| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
Security Tips 2004
Avoid Attachments:
Viruses are often delivered through e-mail attachments that are executable
files. Don't open attachments - even from people you know - unless you've
specifically requested the information or verified the contents from
the sender. Be especially wary of files with the extensions ".exe,"
".com" and ".vbs."
Install A Firewall:
They are common on larger networks, but home users should also consider
installing a firewall, which acts like a security gate in controlling
traffic to and from your computer. A firewall takes some commitment
on the users' part in configuring the rules and exceptions as to how
it will operate, but the payoff can be significant in terms of security.
According to CBS News Computer Consultant Larry Magid, ZoneAlarm offers
an excellent free program for personal use.
Back Up Your Files:
If you do fall victim to a malicious attack, or if your computer is
somehow destroyed, don't lose all of your data. Take some time to identify
important files on your computer and make copies of them on a routine
basis, taking into account how often they change.
Download With Caution:
Be wary of downloading programs or files over the Internet, or from
CD-ROMs received in the mail. It's important to learn as much as possible
about the person who made the software, and what it is supposed to do,
in these situations. Buying products on CD-ROM from reputable retailers
all but eliminates the threat of an attack in this manner.
Perfect Your Passwords:
Yes, it's nice to have passwords that you're able to remember, but not
if they nullify the purpose of having them in the first place. Passwords
should be tricky for someone else to figure out, and should not be written
down. The experts at the Carnegie Mellon Software Research Institute
suggest each password should be: as strong (length, content) as allowed;
unique from your other passwords and also from standard words you'd
find in the dictionary; practical enough so you don't have to write
it down to remember it; something you change on a regular basis.
Sources: Carnegie Mellon University/CERT,
PCAnswer.com, Howstuffworks.com
 |
 |
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||