Internet security suite for individual traders.

Hello, everyone;

In preparing for an independent trading endeavor it struck me that I would be exposing myself to security risks of sensitive personal data (i.e., financial transactions). Assuming the interface with a brokerage firm or direct access system provides security, what other steps can one take? Are there security suites that anyone has found comfort in using to minimize security breeches?

Great to have this forum available,

Jeff

Are you accessing internet by wireless. I noticed that a friend of mine who does has two types of password access to the wireless router (or however it works). Normally your wireless is protected using an ID and password. But on my friends system it will also only accept other laptops that have been pre-registered with the router. Seems a sensible precaution.

Thanks Raysor

Say Raysor, good to have your feedback. I'm planning on beginning with a landline connection and I have compared and constrasted some name brand home/small business security suites. I was just wondering if these really do the job or is it necessary to purchase the expensive professional security suites.

Jeff

raysor said:

Are you accessing internet by wireless. I noticed that a friend of mine who does has two types of password access to the wireless router (or however it works). Normally your wireless is protected using an ID and password. But on my friends system it will also only accept other laptops that have been pre-registered with the router. Seems a sensible precaution.

Click to expand...

I switched to F-secure about 2 years ago and have had no problems at all. I had a few questions at first and found their customer service excellent. Running a desktop and wireless laptop with the home security suite with no problems. you can check them out here, Antivirus and intrusion prevention solutions for home users and businesses

Thanks Tenapenny

Tenapenny,

This is helpful - I had not heard of this company and I like the specs on their product.

Appreciative,

Jeff

Tenapenny said:

I switched to F-secure about 2 years ago and have had no problems at all. I had a few questions at first and found their customer service excellent. Running a desktop and wireless laptop with the home security suite with no problems. you can check them out here, Antivirus and intrusion prevention solutions for home users and businesses

Click to expand...

Probably the best anti-virus software is AVG (the free version). As for anti-intrusion this may depend on what other software you use. Apparantly any software that allows access to your PC is useable as an illegal entry point. This includes IP based Email (like Yahoo), MSN and any social networking software like facebook. So maybe it would be advisable to have a machine specifically for your trading software.

Thanks Raysor

Hey Raysor,

Yeah, I'm thinking specific-use computers is the way to go too.

Thanks again

raysor said:

Probably the best anti-virus software is AVG (the free version). As for anti-intrusion this may depend on what other software you use. Apparantly any software that allows access to your PC is useable as an illegal entry point. This includes IP based Email (like Yahoo), MSN and any social networking software like facebook. So maybe it would be advisable to have a machine specifically for your trading software.

Click to expand...

I was just talking to my son who knows all about PCs and security and he says, basically you run an anti-virus (AVG Free is as good as any of the paid-for ones like Norton) and just take the usual precautions of not opening suspicious emails (ones you don't know where they are from) and don't go on dodgy websites (like porn, not that you would!). The more anti-whatsit stuff you load always seems to make PCs worse, like running slowly and a paid-for Norton AV will still get viruses if you abuse the internet. If you are still unfortunate enough to get a virus then it is best to wipe the machine completely as you never know if anything gets left behind from a virus cleaner. If you start running anti-intrusion software you are probably making more potential risks and sort of losing control of your own machine.

Hey Raysor

Thanks a lot, Raysor, for this tidbit, I was looking at Norton and others but undecided. So this [AVG] gives me something else to work with as I prepare for trading in the coming year.

JEFF

jefferywa said:

Thanks a lot, Raysor, for this tidbit, I was looking at Norton and others but undecided. So this [AVG] gives me something else to work with as I prepare for trading in the coming year.

JEFF

Click to expand...

NO anti-virus will give COMPLETE protection. If you are going to pick up a virus a subscription Norton will fail just the same as a free AV like AVG.
AVG scans emails as well as internet. Some viruses are hidden in picture files so email software usually give you the choice to open pics. or not. There is a Firewall on the router and you can set your browser security levels as high as the trader software will allow.