Your computer may be more vulnerable than you think

Your new computer finally arrived. Everything's up and running, and you feel safe as you surf the 'Net, because you know the system came loaded with a free trial for a well-known security package. But are you really protected?

There's a good chance that you're not. A new survey by security-software publisher McAfee and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), released on October 1 to launch National Cyber Security Awareness Month, turned up a notable disconnect between most users' perception and the reality when it comes to their computer's security.

Consider this: 87 percent of those surveyed said they use antivirus software. But in fact, on 48 percent of the computers scanned as part of the survey, the antivirus software was not up to date. The respondents thought they were protected, but they were actually all too vulnerable because an antivirus that's not up to date is ineffective. The problem spans other types of security software, too. For example, while 81 percent of those surveyed had a firewall installed on their computer to block hackers, only 64 percent had activated it.

Related information:

• Consumer Reports Cyber-Security Center
• Best ways to stay safe online
• Best-rated online security software suites
• U.S. Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online Web site

"You can't guard all of cyberspace," said Greg Garcia, Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity and communications assistant secretary, during October's kick-off summit. "But you can take care of your piece of it." We couldn't agree more. You wouldn't think of leaving your door unlocked when you go to bed at night. You shouldn't leave the "door" to your computer open either.

Be sure you understand what security software you're getting, and its status, when you buy a new system. Some manufacturers include an annual, or longer, subscription. But others may bundle just a short-term trial version. Odds are, you need to take some action to get the program running and fully updated. For example, pre-installed antivirus and other security programs might have to be activated. And remember, once the trial time is over, you need to buy or renew a subscription.

For more tips on how to protect yourself, check our Computer Security section on ConsumerReports.org. The Federal Trade Commission also provides free, helpful information at OnGuardOnline.gov.

--Donna Tapellini