Why Password Protection & Internet Security Software Matter

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's information age, we use passwords daily to log into computer accounts, retrieve email and share files on social media sites. Unfortunately, as our password usage rises, so does our risk of having those passwords stolen by hackers. However, with good password practices, PC protection and internet security software, you can protect your computer and keep your personal information private.

Some of the Internet Security Threats We Face On Password-Protected Sites

With the right PC internet security software and an understanding of these threats, we can be aware of our online surroundings and protect ourselves.

• Hackers & Predators. Computer predators today victimize others for their own financial gain. Computer hackers know that Web site browsers like Firefox and Internet Explorer have a feature that lets you save passwords for later use. These predators use various malicious software programs to steal your passwords and personal information. The most widely distributed password-stealing Trojans, including Zbot and SpyEye, know where to look and how to steal that information if you get infected.

Securing Your Passwords – And Your PC

To achieve overall PC protection, your computer system must be designed to block current threats and be updatable so you're also protected from new threats. Just a few of the things you should look for when choosing PC internet security software include the ability to:

• Blocks viruses, spyware and spam, Trojans, worms, rootkits and keyloggers
• Make your PC invisible to hackers
• Encrypt passwords and remember them for you
• Allow you to access and share photos, music and files from anywhere
• Offer multi-layer identity protection
• Provide safety across multiple devices

Of course, when it comes to password protection, you must also be smart about what passwords you use:

• Do not select something predictable, like your name, birth date, pet's name or even your license plate (believe it or not, that's common)
• Select a mix of numbers and letters – both upper- and lower-cased – and password length should be 7 or more characters
• Never use the same password across more than one account requiring you to log in. Using different passwords will protect the rest of your accounts if one of them is compromised by a hacker who uses a program to steal your personal information – including your password
• Of course you wouldn't write down your passwords on a piece of paper someone could find -- but also don't save your passwords in a text file or e-mail
• And never share any password with anyone: Not your boss, your best friend, your cousin, your significant other or your spouse. Once a password is out of your control, you don't know how it will be used

If you're considering internet security software with password management tools, Webroot® Internet Security Complete provides all of this and more. For detailed information about this PC protection solution, visit http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer-products-internet-security-complete.html.

SOURCE Webroot