Top Ten Tips for PC Security Please

Paul_Varjak

What are moneysavers top ten tips for computer security, particularly on Windows-based machines? You may only suggest tips which cost no money to implement!

I_luv_cats

Download free security software. {filehippo.com is a good site}

Anti virus, firewall, anti-malware, disk cleaner.

Hammyman

Do not connect to the internet.

Oh, you wanted to?

Make sure you have all updates.
Firewall is mandatory on USB modems/public wifi but not really needed if you're accessing from hom via a router.
Decent anti-virus software

Don't download stuff from dodgy sites, not even something like a MP3 because they can contain malware.
Don't click on links sent in MSN from mates.
Don't go to random sites people post on Facespace.
Don't click on links to go to banking sites etc.
Never ever give anyone your password and login details for anything, even if it looks like the email came from a legit source.

And the hardest one - exercise common sense.

GeoffX

- MP3s can't contain malware. They are non-executable and don't contain scripts.

- Don't download updates to Flash or other video codecs when prompted by a website. Go to Adobe's site directly.

- Don't accept free virus scans from websites. Preferably, don't visit sites that do this.

- Don't use Adobe Reader. Use PDF-Exchange.

- Don't pay for security software unless you are a business. Use Aviira, Comodo, Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials.

- If you enter your router's web-based user interface don't let your browser remember your log-in details.

- If you want real control of your PC use Comodo's Internet Security. Ideally it requires some technical knowledge so that you know what your are permitting and blocking.

googler

Hammyman wrote: »

Do not connect to the internet.

That's the one. Secure as anything.

DatabaseError

Hammyman wrote: »

Do not connect to the internet.

You forgot a couple of other steps.

2. Put hot-glue in any spare USB ports to prevent transmission of USB drive based malware

3. remove the drawer from the CD/DVD drive(s) and ensure any other drives (card readers etc..) are disabled..maybe a slice of ham shoved into them would suffice

4. Remove the plug.

6. throw the router in the bin, put chewing gum in the socket where the cable fits into the PC

---

On a more serious note,

1. install recommend a/v
2. don't turn off windows features, UAC may be a pita..but it's there to catch stupidity in its tracks
3. If you didn't enter a competition, you didn't win one..so don't click those links
4. don't pronsurf
5. only download from reputable sources, only install software that you need.
6. Toolbars are the work of the devil..never, ever install one. Nothing is so important that it needs a toolbar, just click an extra button, or make a shortcut.
7. when UAC ifres up and asks you to confirm your action, installing a piece of software or whatever..take a couple of seconds to think where the software came from, and what its use is..do you really need it?
8. myname!stony might be a memorable password for 1 website, but don't use it for them all.
9. That nice Nigerian man that sent you the email wanting a little assistance moving some funds around, he's NOT you'r friend...so do NOT write back to him at all.
10. use an ad-blocker for your browser, if available...less pop-ups and flashy "click here" rubbish on the screen provides less opportunity for stupidity.
11. Create a User account and use that...If you need these tips you really shouldn't be using an administrator account.

Paul_Varjak

Some very good advice there, though I notice most have assumed I was referring to internet security only, so failed to mention things such as maintaining disk backups, drive encryption, secure file deletion, emptying the recycling bin, creating secure passwords or simply hiding away your laptop when it is not in use!

flexrider

Do not use torrent sites or mirror sites(Pirate bay,Limewire,Emule,bearshare)

When you are shopping online look for tale tale signs to websites like if the pages have ssl secured (windows xp or vista,7 also shows at most sites a padlock in the lower screen to show its encryoted) Remenber comman sense if its too good to be true it usally is

Most e-commerance sites now are secured to banks or visa. like for example when you pay the gas bill with southern electric it will re-direct you to the secure payment page for your bank and visa payment system were you will have to confirm your account details.


If your a mac user like myself and running snow lepard osx have your firewall turned on (called filevault) its free in snow lepard, and encrypts your computer or use the following for windows

windows defender
windows firewall
zone alarm
avg
norton

make sure you have anti virus as other mentioned.

If your a windows 7 user make sure you have your personal data in firefox/explorer secure(like the fill in data button which can store your address,zip/postal code and credit card details)

If you want to surf in private with windows vista or win 7 use firefox and enable private browsing which when you finish using the internet will delete temp files,

If you use a wireless router make sure its set to wpa and not unsecure network. wep is good but can be hacked using softwere, change your router login password do not leave it as the standard "password,password" on your router

have a strong passwords (no english words for example if i was going to have the word paris i would do it like this P@R's22 or higher case and lower case letters are harder to crack with numbers and other stuff included.

Back up all your data you see fit as valuable, Best buy i have done was a 890gig external hard drive 45.00 pounds off applecore ebay site which are based in wales and its a western digital and can be used for windows also. or use a cheap pen drive 4gb for 8.99 whsmiths.

Also malwere is a problem so i would reccomend malwerebytes softwere malwere is like adwere/spywere ect.

Hope that helps.

And yes if you have a mac again like me use time machine which comes with snow lepard as if you delete a file by accident you can get it back in a instant and restore your operating system if someone goes wrong.

Hammyman

GeoffX wrote: »

- MP3s can't contain malware. They are non-executable and don't contain scripts.

Sorry, wasn't quite fully explained.

Thanks to the screwed up way Windows Explorer displays files,

1234.mp3.exe would look like 1234.mp3 when viewed in explorer when "hide extensions for known file types" is ticked however when opened it would run the executable. This was a trick commonly used once upon a time.

aliEnRIK

Dont click on links when youve no idea what they do

Dont add facebook 'apps' willy nilly

Use FIREFOX with the NOSCRIPT plugin to avoid getting infected whilst browsing

Use AVAST or AVIRA as your main av

Use MALWAREBYTES as a secondary scanner

Windows firewall is fine but COMODO is the best firewall out there if you want full control

If you do 'dodgy' downloading or whatever, SCAN the files before doing anything with them

SANDBOXIE would be very useful for most people

DONT bother with 'RAPPORT'. Its cr*p

DONT install more than one main av or firewall else your compromising security and could possibly end up with an unbootable computer

ScratchandSniff-->[X]

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

What are moneysavers top ten tips for computer security, particularly on Windows-based machines? You may only suggest tips which cost no money to implement!

Don't let a user anywhere near it. If you really must, then make sure everyone who uses it has clues. Expect their compliance for no benefit or privilege. Punish disobedience with a big pointy stick.

And all the techie stuff.