Tips to protect your PC files from external attack
Essential to peace of mind is protecting the PC and your online
privacy. When connected to the web, your work and data is open
to attacks of various kinds including harmful downloads. A
simple game, picture, or program may be the vehicle for
malevolence. So, you need to check whether every file that you
download, open, or save, is safe or whether there are
irregularities of any kind.
Protect your PC by:
* Blocking hackers and viruses by installing the latest firewall
and antivirus software. It is advisable to install a software
firewall even if you have a hardware firewall in your system. A
software firewall is designed to query whether or not it should
permit "X," access. The user can specify which applications can
access the port and which cannot. A bi-directional firewall such
as ZoneAlarm3 and Personal Firewall 5 will monitor both inbound
and outbound traffic preventing Trojans and backdoor programs
from functioning.
* Block downloads that install unwanted programs by using the
options in Internet explorer to block all software from source X
specified by you.
* Install software programs that will constantly scan your PC
for spyware, adware, dialers, and web bug traces which can
create a nuisance and cause crashes, slow down systems, or steal
financial information. By adding a schedule you can instruct
NoAdware to automatically scan your PC at set times for
in-filtrations.
* Immunize your PC and prevent malicious add ons to your system.
* Configure your PC browser to protect you when you are working
online. Use a 'real time shield' and prevent intrusions. Be sure
to click the "protect IE Favorites" box and ensure that no thief
can add an URL without your permission to your browser's
favorites list. This will block offensive and dangerous websites
from entering your PC environs.
* Say "no" to any web address or site that instructs you to
download specific software to view their pages. Such software
can contain a virus, Trojan horse, or auto dialer.
* Create a regular back up schedule for your work. Once a week
is ideal if you are a virtual worker or running a business. This
will minimize any damage should problems arise.
* Be sure to update your software with the latest patches and
bug fixes. Then use the updated or enhanced security settings
provided by the updates. There are in built ways which you can
operate to block damaging viruses, stamp out cookies, and keep
unwanted visitors away from your computer system. The method is
easy for example if you are using Internet Explorer just go to
Tools-Internet Options-Privacy tab. Click the edit button to
accept or reject a specific cookie. Go to the advanced settings
and check block third party cookies.
* Scan all downloaded files before use. Never launch executable
or scriptable files namely those that have dot.exe; .bat ;.doc;
.vbs extensions. Do not access attachments of any kind before
they are certified as safe.
* Remove file sharing and windows printer options these increase
vulnerability of the PC.
* Encrypt your e-mail and embed an identifying key.
Better be sure than sorry. Preventing snoops is easier than
trying to recover after an attack. Take informed steps to
protect yourself and your PC.