Keeping your personal information safe
Anyone can get a virus on their computer or worse, get hacked. You need to be cautious of what content you are putting out in the virtual world. Many people can relate to seeing random pop-ups or their computer screen freeze; those are signs your PC may be infected with a virus.
You can avoid this from happening by simply keeping your system updates current and using Internet security software. Todd Wonder, a Tech with PC Medic, says that 90 percent of his customers have a virus or have been hacked.
"They do make programs and stuff though that will sit there and just keep picking away at your passwords until they get in, so they could set up ongoing through hundreds and thousands of people at a time until they get through to one of them and get all your info," said Wonder.
Having a virus removed can cost you anywhere from $90 to $150. You can avoid being hacked by simply changing your passwords every couple of months. Some people say having many log ins for social networks, banking, or email accounts is just too confusing.
Experts say set up a group of words and numbers mixed together that no one would guess. Change your password phrase by switching a different word or so.
NMU Help Desk Manager, Chris Wagner, says lately more people are coming in because their accounts have been compromised. He says this happens by phishing scams that attempt to trick you when you may fill out an online questionnaire.
"I wouldn't necessarily use the links that are in that email message. I would use something that you already know and type it in from scratch. There is a chance that the link you're using within an email message actually points to something else. It might look identical to Paypal or Facebook, but it's not," said Wagner.
If you are experiencing problems, remember to get your PC checked out before it gets worse.
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