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Security for the Home Computer
Basic Home Computer Security
Updates
It is important to update your computer's operating system regularly.
- Updates modify the functionality.
- Security updates close off vulnerabilities.
- Run updates weekly.
- Use automatic update tools when available (Windows, Apple, and some versions of Linux).
Update your antivirus software daily.
- Virus signature files are being released daily now.
- Use automatic update tool to keep up-to-date.
Older machines and operating systems may not be readily "updateable" due to vendor no longer supporting them.
Firewalls/Routers
Broadband Internet connections (like DSL, cable modems, etc.) are always-on connections; you need to put up some walls between your computer and the Internet.
Firewalls protect your computer from certain kinds of attacks.
- Allow you to decide what kinds of network traffic gets to your computer and what is dropped (for example, Web traffic travels on port 80; most firewalls will allow Web traffic or port 80 traffic by default)
- Some firewalls allow you to decide which IP Addresses get to access your computer.
Routers protect your computer from other kinds of attacks.
- Routers are designed to pass traffic from one location to another on the Internet or a LAN.
- Home routers have built-in NATting or Network Address Translation that keeps your home network's IP addresses hidden from those on the other side of the router.
Viruses/Spyware
Viruses
- Software that is designed to self-replicate and spread to other computers once installed on a host computer
- The Worm variation spreads without the users input.
- Both viruses and worms are malicious in nature and destroy files or modify files on computers.
- Can cause major slowdowns on your computer
- Run antivirus scans monthly.
Spyware
- Nosy software that sends information about your computing to a third-party
- Can be malicious in nature when it comes in the form of a Trojan Horse (for example keystroke loggers)
- Can cause major slowdowns on your computer
- Run antispyware software scans weekly.
Email, Chat/IM, SPAM/SPIM Issues
- Open attachments only when you are expecting them.
- Don't click on link in emails before checking out where they are going.
- Beware of emails asking for personal information (a.k.a. social engineering).
Chat/IM
- Treat messages in chatrooms and on IM as you treat email messages - beware of links and attachments.
SPAM/SPIM
- SPAM - unrequested email messages, oftentimes trying to sell you something
- SPIM - unrequested Chat/IM messages, again oftentimes trying to sell you something
- Phishing - unrequested messages, commonly in email, less commonly in Chat/IM, looking for personal information about you or asking that you "update your account," attempting to either steal your identity or get money or valuables out of you
- Just delete these kinds of messages. Don't open any attachments from them, and don't follow any of the links in them.
- Don't email back to try to get off the list - that just lets the bad guys know they have a working email account to harrass.
- Treat like junk mail that your receive from the U.S. Post Office - throw it away!
Online Tips
Know what sites you are visiting.
- Not everyone on the Internet is nice and friendly; there are some Website owners who are looking at how to hack into your computer and use it for their own purposes.
- Know where to get good information.
Look for HTTPS sites when sending personal information over the Internet.
- HTTPS is the designation for a secured Website.
- The lock icon on your browser should clue you in as to whether you are on a secured site or not.
Remember to select good passwords.
- Keep in mind what casual acquaintances know about you when you create a password--don't use anything personal that can be guessed about you.
- Always use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Use a different password for personal business and work business--so if one is compromised not all are compromised.
- Protect them like the keys to your home or car.
Where to Go for Help
If you think you are a victim of identity theft, see the Federal Trade Commission site at http://www.consumer.org/idtheft for information on what to do.
Also, the Better Business Bureau has more information on identity theft at http://www.bbbonline.org/idtheft/stolenID.asp.
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About the Author: At the time of this Tech Talk, Krysta Kaye served as the security administrator for the UNT Libraries' LAN/PC Management Department.