Lock up your data! How to keep your computer secure

NICVA

Free

With DSL (broadband) connections in the UK at an all time high it is more important than ever to make sure that your computer is secure when online. We have laid out a five step plan which will help you keep your computer free from virus(es), protected from potential attacks / hackers and up to date.

Five easy steps to keep your machine secure

1. Use a firewall.
2. Use Anti-Virus Software and keep it up to date.
3. Use Adware/Spyware/Malware Removal tools.
4. Get Software Updates.
5. Use Strong Passwords.

1. Use a firewall

What's a Firewall?
A Firewall is a protective boundary that monitors and restricts the information that travels between your computer and a network or the Internet. Basically A firewall adds a layer of security by which unauthorised access from hackers, programs and other threats is prevented.

Do I need a firewall?
The only computer that doesn't require a firewall is one that will never connect to the Internet. In such cases, all you'll ever need to protect your computer is a well secured room.

Free Firewall Software
Windows Firewall (Windows XP Service Pack 2)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
Sygate Personal Firewall
http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm

2. Use Anti-Virus Software and keep it up to date

What's Anti-Virus Software?
Make sure you have anti-virus software on your computer - anti-virus software is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses, but with new viruses emerging daily, anti-virus programs need regular updates to recognise these new viruses.

Why do I need to keep it up to date?
Installing antivirus software will only protect you against known security issues. To help ensure your computer is safe, you need to keep your antivirus software up to date.

Anti-Virus
Grisoft AVG
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

3. Use Adware/Spyware/Malware Removal tools

Adware or Advertising-supported software is any software application in which advertisements are displayed while the program is running. These applications include additional code that displays the ads in pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen.

Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organisation without their knowledge. On the Internet, spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.

Malware or Malicious Software is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and also spyware programming that gathers information about a computer user without permission.

Spyware/Adware Removal tools
Ad-aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/#free

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Malware removal
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

4. Get Software Updates

The majority of software companies today release updates and patches to close newly discovered vulnerabilities in their software. Sometimes bugs are discovered in a program that may allow a hacker to attack your computer. Before most of these attacks occur, the software companies or vendors create free patches for you that they post on their websites. You need to be sure you download and install the patches! Check your software vendors' websites regularly for new security patches or use the automated patching features that some companies offer. Ensure that you are getting patches from the correct patch update site.

Microsoft's Automatic Update Services
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/updateservices.aspx?displaylang=en
Software Updates and Downloads
http://www.versiontracker.com

5. Use Strong Passwords

Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess. Don't share your password, and don't use the same password in more than one place. If someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you don't want them to be able to use it in other places. The golden rules of passwords are:

1. A password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible, and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols and numbers, eg xm4$YI05.
2. Change passwords regularly, at least every 90 days.
3. Do not give out your password to anyone!

Further Reading

Microsoft's Guide to Protecting your PC
Audit My PC

ICT Unit
NICVA
March 2005
www.nicva.org