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History of Internet Security: How the Threats Started and Evolved
In the beginning, there were no serious security threats other than network jokes and annoying e-mails. The history of Internet security started in a small community, called ARPANET, whose task was to establish a flexible network that would resume operations despite system failure or disruption in the major sections of the network. Soon after, more and more groups joined this small community.
ARPANET’s online applications were very basic, which includes e-mail sending, connection to newsgroups and remote access to the Internet. It was during those early years that Internet was considered a trusted community and its users know and trust one another.
This small community started having trouble in the early 1986, when an internet virus has suddenly disrupted regular e-mail transactions and internet connections, thus making the Internet a place for potential security damages that was then unknown to its users at the time. To date, there have been at least millions of viruses and thousands of hackers that have utilized the internet as a potential training and hatching ground for cyber-terrorism and many other online risks.
To filter out these security threats from entering in the system, early security measures include firewall protection. They believed, and were actually right about it, that there is a single point at which incoming and outgoing transactions can be regulated. Security measures have been tightened with the existence of firewall as it initially blocks potentially harmful data to enter the system. A firewall usually intercepts and filters useful traffic between established network connections that differ in levels of trust. The computer firewall is also a good place to monitor and protect authentication issues of its users as well as secured or restricted communications between existing firewalls. However, it was not long enough before experienced hackers can penetrate even the strongest firewall at the time. They silently attack computers in the form of data files where the threat surreptitiously hides itself. Upon system penetration, the harmful data attaches itself with important data files in your system, thereby collecting user information and disclosing them for the purpose of hacking or destroying your computer software.
Later on, more advanced security programs were launched in the market in the form of internet security software. They are more commonly known as antivirus software which offers quick and reliable solution against rapidly multiplying internet threats. Most of these security suite packages can be downloaded for free. Examples of these are some limited editions of Norton Internet security, AVG software, and Bit Defender. These free internet security software can effectively detect and resolve system threats such as spyware, adware, malware, Trojans, worms and viruses that can cause data losses and corruption if left unresolved.
Now, a computer can be easily protected from viruses and threats by installing reliable antivirus software that effectively resolves security problems in your system. To keep your PC protected, it is recommended to keep your antivirus software up to date. There may also be upgraded versions of these programs that can give you better protection from these internet security threats, thus ensuring your system maximum protection against harmful threats and viruses.
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Internet Security 
