MSPs are best way to fend off cyber attacks

With the news about possible cyber attacks by Iran and its proxies, I am here to tell you that if you have a managed security service from a top-brand company, you have a less than 0.25 percent chance of being the target of a nasty virus or ransom attack.

Look for brands like CUSA Care Cyber Security, LifeLock with Norton, Bitdefender Military Grade and other Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

All computer owners fight cyber crime daily, and the recent threats by hostile regimes are not a big deal if you are prepared. However, regular anti-virus (AV) purchased at a retail store or online company like Amazon do not offer adequate defenses. Sure, retail versions are cheap, but you need to be an informed user and keep them up to date. No offense, but I bet most users have no idea if their AV is working.

I recommend, no admonish you, to switch to a MSP cyber-security product immediately. MSP means the product or service is managed for you. The MSP will scan your computer, update the software and detection files and remove viri (the Latin plural for virus) when found.

A great MSP product, like the one at ComputersUSA, won’t bug you to update your software or purchase additional products. But it will automatically remove viri, without pop-up messages asking you what the AV should do with questionable files. A great MSP offering has everything one needs – all managed for you for about 10 bucks a month.

Your bigger worry should be some of the websites you visit. It has become evident over the 25 years I have been reporting on computer products and services that far too many web developers, and to some extent IT professionals, are clueless about keeping their sites secure.

I am more worried that bad people will insert virus, ransom ware and hacks into websites you visit than I am about direct attacks to your computer. If I were a rogue government, I would attack these unsecured websites in an attempt to infect users.

But if you have a managed service, it will stop that malicious activity for you.

Am I being too scary? Well I hope so, because everything you do on your computer, laptop, tablet and cell phone is at risk if you fail to protect them.

You’re just not safe with whatever free software you have. Just OK is not good enough, not on my watch.
Now go do the right thing.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.