Perhaps there is an extra software program with a program that you have purchased, included. Or maybe you find a free download online. You may be tempted just because to install the programs you or because you think you could use at a later date. But even if the source and the software are legitimate, it can hidden risks. And if other people use your computer, there are additional risks.
These risks are especially important if you use your computer to your personal finance (banking, tax, online bill payment, etc.), store sensitive personal data, manage or perform work-related activities outside the office. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
How can you protect both your personal and work-related data?
Operation and maintenance of anti-virus software and a firewall - Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses to steal or alter the data on your computer and leave you vulnerable by can be anti-virus software and a firewall (see Anti virus software and firewalls understanding for more information). Be sure to keep your virus definitions up to date.
Regularly scan your computer for spyware - Spyware or adware hidden in software programs that can affect the performance of your computer and give attackers access to your data. Use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove these files (see Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware for more information). Many anti-virus products have integrated spyware detection.
Keep software up to date - Install software patches so that attackers do not use known problems or vulnerabilities (Understanding Patches for more information). Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should turn it on.
Evaluate the settings of your software - The default settings of most software enable all available functions. However, attackers may be able to take advantage of this functionality to access the computer. It is particularly important to the settings for software that connects to the Internet (browsers, email clients, etc.) to be reviewed. Enter the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need.
Avoid unused software programs - Do not clutter with unnecessary software programs on the computer. If you install on your computer, you do not have to uninstall it. In addition to consume system resources, these programs can vulnerabilities that, if not patched, an attacker may contain access to your computer.
Consider creating separate user accounts - If there are other people using the computer, you may be worried that someone else accidentally access, modify and / or delete your files. Most operating systems (including Windows XP and Vista, Mac OS X and Linux) gives you the option of a different user account for each user, and you can control the amount of access and access rights for each account set. You may also have to maintain separate accounts for your work and personal purposes. While this approach does not completely isolate each area, it offers some additional protection. However, it will not protect your computer against vulnerabilities that give an attacker administrative privileges. Ideally, you will have a separate computer for work and personal use; These offer a different kind of protection.
Establish guidelines for computer use - If there are multiple people using the computer, especially children, make sure they understand how the computer and the Internet safe to use. Set limits and guidelines will help to protect your data (see Keeping Children Safe Online for more information).
Use encrypt passwords and sensitive files - add passwords and other security features, protective coatings, when used appropriately (see selection and protection of passwords and adding to the passwords for more information). By encrypting files, make sure that unauthorized persons can be displayed even when accessing it physically no data. You can also change the options for disk encryption, also consider the a thief prevents your laptop without a password. If you use encryption, it is important to remember your passwords and passphrases; If you forget or lose them, you can lose your data.
Follow company policies for the handling and storage of work-related information - When you use the computer for work-related purposes, make sure that all company policies for the handling and storage of the information coming. This policy was probably founded to protect proprietary information and customer data, but also to protect you and the company from liability. Although it is not explicitly stated in your policy, you should avoid that other people, including family members, to contain a computer company data.
Not simply deleting a file completely erase - Dispose of sensitive information correctly. To ensure that an attacker can not access these files, make sure you delete sensitive files sufficient
These risks are especially important if you use your computer to your personal finance (banking, tax, online bill payment, etc.), store sensitive personal data, manage or perform work-related activities outside the office. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
How can you protect both your personal and work-related data?
Operation and maintenance of anti-virus software and a firewall - Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses to steal or alter the data on your computer and leave you vulnerable by can be anti-virus software and a firewall (see Anti virus software and firewalls understanding for more information). Be sure to keep your virus definitions up to date.
Regularly scan your computer for spyware - Spyware or adware hidden in software programs that can affect the performance of your computer and give attackers access to your data. Use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove these files (see Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware for more information). Many anti-virus products have integrated spyware detection.
Keep software up to date - Install software patches so that attackers do not use known problems or vulnerabilities (Understanding Patches for more information). Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should turn it on.
Evaluate the settings of your software - The default settings of most software enable all available functions. However, attackers may be able to take advantage of this functionality to access the computer. It is particularly important to the settings for software that connects to the Internet (browsers, email clients, etc.) to be reviewed. Enter the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need.
Avoid unused software programs - Do not clutter with unnecessary software programs on the computer. If you install on your computer, you do not have to uninstall it. In addition to consume system resources, these programs can vulnerabilities that, if not patched, an attacker may contain access to your computer.
Consider creating separate user accounts - If there are other people using the computer, you may be worried that someone else accidentally access, modify and / or delete your files. Most operating systems (including Windows XP and Vista, Mac OS X and Linux) gives you the option of a different user account for each user, and you can control the amount of access and access rights for each account set. You may also have to maintain separate accounts for your work and personal purposes. While this approach does not completely isolate each area, it offers some additional protection. However, it will not protect your computer against vulnerabilities that give an attacker administrative privileges. Ideally, you will have a separate computer for work and personal use; These offer a different kind of protection.
Establish guidelines for computer use - If there are multiple people using the computer, especially children, make sure they understand how the computer and the Internet safe to use. Set limits and guidelines will help to protect your data (see Keeping Children Safe Online for more information).
Use encrypt passwords and sensitive files - add passwords and other security features, protective coatings, when used appropriately (see selection and protection of passwords and adding to the passwords for more information). By encrypting files, make sure that unauthorized persons can be displayed even when accessing it physically no data. You can also change the options for disk encryption, also consider the a thief prevents your laptop without a password. If you use encryption, it is important to remember your passwords and passphrases; If you forget or lose them, you can lose your data.
Follow company policies for the handling and storage of work-related information - When you use the computer for work-related purposes, make sure that all company policies for the handling and storage of the information coming. This policy was probably founded to protect proprietary information and customer data, but also to protect you and the company from liability. Although it is not explicitly stated in your policy, you should avoid that other people, including family members, to contain a computer company data.
Not simply deleting a file completely erase - Dispose of sensitive information correctly. To ensure that an attacker can not access these files, make sure you delete sensitive files sufficient
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