Computer Security

Spyware & Adware
An increasing problem that you may be unaware of is 'spyware' and 'Adware'. This - in its most harmless form - may simply put 'cookies' on your computer see http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/c/cookie.html

However it can also have much more dangerous forms and include the ability to track keystrokes (e.g. online banking) and diallers that dial premium rate telephone lines without your knowledge. If nothing else they simply use computer memory and processing power .... making your machine much slower.
see http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/s/spyware.html

There are many free software options these days to combat the problem and I suggest running at least 1 if not more. The reason for running more types of anti-spyware is that they all work differently and just one will not pick up all the spyware.

I run the following:

Yahoo: http://toolbar.yahoo.com/ … icon on the toolbar for quick check

Ad-aware: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5&cdlPid=10844457

Spybot: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022-10122137.html?part=dl-spybot&subj=dl&tag=but

I try to run at least one every day!! But even for people that do not use their computer and internet very much I would still suggest running all 3 once and then weekly thereafter.

If you have another spyware software that you run I would be interested in your experience. Somebody in Blackford ran Ad-aware and it removed 1000 objects! Most of course were harmless - but not all.

You should not be afraid to use your computer but simply understand the need for sensible precautions.

Most people should:
Have anti-virus software (free versions available)
Have Firewall software (free versions available)
Run anti-spyware at least weekly
Run auto updates for your microsoft, anti-virus, firewall etc
Take regular backups of your main data (onto cd/DVD or external backup drive probably)


Firewall
Should I have a firewall?

Absolutely!! We would recommend all Internet users (even using standard dialup access) should have a firewall to protect their computer / network. However Windows XP & Vista provides a built in firewall and this will be sufficient for most users. Make sure it is switched on!

As ADSL broadband services are 'always on' it is even more important.

Some ADSL broadband routers use NAT (network address translation) which provides a 'reasonable' level of security from intrusion - others also have specific firewall / port blocking features. We would recommend you check with your router manufacturer and product manual for more details.

If you have an ADSL modem these are typically simpler devices and as such you would normally need to install a software firewall on your computer or use the XP/Vista one - there are a wide range of software firewall solutions - the choice will depend on your computer, operating system and specific requirements.

One suggestion Zonealarm from http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
They have a free version (for home use) as well as Pro

Security Tips
Here are some useful tips to help keep your computer and network secure:

If you are using an ADSL router to connect to the Internet - do not enable the port forwarding or DMZ features of the router unless you know exactly why and its for a specific reason / application as this can by-pass the protection afforded by the NAT / firewall system on the router.

Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date but take sensible precautions anyway - i.e. do not open files from people you were not expecting them from (remember it could contain a new virus that the anti-virus companies are not aware of - yet!).


Keep your copy of Windows up-to-date by going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com - there are frequently patches for both the main operating system and key applications like Outlook Express / Internet Explorer.

Remember to keep frequent backups of all (or at least important) data and ensure the backups are tested on a regular basis.

If you were especially concerned with the safety of data on your machine - backups help but if it is very sensitive you can get applications like PGP that can encrypt email and other data on your machine.

Anti-Virus
Should I have Anti-virus software?

YES! and keep it up to date. Preferably with auto updates. Well known ones include Norton, McAfee and Sophos. There are even free ones available too for home use - I use AVG.

Remember that new viruses come out all the time and take a few hours to get added to the updates. So NEVER open attachments that you are unsure of.
Free AV software may be obtained from here:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
there are others too.....


Wireless
If you are using a wireless router or network then sensible precautions should be taken.

e.g. only allow trusted connections and block all other connections. Preferably using encryption too.