Our Best Practice
PC/Windows
Security Checkup
You don't need an IT professional to help protect your computer
at home, just the right software and a few minutes for periodic maintenance.
Here are simple steps you can take now to maintain the security of your
new computer running Microsoft Windows XP.
Of course business users have more
complex requirements, and a professional should always be used.
However the following can help small businesses as well.
Upgrade your
Operating System
If you are using an older operating
system, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, you need to
upgrade to Windows2000 or WindowsXP. This is because older
versions of Windows have significant security and privacy
vulnerabilities. Some of these versions have such significant
weaknesses that they are almost unsecurable! Our recommendation
would be WindowsXP Home or whenever possible WindowsXP Professional.
Just remember, no matter
what your risks - security starts from a minimum. With Windows,
that minimum is Windows 2000 or Windows XP. This is roughly the
equivalent to driving a car when you know it has not breaks!
Click the logo about for more information about Windows XP!
Assess Your Risks
All good defense plans start by knowing
what you are defending against. Ten years ago, people thought of the Web as… wonderful. And it is
even more so today. But some corners of the Web are pretty wild and
pretty weird. And what's "out there" can bring home unwelcome
consequences to your privacy and computer security.
Click here for more Risk Assessment information
Use Antivirus
Software
A good antivirus software program will help protect your computer
against known e-mail viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other unwanted
invaders. If you already have antivirus software installed on your
computer, make sure you activate it before spending a lot of time
online. (Viruses are typically passed via e-mail and downloadable
files.)
If your computer does not have antivirus software installed, you
can purchase it at most computer stores or directly from the
manufacturer. Many antivirus software manufacturers will also allow
you to purchase a license online and download the software directly to
your computer. These software manufacturers include:
The antivirus software you install today will only fight known
threats. Check the software manufacturer's Web site regularly for
updates, and download them as soon as they become available. Most
antivirus programs also offer a way to automatically check for updates
when you are online.
Click here for more Antivirus information
Use Anti-Spyware
Software
While the
Internet is a powerful resource and provides users with many useful
and often entertaining things to see and do, it also has its dark
side.
Most people are familiar with freeware,
shareware, cookies, media players, interactive content, and file
sharing. What they may not realize is that some of these may contain code or components that allow the
developers of these applications and tools to actually collect and
disseminate personal information about those using them!
They can track your surfing habits,
abuse your Internet connection by sending this data to a third
party, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start
page or pages, alter important system files, and can do this without
your knowledge or permission. The security and privacy implications
of these exploits should be quite obvious and undesirable on any
system or network!
They are a serious threat to your
system and data security. Spyware
resides on your computer and monitors your activities, including web
forms you may fill in, even in SSL mode! These come in two main
classes: Browser Plugins, and Planted Code from Banner Ads.
Of of the browser plugins they include: Gator, Comet Cursor,
Yahoo browser plugin, Google plugin and others.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
Every major software vendor maintains
their products, and periodically provides software updates.
These are usually provided in one of three forms:
- Version Upgrades (usually must be
purchased)
- Online updates (via their website)
- Automatic Updates (via a feature of
the software)
There two Web-based update services to
help you keep your Microsoft software up-to-date. The Windows Update
service helps you keep current with the latest security updates for
your Windows operating system. The Office Update service covers all Microsoft Office products,
including Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint®, Microsoft Excel, and
Microsoft Outlook®. Make these two sites among your first stops on the
Internet, and return regularly for future updates.
For added protection, Windows XP users should set Automatic Updates
to download and install important updates. To do that:
- On the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, click Start,
and then click Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel window, click the Performance and
Maintenance category.
Tip If the Performance and Maintenance category is
not visible, click Switch to Category View.
- Click the System icon to open the System Properties
dialog box.
- Click the Automatic Updates tab.
- Make sure the check box next to Keep my computer up to date
is selected. If the check box is clear, click it to select it.
- Under Settings, click Automatically download the
updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
- From the lists provided, select a day and time for your computer
to check for, download, and install updates.
Tip Be sure to pick a day and time when your computer is
usually turned on.
Check Your Security
Settings
Your Windows Operating Systems, and
Internet Browser all have specific settings and options to help keep
you and your data safe. Be sure that you review those settings,
and apply the maximum reasonable security based upon your risks.
Use an Internet
Firewall
Protecting computers from unauthorized external access is important
for anyone who uses the Internet, and critical for anyone who has a
permanent connection through DSL or a cable modem. Firewall software
is available from several software manufacturers. There is also an
Internet firewall built into Windows XP. To use it:
- On the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, click Start,
and then point to All Programs.
- Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and
then click Network Setup Wizard. (You do not need to be on a
network to use this feature.)
- Follow the steps in the wizard to enable the Internet
Connection Firewall.
It is also recommended to use a
combination firewall / intrusion detection software, such as BlackIce.
This not only helps stop intrusions, but also detects intrusions so
that you can take appropriate action.
Scan you Computer
When Connected For Vulnerabilities!
After all is said and done, and you
think your computer is secure, how do you really know? The
answer is that you test it.
There are many services that perform
external vulnerability tests. Some run as much as $10,000 a
system to be tested. We recommend an amazing service that does
it for free! Their testing is every bit as useful as the
expensive services, but do it for not cost.
Of course, there is always a catch.
They will test your system's vulnerabilities for free, but if you have
extensive issues, they charge for the full detailed report.
Strong Password!
Your passwords are the keys to your
kingdom. The kind of password you use can make it easy or hard
to break!
Security
Maintenance!
Security isn't a do i once activity.
Like most things in life, it requires commitment!
Security Policies!
If you are in business, Security
Policies let you effectively communicate what you expect of all
involved, and provide a framework for understanding your security
needs!
Safer Computing Today and Tomorrow
By following these steps, you can help improve your
computer's security today. To summarize, here are some ongoing steps
you can take to help protect your computer in the future:
- Upgrade to the latest OS.
- Sign up for the Microsoft Automatic Updates service.
- Install antivirus updates as soon as they become available.
- Install and enable Internet firewall software.
- Install and use Spyware Scanners
Simple Steps To Better
Security
By using common sense and taking action to help protect your
computer from unauthorized intrusions and attachments, you can enjoy
all that the Internet has to offer. Minimize your risks by following
these steps:
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