Computer Protection: Checklist

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Whether or not you have read everything prior to this page, this area will serve as a checklist for creating robust computer protection. This area will cover the tools and the practices that you should use on a daily basis.

Make sure your computer has the latest security patches installed:

The easiest, and I do mean the easiest, way to break into a computer (both for actual people and malicious software) is to take advantage of security weaknesses that people have not patched up on their computers. The reason being is twofold: first, these exploits become public knowledge, allowing anyone to learn and take advantage of them and second, freely downloadable tools are developed that allow anyone to easily exploit these public vulnerabilities and gain control of computers.

Use a Firewall:

Think of a firewall like the front door to your house: it gives you the discretion of choosing what you want to come in and what to go out of your house. Without a firewall, all traffic no matter what shape or form can enter and exit your computer. All forms of malicious software utilize the opportunity to enter and spread to other computers without firewalls because it is effortless to do. A section on firewalls will be added here very soon!

Use anti-spyware and anti-adware software with updated definitions:

Spyware and Adware can come pretty much from anywhere. To make sure that various forms of spyware and adware to not constantly monitor your activities, download some anti-spyware/adware tools and make sure that they constantly have the most up-to-date definitions. This will give you the greatest chances of removing any sources of spyware and adware that may be on your computer. To find some spyware and adware removal tools, have a look at the Tools section.

Use anti-virus software with up-to-date virus definitions:

Viruses, Trojans, worms and even spyware can be detected and removed with anti-virus software. Just make sure you constantly update your virus definitions. New forms of malicious software and produced and released in the Internet on a daily basis and the only way to protect yourself from them is to have the virus definitions to block and delete them from your computer. Some Anti-Virus programs can be seen in the Tools section.

Use an Intrusion Detection System (advanced):

While we did not really talk about this, they are very good to have on your computer. You can consider an Intrusion Detection System like a burglar alarm for your house; they alarm you when abnormal activity is occurring on your computer. While Intrusion Detection Systems may need to be configured (depending on what you plan to use) some can work just fine for the personal user right out of the box.

Practice Safe Web Surfing Habits:

While there is always the opportunity of getting various forms of malicious software no matter where you browse to on the Internet, there are areas that have a higher chance of infecting your computer. Warez (illegal software), pornography, and other types of "underground" websites will give you higher probabilities of being infected with malicious software versus sites like Amazon.com and eBay. These "underground" sites have a tendency of actually programming their webpages so that malicious software automatically gets installed on your computer right when you enter the website. You don't even have to download anything!

Don't open unknown emails and use caution when opening email attachments:

While curiosity can get the best of many people, don't open those emails from unknown people that have enticing subjects. Just like with webpages, emails can be written in a form where malicious software will automatically infect you just by opening (or even previewing it like you can with Microsoft Outlook) the email.

Also, make sure you check attachments for viruses, worms, etc., especially if they are from a stranger. Call us paranoid but, we actually scan all of our attachments for viruses because you never know whether a buddy or a worm is the one that sent you that email. Fortunately, many anti-virus programs allow you to automatically check every email for viruses.

Beware of Scams:

Know that anyone, including you, can be a victim:

The people that are the most insecure on the Internet are the ones who believe that they can not be a victim. By understanding the dangers that lie on the Internet, you can take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself. Trust us when we say that hackers, intruders, etc. are always going to first look for the easiest targets to attack. If you apply the information you learned throughout this website to yourself and your computer, chances are you are going to deter those hackers into looking for easier targets to attack.

Don't be scared of the Internet: