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There
are 3 important things you need to consider when
protecting your computer from outside (and inside)
threats. But remember, there is no such thing
as "total security". Just like the locks on
your house are not a guarantee, the same holds true
for the following:
-
Run your Microsoft Updates!
Don't wait for your computer to tell you to
run the updates. You can check this
manually (and you should). Open Internet
Explorer. Click on "Tools" then "Windows
Update". Let this site check your computer
for updates you need to run. When it comes
up with the page asking "Express" or "Custom",
choose "Express". This will run the
critical updates. Keep doing this until
your computer says "there are no critical
updates to run". Then reboot your computer
and check one more time! You should be
checking this at least weekly.
-
Make sure you have a Firewall!
I'm not going to get into describing a
firewall here, but suffice it to say, you need
one! There are 2 kinds of firewalls,
software and hardware. Your Windows
firewall is a software firewall. MAKE SURE
IT IS ON...ALL THE TIME! How can you be
sure it is on? Go to "Start", "Settings",
"Control Panel". You will either have the
choice "Windows Firewall" or "Security Center".
Make sure your firewall is "On". Why do
you need to check this regularly? Because
anyone (kids) can turn your firewall off, and
you may not know it. Your computer will
still connect to the internet with your firewall
off. Therefore, for peace of mind, you
should check this at least once a week! A
hardware firewall is a device with a firewall in
it, i.e., a wireless router. The firewall is
still software, but if the hardware stops
working, you can't get to the internet, so no
firewall, no internet.
Make sense?
I hear all the time from clients that say "I
don't need a firewall because my company says
they have one". There are 2 downfalls to
this statement.
1. What happens if you have a notebook
computer, and you connect to a network
other than at work, i.e., Starbucks?
In this scenario, you are not protected by your
company's firewall anymore. So, make sure
your Windows firewall is enabled!
2. Your company has a firewall.
That's great! But, if you are connected to
your company's internet, and you are behind the
firewall, so is everybody else in your company! Example, I
have a lock on my front door, but the thief is
already in my house! Doesn't do any good
to lock the door, does it? The biggest
security threat we face is not from the outside,
it is from within!
-
Make sure you have Anti-Virus software that is
working and updating!
Think of Anti-Virus software in your
computer like the seat belt in your car.
Your seat belt is not a guarantee you won't get
into an accident, and it is not a guarantee if
you do get into an accident that you won't be
injured. Same theory with Anti-Virus!
One of the downfalls to MS XP is that it "hides"
inactive programs down by your clock. If
you look at your clock, do you see your
anti-virus icon? Probably not. So,
turn this option off! Follow the
instructions on my "Tips
and Tricks" page.
Next, make sure your anti-virus is updating!
It's usually pretty easy to do. Find the
icon down by your clock. Double click on
it. This should open your anti-virus
software. It should show the the last date
it updated the "definition files". If you
need help with this,
call me!
What's the number one way to prevent viruses?
DON'T OPEN ATTACHMENTS!
Remember, there is no such thing as 100% security. But,
protect yourself as much as possible!
If you
have a wireless network. There are steps you
need to take to protect it! See my page
"Wireless
Networks" |
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