LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CyberDefender Corporation (Nasdaq:CYDE), a provider of security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work in tandem to deliver increased security to home PC users, has issued a set of guidelines to keep families safe online.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has declared October National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). According to the DHS, "The cyber threat has become one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face. America's competitiveness and economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on effective cyber security. Every Internet user has a role to play in securing cyberspace and ensuring the safety of ourselves, our families, and our communities online."
Gary Guseinov, CyberDefender Chief Executive Officer, said, "In honor of NCSAM, CyberDefender has created a set of guidelines designed to help parents set a standard for computer security that will ensure safety for the whole family. Accessing the Internet and using computers at home is an increasingly risky proposition, and we believe that educating the public is key to achieving maximum online safety."
CyberDefender's online security guidelines include:
- Shared computers need separate user accounts. Using unique user accounts allows for different security settings based on user age and computer literacy. Browsers and search engines have personalized security standards. Learn them, and apply the appropriate setting for each member of the family.
- Make sure your anti-virus security and other software programs are up to date. With the proliferation of personal PCs – one per room in many households, connected over a network – it's more important than ever to make sure your security software is current on every system. Make sure all security programs are set to allow automatic updates. As a back-up, make a list of expiration dates for all systems and check it regularly.
- Set a specific time weekly to do a virus scan on every PC in the house. Regular scanning is necessary to keep any PC or laptop in optimal condition, especially if several people in the house share the computer. Using a web browser to do Internet searches, clicking on ads or links to popular sites or downloading files are all activities where the PC is susceptible to malware. Most anti-virus software suites come with a scan feature. Schedule a time weekly to run it on each PC.
- Spend time with each family member online. Take time to talk to each member of your family about smart computing practices. The basic ones are: Don't give out personal information to anyone, including friends, on Forums or on Facebook; do not talk to strangers online; and do not fall for emails that offer you money or free products. CyberDefender's Threat Center has up-to-date information on current threats here:
- Children under 10 should browse the Internet with an adult. Young children need to have a parent monitor their Internet browsing, and to teach them computer literacy and about possible online threats. Make sure they understand that any purchase must be approved by a parent.
- Use Parental Controls. Parental controls help keep kids safe by limiting what games they play what websites they visit. All major operating systems, Internet browsers, email and search services have parental controls and/or security settings that will protect users from data theft, computer infection, and worse.
- Keep your security software suite running at all times. No matter how computer literate or well-taught users are, a virus and/or Trojan horse can accidentally infect any computer. Security software can stop threats before they infect the PC or, if the malware manages to get through, remove them from the system.
- Consider having a personal technician the family can call when they have a problem. These days, software alone isn't enough. Many problems can occur with your computer hardware, network or data that are unrelated to software. Having someone available that you can call to help solve your technical issues and questions, as well as get educated on the optimal security settings for your computer, is a valuable addition to your digital life. CyberDefender offers a remote PC repair service called LiveTech that offers more than 500 US based technicians specially trained to help families with all issues -- malware infections, Operating System issues, software conflicts, driver updates, the installation or operation of new software or virtually any other problem that affects the security or productivity of their PCs.
CyberDefender is an official endorser of National Cyber Security Alliance, a non-profit organization committed to helping individuals, families and communities stay safer online. For more information, visit .
A CyberDefender spokesperson is available to provide more tips, if needed -- or to comment on current online safety issues involving children and their families.
About CyberDefender
CyberDefender Corporation (Nasdaq:CYDE) is a provider of Internet security software, utilities and Live PC Support services that work together to ensure maximum safety for consumers in a digital world. The company develops and markets antispyware/antivirus software and remote, live tech support services. In addition, CyberDefender offers identity protection and computer optimization services. With millions of active users on its cloud based Collaborative Internet Security Network, CyberDefender leverages the power of community to protect its customers from the rapidly growing number of new online threats every year. CyberDefender products are fully compatible with Microsoft's XP, Vista, and 7 Operating systems. All products are available at .
The CyberDefender Corporation logo is available at
CONTACT: The Bohle Company for CyberDefender Public Relations: Luis Levy (310) 785 - 0515 Ext. 204 PR@CyberDefender.com The Piacente Group Investor Relations: Kristen McNally Lee Roth 212-481-2050 IR@CyberDefender.com