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Editorials: 10 must do tips to make your Windows PC more secure |
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I was prompted to write this page as someone I know recently had a very
close call with a security issue on their computer. Although the goal of
this website in general is to introduce people to Linux, I would not want
any person, on any operating system, to learn these lessons the hard way.
I believe that there are two reasons people do not secure their
computers; firstly, they have not been informed about computer security
(this page should help) and secondly, that they do not think it will happen
to them - let me tell you from my years of computer support experience - it
will - it is just a matter of time if you don't protect yourself.
These tips are geared towards Windows however they are just as relevant
for Linux and Mac OS users too.
10 must do tips to make your Windows PC more secure
Update your anti-virus software once a week and run a complete test.
Anti-virus software that doesn't have the patches for the latest virus's
is the same as not having any anti-virus software on your computer at all.
If you use the free version that came with your computer when it was new
make sure you renew your subscription as soon as it runs out. If you do not
have anti-virus software you can get a completely free version called AVG
from
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php. Run a complete virus test on your
computer once a week immediately after updating your anti-virus software.
Install a firewall.
Firewalls stop unauthorized programs from using your computer over the
internet. If your computer is on the internet it is vulnerable. If you do
not have a firewall program you can get the free Sygate Personal Firewall
from
http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm. If your firewall says
that a program is trying to contact the internet and you are not sure what
it is, say no, if a program stops working you can always say yes the
next time it asks.
Update your operating system with the latest patches every 2 weeks.
New security flaws are discovered in operating systems all the time. Your
computer is vulnerable to these flaws if you do not install the free fixes
that are available. Windows can be updated at
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
Do not use Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer has more security vulnerabilities than any other web
browser. Try the free Firefox browser from
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/.
Be very careful where you give personal information out.
Never enter unsolicited personal information on a website that is not
secure and doesn't begin with https. Do not respond to emails asking
for personal information when you have not contacted them first. Some emails
can contain links to websites that look like the real companies website but
in fact just collect your information for hackers. If in doubt phone the
company with the information.
Be very careful opening email attachments
Email attachments can contain virus's. Scan attachments with your
anti-virus software before opening them and only open attachments that you
are expecting to receive.
Ignore virus warning emails
Virus warning emails can be hoaxes that make you damage your own
computer. Rely on up-to-date anti-virus software to protect you. The only
exception to this rule is if you work for a company with an IS&T department
and they send you the message at work.
Use anti-spyware software
Spyware is software that gathers personal information about you from your
computer, changes your internet homepage without your permission and
installs software you have not asked for. Spyware can can accidentally
installed with other software or without your permission from unscrupulous
websites. Lavasoft Adaware, which is free, works in the same way as
anti-virus software but for spyware can be downloaded from
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/. Update and run a complete
test every week at the same time as your anti-virus software.
Do not forward emails that claim something will happen if you send it
to a certain number of people
These emails can be a way of getting you to pass on a virus. Email
messages cannot count how many people you have sent them to and they will
not do whatever they say they will do if you forward it to a certain number
of people.
Backup up important files
Backing up files such as documents, spreadsheets and photo's that you
would not want to lose will not prevent anything horrible happening,
however, if something does happen it changes the event from being
devastating to just an inconvenience.
Conclusion
Following these tips will greatly reduce your chances of being affected
by a computer security issue. The person I know had a very close call, I
urge you to spend the small amount of time it takes to protect yourself so
that nothing nasty happens to you on your computer. For more information on
home computer security you can go to the
United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) website.
Finally, whilst you are on this site, why not take a few minutes to find
out about Linux and how it can make your computer more secure among
other things.
Barney Matthews
See the original article at
www.tuxs.org/winsecure.htm
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