Infosec security tip #2 - get good antivirus software

Now that your computer is up to date with all of the latest Microsoft patches, it's time to protect your system from virusus, worms, and spyware.  Having good antivirus software is MANDATORY for all computer systems these days - you simply cannot survive without it.  Consider it as essential as the power cord.

There are many options available today in the AV arena, but the best choices are those that do more than just antivirus.  The following components are required to protect a system today:

* antivirus

* antispyware

* firewall

* intrusion detection

* technical support

Optional features are:

* intrusion prevention

* whitelisting

* content filtering

* file backup

One of my favorite programs is Norton Internet Security 2009 (link to Amazon), which is currently listed for $40 for use on 3 computers for a year.  That is only $13/year/pc, and again, view this as a mandatory program.

If you are currently running AV software, make sure that it is enabled and that you are getting updates.  Most software is sold with a 1-year subscription, so if you got it a while back, make sure you are still getting updates.

To check, you should have an icon in the lower-right corner of the screen for your AV software.  Double-click it and make sure that you have a virus signature update and that it is current.  If not, head to Best Buy or Amazon and get a new copy NOW!!!