Essential Tips for Your Computer Protection

The information given below is compiled by our editor to give the reader a short-cut to what are the most essential steps to be taken to secure your computer from present day threats. Take time to learn the basics and we believe you’ll be on your way to a better computer experience as well as a healthier well being.

1. Email attachments

Email attachments are the No 1 way viruses infect computers and spread itself. Do not open suspicious email attachments, even if it’s sent by someone you know. If you have to open them, scan the attachment first with an updated antivirus program. Also, try not forward programs whose author and origin are unknown to friends and colleagues just because it’s amusing. It might contain a Trojan horse the recipient may not be adequately protected from.

2. Downloading applications

Many of us download stuff from the Internet because it’s useful and free. Some of them contain viruses and many come with spyware. Some websites which uses spyware openly tell you what to expect under their terms and conditions of use, so if you agree to use their application, you’re asking for trouble! If you absolutely need to download and install a program in to your computer, please save them in your hard disk and have it scanned with an updated antivirus and antispyware program before you double click it.

3. Use a reliable antivirus program

Most brand new computers come bundled with an antivirus solution, but it’ll last only a year or less after it’s been installed, following which you’ll have to renew the program or buy another one. The effectiveness of an antivirus program depends on its ability to update itself with the latest virus definitions and ‘outwit’ new viruses that are created daily. Select an antivirus that has a consistent track record. Checkmark, AV-Test.org and TuV are among the most respected independent testers of antivirus software.

4. Use a reliable firewall solution

A firewall is a necessary prevention tool if your computer is connected to the Internet or a network. Basically, a firewall alerts you for permission if an external program tries to communicate with your computer or vice versa. This ensures no communication passes through your computer without your knowledge. Again, independent reviewers are your best bet for reasonable choices. Some operating systems come with a firewall which only filters incoming traffic. Use a firewall that can control both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic.

5. Use a reliable anti-spyware program

Spyware is deceptive. It hides itself in your computer, not seeking to destroy but to spy and divert. Its operation slows down your computer. Spyware has become so diverse and sophisticated in recent years that a standard antivirus and firewall solution will not keep them out. You’ll need to review and install the latest anti-spyware solution available. Your best bet is to purchase one from a reliable source without the adware that seeks to be the ONLY ‘spy’ in your computer.

6. Patch your legitimate software and operating system

Developers for software such Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and etc often release ‘patches’ and distribute them for free over the Internet when a ‘bug’ or weakness has been discovered. Patches help strengthen the software against intrusion by hackers and malicious programs. Most of the software will automatically search for these patches or updates when you’re online and alert you when it’s available. If you're using free software or shareware, you may have to manually obtain these updates from the vendor’s website from time to time.

7. Use genuine software

When you use imitation, copied or unlicensed software, you are compromising the security of your computer. Many of these copied software contain defects and bugs in the course of their production and distribution and may not provide you with the full features you expect from the original. On top of that, you’ll not get the updates and support from the vendor so critical to your computer security.

8. Practice safe browsing

When you’re surfing the Internet for information or doing research, its best to establish certain guidelines so that your browser will not be led to websites that are hazardous! As a rule, do not click on suspicious looking pop-up ads that try to warn you about something. There are many ads that try to deceive you to click on the mock ‘X’, ‘Close’ or ‘OK’ buttons. Avoid ads that feature pornography, gaming or enticing news about a celebrity. Many of these ads take you to websites that employ ‘drive by downloads’ whereby they exploit a ‘back-door’ in your browser or operating system to deposit a malicious program without you clicking on any link on the page! Curiosity kills the cat, remember?

9. Avoid pornographic sites

To prevent XXX Dialers from infecting your computer, it’s wise not to visit porn sites, even out of curiosity. Once XXX Dialers are installed in your computer with or without your consent, they disconnect your modem/telephone line from your local ISP and reconnects it to make an expensive IDD call overseas. This problem has been known to manifest itself entirely with pornographic websites. If you find your browser taking you to these websites, use the Alt-F4 key to shut down the window instead of using the ‘Exit’ button provided by these websites

10. Internet supervision

If you’re a parent with kids, try to place the family computer in an open area in the home, never in the children’s room by themselves. If you’re an employer, place the computer(s) with the Internet connection where everyone can see them. You can also invest in software that controls Internet browsing and filters undesirable websites. Using passwords and ensuring that it’s not shared with unauthorised persons will also help to control Internet surfing.

11. Phishing

Phising is a new form of social engineering that attacks Internet users who do their shopping, banking and financial transactions online. It comes in the form of fraudulent emails and websites to trick consumers into divulging their personal financial information, credit card numbers and passwords. For example, you may receive an email masquerading as your bank asking you to click on a link to update your personal particulars; you proceed to a webpage that looks exactly like the website of your bank and begin to key in your personal particulars without suspecting anything. This is where the fraudsters will collect your information and use them. Sometimes clicking on the link on the email may introduce a Trojan horse into your computer where a ‘KeyLogger’ will track your keystroke in order to obtain your password, credit card or bank account number.

Do not respond to any email asking for your personal information. Contact the organisation in question using the addresses and numbers you know to be genuine; eg. from your bank statement. You may have to forward the email or give details to them to investigate further.

12. Back-up

Make frequent backup of important data and store these copies on removable media such as CD or DVD. Keep your archive in a different location than the one your computer is in. You may also get yourself an external hard disk drive that backups your data automatically with a push of a button.

13. Switch off or disconnect when not in use

Shut down your computer or disconnect it from the network when you are not using it. Alternatively, you can have the option of disconnecting from the Internet when you are working offline. No threats can reach your computer if it’s disconnected from the network or Internet.

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