Well without further ado here it is -----
4. Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
Hackers also take advantage of Web browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) and operating system software (like Windows or Linux) that are unsecured. Lessen your risk by changing the settings in your browser or operating system and increasing your online security. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. If you need help understanding your choices, use your "Help" function.
Your operating system also may offer free software “patches” that close holes in the system that hackers could exploit. If possible, set your operating system to automatically retrieve and install patches for you. If your system can't do this, bookmark the website for your system's manufacturer so you can regularly visit and update your system with defenses against the latest attacks. Updating can be as simple as one click. Your email software may help you avoid viruses by giving you the ability to filter certain types of spam. It's up to you to activate the filter.
If you're not using your computer for an extended period, disconnect it from the Internet. When it's disconnected, the computer doesn't send or receive information from the Internet and isn't vulnerable to hackers.
5. Protect your passwords.
Keep your passwords in a secure place, and out of plain view. Don't share your passwords on the Internet, over email, or on the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should never ask for your password.
In addition, hackers may try to figure out your passwords to gain access to your computer. To make it tougher for them:
- Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. A 12-character password is stronger than one with eight characters.
- Avoid common words: some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary.
- Don't use your personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords.
- Change your passwords regularly (at a minimum, every 90 days).
- Don't use the same password for each online account you access.
One way to create a strong password is to think of a memorable phrase and use the first letter of each word as your password, converting some letters into numbers that resemble letters. For example, "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck" would become HmWc@wC.
6. Back up important files.
If you follow these tips, you're more likely to be more secure online, free of interference from hackers, viruses, and spammers. But no system is completely secure. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and store them in a safe place.
7. Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online
Hacking or Computer Virus
If your computer gets hacked or infected by a virus:
- Immediately disconnect your machine from the Internet. Then scan your entire computer with fully updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and update your firewall.
- If your computer is infected and you can't get it to recover any other way, you can buy software to "wipe" — or erase — the hard drive. You'd then have to reinstall the operating system, and any other files you wish to use.
- Take steps to minimize the chances of another incident.
- Alert the appropriate authorities by contacting:
- your ISP and the hacker's ISP (if you can tell what it is). You can usually find an ISP's email address on its website. Include information on the incident from your firewall's log file. By alerting the ISP to the problem on its system, you can help it prevent similar problems in the future.
- the FBI at www.ic3.gov. To fight computer criminals, they need to hear from you.
Internet fraud
If a scammer takes advantage of you through an Internet auction, when you're shopping online, or in any other way, report it to the Federal Trade Commission, at ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Deceptive Spam
If you get deceptive spam, including email phishing for your information, forward it to spam@uce.gov. Be sure to include the full header of the email, including all routing information. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
Divulged Personal Information
If you believe you have mistakenly given your personal information to a fraudster, file a complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft to learn how to minimize your risk of damage from a potential theft of your identity.
Parents
Parental controls are provided by most ISPs, or are sold as separate software. Remember that no software can substitute for parental supervision. Talk to your kids about safe computing practices, as well as the things they're seeing and doing online.
I hope you enjoyed this series of posts. Just to remind you I obtained this information from the webite www.onguardonline.gov
For more information on all things PC security related be sure to visit here.
Well till next time, and compute safely.
William Witt
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