PC Security: Securing
Your Computer System
by Ainuddin Mohamad
Today, more
and more people are using their computers for everything from
communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As
we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves
up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some
may be looking to phish your personal information and identity
for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a
platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below
are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your
computer more secure.
1.
Always make backups of important
information and store in a safe place separate from your
computer.
2.
Update and patch your operating
system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a
Windows operating system, start by going to
www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and running the update
wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches
for your Windows computer. Also go to
www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible patches
for your Office programs.
3.
Install a firewall. Without a
good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can
all easily access your computer from the Internet.
Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences
between hardware and software based firewall programs.
4.
Review your browser and email
settings for optimum security. Why should you do this?
Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant
malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are
relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do
still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile
of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the
“internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to
Medium Low.
5.
Install antivirus software and set
for automatic updates so that you receive the most current
versions.
6.
Do not open unknown email
attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize
the address from which it originates because many viruses can
spread from a familiar address.
7.
Do not run programs from unknown
origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends
and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or
jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a
computer.
8.
Disable hidden filename
extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set
to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this
option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file
extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but
you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do
not belong.
9.
Turn off your computer and
disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A
hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected
from the network or the computer is off.
10.
Consider making a boot disk on a
floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by
a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step
before you experience a hostile breach of your system.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
Related Articles: PC Security: 2006 Security Watch
PC Security: About Encryption and Making Your System Secure
PC Security: Computer Viruses that Come a Callin’
PC Security: Fighting Spam
PC Security: Fighting off Viruses: Advancements in Antivirus Software Suites
PC Security: Finding the Security Suite that meets your needs
PC Security: How many spyware items are infecting your computer?
PC Security: Just what is Intelligent Explorer? For your safety, you really need to know
PC Security: Parental Peace of Mind
PC Security: Phishing For Your Identity
PC Security: Protection You Can Afford
PC Security: Spam Buster
PC Security: Spyware Beware
PC Security: Surfing the Web Anonymously – Questions to Ask
PC Security: The Advancement of the Keylogger
PC Security: Trojan Horse….Greek Myth or Computer Nemesis?
PC Security: Website Security Rules of the Road
PC Security: What are Intrusion Detection Systems?
PC Security: What the Heck are Botnets?
PC Security: Who are the Players in the Antivirus Industry?
PC Security: Why Do I Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me? Part 1
PC Security: Department of Defense Crackdown on Security
|
