10 Computer Security Rules
– Staying Safe while Using Internet
Today, using Internet is almost like some of our regular daily activities: dressing up, brushing our teeth, eating, shopping, and going to school or work. We do it every day. Being popular as it is, Internet is also being used by malicious groups and individuals to target ordinary people for economic profit, various types of assault, even some kind of fun which has never been really fun, but rather cause of different problems.
Based on this, we better follow some rules that will minimize the possibility of becoming a victim of any nasty thought or action coming from the Internet to our computers.
The 10 Computer Security Related Rules
- Keep computer viruses and spyware out – There are hundreds of new viruses created every month. Some are relatively harmless, but most are designed to delete files, compromise your confidential information, or damage your operating system. Both PCs and Macs are vulnerable, and the latest generation of viruses can even spread without human intervention. To stop them, install reliable antivirus software and update it regularly. Same applies to spyware.
- Block hackers and intruders with a firewall – There are hackers lurking in every corner of the web. Some are teenagers with minor technical skill, some are pranksters, and some are just vandals. But they all have a lot of help; there are at least 30,000 web sites dedicated to helping hackers. Hackers can delete personal information, and even use your personal computer to send SPAM. A firewall separates your computer from the Internet and decides what gets in or out. It's the most effective defense against other intruders.
- Be careful when opening email and attachments– Most of us get dozens, if not hundreds, of unsolicited emails. Some, even the ones from friends or co-workers, can carry a virus, worm, or Trojan horse that can wreck a computer. The rule of thumb is: If you get an email from someone you don’t recognize, or if the subject line or the purpose seems questionable -- don't open it. Instead, delete the email and any attachments.
- Be selective about what you download and from which sites – Part of the fun of surfing the Internet is downloading games, applications, and other kinds of software, but they're often the source of viruses and other malware. Be selective about what you download, and update and run your antivirus regularly.
- Choose a password that's better than "password", it has to be complex today – Passwords are one of your first lines of defense. Make it difficult for hackers to guess. An ideal password is a combination of letters and numbers and contains a minimum of eight characters. You should avoid easily guessed combinations like addresses and birth dates. And it's a good idea to change your passwords every three months or so.
- Don't let your web browser remember your personal information, turn such options off – Your web browser may offer to remember frequently used passwords and credit card numbers. Although it may make online shopping or banking a little easier, you should decline the offer. Having the potentially costly data stored on your computer means it could be accessible to hackers all over the world.
- Protect your kids online, watch them and what they do on the Internet – On the Internet, your children may be exposed to objectionable material. Or they may be tricked by others into directly giving personal information. You can monitor your kids' online activities by putting the computer in a family room instead of the bedroom. Install special software that blocks access to objectionable material and potentially dangerous services.
- Keep your private life private, you don't know people out there – Even though you may develop friendships online with people, be aware that the people you're communicating with might not be who you think they are. Never give out personal information (such as phone numbers or where your kids go to school) via online forums like instant messages, email, and web forms.
- Backup your computer, regularly, both data and OS configuration – One way you can keep your valuable information safe is to keep a backup of it. These days, high-capacity disk drives and CDs can quickly copy your valuable files onto a removable disk or CD-ROM that you can store in a different location.
- Update your security software regularly, upgrade to new versions – OK, you've installed some security software. But hackers are a productive group, constantly creating and spreading new viruses. In order to stop the latest attacks you'll need to schedule regular updates for your computer's security, preferably once a week or more. Updating software can easily be done online. You can even schedule updates to run automatically.
Summary
Although it may look too much, all these 10 rules are actually not too hard to follow and obey. By following them, you'll:
- Protect your family and friends – this can range from simply not sending a virus to all recipients from your address book to saving someone's life.
- Save your personal and other valuable data – starting from your name, address, SSN or other personal identification number, to your bank account and credit card data.
- Save your money – one simple visit to your local repair store in order to recover from a damage done by a virus or hacker will cost you much more than a copy of a backup/restore software.
- Save your time – Time you spend on trying to free your computer of viruses, spyware and Trojans, time you spend on trying to find a file deleted as result of having a virus, or time you spend to take your PC or Mac to your local computer repair store.
- Save yourself from frustrations – All these negative results of having a problem with your computer cause headaches, embarrassment when you call a relative or friend for help, frustration when you see a bill.
