About Online Security
New threats in a digital age
Computers are an inseparable part of modern life. We spend many hours each week using them, and much of that time is spent online. We use the Internet for work, for socialising, for finance, research, shopping and entertainment. And while you are online, it makes sense to be safe and protected.
The history of computer viruses stretches back almost as far as the history of the computer. In 1982, Elk Cloner became the first virus to operate in the wild; in 1986 a virus known as Brain affected hundreds of computers around the world, targeting the MS DOS platform, and in 1991 Michelangelo became the first virus to cause mass panic after it targeted thousands of computers of Michelangelo’s birthday, 6 March.
The purpose of online security is to counterbalance these threats. Antivirus manufactures work in research labs, studying and tracking the development of viruses worldwide. When antivirus software is installed on your computer, it enables your computer to identify and repel incoming viruses.
The damage that these viruses can cause varies wildly. Some will slow your computer, some will delete files and some are just designed to replicate, infecting a network of any other computers with which you are connected.
In the past decade the variety of viruses has expanded quickly, in tandem with the developing speeds of personal computers. Security of new-age machines is threatened by malicious software, viruses, Trojan Horses, and many other breeds of viruses which are all designed to cripple a machine.
200 of these new viruses are identified each month. They are most commonly spread by infected email attachments, instant messages or through pop up adverts. Viruses are sometimes disguised as greeting cards, funny images or video or audio file attachments.
Antivirus provides an answer to these threats in every instance. McAfee offer a suite of online security products which ensure that you are files are safe from crippling viruses, that your files will not be lost and that hackers cannot gain access to your computer.
Countering viruses is an evolving art. McAfee ensure that your antivirus software is updated every time that your computer goes online. In the 21st century, having adequate antivirus protection is vital to the health of a computer system.