The
best security measures are the simplest - your common
sense. Here are some suggestions.
Turn Your Computer Off
Turn your computer off when you are
not using it. If your computer is off criminals can't
get into it. The window of malicious opportunity
is reduced dramatically.
Password
Change your password often (every three
months) and make sure your password is alphanumeric
(which means that it is composed of both letters and numbers).
The best passwords are not based on known
words (i.e. a3rtq85g). It is amazing how many people violate
this simple rule. One study in Chicago found that a substantial
number of the respondents had a password to their valuable
information of "Bears". If your password isn't
in the dictionary, criminals will have a difficult time
guessing it.
Confidentiality
Don't tell your password to anyone
you don't trust. Don't write it down under your keyboard
or on a note next to your computer. These are the first
places criminals will look. If you bank with your computer
your computer is in effect a digital form of your checkbook.
It should be protected accordingly.
Do not in any circumstance divulge any personal financial
information (such as your bank account numbers, social
security numbers, mother's maiden name, etc) to any party
who's identity you cannot completely verify (such as someone
on an auction site).
Antivirus
Viruses, worms and trojans are a continuing menace in
the use of the internet. It necessary to use antivirus
products to protect the integrity of your systems.
Security Patches
When a flaw is found in a software product most vendors
offer a means to repair the problem in the form of a patch.
When the patch is applied the software is no longer susceptible
to the exploit. It is recommended that computer users
stay current with their software patches and turn on the
auto update feature of the patch program if applicable.
Firewall for "Always
on" Connections
If you have an "always on" connection
to the Internet like DSL or a Cable modem you are potentially
at risk to malicious intrusion because your computer has
a 24/7 connection to the Internet. Some studies have concluded
that these types of connections get scanned by questionable
sources as much as twenty times a day.
If you have one of these types
of connections you should strongly consider installing
either a software or hardware firewall.
Anti-Spyware
Attacks against personal computer
systems are becoming more and more sophisticated. Infections
of malicious software that can record and intercept personal
information are a commonplace occurrence. Antispyware
products are now available to address this problem. Microsoft
offers a free antispware product that is a good idea to
consider using. |
