-
Set up user accounts
without
administrative privileges!
-
Install and keep updated an
antivirus
program.
-
Install and use a good
anti-Spyware program.
-
Install critical
Windows updates within
two weeks of release.
-
Install a
firewall router if you have
broadband Internet service.
-
Set up
wireless security on the router
(if applicable.)
-
Install a
software firewall if you have
the understanding to use it.
-
Don't use free software, music, or
pictures (unless you're sure they are safe.)
-
Turn off the
preview pane
in your email client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.)
-
Check what programs are running and
stop
suspicious activity.
-
Install only software and hardware from
reliable sources.
-
Set up
secure passwords for each user.
-
Backup data regularly and store securely off site.
-
Password email, money and other sensitive
information.
-
Remove
suspicious and unnecessary
programs.
-
Do not open
email attachments unless
you are expecting them.
-
Do not click on
email links.
-
Do not answer emails
requesting personal
information.
-
Password
financial programs.
-
Password the bios on your computer.
-
Set your screen to require a password
when the screensaver appears.
-
Lock the computer when you leave it
unattended.
-
Store
recovery programs in a
safe place.
-
Encrypt sensitive data. Make an encrypted
disk.
-
Install
tracing software on your laptop.
-
Be
very careful if surfing the web. There are a lot of
tainted websites out
there that can take control just by visiting the site. If
that happens, the best thing to do is to unplug the computer
from power immediately and remove the battery if it is a
laptop. This is a drastic measure and you will
lose any unsaved data,
but it has saved my bacon on more than one occasion.
-
The best security is to unplug the
computer from the network!
Not practical at all!
