TheCircuitSide.com

With the explosive progress of the internet and the constant improvement of hacking tools, there has never been more demand for Web Security than now.

Web security is the way of protecting data and programs from external access that is intended to cause harm. The biggest threats to Web Security are Criminal Hackers. These are individuals who use their knowledge of computer programs and the web to get into a system. The damage that hackers can do range from data theft to disrupting the system and causing it to crash. With these consequences in mind, companies have availed of computer programs that will protect against unwarranted access.

Discussed below are a few types of programs that are used to defend systems against Criminal Hackers.

* Firewalls – a software that is programmed to allow, deny and proxy data coming into a private network form a public one. Like its’ namesake, a Firewalls’ function is first, to prevent unwanted programs/software from getting in and second is to prevent the spread of a problem that has occurred in a private network. If not properly configured, a firewall can weaken. Therefore it is recommended that Firewall programs be constantly updated.

* Anti-Spyware Programs – Spyware is software installed into your computer without your knowledge. It gathers and transmits important information to another individual or program. The data stolen can be used in a lot of ways causing a great amount of damage to companies and individuals. Anti-Spyware programs protect against that. It scans your computer for the presence of Spyware and gets rid of the threat. Caution must be exercised when choosing an Ant-Spyware program. There are a lot of Fake Anti-Spyware programs that are Spyware themselves. Weakening your computer further instead of helping.

* Anti-Virus Programs – Though not a Hacking threat. Viruses can effectively weaken a computer system, in turn making it vulnerable to Hacking Attacks. There are many fake Anti-Spyware programs that cause more harm than good. These fake programs exacerbate the damage instead of containing it.

* Routers – These programs are commonly used for internet connectivity. They segregate incoming data and route them to the proper location. However, Routers can be used to deflect incoming information while allowing outbound data to pass; therefore allowing regulation of the files that are shared.

It is advised to use more than one of the mentioned programs. That way, one program can make up for the lack in the other. No matter how many Web Security programs you install, Criminal Hackers just seem to get better. They learn to get past the security software that has been installed. The solution is to “Fight Fire with Fire.” It means that in order to check if the programs are indeed fool proof. Companies make use of the talents of an individual who will act the same way a “Criminal Hacker” would.

They do check for weak points in the Web Security system where it is easy to gain access to. These people are known as “Ethical Hackers” works the same way as a Criminal Hacker would, but they don’t have any intention of causing the harm to the system. Companies that market security software also make use of these “Ethical Hackers” to make sure that their programs are fool proof. GP