Security Precautions
a) apply Windows Update regularly to block
security weaknesses at source
b) use auto-updating anti-virus software (eg
Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee) to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and
also set it to perform a system-wide scan, say, once a week
c) install a firewall - either in software (eg
Windows XP's firewall, Norton or Zone Alarm) or better, in hardware (eg as
in a typical broadband router). This is essential for Broadband.
d) don't open email attachments unless they are
from a trusted source
ADVISABLE
e) If you are downloading software from the
Internet, check that the site is legitimate by doing some research eg with
Google
f) run spyware detection software (eg Ad-Aware
or SpyBot Search and Destroy) occasionally to check that spyware has not
found itself onto your PC
g) don't be fooled by 'Phishing' or 'Social
Engineering' techniques designed to make you reveal your bank details,
passwords or other personal information. No-one should ever ask you for this
information
h) when going to a bank or other sensitive site,
use your own link rather than one from an incoming email which might be
directing you to a similar-looking one with a slightly different address.
i) turn off Windows Messenger which can generate
annoying pop-ups in XP or Windows 2000 (Start>Control Panel>Administrative
Tools>Services>Messenger>Disabled).
j) don't be tempted to 'unsubscribe' to spam
email - this just tells them it's an active address and increases it's
commercial value!
k) if you are being swamped by spam emails,
either implement anti-spam software (eg Norton Anti-Spam) or move to an ISP
with spam filtering or change you email address and don't make it public (eg
on websites or message boards)
Once you have implemented these measures you are
pretty secure from any form of attack so far invented. One slight annoyance
with the firewall is that you may find that you can't access some sites or
make some downloads with the firewall switched on, in which case you will
have to switch it off temporarily.