Computer Security:
Protect your PC
and Protect Yourself
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Computer Firewalls
Firewalls work to block unsolicited entry to your computer. The firewall
routs communication through a proxy server outside the network.
2
Security Center
To set your firewall to be enabled to protect your
computer go to your Start menu, Click on Settings
Control Panel Security Center
3
Your work computer
should already have the
firewall enabled.
On your home computer
make sure the firewall
is set to On.
4
Computer Firewalls
Firewalls are your first line of computer defense.
Select Windows Firewall
Automatic Updates
Automatic Updates:
your continual line of
defense to new
viruses, worms, and
other hacker tools
used to enter your
computer.
Installing updates
allows your
computer to be
continually protected
against the changing
environment.
6
Set to Automatically Update
7
Use Antivirus Protection
 McAfee, Norton, AVG, etc
 Only use one of them!!
 Make sure it is enabled
 Icon is usually in the system tray
8
Viruses
Email, Web, and Instant Message

Viruses come in email attachments, URL links, and Instant Messages.

Do not trust the icons of attachment file. Worms often send executable
files which have an icon resembling icons of picture, text or archive files
(to fool the user).

Never accept attachments from strangers in online chat systems such as
IRC, ICQ or AOL Instant Messenger.

Avoid downloading files from public newsgroups (Usenet news). These are
often used by virus writers to distribute their new viruses.

Be wary of installing a “free” cd to your computer. It may have other things
it installs without your knowledge.
If you don’t know the sender of the message,
don’t open any attachments, or click on any
URL addresses in an email,
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Internet Security
 Anyone who is connected to the internet should
know about security. Take time to educate yourself
on the issues. Vigilance is the best defense against
system vulnerabilities.
 Install Anti Virus Software and keep it up to date.
Using the most up to date version of this will ensure
that it is kept up to date.
 Keep your operating system up to date. The best
way to do this if you are using Windows is to turn on
auto update.
 www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/
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How do you know you have a virus?
 Your computer runs more slowly than normal
 Your computer stops responding or locks up often
 Your computer crashes and restarts every few minutes
 Your computer restarts on its own and then fails to
run normally
 Applications on your computer don't work correctly
 Disks or disk drives are inaccessible
 You can't print correctly
 You see unusual error messages
 You see distorted menus and dialog boxes
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Worst Case Scenario
 Received a virus – now what?
 Several Possibilities
• Load Anti virus software, let the software
detect and attempt to fix your computer
» May not solve the entire problem
• “Reimage” your machine
(reinstall everything)
» Time consuming
• Take it to a professional
» Can be costly ($$)
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Resources
The following web addresses provide very helpful
information in addition to this presentation.
 Security at Home
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/
 Protecting a new computer
http://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue/bestPractices/
newComputer.cfm
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