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Steps to Secure Your Home Computer (Updated 9/23/05)

For purposes of this document, I have skipped explanations of why you need to do all of these things because I figured if you are looking here, you just want to know what to do and don't want a lesson in computer security. These steps assume you run Windows XP. If you are reading this to find out how to secure your computer, you should not be messing with any older versions of the Windows operating system. If you have an old computer incapable of running XP, or need to upgrade from an older OS to XP, I recommend just purchasing a new PC. Nowadays, you can can purchase a decent desktop computer system (computer, monitor, and printer) from eMachines for as little as $299, check your weekly ad from Best Buy or Circuit City for deals on these computers. Don't let their low price throw you off, I use one and have recommended them to numerous individuals who have all been happy with them. If you want a laptop, you can even get a new one of those for as little as $499. Now if you are ready, here are the basic steps:

1) Visit Windows Update, alternatively you can click on Windows Update from the Tools Menu in your browser. Allow the website to scan your computer for updates. Install all critical updates. You should do this at least weekly, or you can set Windows (if it is not already set) to do this automatically whenever you are on-line. You can do this by right clicking on "My Computer", clicking on the "Automatic Updates" tab, check the "Keep My Computer Up To Date" box. Choose the setting that fits you and your connection best. I use the "Download Automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed" option.

2) You need Anti-virus protection to keep your computer virus free. Additionally, any computer that is connected to the Internet needs to be protected by a Firewall (even more important if you have high-speed Internet access and/or wireless access). Often anti-virus and firewall products come bundled together. If you want to purchase an all in one solution, Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2004 , Symantec (makers of the Norton product line) , and McAfee all make bundled products. Any of these solutions should run you a little less than $50 and can all be purchased from Amazon.com (Affiliate Link) Click Here to buy Trend Micro Click Here to buy Symantec Click Here to buy McAfee. Symantec also offers a free on-line Virus and Security Screener, however, this does not take the place of having the software installed on your PC. Finally, if you just refuse to spend any money on security products, there are two excellent free options - AVG Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm Firewall. Just becaue you have them installed, does not mean you are set. Just like Windows, you need to check for updates at least weekly. Most of the pay programs have an option (probably turned on by default) to automatically check for updates like Windows does. The free products usually need to be updated manually.

3) Really, step 1 and 2 are it, but because it is important, I will reiterate, you must check these products at least weekly to make sure that they are up-to-date.

Extra Credit

1) Many of the Anti-virus products come with Spyware protection. However, there is also a great free tool called SpyBot. AdAware is another good product in this arena and Microsoft is rumored to be coming out with there own Spyware tool. Run at least one of these at least once a month, and again, make sure you download any updates for it. Even better is to run all of them as each may catch something the other misses.

2) Run frequent back-ups of your important data because even if you do all of the above you can still have a hardware failure. The easiest way I have found to do backups is to purchase an external hard drive (plugs into the USB port) and then periodically hook up the drive and copy your data.

3) Stop using Internet Explorer and use Firefox instead.

4) If you want to benchmark your PC so that you have a baseline for comparison over time, check out this piece of software. http://www.cpuid.org/pcwizard

Safe Surfing

1) In general, don't click on anything that shows up in a pop-up ad.

2) Generally, if a website wants you to install something, don't do it.

3) Don't download/install anything that you don't specifically know what it is.

4) Don't use any of the P2P file sharing tools (Kaaza, Bittorrent, Morpheus, etc). Make sure your kids are not using them either.

5) Never give anyone your password.

6) Don't open e-mails that are from someone you don't know.

7) Don't open attachements that you are not specifically expecting.

8) Don't install things like Weatherbug, Gator, Bonzi Buddy, Comet Cursor, Hotbar. These all potentially contain spyware.

9) If an e-mail want your forward it to everyone in your address book, DON'T!

10) In general, stay away from IM.

11) When sending e-mail to a large group, use BCC and not TO or CC. Click here for a good explanatory article as to why.

10 ways to recognize fake (spoof) emails (Courtesy of PayPal)
1. Generic greetings. Many spoof emails begin with a general greeting, such as: "Dear PayPal member." If you do not see your first and last name, be suspicious and do not click on any links or button.

2. A fake sender's address. A spoof email may include a forged email address in the "From" field. This field is easily altered.

3. A false sense of urgency. Many spoof emails try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy if you don't update it ASAP. They may also state that an unauthorized transaction has recently occurred on your account, or claim PayPal is updating its accounts and needs information fast.

4. Fake links. Always check where a link is going before you click. Move your mouse over it and look at the URL in your browser or email status bar. A fraudulent link is dangerous. If you click on one, it could:
* Direct you to a spoof website that tries to collect your personal data.
* Install spyware on your system. Spyware is an application that can enable a hacker to monitor your actions and steal any passwords or credit card numbers you type online.
* Cause you to download a virus that could disable your computer.

5. Emails that appear to be websites. Some emails will look like a website in order to get you to enter personal information. PayPal never asks for personal information in an email.

6. Deceptive URLs. Only enter your PayPal password on PayPal pages. These begin with https://www.paypal.com/
* If you see an @ sign in the middle of a URL, there's a good chance this is a spoof. Legitimate companies use a domain name (e.g. https://www.company.com).
* Even if a URL contains the word "PayPal," it may not be a PayPal site. Examples of deceptive URLs include: www.paypalsecure.com, www.paypa1.com, www.secure-paypal.com, and www.paypalnet.com.
* Always log in to PayPal by opening a new web browser and typing in the following: https://www.paypal.com/
* Never log in to PayPal from a link in an email

7. Misspellings and bad grammar. Spoof emails often contain misspellings, incorrect grammar, missing words, and gaps in logic. Mistakes also help fraudsters avoid spam filters.

8. Unsafe sites. The term "https" should always precede any website address where you enter personal information. The "s" stands for secure. If you don't see "https," you're not in a secure web session, and you should not enter data.

9. Pop-up boxes. PayPal will never use a pop-up box in an email as pop-ups are not secure.

10. Attachments. Like fake links, attachments are frequently used in spoof emails and are dangerous. Never click on an attachment. It could cause you to download spyware or a virus. PayPal will never email you an attachment or a software update to install on your computer.

Some Signs you may have Spyware on your PC

1. Does your computer run slower than when it was new?
2. Do pop-up ads suddenly appear from nowhere?
3. Does your system start up (boot) slower than when it was new?
4. Do random windows quickly open and close during startup?
5. Do unknown icons appear on your desktop, system tray or toolbar?
6. Does your home page suddenly change?
7. Do Google and Yahoo! searches take you to a different search page?

Hopefully, you found this information useful. By keeping your computer secure, you make the Internet safer for everyone. That is enough for me, but if you want to return the favor, use the affiliate links when you shop at Amazon.com and help support my websites or even better, buy me something off of my Amazon.com wishlist.

If you want to learn more, you can visit the following links:

http://www.auditor.ky.gov/Public/Technology/Home_Security.asp

http://www.securevoicedata.com