Apr 12

Written by: mark.williams
4/12/2010 8:48 AM

The 10 Commandments of

Computer Security

 

1. Microsoft Automatic Updates – Make sure it’s set to auto download all patches and install them automatically, once a day.
2. Always run the most current version of your chosen web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome).
3. Instant Messaging (IM) – Viruses are spread through IM just as they are spread through E-Mail. Don’t click on links or open attachments that come through IM, even if they look like they came from someone you know. Contact that person first and make sure they sent you that link or attachment.
4. Keep Adobe Acrobat Reader updated – 80% of malicious infections are spread through PDF Files.
5. Leave User Account Control on in Windows Vista and Windows 7. It’s there to protect you. Make sure your Windows Firewall is ON.
6. Keep your Antivirus Product up to date with the latest virus definitions. Make sure it checks for new updates once a day and runs a quick scan daily.
7. Know which Antivirus product you have installed, and know what its windows look like. If you have Symantec installed and “AntiVirus 2010” pops up and says you are infected, that is a fake antivirus warning. Don’t click on any Windows! Hit ALT-F4 to close the window, open your real antivirus product, run a complete scan, and call someone to make sure your machine hasn’t been compromised!
8. Beware of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter…People’s accounts get hacked all the time on these networks and they send out status updates that look like they came from a friend with a link to “Check out this picture of you”. Don’t fall for it. Click on that link and YOUR account will be hacked and your computer will be infected! If you think it is legitimate, send them a message and ask them if they just posted a picture of you.
9. Don’t play all the games, quizzes and join all the silly Groups and Causes on Facebook either. These are created by 3^rd party companies, and in order to take part in the game or join the group, you have to give that 3^rd party company COMPLETE access to your account, as well as your friends list.
10. Run a program like Secunia that periodically checks the software you have installed on your machine. If there is something that is insecure out outdated, it will alert you and point you to a download link to update to a more secure version of that software.

 

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