Part 1.
According to the software security company Symantec, it takes only 20 minutes for an un-patched and unprotected computer to be attacked once connected to the Internet, now, without proper precautions, all of us are at risk. Follow these 10 easy tips to protect yourself and your computer and you’ll be a whole lot safer.
1. Strong Passwords - Always use a strong password.
Example of strong password combination: q%kj!zp$ClWJZ, gUiDe!@97$3
Example of useless passwords : useless, password, pass123, 123pass
I know the strong password combination looks like garbage, but it will surely save you.
2. Patch those open holes on your computer: Security hole or security vulnerability on your PC’s Operating system and software applications must be patch, to do this you must:
• Turn on Automatic Updates for Windows and other programs. If you turned it off because you were annoyed when it says windows has an update for you, well you better turn it back on before modern digital crooks host a party on your pc. I want you to memorize a word ‘PATCH TUESDAY” . Now what is this Patch Tuesday, Patch Tuesday is the second Tuesday of each month, the day on which Microsoft releases security patches. To get your immediate update you can go to http://update.microsoft.com . For more security updates you can also visit http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin
3. Use your Firewall : A firewall is a software program or hardware device designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to a networked computer system. It inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of rules. Windows XP has a built-in firewall, you can use it if you currently don’t have one. There are also a number of free firewall utilities out there that you can download and install. You can visit this sites to download your free firewall utility :
- http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
- http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-Firewall-Windows-2000-XP-/3000-10435_4-10039884.html
- http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
4. Deploy your Anti Virus Defenses : MODERN VIRUS SIGNATURE are more intelligent compare to traditional ones. MALWARES can cripple your computer, destroy your data and compromise your identity. If you don't have an anti virus utility on your computer, it’s time to get one. See the list below for free anti virus apps:
- http://www.threatfire.com/ - INSTALL THIS TOGETHER WITH OTHER ANTI VIRUS APP
- http://www.iantivirus.com/
- http://www.clamwin.com/
- http://vvww-avast.com/?t=AVAST1U
- http://antivirus.comodo.com/
5. Use only the latest Browsers: Personally I recommend Mozilla FireFox, FireFox is more secure compare to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. You can download your free copy of Mozilla Firefox at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/ .
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