7 steps to improve your computer security

I never failed to be amazed at how poor most people's computer security is. A computer should have a few layers of defenses:

1) Good passwords - Choose long, memorable and not easily guessed passwords. Even better, add numbers and punctuation to them. For example, 23WhatTheHeck!

Use at least 3 passwords, one for unsecured sites like mailing lists, one for medium security sites like web mail and the other one for high security sites like online banking. Keep them secret.


2) Install Antivirus Protection - A good antivirus software like Norton Antivirus or McAfee VirusScan is a must. If you do not have this protection and you frequently download or share files (like in P2P), then it is very likely that your computer will be infected within weeks.

Your antivirus protection is ineffective if you never update the antivirus definitions because hundreds of new viruses appear every day. If your software does not do so automatically, then you will have to remind yourself to do so, especially just before you download anything from the Internet.


3) Use a Good Firewall - Firewalls that are not annoying don't work very well because they are like dogs that don't bark. I recommend the free Sunbelt Personal Firewall, which has the option to ask you what to do whenever each software executes or establishes a connection to the Internet.

The Blackice Intrusion Detection System is more secure than most firewalls. It is easy and simple enough for most people to use.


4) Use a Router - You can also opt to improve your protection using a router instead of connecting their computer directly to the Internet.

However, this protection is not foolproof, especially if you enable DMZ to get your special chat or P2P program to work.

In addition, if you get a wireless router but never configure security for it, then it is like having your windows and doors wide open for everyone to tap into your network.

Even wireless encryption is not supposed to provide security, just privacy against accidental eavesdropping. The situation is improving though, but old WEP64 and WEP128 networks are still easily cracked with powerful computers and special software.


5) Install Anti-Spyware - This is fast becoming important because it seems like half of all websites have one of those annoying spyware programs that make your computer very slow and prone to crashes. Installing something like the free Spybot Search & Destroy and updating it often is a must.


6) Keep your work computer for your own use only - There are many businesspeople who work on their secret business proposals, and then happily let their kids play games on the computer.

It is useless to take all the security measures only to have a teenager ruin it because they wanted to download free cool games and cute chatting programs. Many of these are wolves in sheep's clothing, including spyware and Trojan horses. Once inside your computer, they may "call home" and let their master access your data effortlessly.

It is common for these youngsters to disable your security if it gets in the way of their fun. Watch out when your antivirus or anti-spyware raises alarms or refuses to let a dangerous application run.

The same warning goes for sharing your computer with other people.


7) Update your software - Use automated updating software or services like Windows Update. - Most people never bother to update. As a result they always get problems with worms and hackers.

Even though Windows XP has an auto update feature, Microsoft does not show you everything. You must select the custom option at the above website to see everything.