If you connect an unprotected computer or computer without any security software to the internet, cyber criminals, hackers or identity thieves can attack your computer within seconds. So, to avoid such security problems and identity theft, you should have security software with at a minimum, firewall, antispyware and antivirus protection.

There are various internet security softwares available on the internet with basic firewall protection. However you should also look at the additional security tools and features available with these softwares for complete security on internet. The checklist below can help you to select the proper security software for your computer, so that you can go online and surf the internet with confidence.

Firewall:
Firewall is necessary to block the unauthorized access to your computer data. It monitors the inbound and outbound traffic from your computer to the internet and blocks any suspicious traffic coming to your computer. Firewall could be network and program firewall and operating system firewall.

Network and program firewall:
Internet security softwares provide network and program firewall to protect your network from suspicious traffic and to shield your programs from malware. It should be a multi-layer firewall or with multiple layer of security for high level of security.

Operating system firewall:
Some internet security software also provides operating system firewall to protect your operating system. This tool blocks any malicious software from causing damage to files in your core windows operating system. It also blocks entry of hard to remove spyware with kernel-level threats to computer to protect your operating system from any damage.

Full Stealth Mode:
This feature is required to make you invisible to hackers, so that you can surf the internet without any fear of getting hacked.

Antivirus:
Antivirus is necessary to protect your computer from damages by viruses, worms and trojans. You should never connect your computer to the internet without updated antivirus program with the latest definition files.

Antispyware:
Integrated antispyware is required to protect your computer from spywares and intruders to protect your personal information. Spywares get installed on your computer without your knowledge and gather your personal data, information and web activities and transmit that data to others.

Complete Spy Site Blocking:
Spyware distribution websites are the main source for spywares. This feature blocks these websites and also blocks you from visiting these sites by mistake or redirection to websites, which distribute spywares.

Identity theft protection:
Identity theft protection is necessary to protect your identity and personal information on your computer. With increase in e-commerce, online buying and credit card usage on internet, identity theft could be major problem. So, nowadays, protection against identity theft is must while accessing the internet.

Real time updates:
Real-time security updates for protection against any new possible attacks and viruses.

Anti Spam and Anti Phishing and Email protection:
It protects you from phishing e-mails and e-mail fraud.

Instant messaging protection:
IM protection protects your instant messaging session from hackers, spammers, spywares and virus attacks. You can also use this tool to restrict your kid to use instant messengers only with trusted people.

Parental control:
This feature is necessary to prevent your kids from accessing inappropriate websites and objectionable content on web sites.

Credit Card Monitoring alerts:
Some internet security software provides credit card monitoring alerts which alert you if your credit card number appears online. This tool is very useful if you use your credit card on internet for transactions.

Although firewall, antispyware and antivirus protection is must in any internet security software, but additional security tools can also help you to improve your security on internet. With this checklist you can make the right choice for your security software program.