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Keep Your Computer System Secure

By: Jason Mann

Today, many people are using their computers to connect with friends and family, manage their finances online, and to shop. All of these activities make it increasingly important for users to safeguard their computers, since you could inadvertently be welcoming the schemes of hackers, attackers, and crackers.

Phishing for personal information to steal your identity and hijacking your computer to attack others are daily threats on the internet.

Here are 12 simple steps to securing your computer, that won't hit you hard in the pocketbook.

1. Make a backup copy of information that is important to you, and keep it separate from your computer.

2. The operating system, web browser and software should be updated and patched regularly.

3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.

4. Check the settings of both your browser and email for optimum security. Why should you do this? Hackers use both Active-X and JavaScript in order to plant malicious programs into your computers. Cookies, though fairly harmless when it comes to security, track your movements on the Internet and build a profile of you. Internet zone settings should be high and trusted sites should be set to medium low in your security settings.

5. Make sure that you receive the most current versions of antivirus software by setting up your computer for automatic updates.

6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.

7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojan horse waiting to infect a computer.

8. If you have hidden file name extensions you should disable them. If the default setting has not been changed, then Windows will automatically 'hide file extensions for known file types." To allow Windows to show file extensions, disable this option. Some will stay hidden, but you will also be able to catch some unusual file extensions that don't belong.

9. When your computer is not being used you should turn it off and disconnect from the network. This will help to prevent an attack from hackers.

10. To protect your computer from a malicious program, you should think about copying a boot disk on a floppy disc, so you will have it saved. Obviously, this is something you need to do this BEFORE your system is compromised.

11. Don't allow unrestricted physical access to your computer. If you have sensitive or proprietary information on your computer, allowing other employees or family members to use your computer can lead to potential breaches in your computer's security.

12. Use strong passwords. Pick passwords that people would have a hard time guessing. Often-used password phrases are names of kids and animals, as well as important dates like anniversaries and birthdays. Since there are passwords required for all you do on the computer, some people generally use the same one over and over. That is not the best move! If you only use one password, a hacker can get into all of your personal information. In the event that you find it absolutely necessary to record your passwords, be sure it is not on a note attached to your monitor! This may seem funny to you, but it is something many people do. And it's a bad idea for obvious reasons!

Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com

Jason Mann is editor of the Technology Basics Section at i-KnowHow | Information for Life, where you'll also find ideas and tips for hobbies, home and garden, personal finance, family and much more.



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