Posts Tagged ‘security’
Hi,
I’m always on the lookout to help me secure my pc and those of my family. Below is a list of top 10 security measures I’m using and recommend:
- Always try and use a hardware firewall. For home users, this
would normally be an ADSL firewall/router. These offer a lot better
protection than Usb ADSL modems. - Secure your Wireless connections. Follow the manual or ask a friend or your child but do not let unsecured wireless connections exist for a long time.
- Avast – I’ve been using this Antivirus program for quite a while now. It caught a few nasties over the years. Easy to install, regular updates and not too much strain on the system
- ZoneAlarm – Now owned by CheckPoint. The personal firewall is easy to instal and use. Does not have too much annoying messages. A personal firewall is an essential tool to have on your pc. Any firewall is better than nothing. Windows firewall is ok but doesn’t give you too much information. It’s fine for a casual user however.
- Firefox NoScript – The plugin allows you to selectively select which sites are allowed to run Javascript. It’s a pain when you’re continually browsing new websites, but offers good protection.
- Stay up-to-date – Microsoft offers regular updates that also fix security issues. If you stay up to date with your Windows Update it will offer better protection.
- Educate yourself and your family. Safe internet use is also how to recognise a scam, phishing, virus, spyware, adware and other nasties.
- Use safe passwords, if you can’t remember them you could consider using Roboform, Password Safe or KeePass. I personally use KeePass a lot. If you absolutely have to remember them without software then use something that helps you to remember like a phrase at the bottom of your watch or a model number on your glasses. An acronym could also help (as in: I Like High School Musical 3 becomes: ILHSM3)
- Run anti-spyware programs such as Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Blaster or Microsoft Defender. Don’t get programs pretending to be anti-spyware, get them from a reputable source. Either direct from the manufacturer or from a reputable download site like Tucows.com
- Make backups. Maybe this should be #1! If it can go wrong it will someday. Better to be prepared. It’s a pain and can will cost you money but get an external harddisk and get backing up. What and how to back up is not in the scope of this article.
