Most people may think that by installing anti-virus software onto their computer, all that they say and do online is protected. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The computer is constantly coming into contact with other sites, downloaded information, and even people looking to take advantage of the information transmitted between two parties. While installing the software is the first step, maintenance is key.

Consistently check for and download updates. So many times, the computer lets a user know that an update needs to be performed but because he is in the middle of something deemed important, he clicks away the reminder and continues on with the work. He may not think about it again until the reminder is once again throwing up the flag and requesting an update be performed. These updates can, at times, be essential to the protection of privacy when it comes to computer communication.

Don’t believe that anti-virus software is enough to keep everyone out. Be sure to take caution when it comes to providing information online. This is especially true when it comes to personal information as well as financial data like credit card numbers and your social security number. Instead, look for alternative ways to pay. Use the card through a third party website or bank program that offers to keep your information safe and provides a temporary number for a company to use when it comes to payment.

Take the time to research the latest developments and programs for privacy protection and anti-virus security. Because of the sheer quantity of items and programs on the market claiming to be able to keep computer and Internet users safe, it takes time to weed out the accurate claims and places that should not be trusted. While it isn’t always true that something bad is lurking around every corner, it cannot hurt to be vigilant.

When people think of anti-virus software, they inevitably think of their home PC. That is where people are used to dealing with malicious online attacks. And, it’s the place where they are accustomed to protecting their computer with pricey software packages and subscriptions. Very few people, if any, think of their cell phone as a place that’s vulnerable to a virus. But as the line between cell phone and computer blurs with each subsequent update to smartphone technology, some people say it is time to start thinking about phones in the same way you think about your home computer.

Major players in the technology industry say it is imperative that people begin to make that mental shift. Luckily for users of the iPhone, industry insiders say they are safe. Just as with the Mac, Apple is very protective of its code and is strict with what apps are put in the store. Every application must live up to Apple’s rigorous standards before becoming available to the public. This not only serves to protect Apple’s own proprietary information, it also serves to protect the users of these products.

In contrast to Apple’s fierce protectiveness of its market, Android software is all open source. Any and all developers are free, and even invited, to submit apps to the market. This leaves users of the market susceptible to malicious software and viruses that could crash the operating system of their phone. (Apps found to be malicious are removed, but not after some damage is done.) Few people think of this before downloading what could be the next Angry Birds or City Story.

Developers are now beginning to sell anti-virus software specifically for smartphones. The pioneer in this developing field is Micro Security for Android from the company Trend Micro. It retails for $3.99 as an app. This surely seems like a small price to pay to ensure your cell phone isn’t damaged from within.

Common sense is not an infinite quality. Good judgment cannot always be found. The Internet proves this daily, with millions of individuals suffering from viruses and malware infections — most of which could have easily been avoided.

Security is not, despite what so many believe, a difficult thing to achieve. It does not require complicated processes or budget-breaking software. It does not force all users to abstain from the virtual world entirely. Instead it demands only an understanding of the most typical problems, with individuals remembering how to maneuver around them.

For protection against the common concerns, everyone — including you — should:

• One: Avoid Unknown Files. Malware is passed through files. This is an unforgiving truth. Downloads, documents and music transfers can all contain hidden codes, which can fuse with your hard drive and steal all data stored there. It’s vital that you protect yourself by not opening files from unfamiliar sources. This includes email attachments, forum posts and shareware sites. Choose only reputable formats.
• Two: Update All Anti-Virus Software. Your security was once modern. Now, however, the years have passed and the spyware invasions have become more clever. Relying on your previous safety measures is, therefore, unwise. Be certain your regularly update your software, taking advantage of new tools and firewalls.
• Three: Refuse Requests For Personal Information. It’s impossible, you know, to remain completely anonymous online. All shops and download sites require your personal data. Avoid offering it whenever possible, however. Choose to keep your credit card number, social security number, name, address and more a secret. Be cautious when disclosing this information.

There can be no guarantee for virtual protection. Defending against every single malware worry is simply not possible — they change too frequently, outwitting many attempts to avoid them. But following these suggestions will ensure that you do not become overwhelmed by viruses. You can instead maintain your system and keep it secure and this is vital.

Concerns about online privacy and protection are omnipresent because as as quickly as new protections become available, there are nefarious individuals determined to circumvent the new protection measures. Setting aside the moral issues surrounding a third party gathering personal and private information about users only to sell it, what it comes down to is the individual user who likely would rather protect that information. Enter the “super cookie”; a new tracking tool designed to circumvent traditional protections and to gather new levels of data.

Unlike a traditional cookie, the super cookie is different because it is independent of the browser. These cookies are often created using Adobe Flash or Microsoft Silverlight, and when you visit a site that requires either of these programs, such as YouTube, you’re unknowingly opening your computer to the possibility of having a super cookie deposited onto it.

Regular cookies are browser based, meaning that you can easily remove them via browser tools. Super cookies, however, can be triggered each and every time you visit a site with Flash enabled on it, thus allowing the cookie to collect data. Management of super cookies is not as simple; tools to deal with them are in their developmental infancy. Most alarming is the fact that many websites aren’t up front about using Flash technology on their site, therefore failing to alert visitors to the possibility of having their data tracked.

The issue of super cookies is a difficult one to deal with. As technology moves forward there will be measures created to deal with them, but super cookies are not the product of an ill intentioned individual. They are created and maintained by large corporations who collect this data in an effort to better understand and serve their customer base.

No matter which side of the cookie debate you’re on, the next time you visit a flash enabled site you’re likely allowing a cookie into your computer that will collect and transmit data.