Christmas is a time many persons use for giving and receiving gifts. However, you do not want all "gifts" that someone wants to give you!

The days around Christmas and the new year are also a time when the authors of malicious software are active and when more vulnerable computers than usual are available on the Internet. Two years ago one very serious vulnerability with a working exploit and no available patch, was published in the days between Christmas and the new year, and the security community had more active days than expected (and appreciated).

One very popular Christmas gift is a new computer, and the eager recipient will of course want to connect this to the Internet and start surfing/gaming/etc as soon as possible. However, that may not be the wisest thing to do without any precautions.

Before you connect your computer to the Internet you should check that it is set up with a firewall and protection against malicious software (antivirus/antispyware protection). If such software is not installed, the first action after connecting to the Internet should be to acquire and install such software.

When a PCs is sold it is most likely not updated with the latest available security patches to operating systems and applications. E.g. Microsoft released a set of security patches as late as 11 December. Immediately after connecting to the Internet (you are a multitasking person and can do this at the same time as you are getting the security software), you should therefore see to that your computer downloads the latest security updates that are available to your installed software.

Norman has just released a complete new set of security software, particularly suited for home computers - Norman Security Suite. This is an excellent choice if you are in need of software for antivirus, antispyware, personal firewall and parental control.

Norman wishes you a merry Christmas free from unwanted gifts from persons with malicious intent.