If you have an internet account, especially an always–on account, or a wireless network, the following threats must be addressed to maintain your personal security.

Viruses

Arguably the biggest threat to your computer. There are those out there with nothing better to do than to devise viruses and trojan horses (seemingly innocent programs that wreak havoc on your system) and unleash them on your computer. A virus is a small program that can be embedded in a file that you downloaded or an innocent looking email, this email can even be from an unsuspecting friend. Certain viruses will email copies of themselves to everyone in your address book without your knowledge!

Some viruses are nothing more than an inconvenience; the creator just wants to say, "Hey, look what I did!". Others can do serious damage to your files and programs. Either way, it is much more difficult to remove a virus then it is to keep it out of your system in the first place.

Objectionable content

The internet is full of content that is best not viewed by children (nor many adults!). This material can include graphic violence, adult oriented news, and, of course, pornography. How do you keep unwanted content and unsolicited e-mail from reaching your children? Are you as a parent forced to watch over your childs' shoulder the entire time that they are online? Of course not, parental control software can be a great help. While it will not replace your guidence, properly configured software will greatly lessen your load.

Hackers

The more correct term is "crackers". A cracker is someone that scans the internet with the intention of finding computers that have security breaches and can therefore be accessed (cracked). Once this person has accessed your computer he now goes about his business: gathering credit card numbers; stealing passwords; stealing anything that he finds of interest. Your computer can also be used as a staging point for other nefarious deeds.

Spyware

While the preceding examples are certainly illegal, spyware is still a gray area under much debate. Spyware is any program which tracks your internet use-where you go, what you do, and uses that information for some other purpose. Banner ads can be tailored to your habits and pop up now and then on unrelated web sites. Not knowing any better, you think that the ad is part of the web site that you are visiting.

Your information can also be sold to other companies for certain marketing schemes.

What can be done?

Cable modems/DSL and wireless networks are very succeptible to the aforementioned threats. While they can result in serious consequenses to your computer, the danger can be greatly lessened with firewalls and antivirus software. It's not a matter of if an unprotected computer gets hit, it's a matter of when . Properly configured software will significantly reduce the chance of you being a victim of these threats.