Security
Technology Security at Home
Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of attacks on home computers. This makes sense, because many home users do not protect their information resources. Home users who have cable modem and DSL connections are particularly vulnerable because they tend to leave their fast connections open 24x7. How convenient for the hacker community!
So, why should you care about home computer security? As the CERT Coordination Center points out in their Home Network Security document, "we use computers for everything from banking and investing to shopping and communicating with others through e-mail or chat programs. Although you may not consider your communications top secret, you probably do not want strangers reading your e-mail, using your computer to attack other systems, sending forged e-mail from your computer, or examining personal information stored on your computer (such as financial statements)."
You can minimize your security risks at home by following these guidelines:
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Install and maintain Anti-Virus Software. Use the software regularly.
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Install and maintain a Firewall.
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Password-protect your home wireless network.
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Keep all applications, including your operating system, patched with the latest updates from the manufacturer.
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When not using your Internet connection, turn your modem or your computer off.
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View your e-mail as text only. Disable the function that automatically views e-mail as html.
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Do not automatically open attachments.
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Do not run software programs of unknown origin. Make sure the software you download and install comes from a reputable source.
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Delete chain emails and junk mail. Do not forward or reply to any of them.
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Never reply back to an e-mail to "unsubscribe" or to remove yourself from an unknown list. This lets the spammers know that they have reached a live e-mail address and your spam mail will increase.
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Back up your critical data and documents regularly.