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Basic Web Surfing
Safety and
Security Practices
by
Richard Rossbauer
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Too many computer users neglect to do basic maintenance of their
computer. The result is a clear path to their personal information.
Hackers are diligently at work everyday trying to find the weakness
in your system so they can steal your personal information.
Although the trend seems to have shifted from creating mass
Denial of Service attacks or computer virus epidemics, there
are still other
malicious and mischievous people who would simply like to create trouble
and destroy
your hard drive.
There's a wide variety of protective software available, such as
adware removers, antivirus tools, firewalls, spyware removers and so on. They're effective only
when put to good
use, and only if they are
up-to-date!
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Think of yourself as a passenger jet pilot doing a pre-flight inspection.
The
pilot is responsible for doing a thorough inspection of his airplane
before any passenger boards it. He needs to be sure that all safety
precautions have been taken, to guarantee all mechanical and
electronic devices are working, and that the mechanical inspections
are up to date. He needs to verify that the aircraft is in good
operating condition. Once the plane is off the ground, it's too late
to wonder if such and such a device is working properly. |
Your computer is your responsibility. Just like a pilot needs to go
through a checklist, you also should make yourself a checklist of
things to verify before you surf the Internet. Once connected, it's
too late to realize that your system is not up to the challenge. If
your system is not checked, if you are vulnerable to the attacks,
you could pay a severe price.
You need good, solid protective software to protect you from online
dangers.
Generally, software is well written by qualified programmers.
Professionally written software will include all the instructions
you need to obtain the best performance from the tool. If this is
not the case, keep on searching. Go to a trusted site such as CNET
and read the comments from other users about the tool you are
thinking of buying. Take the time needed to do good research and
remember -- you are putting all your information at risk when
you connect to the Internet.
You need to use good tools for this job. It's acceptable to try
free tools to evaluate their quality.
Even free tools have features that can be set by you to maximize
their efficiency (and protective ability).
One of the biggest problems for the average computer owner is the fact that he/she simply refuses to take the time to read
about their new tool. They would like to simply buy it, install it
and never think about it again. You need to take the time to educate
yourself on the functioning of any tool you buy.
Once you're confident that the software you selected is of the
highest quality, take your time and read all of the documentation
provided. After you've done this, and only then,
install the software. Make sure to add the tool to your list of
daily maintenance procedures (tasks).
If you haven't done so yet, locate and read all the recommended
procedures for the software that may already be installed to protect your computer.
Create a text file and save it on your desktop. You will want this
file to contain your checklist of things to do everyday before you
start surfing the Internet. You'll find that this will very quickly
become routine and you won't need to refer to your checklist
everyday.
Here is a possible list of the things that should be done before you
start surfing. You'll need an active internet connection to check
each security product for updates. Many will alert you that yours
may be out of date or that new updates are available.
1) Check your antivirus software for updates. Regularly run your
antivirus programs. If at any time a virus is found, you need to
update your antivirus program -- disconnect from the Internet and do
a full scan of your computer with the updated antivirus software.
Always make sure your antivirus is actively protecting your
computer. Some of these programs can be set to automatically
download the latest virus signatures on a regular (even daily) schedule
and some will check you boot sectors during system startup.
2) Clean your computer cache and your temporary files. You
can pick up software for this at CNET
http://www.cnet.com
or you can use the tools provided in your operating system. For
Win98, click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk
Cleanup.
3) Clean your history. Read your Operating System Help file if you
are uncertain about how to do it.
4) Update and Run your spyware remover(s). Again you can try free adware removers from CNET but please buy the full package when you
find one that you know will protect you. You truly need all the
functions of the software, not just a portion of the functions,
which
is often the case with Trial Version software.
5) Update your firewall and check the settings. Some clever hackers
can change the settings of your computer, therefore putting you at
risk.
6) Check for mail protection agents and make sure that they are
active. Nearly all allow you to adjust your own security settings.
7) Run a scandisk (Ask an experienced user or check the operating
system HELP file if you aren't sure how to do it.)
8) Update your browser. Be alert for 'update' announcements from
Microsoft, the Mozilla Group (Firefox), or your browser supplier.
This is a sample list. Create one that applies to your computer and
to the software installed on it. Keep your list updated and make
sure that you do what you put on your list. Creating a list and not
following it will be of no use.
It's a good idea to keep up to date on the happenings in the
cyberworld. Listen, read, be alert to the latest virus and spyware
threats. There are many online
newsletters and
blogs that
will provide excellent information on a current basis. Why not try
one or two?
As individuals, we cannot totally protect ourselves against the perils of the
Internet but we can at least make sure that we do all that we can.
Take the proper precautions and you, too, can have a safer journey
thru the Cyber Jungle of the Internet.
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Richard Rossbauer started his "Firewalls and Virus Protection"
website and "Security Alert News Reporter" to help everyday Internet
users navigate safely through the Cyber Space that has become a
'Cyber Jungle', loaded with ambushes and booby traps. He promotes
his "Computer Security Awareness Campaign" thru his Blog and website
at
https://www.firewalls-and-virus-protection.com.
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and where you have posted it. Thank you....Richard
(mailto:Richard@firewalls-and-virus-protection.com)
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Critical Alerts You Should Consider when Maintaining Your Computer
Security
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