Howdy one and all and a great big welcome back to this weeks fun filled adventure of The Weekly Geek.
Back in July I started on how to secure you computer (Basic Security Tips) and I have been working on Intermediate and Advanced tips ever since then, today I wanted to release a quick checklist.
Securing Your Computers, Network and Servers
Things to do:
- Turn on Windows Critical Updates – Schedule Auto Update.
- Install and configure for automatic update (hourly) a current anti-virus program (less than 1 years old).
- Install a Hardware firewall (router) and update it (quarterly).
- Install a new Software firewall (XP’s, Zone Alarm, Kerio) and update it (weekly).
- Configure you e-mail client (Outlook, Eudora, Pegasus) for security.
- Install a Pop up blocker.
- Install and configure a Spam filter.
- Install update and run a current Anti-Trojan program.
- Constantly run a Cookie watching program.
- Install update and run a current anti-spyware tool or two.
- Properly secure your wireless network or hire someone to do it for you.
- Install HOST file.
Things NOT to do:
- Don’t pirate software, music or anything – Software, Music and Video swap sites.
- Don’t let your kids (grandkids) steal/pirate.
- Don’t use any file sharing or peer-to-peer internet networks.
- Do not open “strange” e-mails (My Naked Wife, Anna Kournikova, The IRS wants you, The FBI noticed you). They are infections looking to happen.
- Never respond to a pop up ad, not even the warnings
- Never respond to an unsolicited email (SPAM) not to remove or win $2 million.
- Don’t browse adult or questionable sites – drive by downloads are commonplace in those types of sites.
- Don’t install a “toolbar” unless you:
- Know what a tool bar is.
- Know exactly who made the toolbar.
- Know what you are going to use the toolbar for.