Introduction

I was prompted to write this page as someone I know recently had a very close call with a security issue on their computer. Although the goal of this website in general is to introduce people to Linux, I would not want any person, on any operating system, to learn these lessons the hard way.

I believe that there are two reasons people do not secure their computers; firstly, they have not been informed about computer security (this page should help) and secondly, that they do not think it will happen to them - let me tell you from my years of computer support experience - it will - it is just a matter of time if you don't protect yourself.

These tips are geared towards Windows however they are just as relevant for Linux and Mac OS users too.

10 "must do" tips:

Anti-virus software that doesn't have the patches for the latest virus's is the same as not having any anti-virus software on your computer at all. If you use the free version that came with your computer when it was new make sure you renew your subscription as soon as it runs out. If you do not have anti-virus software you can get a completely free version called AVG from Grisoft. Run a complete virus test on your computer once a week immediately after updating your anti-virus software.

Firewalls stop unauthorized programs from using your computer over the internet. If your computer is on the internet it is vulnerable. If you do not have a firewall program you can get the free Sygate Personal Firewall. If your firewall says that a program is trying to contact the internet and you are not sure what it is, say "no", if a program stops working you can always say "yes" the next time it asks.

New security flaws are discovered in operating systems all the time. Your computer is vulnerable to these flaws if you do not install the free fixes that are available. Windows can be updated at the Windows Update site.

Internet Explorer has more security vulnerabilities than any other web browser, it is picked on more than any other browser and it is tightly integrated with Windows meaning any flaw seriously compromises your whole computer. Try the free Firefox browser from Mozilla.

Never enter unsolicited personal information on a website that is not secure and doesn't begin with https. Do not respond to e-mails asking for personal information when you have not contacted them first. Some e-mails can contain links to websites that look like the real companies website but in fact just collect your information for hackers. If in doubt phone the company with the information.

E-mail attachments can contain virus's. Scan attachments with your anti-virus software before opening them and only open attachments that you are expecting to receive.

"Virus warning" e-mails can be hoaxes that make you damage your own computer. Rely on up-to-date anti-virus software to protect you. The only exception to this rule is if you work for a company with an IS&T department and they send you the message at work.

Spyware is software that gathers personal information about you from your computer, changes your internet homepage without your permission and installs software you have not asked for. Spyware can can accidentally installed with other software or without your permission from unscrupulous websites. Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal , which is free, works in the same way as anti-virus software but for spyware. Update the software and run a complete test every week at the same time as your anti-virus software.
[Editors note: The paid version, Ad-Aware SE Professional, gives you the ability to schedule updates and scans.]

These emails can be a way of getting you to pass on a virus. E-mail messages cannot count how many people you have sent them to and they will not do whatever they say they will do if you forward it to a certain number of people.

Backing up files such as documents, spreadsheets and photos that you would not want to lose will not prevent anything horrible happening, however, if something does happen it changes the event from being devastating to just an inconvenience.

Following these tips will greatly reduce your chances of being effected by a computer security issue. The person I know had a very close call, I urge you to spend the small amount of time it takes to protect yourself so that nothing nasty happens to you on your computer. For more information on home computer security you can go to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) web site.

Finally, whilst you are on this site, why not take a few minutes to find out about Linux and how it can make your computer more secure among other things.