become infected with malware by just visiting a website or viewing an email message. With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful to highlight some free security software tools that I use that can help keep you safe from the latest online cyber threats.
Cloudmark DesktopOne
Cloudmark DesktopOne blocks malicious email and serves as an added layer of protection, even if you already use a spam filter. The product continuously filters email and webmail to eliminate spam and protect against phishing and email-borne viruses. It empowers users to block, unblock and scan messages easily to determine their own level of protection and message delivery.
Cool Fact: Cloudmark DesktopOne won an Editor’s Choice award from PCMag.com for Best Anti-Spam Software.
ESET Online Scanner
ESET Online Scanner is used to remove malware from any PC utilizing only your web browser without having to install antivirus software. ESET Online Scanner uses the same ThreatSense® technology and signatures as ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus, and is always up-to-date. Since using antivirus is also a crucial component to staying safe online, you can also try a free 30-day trial of ESET NOD32 Antivirus or ESET Smart Security by visiting www.eset.com.
Password Corral
Password Corral from Cygnus Productions is a password-management tool that can help you remember your online passwords and protect them with strong encryption. It’s the answer to creating better, more secure passwords for your online accounts.
Fun Read: The top ten most used passwords
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/21/worst-internet-passwords_n_431055.html
Qualys Browser Check
Qualys BrowserCheck is a tool that scans your browser looking for potential vulnerabilities and security holes in your browser and its plugins. This tool will also help you fix the security issues discovered by the scan. With the number of vulnerabilities in browser plugins on the rise, it is important to be proactive about the security of your web browser.
Side Note: I recently bought a new computer and was shocked to find out that many of my browser plugins were already out-of-date!
SlimWare Utilities
SlimComputer and SlimCleaner work together to improve overall computer performance. With new computers coming pre-loaded with promotional software, trial offers, etc., SlimComputer removes unneeded programs, start-up entries and services and slims down your new machine to make it run faster. SlimCleaner lets you clean and optimize Windows systems using a crowd-sourced approach and uses aggregated-cloud feedback to recommend optimal settings for programs, start-ups and services.
With cybercrime rates higher than ever, it is crucial to arm yourself with not only the latest tools available to stay ahead of the bad guys, but also to educate yourself on online best practices. For a list of online safety tips, the following links offer some helpful advice:
Bad Security Habits: http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/tp/badsecurityhabits.htm
Protect Yourself: http://www.staysafeonline.org/in-the-home/protect-yourself
Stay Sharp on the Internet (videos): http://www.securingourecity.com/?page_id=8
Remember, cybercriminals spend their days tricking users into falling for their latest attacks, so it’s always important to keep your software up-to-date and to use the tips and tools available to you to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
*** Schwartz Communications currently represents Cloudmark, ESET and Qualys ***
Tags: Browser Check, Cloudmark, Cloudmark DesktopOne, Computer Security, Cygnus Productions, ESET, ESET Online Scanner, Free Security Tools, Online Safety, Password Corral, Qualys, Securing Our eCity, SlimCleaner, SlimComputer, SlimWare Utilities, StaySafeOnline.org
Posted by Matt Grant on December 28, 2010 at 1:54 PM
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