|
Print This Page | Back to Previous Page 10 Steps to a Secure Computer1. Use virus protection softwareAll Internet connected computers should have virus protection software and it should be kept up to date, the one that came loaded in your computer is
probably out of date now and useless. Most can be set to
update automatically, use this facility. The choice of programmes is vast but the following are generally recognised as good: 2. Use a firewallPotential intruders are constantly scanning for vulnerabilities in home computers connected to the Internet. A firewall is a piece of software that provides protection against hackers and also from
many Trojans sent by email and will alert you if a connection to your computer is attempted by an unauthorised source. No firewall is completely foolproof but having none is foolish. 3. Beware email attachmentsEmail attachments are the most common method of spread of viruses online, so you should view ALL email attachments with a level of suspicion. The following guidelines will help you to deal with them safely. A. Unexpected Attachments
These measures will significantly reduce, though not completely eliminate, the possibility of your computer becoming infected by an email attachment. C. Turn off the mail preview mode (where the message appears in a split window below the list of items in your inbox) in Outlook or Outlook Express. In the case of several recent worms it was possible to be infected simply by opening or previewing the mail, opening the attachment was not necessary.
4. Enable viewing of file extensionsBy default Windows systems hide the file extensions for known file types. This allows those with malicious intent to make a dangerous file seem innocent by using a known file extension.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP:
5. Prevent Spyware/AdwareSpyware or Adware are small programmes or pieces of code, downloaded to your computer along with other downloads, usually without your knowledge. These programs gather information about you, sometimes simply related to your use of a programme but it can be as extensive as tracking all your online activity and targeting advertising at you accordingly. Spybot and AdAware are programmes that will detect spyware and adware and remove them from your system. Both are available free for personal use. 6. Keep up to date with Software PatchesSoftware manufacturers will from time to time release patches for their programmes when a security 'hole' has been discovered. Look in the help files of the programmes you use for a means of registering to be alerted when patches become available, or visit the manufacturers' web sites for information on receiving updates. You can download patches here for all Microsoft software and operating systems. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ 7. Disable scripting in email programsEmail programmes use the same code as web browsers to display HTML mails (the colourful ones). Accepting HTML mail at all is risky since Java, JavaScript or ActiveX controls can be embedded in them, often innocently but possibly with the intention to do harm. The best solution is to set your email programme not to accept HTML mail. Your mailbox will be duller but safer. However, in MS Outlook Express you cannot easily turn off incoming HTML mails and this is a vulnerability that has been exploited by virus creators. You can prevent active content, such as ActiveX Controls and scripts, from being run from inside HTML e-mail messages:
For greater security, consider alternatives to Outlook Express. If you have it, MS Outlook is much better or you can download alternative email programmes from these sites: 8. Backup Your Data RegularlyThey say there are two kinds of computer users: those who have already experienced the loss of important data, and those who will. Whether you use ZIP discs, a tape backup, rewrittable CD-ROM discs or good old floppy discs, do actually use them and use them often. If the worst happens and you are forced to reformat your computer at least you will still have your data. If you find all this fiddly and hard to remember you could consider automating your backups and using online storage. Two well thought of companies providing this service are: http://www.xdrive.com/ 9. Make a Boot DiscA boot disc contains a copy of your Master Boot Record (MBR), without which it is impossible for your computer to start. If a virus or other disaster prevents you from starting your computer simply put your boot disc in the floppy drive and it will start up happily allowing you to get on with solving whatever problem has occurred. All you need is a floppy disc, then follow this procedure:
Remember, however, you must create this disc before you have a security breach. 10. And Finally……Disconnect your computer from the internet when you are not actually using it: the only time you are totally safe from intruders is when you are not connected to the Internet at all! © InKK Design. 2002-2005. All Rights Reserved. This article may be freely distributed provided the copyright notice remains intact.
|