With newspapers regularly carrying reports of cyber-attacks against banks, healthcare companies and even Florida online election systems, it’s easy to believe that the Internet has become an easy target for criminals and we would be well-advised to keep our distance. However, in a world where everyone spends an increasing amount of time online, we know that is next to impossible. What we can do is take extra precautions, and good Internet security practices usually start at home.
Gone are the days where you could happily log on to any open network that you could find, or ‘borrow’ a little Internet time from a neighbor. Now, it’s become almost essential to have a dedicated home network that is fast, reliable and secure. While speed and reliability have become hallmarks of FiOS Internet service, Verizon has also made available added security tools that can give you much-needed peace of mind.
The Verizon Internet Security Suite, powered by McAfee, can provide extra protection for up to three computers, including automatic updates, scheduled virus and spyware scans, and powerful web site monitoring tools, which provide an early warning if you are about to visit a risky web site. There are anti-phishing and anti-spam engines, and a separate suite of parental controls offering comprehensive content filtering and alerts.
And if you do encounter a problem, then you are going to need backup. Verizon Online Backup and Sharing allows you to backup all your personal data, media and other important files to your own online storage account in the cloud. There is even a mobile application for Android and BlackBerry smartphones and tablets. Once your information is stored in the cloud, you can access it anytime from virtually any device with an Internet-connected Web browser.
The Verizon Internet Security Suite plus Online Backup and Sharing costs just $10 per month and higher online storage capacities are available if required. And remember, if you are a FiOS high-speed Internet customer, those backups take just seconds.
It’s great to be able to take advantage of everything the Internet has to offer, whether it’s video chatting, working from home, watching a movie, or getting help for those all-important school projects. But it’s also great to know that you and your family can work or play and still be safe.
