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…