 | Install antivirus software on your PC. Symantec, Trend Micro, McAfee and
other vendors all offer inexpensive software that will help detect and remove
viruses from your PC. |
| Update your virus signatures at least once a day, as soon as you connect
to the Internet. Antivirus software without the latest virus signatures
is not much better than no antivirus software at all. Most antivirus software can be configured to
update
automatically. This works well if you have a broadband connection and
can have the update run automatically every night. |
| Check for Windows updates
at least weekly. If you have a broadband connection, set this up to run
automatically every night. Also, if you use Microsoft Office, visit the
Office Update
site periodically to look for and install updates. Remember to check
for updates for your other application software periodically also. |
| If you have a broadband connection (DSL or a cable modem), install a
router. You can buy one for as little as $10. This will provide
basic firewall protection for your computer. A typical broadband
connection is often hit will multiple "hacking" attempts every minute. |
| Check the security of your computer. Try the "Shields Up" link at
http://grc.com. You can also get a
free online virus scan and security check from Symantec. |
| Consider installing personal firewall software on your PC, such as
Symantec Internet Security. |
| Consider installing spyware and adware protection software on your PC,
such as Spybot. This is available for free at
http://security.kolla.de/. |
| Backup your computer regularly! |
| Avoid "weird" web sites. You are far less likely to pick up a virus
on a "regular" site like CNN, than on some hacker site. |
| Never open suspicious email, especially the attachments - even if it is
from someone you know. When in doubt, toss it out! |
| Never reply to junk email. Never click on the "unsubscribe" link.
|
| Avoid giving out your personal information or your email address unless
you really trust the site you are giving the information to. |
| If you are providing personal information, such as a credit card number,
but sure you are using an SSL connection (the URL should begin with https instead of http). |
