The Stedi Company
The Stedi Company 

PC Security

Secure Your PC

 

Scan regularly
Most anti-virus programs scan for threats in real-time, but it's still important to scan your entire system for pests at least once a week to root out any threats that may be buried in your system.


Second opinion
Seek out a second opinion by scanning with an alternative anti-spyware or malware program. Tools such Spybot and Malwarebytes offer the chance to find spyware and malware that your primary program may have missed.

Online scans
Most security software vendors offer online scanning tools that enable you to check for pests via your web browser. Consider these tools if you think you're infected and want to find out more.

Dedicated removal
If you get caught without antivirus software and end up infected, try using a free tool such as Malwarebytes to detect and remove it.

Email protection
Use an anti-virus program that scans all incoming and outgoing messages for viruses. Most Anti Virus programs do this automatically, but check your settings to be sure that your messages are being scanned for better protection.

Rogue anti-spyware programs
There are a number of fantastic anti-spyware programs available from different vendors. But before you install any such tool, check out the list of suspect anti-spyware tools available on the Spyware Warrior website. Many tools that purport to remove spyware actually install various malware objects themselves. Be especially wary of tools advertised in pop-up ads that suggest your computer may already be infected.

Two-way street
Firewalls may most commonly be associated with keeping the bad guys out of your PC, but you should increasingly be worried about communications leaving your computer as well. Spyware programs and worms are notorious for using your internet connection to propagate or send your personal information to hackers' servers. A firewall with the ability to manage both inbound and outbound connections will alert you to these attempts.

Minimise warnings
Some people find the warning boxes displayed by firewall programs intrusive. Check the ‘Remember this setting' option when making the choice to either allow or deny communications and the same alert won't be displayed again.

Test for leaks
Does your firewall monitor outbound communication attempts?


Scan ports
Help your firewall keep the bad guys out by periodically scanning to ensure all of its ports are closed.

Double up
There's generally nothing wrong with having a hardware firewall (which is included in most home routers) and firewall software running at the same time. It effectively doubles your PC's protection factor.

Windows Update
Ensure that Windows update is running on your PC.

Avoid shady websites
There's no shortage of websites that are designed with no other purpose than to try to trick you into installing spyware. A common technique these sites use is to suggest that you need to install their site's ActiveX control in order to gain access to some type of ‘special' content. If you encounter such a website, especially those that seem to provide access to free content that's just too good to be true, always proceed with caution.

Disable Guest
Guest user account was designed with occasional users in mind, but it's best to leave this account in its default state, which is disabled.


Choose strong passwords
A weak password (such as using ‘password') is almost as bad as not having one. Choose an eight-character password (minimum) that includes letters, numbers and symbols.

Gone phishing?
If you receive an email message from an online retailer or payment system asking you to confirm your username and password, delete them. Legitimate businesses never collect information in this way. Bank's and HM Revenue and Customs and will never ask you for personal details or passwords.


Encrypt your data
If you have important information stored on a removable drive it's a good idea not only to have a back-up but also to encrypt it.

Choose passwords wisely
Don't use the same password for all of your user accounts, such as those associated with online auction sites, banks, web-based email services and so on. If you only use one password and someone manages to obtain it, you effectively grant that person access to multiple accounts, not to mention sensitive personal information. If you're having trouble remembering different passwords, consider using a program to keep them safely stored away.

Switching ISPs
Some ISPs offer free routers with a hardware firewall to entice new customers. Check the minimum length of your current contract. If you're still covered by that contract, you can't switch.

Cancellation
Some ISPs impose a cancellation fee, to offset the cost of providing equipment and setting up your account. Check you current provider's terms and conditions – or you might find yourself paying around £50 for a used modem.

Wireless
Ensure that any wireless connections are encrpted and that the encryption is switched on.

Forward ports
All routers are configured to enable outbound connections to get through while blocking inbound ones. However, you might want to enable certain users to access your network. To do this, you need to open a port in your router's firewall. And that's where things get more complex because how you can do this depends on the manufacturer of your router. You also need to specify the IP address of the computer to which you want the connection to be forwarded. This is a complicated procedure, but you can get help –check out www.portforward.com or more advice and detailed walkthroughs.

Toolbar plug-ins
If you'd rather stick with your existing web browser, you should try searching online to see whether there's an anti-phishing component available for it.


Privacy programs
Internet security suites, such as the various ones available from Mcafee, now include privacy components that enable you to enter sensitive personal details, such as credit card or bank account numbers. When any program tries to send this information over the internet, it is blocked and you are alerted.

Understand the enemy
One of the best ways to protect against identity theft scams is through good old-fashioned education. A variety of resources is available to keep abreast of the latest privacy threats, including sites such as the Home Office's Identity Theft page.

Parental control
One of the best ways for parents to help ensure a safer online environment for their children is through the use of parental control software.

Common Sense
The best way to guard against threats to your privacy and identity is to use common sense when venturing online. Reputable sources never ask you to provide sensitive personal information in an email or on a website. Always be suspicious of anyone asking you for this information, regardless of the medium. If your instincts tell you that something doesn't seem quite right, then it usually isn't.

If you have any queries or wish to make an appointment, please contact us:

Mobile:  07817 868441

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