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Regardless of what type of data you save on portable drives, it’s essential that you password-protect your portable data storage devices. Furthermore, it's a fact that security software developed by third parties is more reliable than software developed by manufacturers.

Portable drives such as USB flash drives have allowed people to enjoy a wide array of flexibility in terms of transporting data from one medium to another. These devices are capable of storing several gigabytes of data within a small device. With the introduction of portable hard-drives and flash drives, organizations also enjoyed a greater boost in workplace productivity.

Before these devices were introduced, users had to make use of CDs and DVDs by burning data on them, which not only had space limitations, but was also time consuming. Before that, floppy disks were the standard means of transferring data between mediums. Consequently, it’s not hard to see how the growing demand for data has given birth to portable storage devices. In the near future, it’s predicted that our data needs will be in the range of terabytes; consequently, a few manufacturers have already developed a flash drive which can store one terabyte of data.

However, as with all things in the world, there are pros and cons behind every entity. Thus, a flash drive’s portability is its biggest advantage as well as its disadvantage. That’s because data stored on such devices can be easily accessed by anyone if one ends losing their device.

Dejectedly, people almost always tend to disregard the safety of their identities by saving sensitive data on their devices. Documents such as resumes, tax-returns and e-statements are the perfect means for an identity thief to quickly utilize such information in order to effortlessly steal your identity. There’s no doubt that in today’s world, data is good as gold. Therefore, it’s no wonder why e-crime has risen to levels which have prompted several federal and state law enactments -- in order to curb and enforce this type of crime.  Sadly, people are still ignorant of their personal data’s actual worth. Once stolen, e-crooks can virtually rob you of your financial assets as well as steal your identity.

Don't Miss: Tips To Prevent Online Identity Theft!

Nonetheless, manufacturers of portable drives have realized that data theft through portable drives is a real problem facing millions of users worldwide. As a result, newer portable drives are already integrating their devices with encryption software, in order to deter unauthorized access of personal data. However, these devices can be three to four times more costly to purchase than a traditional flash drive, and most people don’t have the budget to purchase a device with such capability.

Thankfully, third-party data protection software has already been developed to password protect USB drives for devices that do not have built in data security features. What’s more, such software is considered more reliable and impossible to crack compared to data security software integrated by the manufacturers of a particular device. Third-party data fortification software usually downloads off the internet and can be installed directed onto any flash drive or portable hard-drive. Such software usually has a small footprint and requires only a few kilobytes of space, yet provides unbreakable password-protection on virtually all portable mediums, including Sony memory sticks, compact flash cards, and other similar devices.

You can use the following 4 Freeware softwares to password protect your USB Flash drive:

• Rohos Mini Drive.
• USB Safeguard.
• DiskCryptor.
• True Crypt.

Author Bio:
Cara W Morris is Marketing Manager at New Softwares.net, An Information Security company that specializes in developing award winning data security software which can password protect USB.

A special procedure is given below (At the end of this article),  to check if your Antivirus software is working in the right way or not!

Antivirus:

Those who do not have an antivirus application, can Download or buy one on the internet. Ensure the program is compatible with the operating system. The antivirus application should be updated frequently so that it protects against the latest virus definitions. Choose antivirus software that can update and scan automatically. Do not install applications from untrusted sites. Run full system scans at least once or twice a week. Heavy internet users should do this more often.

Dont miss: Beaware Of Viruses On Social Networking Sites!

Firewall:

Turn on the Firewall. This is normally the base of the operating system. Users just have to turn it on. Firewall refers to software that monitors what comes in and goes out of the machine. It acts as a gatekeeper. Learn more about firewall and it's function here.

Updates:

Activate security updates to keep the system up to date. Make sure third party applications such as web browsers are also updated. Most programs have a feature that notifies users when a new program version has been released. Be sure to update all active programs. Keep the operating system updated. Many manufacturers create security patches, which they send out as needed. Setting automatic updates allows the operating system to download and install the security patches eliminating security risks including viruses.

Back up:

Back up data. This provides an extra layer of protection against Data loss. There are so many factors that can compromise data security including undiscovered bugs, downloading infected files, hardware failure and clicking on the wrong link. This is why backup is an essential part of smart computer usage. Find more about data loss and how to prevent it here.

Date Encryption:

Encrypt data using encryption software. Many operating systems have encryption capabilities. Users can encrypt their entire hard drives to protect data from virus attacks. Some encryption programs can create virtual hard drives to secure all files and prevent corruption by viruses. Choose an encryption program that allows synchronization with data protection services that store data offsite.

E-Mails:

One of the most common means of getting a virus infection is through e-mail links containing viruses. Do not open e-mail attachments and links from strangers. If necessary, visit the sites directly.

There are many strategies used to protect computer systems from getting a virus infection. However, the most basic protection against viruses involves using the right antivirus application and updating the computer system on a regular basis.

Here is A simple Way to check if your antivirus Works Or Not?

Follow the below steps:

• Open notepad.
• Copy the below text and paste it on the notepad.

• Then save it as eicar.com

On opening the saved file you should get a message from your Antivirus as Malware detected or Virus, And that file has to be automatically deleted by your antivirus.

But Don't worry eicar.com is not a virus, It is a standard test file. :)

This is what the message i got by doing so, and the file got deleted automatically.

The best plan of action is to use these social networking sites without installing any 3rd party games, apps, or quizzes. This ensures that you will be protected from most threats. However if you have a computer that is used by everyone in the family and you have teenagers that might not follow these simple rules then it is important to have security software to block these threats from entering your computer.

More and more people are using Facebook and other social networking sites at the workplace which increases the risk of spreading viruses at the workplace. Many businesses have had to block Social networking sites altogether to stop the infections and lost productivity to these services.

Security programs such as Microsoft Security Essentials can help stop the viruses and malware before you get infected instead of having to remove them after the damage has already been done. Malicious Software Removal costs are higher after you have been infected.

Behavioral steps you can take to avoid getting a Virus or Malware. Avoid Facebook quizzes and games that can give you a Virus or Malware. Stay away from sites that look shady or want you to install something to run if you are not sure of how legitimate they are.

Do not open attachments even from friends unless you are expecting a particular file from them. Many times the virus will attach itself to your contact list and send emails out to everyone appearing as if they came from you. The best rule of thumb is to never open emails that look like they are from unfamiliar people.

Stop using and downloading anything from peer to peer networks these services are loaded with viruses and malware. Use the latest Firefox or Google Chrome browsers they help to keep viruses and malware out of your computer much better than Internet Explorer.

If the virus or malware you have does not let you install or download anything then boot up your computer in safe mode to allow you to download and install the proper virus removal and malware software. Instructions for booting your computer into safe mode are listed below.

Phishing typically is when someone sends you emails with "bad" links in them. When you click on these links you get redirected to a "fake" site which is an exact mirror of the official site. Here you are then prompted to submit some confidential information. This information that you provide is then used to log into your real account leaving you totally clueless as to what happened. You should be aware that companies rarely communicate via email if it is in relation with sensitive account information. If they do, it is typically in response to an email that you have sent them.


OK, so what exactly can I do to protect myself against identity thieves on the web?

1. Simple, just do not be gullible. These guys strike when you least expect it, so always be on the lookout for suspicious looking emails.
2. If you receive a suspicious mail, don't fill out any forms requesting sensitive personal information. In fact, do not do anything. Verify whether the email is legitimate or not. Nowadays, most agencies or companies are listed on the web. Their contact information readily is available. With this information at hand you can verify whether or not any communications you received are legitimate.
3. Don't click on or save attachments that come with suspicious emails. Delete these files immediately. Alternatively, if you have a good anti-virus, scan the attachments first before opening.
4. Update regularly. Windows posts updates almost daily, especially security patches. Make sure you have your settings set that you can download these automatically. I know it's a pain and eats away at your bandwidth and RAM. But I like to think that it's better to be safe than sorry!
5. Even though you should never take action on suspicious sites or emails, be sure to watch out that the address bar starts with "HTTPS". This means that the page is encrypted and should be secure. If there is no "HTTPS" then leave at once.

Those who are aware of malware infiltration only wait for their entire system to crash before they seek repairs and avail the aid of antivirus protection software.

Cyber criminal activities are not performed by bored high school students during summer breaks - they are attacks by underground organizations, hackers, and hacktivists who intend to cause mayhem in large corporations and governments. Those who target individuals are no less malicious, as they can now install a virus into your computer that will open a backdoor for them to gain administrative control over your entire system.

Accounts will be hacked, confidential documents will be stolen, and worse, webcams will be turned on to spy on you and your family.

Gaining a thorough awareness of these grave threats and the damages they can cause will help a lot in preserving your privacy and your security.

Introducing Malware:

Malware, for starters, is short for malicious software. It is a collective term for every kind of harmful software created and launched with the intention of vitiating people through the internet.

The most infamous categories under it are viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, spyware, and rootkits.

We will discuss their mode of penetration and the variety of ways they can endanger you.

Worms:

Its name can give you a very clear summation of its behavior. This internet pest is an extremely common, self-replicating malware. Because it can be acquired nearly everywhere in the web, it may give you the impression that is something you can easily pluck off your skin and thrown outdoors. We are warning you to alter that mindset.

Worms can enter your computer and remain undetected for months long. After some time, it will begin to delete your files, slow down your programs, instigate avenues for other malwares to pass through, and even create backdoors for hackers.

Prevention is better than cure, especially in this case, because it forces your infected gadget to suffer a slow dead with an impact you will certainly be in agony from.

Worms attach themselves to files and are efficiently spread through mass mailing. Be careful what you open in the internet.

Viruses:

You must have heard about the ILOVEYOU bug, the Chernobyl, the Melissa and many more that have caused companies millions of dollars during their debut and their succeeding hype.

The most notorious of its kind steal the contact information of an infected computer's address book, whether through MS Outlook or email accounts, and sends themselves as attachments with a luring prompt that have fooled many people.

It is a difficult malware to get rid of, as it clings stubbornly to every removable hardware plugged into an infected gadget.

Viruses behave in a slightly similar manner to worms; they will infect files and slow down your computer beyond usage. Reprogramming will require that all your files be deleted, because they are probably contaminated with the virus you acquired.

Trojan Horses:

This malware initiated the most serious cases of infiltration through trickery. Once it gets inside, like it did in Troy as told by Homer, defeat will be a difficult ending to avoid. Plenty of victims have felt the melancholy that had befallen the Trojans upon realizing that they have been fooled into letting the enemy in.

On the outside, it will appear as an inoffensive photo, document, or application, mimicking authentic ones in its presentation. Your war starts the moment you make the mistake of clicking its ploy. Although it does not self replicate, which is fortunate for us, it does deploy an army of worms and viruses that ensure little chance of survival on your part.

These malware will almost always cost you your files, and eventually your gadget.

Rootkits:

The previously mentioned malwares can enhance the destructive forces of Rootkits, as it is created by cyber criminals to gain complete control over its target's computer.

The complexity of its design makes its creators difficult to locate. With control over numerous infected computers, hackers will have an easier time tormenting others as much as they wish to do so.

Spyware:

This is the least malevolent malware of the bunch. Spywares usually cause annoyance with the way it can reprogram your applications and encourage the appearances of pop-ups. When this happens, antispyware software is a suitable solution.

Safety Measures:

• Antiviruses do a great job at keeping malware at bay and your gadgets from crashing.
• Be extra cautious with the files you download, and get applications only from trusted websites. If you do simply as you will in the internet, even the best antimalware software cannot save you from corruption.

Author is a computer professional and blog writer who basically writes on various computer security topics. He brings many interesting reviews about the latest antivirus protection software and inform readers about the best free antivirus software for their computer protection.