Keeping Your Computer Secure and Your Personal Information Safe

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October 2003

The news has been full lately of the latest threats to your computer. The Blaster and Sobig worms have caused havoc with computer systems around the world. Maybe one of these or another has already hit your machine. Frustrating, isn't it? And these problems will likely get worse not better.

Worms and viruses, for instance, are not the only things to be wary of. Other potential dangers include spyware, browser hijackers, background advertising programs, to name just a few. These may come cloaked in file-sharing programs, toolbars, or other files. While many articles and even a few books have been written on this subject, this brief article will give you an overview of what steps you can take to secure your computer and the personal information on it. For more information, check out the resources listed below.

What can you do to make your computer and your personal information safer?

Securing your computer—and the information in it—takes continuous effort. Following good, safe computing practices is the place to start but isn't enough. You will need to keep various programs updated, too.

Use these practices to help you avoid trouble.

• Only open file attachments that you are expecting. Even if you recognize the sender, check with them before opening it. Emails can be sent without the sender's knowledge.
• Don't respond to messages asking for personal information, account numbers, passwords, or other such private information even if seems to have come from your ISP, bank, or other trusted source. Contact the sender to see if the request is legitimate but don't use the web address or phone number in the email—use the phone or address on your statement.
• Turn off the preview pane in your email program. Better yet, view all messages in plain text. Many messages look like web pages and can contain viruses, worms, or other malicious code.
• Change your browser security settings so that nothing is installed without your knowledge.
• Don't download and install a program or browser helper from a site without checking it out first. Read more than just the description on the site that wants to install it. Use a search engine to find other reports of the program (or website).
• Disable file transfers in your instant messenger program.
• Back up your stuff! Make copies of your important files on CD, DVD, external hard drive, flash drives, or even online. Do it regularly.

Use protective programs that will make your computer more secure.

Here are several of the most important.

• Antivirus
  A virus checker or antivirus program is a necessity. You must keep it updated and run full scans regularly. Most can be set to update and run a scan automatically. The most popular programs are Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan.
• Firewall
  Install a firewall and keep it up to date. A firewall filters the traffic between your computer (or your computer network) and the Internet. It can be software or hardware. It should also control traffic leaving your computer too. If you have a broadband connection (cable modem, DSL, or other high-speed service), it is a necessity. Firewalls are necessary even if you use a dial-up connection, particularly if you stay online for long periods of time. One of the most popular software firewalls is the free version of ZoneAlarm. Most Internet Security suites have two-way firewalls.
• Anti-Spyware
  Anti-spyware programs can scan your computer for known spyware applications and remove them. Some will continue to run in background and alert you if you attempt to install spyware. Many Internet Security suites scan for spyware but many experts recommend using more than one program. Highly rated programs include Spy Sweeper and Spyware Doctor.

Keep the basics on your computer updated.

Many of programs that you use daily and one program that is basic to your computer functioning at all—its operating system—must be updated frequently.

• Browser
  New browser versions or patches are released that contain fixes for problems and security holes.
• Operating System
  Bugs, design flaws, and security holes are found on a regular basis in most operating systems. The Windows operating systems problems make most of the news reports since numerous versions are installed on so many machines but all operating systems need updates. Updates are readily available.
• Email program
  New versions or patches are released that contain fixes for problems and security holes.
• Instant Messenger
  Most of these programs weren't initially designed with security in mind. Newer versions have better security. So keep these programs updated too.

Use caution when installing any updates. Make sure you have backed up all your important data. Don't install multiple updates to a program or update several programs at the same time. If something goes wrong (and it's not a matter of if but when) then it will be easier to find the culprit.

Additional Resources

Home Network Security from the CERT Coordination Center provides an overview of security issues associated with using the Internet. It focuses on broadband services but the information provided is also applicable to dial-up services. The CERT Coordination Center was the first security incident response team. It is located at the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center operated by Carnegie Mellon University.

Cyber Security Tips from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team describe common security issues for non-technical computer users.

OnGuard Online provides tips from the federal government and the technology industry. Topics include ID Theft, Internet Auctions, Spyware, Wireless Security, Phishing, Social Networking, Spam Scams, Online Shopping, PSP File-Sharing, VoIP, Cross-Border Scams, and Investing Online.

Prepared for Corning Credit Union by Remar Sutton & Associates, October 2003. Reviewed and updated March 2007. All rights reserved.