Post on 25-Feb-2016
description
Simple Security Personal Computer Protection
Jack LaPointe – Compusure PC3 Meeting 6-14-2007
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Simple Security Personal Computer Protection
Security isn’t simple But, you can take some common
sense precautions and substantially reduce your vulnerability
Focus tonight: desktop or laptop PC with a broadband internet connection
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The “Simple” in Security
Do you use a computer? Can it connect to the internet? You’re a target! Shut it down Or learn to deal with the
risks.
The Enemy: Malware
Malicious code or activity designed to subvert and/or exploit your system Viruses, Trojans & Worms Spyware, Root Kits, & Hijackers Phishing, Pharming & Fraud Hackers, Crackers, & Scanners Rogue Code & Drive by Downloads And the list goes on
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Just a ReminderA Few Selected Consequences Viruses – Co-opt your system for mail
propagation – may actually damage your PC – many, many other effects
Spyware – Spies on your PC usage – delivers popups - slows down system
Hacker Exploits – Takes control for own purpose – “Zombiefication” “DoS” Attacks, Spam & Porn Distribution
And now, “Blended Attacks” – all above
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Defending Yourself
There are some simple and inexpensive common sense things you can do to manage (not eliminate) your susceptibility
There are no guarantees. A determined hacker will find a way. But, you can: Make it considerably more difficult Know if you’ve been attacked Be prepared to deal with the consequences
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Simple Things You Can Do To Defend Yourself
Control Physical Access to your computer
Use a strong password and change it
Practice safe Computing
Turn it off when it doesn’t need to be on
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The Security Baseline
We’re going to borrow a concept from Brian Livingston of Windows Secrets. It’s free and recommended (www.WindowsSecrets.com)
“The Security Baseline” is a featured section
of that publication. It describes the minimum set of security tools you’ll need for safe computing – includes recommendations
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The Security Baseline As It Stands www.windowssecrets.com 5-24-07
Firewall – Router Hardware - to shield your system from unwanted interaction from the Internet – Netgear’s RangeMax Series
Security Suite – integrated application to maintain the integrity of your system – ZoneAlarm Pro
Update-management - OS & Apps – to handle today's constant stream of patches and upgrades - Microsoft
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The Security BaselineThe Original (Do It Yourself) Version Hardware Firewall –to shield your system from unwanted
interaction with the Internet
Software Firewall –to control security settings on your system and prevent internal malware from phoning home
Antivirus program - To detect and eliminate infected files
Antispyware - To detect and eliminate spyware, adware and browser hijackers in your system
Update-management - OS & Apps – to handle today's constant stream of patches and upgrades
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Commercial Security Programs & Packages
Industry leaders: Norton (Symantec.com) Zone Alarm Pro (ZoneAlarm.com) Virus Scan (McAfee.com) OneCare Live (Microsoft)
Reasonable prices for all inclusive security packages or individual programs
Superstores are always running special on these
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Free Security Programs - DIY
Free Applications for “Home Use” ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall (ZoneAlarm.com) AntiVir (free-av.com) AVG Antivirus (Grisoft.com) Windows XP/SP2 Firewall (Microsoft) Windows Defender Anti-Spyware (Microsoft)
Many Others – Special Promotions, etc.Ad-Aware, Spybot, PcTools, PestPatrol … Your ISP
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Backup The Last Defense
It’s not a question of if, only when … something brings your system down
At that point backup looks very smart …In the meantime, Cost & Hassle get in the way
Take backups off-site (home, office, storage)
Consider a backup service…