- Anti-Spyware: Install Ad-Aware, Spybot S & D
Much like anti-virus software, anti-spyware should be installed on your computer to check and remove any spyware or malware installed or hiding on your computer.
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- Anti-Spyware: Scan with Ad-Aware
Regularly check your computer for spyware and adware. Here's help in running an Ad-Aware scan of your computer.
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- Anti-Spyware: Scan with SpyBot S & D
Regularly check your computer for spyware and adware. Here's help in running a Spybot Search & Destroy scan of your computer.
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- Anti-Virus: Enable On-Access Scans
[for McAfee VirusScan] Viruses can “slip through” in spite of your best efforts. Performing virus scans is a simple task that can be automated...
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- Anti-Virus: Installing Antivirus Software
Installing McAfee Antivirus for PCs and Virex for Mac OS X
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- Anti-Virus: Manual (on-demand) Scans
[for McAfee VirusScan] Viruses can “slip through” in spite of your best efforts. Scans can be performed manually ("on demand"), automated, or both.
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- Anti-Virus: Updating Definitions
[McAfee] Because of the constant release of new viruses and variants, current antivirus definitions are the most essential part of keeping your computer safe and running properly.
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- Backing Up Files
Advice on backing up files, documents, bookmarks, etc.
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- Disable File and Print Sharing
As a general rule, you should always disable "File and Print Sharing" on your local machine unless you have a specific need to allow access to your files and printers from another computer. Even when enabled, "File and Print sharing" is easily compromised, and great care should be taken as to what files are shared to others.
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- Disable Guest Accounts
In addition to the Administrator account, your operating system also comes with a Guest account. This account is often enabled without you knowing and can be exploited to gain access to essential parts of your computer.
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- Guard Against Telephone Fraud
Who's calling you? Sort the con artists from legitimate callers...
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- Passwords: Require Login Password
Requiring a login password helps protect your computer from unauthorized use.
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- Passwords: Using Screen Saver Passwords
Using a screen saver password can help deter unwanted access to your computer when you step away from your desk.
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- Passwords: Using Strong Passwords
An effective password is the first line of defense against intruders and if the password is complex enough, it will be the barrier to most intrusion attempts.
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- Read the Warning Signs
Even if you have done everything right, your computer may still become affected by malicious software or intent. It may be difficult to know if and when your computer is affected; here are some general guidelines to help you detect when your computer is compromised.
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- Updates: Microsoft Office
It is highly recommended to periodically update your Office Suite with the latest files available.
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- Updates: Operating System (automatic)
Keep your computer's operating system (OS) up to date automatically with Microsoft's Auto-Updates.
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- Updates: Operating System (manual)
Keep your computer's operating system (OS) up to date with Microsoft Updates.
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- Updates: Other Third-Party Software
Like operating system and office software, many other software packages are updated by their authors. Check for these, too, periodically.
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- Updates: Web Browsers
How to check for updates to Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Netscape. |
