10 Things You Can do to Secure Your PC Presented by Peter Nowak OIS Client Services Manager What Can I do 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Turn off File Sharing Install Firewall Scan for Spy ware Anti-Virus Update Your OS Upgrade IE 6 to IE 7 Secure your Wireless Network Encrypt your Data Safe Passwords Manage your accounts Turn off File/Print Sharing • Many attacks will allow a malicious hacker to have complete read/write access to the contents of your hard-drive. • Be careful when using WiFi Hotspots. NOTE: File sharing is enabled by default when Windows XP Home is installed onto your computer. Install a Firewall • A firewall can block malware that could otherwise scan your computer for vulnerabilities and then try to break in at a weak point. • Use a wired or wireless router with firewall features to provide additional protection. Scan for Spyware • Dell claims that 12% of their calls now involve questions about spy ware. • Best defense is to use multiple anti-spy ware tools. • Select an anti-spy ware tool that provides: • Automatic updates • Real-time scans Scan for Viruses • Scan your machine regularly • Use AV program with: • Real-time scanning • Automatic Updates • Email Scanning • Many AV programs require an annual subscription. Keep Your Operating System Up to date • Turn on auto-updates in Windows • Configure Auto-updates to patch the OS daily. • Ensure that the machine is on at the scheduled update time. Update to Internet Explorer 7 • Features include: • • • • Phishing filter Cross Domain barriers Color coded address bar Extended Validation SSL Certificates Secure Your Wireless Network • Ensure your home network has the appropriate Encryption enabled. • Some wireless routers allow you to restrict access to your wireless network by listing all your wireless devices MAC addresses. • This will keep unwanted neighbors off your network. Encrypt Your Data • Protects the data if your laptop is stolen. • You can encrypt select files or the entire hard drive. • Requires a separate password to un-encrypt the data before it can be accessed. Strong Passwords • Do not use personal information • Use mixed case passwords with numbers and special characters. • Change passwords often • Use pass phrases rather than passwords • Select a phrase that is easy to remember = 5@ptietr Managing Accounts • Logon as Administrator only when necessary. • Disable the Guest Account • Rename the Administrator Account Lock Your Computer • Set a password on your screen saver • Use the + L function to lock the keyboard Resources • http://netsecurity.about.com/cs/generalsecur ity/a/aa112103b.htm • http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Sp yware-Evolving.html • http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/do wnload.aspx?docid=314832 • http://www.microsoft.com/windows/product s/winfamily/ie/default.mspx