Computing safety news and tips

As a computer professional, it always shocks me how many intelligent, well-informed people who wouldn't dream of leaving their car unlocked in a shopping mall parking lot leave their home computers just as vulnerable every day! Here are some resources to help you learn more about safe computing and keep up-to-date on the latest threats.

Bookmark this page and check back often - The virus and security alerts are live feeds, and I will update the rest of this page whenever I find something new and useful!

Learn how and why to secure your home computer:

Well written articles from Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute's CERT® Coordination Center

• Home Computer Security
• Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
• Home Network Security

Before you forward that e-mail:

Check one of these sites to see if it is a hoax, and learn how to recognize hoaxes and urban legends.

• Hoaxbusters
• Network Associates Hoaxes Page
• Symantec AV Hoaxes Page
• Vmyths

Keep your computer software updated:

Critical for Windows users, but yes MAC users, you too. Using MAC or Linux doesn't make you immune to hackers, it just makes you a smaller target. Make it a habit to regularly check sites of 3^rd party software you've installed too.

• Microsoft Windows® Update
• Microsoft Office® Update
• Apple® Security Updates

Run Antivirus and Firewall software:

In addition to being an email nuisance, viruses can install software which allows a 3rd party to take over your PC and use it for their own purposes. This can include things such as

• Logging keystrokes to capture sensitive information that you type
• Using your PC to attack a company, website or ISP
• Distribute illegal material

In order to communicate with the outside world, your computer needs to have certain "doors" open to allow data to travel back and forth. These "doors" are called "ports". Since various pieces of software use their own unique ports to communicate, you can easily have dozens of these open at any time. Firewall software guards these "doors" in and out of your computer, making sure malware doesn't sneak in with the legitimate traffic.

Below are some (not by any means all) reputable companies offering Antivirus and firewall software. Some are free.

• Kaspersky Labs
• Symantec (Norton)
• Zone Labs (now CheckPoint)

Just one reason to use a firewall:

Spyware!

Spyware is software installed on your computer, usually without your knowledge. It ranges from fairly innocent, to annoying, to downright nasty, and is becoming an increasing problem. Here are just a few reputable solutions - again, some are free:

• Pest Patrol™
• Spybot S&D
• Webroot® Spy Sweeper
• Ad-Aware®

Watch out for "Phishing" scams:

"Phishing" is the common name for a popular and very dangerous type of scam. The "phisher" sends out e-mails which may look like they're from your bank or some other legitimate website. Or, they may send out e-mails appearing to confirm some "order" you never made. In either case, the point is to manipulate you into clicking on a link in the email, taking to you what looks like a legitimate site, where you are asked to enter things such as a user id, password, credit card info, account number, social security number, or other sensitive informaton. Once you do, this information is forwarded to the "phisher"! Clicking on the link may also install keystroke logging software, a password collection program, or some other "back door" into your computer without your knowledge.

When in doubt, don't click on links in an e-mail! If you get an "urgent" message from a bank or company you do business with, log on to their site by typing their URL directly into your browser. If it's important news for all their customers, it should also be on their web site. If the supposed announcement only involves your account, call their official customer support number.

For more information:

• Anti-Phishing Working Group
• Earthlink™ Scamblocker™ Toolbar (free to all internet users)

Try a different browser and email client:

Is it because they've had more security holes than a swiss-cheese or is it because their huge user base makes them an attractive target for hackers? Whichever the reason, Internet Explorer and Outlook are arguably the most frequently exploited pieces of software around. According to security vendor Symantec™ (makers of the popular Norton Antivirus™ and other security software), there were 5,000 new viruses and other exploits targetted at Windows software in the first half of 2004, up from 1,000 the previous year!

There are free alternatives with much better track records - their features are comparable and they have additional features which many users prefer! They also have ways to migrate your data and settings from the Microsoft® products. Whatever browser you use, make sure you stay current with security updates.

• Firefox Browser
• Thunderbird E-mail client