Protect your Computer
Protect your PC
By staff writer
The Internet is one of the most useful and entertaining resources we have. But it can also be dangerous. Any PC connected to the Internet is a potential target for viruses, worms and other security risks.
Fast-moving computer threats make major news headlines as they rapidly spread to thousands or even millions of PCs around the world. But for every virus or worm that makes the news, countless others cause trouble on PCs every day.
Protecting your PC may be easier than you think
One of the easiest steps you can take to protect your PC is to update your operating system software. If your PC is running on a version of Windows, this means paying regular visits to the Microsoft Web site (www.microsoft.com). You'll find the latest news and updates through links on their home page.
Unfortunately, installing free updates to your operating system is not enough to protect it from the many threats of the Internet. However, more easy options can further protect your PC.
More steps to securing your PC
To minimize the risks to your system, protect your PC if it is attacked, and save yourself from major headaches in the future, check out these simple steps to greater Internet security.
1. Use firewall and antivirus software.
Firewalls block unauthorized access to and from your computer or network. They block vulnerable openings in your system that hackers can use to break in and cause damage or steal files. Firewall software such as ZoneAlarm Pro 4.0, McAfee Firewall 4.0, Norton Personal Firewall 2003 and BlackICE PC Protection can help. It is important to also use antivirus software, which protects your computer if an intruding virus should get in. If you open an infected e-mail, e-mail attachment or floppy disk, antivirus software is your best chance to stop problems before they start or clean up viruses that have already spread. For the best protection, get both firewall and antivirus protection in packages like Norton Internet Security 2003 or McAfee Internet Security 5.0.
2. Use e-mail cautiously.
Perhaps the most useful feature of an Internet-connected computer is e-mail. But you should be careful when using it. E-mails (or, more often their attachments) sometimes have viruses that can cause harm to your computer and to any other computers you share information with. If you receive an e-mail from someone you don't know or can't easily identify, delete it. Never open an attachment from someone you don't know. If an e-mail looks suspicious, delete the whole message including the attachment immediately. Even if you do know the sender, be very wary of attachments — especially if they include unknown hyperlinks. You may want to contact the person who sent the attachment to find out what it contains before you open it. That way, if a virus generated it and they did not mean to send it, you will know before you have a problem.
3. Use hard-to-guess passwords.
To prevent other people from guessing your password, use the following guidelines:
Create a password with a minimum of 8 characters.
Choose a meaningless password (birthdays and pet's names are easy for hackers to crack).
Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers; for example: XJG34560.
Change your password on a regular basis.
Do not give out your password to anyone.
Write down your password in case you forget it, but keep it somewhere only you know about.
4. Disable file sharing.
If you don't use this feature, turn it off. File sharing makes you vulnerable to a virus attack and can allow strangers to scan your files. Never allow strangers to have file-sharing rights — this can cause big troubles for you and isn't worth the hassle. Don't know if you use file sharing? If, for example, you download music and allow others to download music from you (using programs like Napster), you are file sharing.
5. Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.
While your computer is connected to the Internet, intruders can gain access to your private information. If you don't have a firewall in place, chances of an intruder successfully gaining access to your files are even greater. Be safe and disconnect. If you have an "always on" service like DSL or cable, a good firewall program can mean the difference between safe surfing and losing precious data. Shutting off your computer when not in use can gain you added protection.
6. Back up your computer data.
Be prepared for any loss of data by creating a backup of important files on a regular basis. A weekly backup is recommended. If you're on a network, save copies of your files to another area on the network or, if possible, save them to an external or removable disk (such as floppy disks or CDs). A few minutes spent backing up your files each week can save you from losing files forever.
7. Regularly download security protection updates and patches.
Install operating system and Web browser security updates and patches as they are released. If the vendor says you need them, you probably do.
8. Consider encrypting sensitive data.
Loss of financial and personal data can be devastating. Encrypting your most important files can save you the headache of trying to recreate lost or stolen files. Since encrypting turns files into unintelligible messes for unauthorized users, it helps ensure that even if your data should be found or stolen, it will be unreadable. If you are using a program capable of encrypting data, specific instructions will be available in its help menu.
9. Stay on top of new technology and software.
Computers, software and security risks are constantly evolving. To keep your information safe, you should be aware of current technology and periodically review your security software. Buying firewall or antivirus software but failing to update it can prove almost as dangerous as not having it at all. Many antivirus programs from Norton and McAfee, offer "live updates" that use the Internet to increase your protection on a regular basis. Consider purchasing new versions of security software every year. This way you'll be using the most advanced methods for keeping your computer and your information safe.
10. Keep your family informed.
Your information is only as secure as your weakest link. Be sure that anyone using your computer knows these rules of safety and doesn't disable your systems or open unsafe e-mails. Take the time to inform them of the precautions you've taken and what to do if your computer should become infected.
Perhaps no amount of security can keep your computer 100% safe, but following these tips will give you a greater chance of protecting your computer and your files. The more precautions you take, the less likely a virus or attack by a hacker will be successful.
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