PC Security guides

Your personal computer is a common target for intruders and other malicious users because they want to access personal data such as bank account information, credit card numbers or any important data they could find.

Not only can intruders stead your financial information, they could also use your computer resources – such as hard disk, processor and internet connection – to attack other users. This way, law enforcement will find it difficult to solve where the attacks are coming from.

To prevent possible identity theft or computer hijack, follow these eight steps in maintaining PC security:

1) Anti-Virus Programs – These programs search and assess the contents of each computer file then removes or destroys “virus signatures”, which are known to be harmful to your computer.

2) Patch up your System – This process involves fixing the operating system and restoring different functions of your computer. Most computer vendors offer patches that are designed to fix bugs in their products. This process is repeated until the patch fixes the problem completely.

3) Email Attachment Precautions – Most unsolicited items, such as exploding packages or letter bombs, can be sent through your e-mail. Take extra precaution in opening emails to prevent any harm your computer may receive.

4) Firewall Programs – Install and use a firewall program. These programs act as a guard to your computer when looking at network traffic received from or destined for other computers. The firewall program determines if certain traffic should be allowed to continue to its destination or stopped. These programs keep the unwanted out and permit only “healthy” traffic to enter and leave your computer.

5) Data Backups – It is important that back up your data in your computer’s hard disk, external hard disk drives or any removable media. This ensures each important data will not be harmed when computer problems arise.

6) Strong Passwords – It is important to mix up several numbers, symbols and letters to strengthen password safety. An ideal length of password is around eight or more letters, numbers or symbols.

7) Download and Installation – Be careful in accepting or downloading any material online to prevent virus attacks and computer hijacks.

Hardware Firewall – Hardware firewall, which works similarly to firewall programs, stands between your personal computer and the Internet.

Although these steps may seem simple, remember that maintaining computer safety is a continuous process. You cannot perform these tasks once and let your computer be. Get back to each of these steps regularly and check if you need program updates.

Keeping your computer secure is in your hands. Outsmart computer hijackers by reinforcing computer safety precautions.

Your personal passwords are the keys to accessing information you stored on your PC or online accounts. Creating safe passwords is important to prevent malicious users from stealing this information and using your name and account to open credit cards, apply for mortgage, or steal your identity for online transactions.

In most cases, these identity theft attacks may occur without you knowing it, until it becomes too late. To prevent this from happening, create strong passwords and keep them well protected. By sticking to the following guidelines, it will ensure that you will never encounter such attacks.

* Lengthy passwords – The more characters you add to your password – may it be letters, numbers or symbols – the safer your password will become. An average password should be at least eight or more characters.

* Character Combo – By combining letters, numbers or symbols, you are making it difficult for malicious users to guess your passwords.

* Character variations – If you use fewer kinds of characters in your password, the longer it should be. A 20-character password made up of random numbers and letters is about 35,000 times stronger than a 10-character password made up of a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

* Maximize the keyboard – If you press down the “shift” button, a variety of symbols can be added to your password to make it stronger. These symbols can include punctuation marks or any symbols that are unique to your language.

* Avoid repeated characters – Passwords such as “4444”, “1234”, “abcdefghij”, or any adjacent letters on the keyboard does not make your passwords secure.

* Look-alike substitutions – Malicious users who may possibly crack your passwords cannot be fooled by look-alike replacements, such as replacing “o” with “0”, “s” with “$” or “a” with “@” as in “P@$$w0rd”. However, if you wish to include look-alike substations, strengthen your passwords by adding case variations, misspellings and character length.

* Login names – Avoid using any part of your name, social security number or birthday. These kinds of data are the first things criminals will try to guess.

In developing a strong password, think of a sentence that you will not forget, such as “my daughter is three feet tall”. If password systems support phrases, use your sentence as a password and add spaces between each character. Conversely, if the system cannot recognize phrases or sentences, convert the sentence into a password, such as “mditft” or “mdi3ft”.

After creating a strong password, always remember your passwords by heart or write them down. Contrary to popular belief, writing down passwords is not that dangerous – as long as you keep them safe from other users.

Regular backup of data on your personal computer is an important part of safe computing. No matter how cautious you are in protecting your system, it could always run into problems that may cause loss of data.

Since your data is the most important part of the computer, you need to backup data by simply saving copies of important files, information and folders. There are several ways in backing up data, but the easiest for the average PC user is to run a backup option, which is a part of the operating system (Macintosh or Windows).

A number of options are available for storing your backup data. Although most people store data on floppy disks, it cannot hold everything you need to save. Your other options include removable media, network drive, external hard disk drive and your computer’s hard disk.

If you plan to backup your data on the hard disk, it is recommended to store the data at a separate partition from the location you’re backing up. For example, your hard disk is divided into drive C and D. If your data is saved on drive C, safely back it up to drive D.

Another option is a zip drive or any removable media. If you don’t require numerous gigabytes for data back up, removable media with 100 to 250 MB per disk can be an excellent safety location.

If you wish to store data on a shared network drive, remember that you will only be limited to the amount of free space the network has. If a shared network drive will not work for you, use an external hard disk drive to store up data.

Majority of data backup programs feature three backup options – full, differential and incremental backup.

A full backup is a process that involves copying all your important data. For this reason, it will require more storage space and a longer time to save the data and if necessary, restore it. Once the full data backup is complete, it is recommended to perform incremental and differential backups at regular intervals.

A differential backup involves saving the files that have been added or changed since your last full back up, while an incremental backup is a process where you save the files that have been added or changed since your last full or differential backup.

Now that you know your options, make sure to backup all the important information you need, so when problems on your PC arise, you’ll just be sitting pretty knowing all your saved data will be unharmed.

Those who have already tried reformatting their computers often find the entire process quite an ordeal. One, because it is said to be very, very slow. Another one is the fact that even the materials intended to make the process easier and more effective do not seem to work well.

Reformatting is even slower if you have to reinstall all applications. That is why some suggest that you just point out exactly what needs to be reinstalled so that it will not take so much time. Others also complain about Windows which seems to give users more problems as compared to Mac/PC.

Reformatting often begins with backing up of the previous application. This makes sure that whatever happens with the new installation, you can still retrieve the previous one. Before you proceed to the next step, check and ensure that you have really backed up well.

As soon as these initial steps have been done correctly, you may insert the bootable CD and start formatting. After which, you can already install the new operating system.

These are more of the traditional ways of reformatting. However, a lot of users have already discovered another method which is equally reliable and much, much faster. This is through the creation of an image file of the operating system with the use of Ghost.

However, you need to remember that if you are installing Windows XP, you should not install Service Packs prior to the creation of the mirror. It would be best if your operating system CD includes the integration of Service Pack already. Such avoids the installation of older Service Packs which serves as a junk in the presence of more recent ones.

Furthermore, if you lack the time, you may install other programs first before creating a mirror image. It is going to be all up to you which application you would like to be installed first. However, it is still most advisable to have only the operating systems and drivers. Such keeps the installation clean.

However, you may need to use a DVD instead of a CD so that you will not have to use a lot. The more applications that you want to install, the greater the number of CD that you need. Also, the size of the hard disk partition also determines how big the mirror image will be.

Ghost reformatting takes only about five minutes to reinstall. This is indeed a better option as compared to the conventional method. You can really save a lot of time.

Since computers have been used for a lot of purposes, no doubt that they are most of the time the targets of threats and danger. Access to information is being sought. Likewise, the existence of hackers for years gives more reason to owners to be very concerned about PC security.

Achieving ultimate PC security normally come with considerable costs to the owner. However, there are some free PC security softwares available in the market which prove to be equally helpful and useful. These are commonly firewalls and internet security products that are free if they going to be for personal use.

Some of the free personal firewalls available are ZoneAlarm, Comodo Personal Firewall, and Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. ZoneAlarm is a product of Zone Labs which has been popularly known as the producer of reliable products which are widely used.

On the other hand, Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall normally provides free download of full functions which last for a maximum of 30 days. After which, the features will go back to the free version. PC owners may opt to maintain the full functions after 30 days but this will come already with a fee which is usually around $20.

However, there are some things that you should remember when installing another firewall. Make sure that the built-in firewall within Windows XP is deactivated already before installing another one. It is not good to use two firewalls at the same time. After installation of the new one, test it to see if your PC is really secured.

There are still many other free PC security softwares available nowadays. One is called Ad Blocker which works to filter out web bugs, cookies, and urls. Anti-Rootkit, on the other hand, shuns off concealed applications and processes.

Moreover, to remove spyware on your PC, you may avail of Microsoft Anti-Spyware. Another variation is called SpywareBlaster which prevents the loading of spyware onto your computer.

Some internet browsers may also pose some risks to PC security. According to some, the use of Internet Explorer brings in some viruses to the PC. Firefox may be a good alternative.

Furthermore, for email clients, Thunderbird is also considered as a better option over Outlook Express. A lot of users express satisfaction with such email client.

You can indeed choose from a wide variety of available free PC security softwares. To help you find out the most suitable for you, lay down all your usual PC activities. From there, you can see what exposes you to risk most and counter with the best alternative.

The computer has become a very important tool not just for businesses but for personal matters as well. It simply has been indispensable to be productive in several aspects. With this, security must be in place to maintain its functionality.

There are several ways of securing your personal computer. One is through the installation and use of a firewall program. It manages the network traffic between computers.

The functions of a firewall program are very much similar to the duties of a building security guard. As a security guard, it is his responsibility to regulate those who come in and out of the building. He also has the right to stop anyone who might not meet the building criteria as to who should enter.

A firewall determines which can enter and leave a certain computer within the network traffic. To do this, it scrutinizes every bit of information, referred to as a packet, which intends to come in and out of the computer. Each of the packets has identifications indicating their source and target destination.

Some of these packets have the right to proceed anywhere. They are comparable to building guests with VIP passes. On the other hand, there are simply certain packets that are just intended to go to a particular location. A firewall will only permit such types to proceed if they meet certain rules. As soon as they have been identified as qualified, the firewall itself will usher the information to its supposed destination.

A firewall has a very detailed recording system. It clearly identifies the source of the packet, its destination, and the time it has permeated the network traffic. Such records allow it to identify in the future if the same packet can pass through again should there be another similar instance.

Moreover, some firewalls are more advanced and have the capacity to usher packets to another destination. Others can even lock in a packet inside another one which may be compared to a security guard calling in an escort to accompany a visitor. Likewise, some are capable of inspecting the contents which give them further information if they should allow passage.

The details of the connection of a certain computer to another computer are recognized and documented by firewalls as well. Thus, certain connections may be programmed as temporary. Any transactions after the set period will not be permitted anymore unless there is another authorization.

Indeed, firewalls are built-in guards whose only intention is to protect a computer from possible threats. Such is a very useful tool and must be installed and utilized most especially if connections to another computer are necessary.

Important documents are usually placed in a safe and are not scattered just anywhere. The safe definitely has locks which you never forget to fasten soon after you finish what it is that you have to do with the contents of the safe. You may sometimes ask yourself why you even bother to go through all these hassles just for those important documents.

The main reason behind all these compulsions to attain maximum security is confidentiality. Those documents contain information that is not supposed to be shared to everyone. You maintain the availability of the information but only to expected audiences. By also trying to conceal the information from irrelevant people, you ensure that it remains correct and unchanged unless such changes are appropriate and authorized.

Compare such scenario to your computer. As your computer is very essential in several aspects, it undoubtedly contains a lot of information, whether confidential or for everyone’s consumption. As owner of the computer, it is simply normal for you to regulate the access to all these important information.

ACLs or access control lists are usually used to establish control. ACLs clearly identify who can access a certain file or folder as a whole. They can indicate who can read or even edit a particular information.

ACLs may vary from computer to computer. Various systems mean various types of ACLs as well. Some have very specific controls while others do not have any at all. What you can do is to know and maximize the capacity of your computer.

For some computers, the access to information cannot be very limited such as those for online transactions or businesses. Under these cases, file encryption programs, which involve several mathematical processes, are more appropriate.

Encryption converts information from a readable one to an encrypted version. Those who know how to transform them back to their readable form are the only ones who can access the information.

However, the best file encryption programs are those which last for a considerable period of time. Schemes that are figured out easily after some time are poor ones. It can be compared to a kid eventually learning more words which allow him to understand what the adults are talking about which he used to not recognize before. If file encryption programs work this way, they are not, in any way, useful for pc security.

Whether you use simple ACLs or complicated file encryption programs, you have to remember that your main goal is to give your computer that much-needed security.

Several news in the past have shown how, in isolated cases, regular mails can be quite dangerous. There were some letter and package bombs which exploded when opened. Anthrax, which made quite a stir some years back, poses the same danger.

Such cases are not exclusive to regular mails. Threats, although not in the same form, may also be encountered in emails. Given this, it is important that one takes special care as well in opening any of these, especially those with attachments.

What is common between a regular mail and an email when it comes to this matter is that senders of unsolicited mails often use return addresses which appear familiar. It may be similar to the home address or email address of someone you know and they often create subject lines which are attention grabbing. This is one form of social engineering which, if not properly employed, is quite dangerous.

Viruses and worms can easily be passed through email. These are often the contents of unusual email attachments. To prevent you from getting any of these, here are some criteria that you can follow before opening and reading an email:

• The email must come from a person you personally know. If you are unsure of the name, you might as well not open it. A valid email from someone you know would not be in such a mysterious form.

• If you are expecting emails from third parties who you do not personally know, open their email only if you have already received a legitimate one from them before.

• Emails with attachments are often solicited or at least predicted. Should you receive one which you do not exactly expect and is coming from someone suspicious, do not open it.

• Check if the subject line corresponds well to the email attachments. If the subject itself is unclear and senseless, you may delete the email instead.

In addition, to check if the email contains any virus, install and use an anti-virus program. This safeguards you from virus threats that are so prevalent nowadays.

In another perspective, as you employ these criteria before opening and reading emails, make sure that you also fulfill them as you yourself send emails. Of course, you would want your messages to be received and read by your target recipient so ensure that they do not appear suspicious.

These forms of threat, although extremely disturbing, can be successfully controlled with extra caution. Always be on the lookout and do not trust easily.

Computer security software is readily available for free over the internet. While major corporations still produce extensive security software packages that are marketed for consumer purchase, they still release smaller versions that can be downloaded for free. When shopping for a free security software package, try to find ones that have as many of the following features as possible:

Personal Firewalls - these are geared towards blocking active attempts by other terminals to access your computer over the internet. When looking for a free firewall, find one that has an easy user interface. This is because firewall settings are a major determinant in the extent of security they provide, so the interface should allow you to easily adjust these settings to suit your needs.

Anti virus - anti virus software ideally should not only be able to detect and block incoming viruses, but should be able to detect existent viruses that are already in your system and clean them out. Since there are new viruses constantly being made, as well as thousands of existing known viruses, the best thing to look for in a virus software is an extensive database of viruses it can deal with, as well as constant updates on the latest viruses discovered.

Adware and Pop Up Blockers - these are specialized programs similar to firewalls whose primary purpose is to keep ads, spam, and annoying pop ups from flooding your screen when you’re accessing the internet. While not necessarily harmful, the sheer volume of these can, if unrestricted by a blocker, bog your computer speed down drastically.

Anti Spyware - spyware is a form of virus that you should definitely consider protecting yourself against. While not a classic self-replicating and destructive virus per se, spyware actually inserts itself into your system and allows a hacker on a remote terminal to access your personal information This can range from simply monitoring and viewing your information and activities, to actually controlling your computer’s functions. Spyware protection programs ideally should be able to not only block intrusion attempts, but to detect active spyware that manages to sneak in your system, and cut off its access.

Anti Trojan Programs - Trojan viruses are special viruses that are usually disguised as a different program. For example, a trojan virus may appear to be a harmless game or a music file that you can download. Anti Trojan Programs scan all files that you attempt to download off the internet to make sure they are secure. Like regular anti virus programs, make sure the anti trojan program you select has a good coverage of known trojans.

With the internet becoming readily available to people from all ages, child safety is becoming a rising concern for parents. While this isn’t a threat in a secure, controlled environment like the internet access children get at school, it becomes more important at home where your children have free access to a computer.

Like in real life, you can’t always be there to protect your kids; you have to teach them to be able to look out for themselves and stay safe. Here are a few tips you can take to educate your children in proper internet usage:

Parental Controls - like cable TVs and dvd players, computers have parental filters that you can set to filter out programs that you don’t want your kids to access. You can also use the parental control to monitor your child’s internet activities.

Explain to your child that most of the rules that apply to real life also apply to internet security. The safety basics are especially important. At the top of the list though, is NOT giving personal information out to strangers, particularly address and phone number, as this is all too easy to do online.

Make sure that your child realizes that not all information on the internet is true. There is as much misinformation and bogus scams online as there are in the physical world. While the internet is a valuable source of information and is already an established tool for modern research and education, children should be taught to approach you or their school teachers to confirm the validity of information that they acquire online.

Instruct your children in proper netiquette. Just because a person can’t see them face to face, they shouldn’t disregard the rules of good social behavior. Remaining polite and avoiding harsh language should be drilled into them, as people tend towards verbal abuse online because contact is anonymous. Conversely, you should also encourage your children to come to you if they are on the receiving end of such verbal abuse online.

While children will be able to meet other people through online chat rooms and online games, you should insist that they DO NOT meet those other people in person. If they insist on doing so, make sure that you chaperon them to ensure your child’s safety.

Lastly, it’s a sad fact that our children these days learn so fast that they usually wind up knowing more about the internet than we do. Don’t sweat it. You can actually use this as a bonding opportunity with your child, asking your little boy or girl to help you learn more about the internet. Aside from the bonding, this also gives your child more self confidence.