Hello Aloy!
Thanks for asking your question. Personal Internet security is
probably one of the most important security issues today, and I
appreciate you taking an interest in this topic.
Home users are exposed to a number of risks, including:
1. Open file shares, unknown server applications, and other risks
which can either open your computer as a storage warehouse for illegal
activities, or expose personal files and information.
Windows allows users to share files over a local area network, but
also allows files to be shared over the Internet. Computer pirates,
hackers, and others look for open file shares with no password
protection so that they may store bootlegged software, music, movies,
and other nasty applications. In addition, you may have web or email
server software running on your PC without your knowledge. Open
security holes in these applications can also expose your computer to
intruders looking to hide information and files on your machine.
Broadband internet connections are particularly vulnerable.
2. Applications installing spyware and other 'under the radar'
applications.
While not a security risk (just yet), these applications often run
without the knowledge of the user and send back personal information
on surfing habits, web sites visited, etc.
3. No virus protection or out of date virus definition updates
This is critical. New viruses find ways to circumvent virus
protection on almost a daily basis. It's very important you keep your
computer up to date!!
4. Operating system and software bugs that open security holes in the
user's system.
There are dozens of Microsoft security patches released on an almost
daily basis. Keeping up to date on these updates is critical to lock
out intruders and prevent viruses from taking over your system.
For item 1, your best bet is to run (and not walk) over to
<a href="<a href="http://www.grc.com">http://www.grc.com</a>"><a href="http://www.grc.com">www.grc.com</a></a>, and run their shields up application. It's a web based
tool that will scan the Internet ports of your computer and report
back anything you should be concerned with. It's an excellent web
application and will give you a very good synopsis of your security
risks (as far as unknown server applications and open file shares are
concerned). The direct link is:
[ <a href="<a href="https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2">https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2</a>"><a href="https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2">https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2</a></a> ]
Another piece of software you should look into is Zonealarm, which is
a personal firewall application. It monitors your Internet connection
and requires you to approve any application sending or receiving
information from the Internet. It will also lock out people trying to
access your machine without permission. It's a great app and best of
all it's free!
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.zonealarm.com/zap26_za_grid.html">http://www.zonealarm.com/zap26_za_grid.html</a>"><a href="http://www.zonealarm.com/zap26_za_grid.html">http://www.zonealarm.com/zap26_za_grid.html</a></a> ]
There is a pro version with more features, but the personal edition is
fine for basic security concerns.
Item 2's Spyware is a constant threat. The easiest way to prevent it
is to not install software that contains it. Kazaa, and other file
sharing apps are notorious for spyware, but there are literally
hundreds of other applications that use it as well. You can see a
database of spyware ridden applications here:
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.spychecker.com/">http://www.spychecker.com/</a>"><a href="http://www.spychecker.com/">http://www.spychecker.com/</a></a> ]
If you have spyware installed, the de facto standard to get rid of it
is 'adaware.' It's easy to use and it works. It's also free! Just be
sure to update it on a regular basis.
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html">http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html</a>"><a href="http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html">http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html</a></a> ]
Item 3 is probably the single largest security risk for home users. I
highly recommend purchasing an antivirus package and updating it on a
WEEKLY basis.
The single easiest way to prevent most viruses is not to open email
attachments ending with the file extensions of .exe, .com, .pif, and
.vbs. But there are a number of new worm viruses that actually
install themselves without opening an attachment in MS Outlook and
Outlook Express. Therefore it's critical to have antivirus software
installed and running on your machine.
Two big names in the field are Norton Antivirus and Mcafee(my personal
favorite). You can find out more at :
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.sarc.com">http://www.sarc.com</a>"><a href="http://www.sarc.com">http://www.sarc.com</a></a> ]
Mcafee is located here:
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.mcafee.com/">http://www.mcafee.com/</a>"><a href="http://www.mcafee.com/">http://www.mcafee.com/</a></a>]
Item 4 is relatively easy to keep up with. On every Windows machine
since Windows98 is a 'windowsupdate' button in the start menu. Click
on it and be sure to install the critical updates.
If for some reason that button is not present, simply go to:
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.windowsupdate.com">http://www.windowsupdate.com</a>"><a href="http://www.windowsupdate.com">http://www.windowsupdate.com</a></a> ]
More difficult is finding individual patches for products other than
Microsoft. My suggestion is to check the websites of the software you
have installed on a regular basis to ensure your computer does not
have any other loopholes. I also suggest checking out some of the
computer newsites, like:
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.news.com">http://www.news.com</a>"><a href="http://www.news.com">http://www.news.com</a></a> ]
and
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.zdnet.com">http://www.zdnet.com</a>"><a href="http://www.zdnet.com">http://www.zdnet.com</a></a> ]
Some of the more serious security risks will be featured there and you
can take appropriate action to patch your system. One last option is
to check Versiontracker.com.
Versiontracker is primarily a Mac site, but does have a decent Windows
section. Any and all updates to software are usually posted there:
[ <a href="<a href="http://www.versiontracker.com/windows/">http://www.versiontracker.com/windows/</a>"><a href="http://www.versiontracker.com/windows/">http://www.versiontracker.com/windows/</a></a> ]
Thanks for being responsible enough to protect your machine! Some of
the worse security issues result from individual PC's being taken over
by viruses or hackers, so protecting yourself is also protecting the
Internet.
Good luck locking down your machine!
-Nishka-GA |
