It is important to assess the value of the information you want to protect and then decide the appropriate security measures to take.  Anti-virus programs are the most frequently used tools to protect computer systems, and they must be upgraded regularly to protect against any new viruses. Firewalls are also available on the market. They dissuade hackers from penetrating your PC by blocking access to your computer from the exterior (people or software). A firewall is different from anti-virus software, which simply verifies that a file is virus free. You can also add an anti-spyware program. Spyware is a small program downloaded onto your computer via the internet, usually with your approval, to collect information. Anti-spyware operates a lot like an anti-virus program, but its role is to prevent malicious spyware (or malware) from sneaking onto your computer and transmitting your personal data.