Just because it might be helping someone, somewhere
Re-posting this (with some slight alteration) from Harry Waldon. It is written for the usual, casual, Microsoft Windows users but can apply to anyone.
==========================================================
Best Practices - Internet Safety for 2008
RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE
* Anti-Virus (keep it active and updated)
* Firewall (bi-direction preferred, windows XP / Vista built-in firewall works too, if configured)
* Anti-Spyware
* Spam Filter
* XP users move to IE 7 for better security
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
* Backup any files you don't want to lose to CD, DVD, or flash drives
* Apply Windows and Office Updates as soon as possible - Turn Automatic Updates on (use Microsoft update for both environments)
* Update all Software products periodically on your system
* Run virus scan scans periodically (weekly)
* Run anti-spyware scans periodically
* Clean up your recycle bin, temp areas, etc.
* Use UAC in Vista and prompt warnings in other Operating Systems
* Authenticate and register your version of Windows (including WGA checks)
* Read the EULAs in any software being installed
* Create a protected account (aka limited account in Vista or XP) and use it for daily tasks
* Avoid entering sensitive information or performing e-commerce on a shared public PC in a cafe, hotel lobby, or library
* Avoid P2P File sharing sites for "free" music or videos
* Ensure you are using a trusted website and secure servers for e-commerce
* Use complex passwords of 8 characters or more (at least 1 letter and 1 number, plus 1 upper/lower case -- and special characters if desired)
* Change your passwords periodically
RECOMMENDED EMAIL SAFETY TIPS
* Avoid email attachments where possible
* Avoid clicking on any URLs in email (even to opt out of spam)
* Use plain text mode in email if possible
* Avoid links and files shared in Instant Messaging software
* Never open email from someone you don't know (line up all spam in your in-box and delete it)
* Avoid taking actions or clicking on URLs in official looking email from banks, paypal,, government, etc. (verify by phone or on the primary website)
* Avoid e-cards which are not from a specific person (and check with the sender if you are unsure)
* Never install updates or free security software from an email attachment or URL
RECOMMENDED BROWSER SAFETY TIPS
* Avoid clicking on banner ads where possible
* Avoid visiting untrusted and inappropriate websites
* Be careful of Internet search results as malware authors are seeding malicious websites with malware
* Complementary browsers (e.g., Firefox, Opera) have good security track records, phishing filters, and other safety measures (e.g., NoScript) that can be used in addition to IE 7 with no conflicts. You can use these as a tool to cross-check questionable sites.
* Completely clean your browser cache regularly of all temporary files, history, cookies, passwords, etc.
* Enhance your browser from automatic processing to prompt warnings where possible (advanced security settings in IE)
MALWARE CLEANING TIPS
* Your computer may be infected with malware when performance deteriorates, browser pop-ups appear, home pages change, firewall warnings are issued, etc.
* When cleaning malware infections get technical assistance from a technically savvy friend preferably who can visit at your home or experts at a security website
* Find out the name of the malware you are infected with (as you must clean uniquely based on how you are infected)
* VirusIntel.com offers a list of free online and command line scanners from many AV vendors
* Free Standalone cleaners may be available to remove some difficult malware agents
* Use SAFE MODE to remove difficult malware
* Change your passwords after an infection in case a backdoor agent transmitted it
SECURITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
* Gain better general knowledge on security through articles, blogs, and security websites
* Avoid publishing private data - your email address, full name, address, SSN are valuable pieces of information, protect them
* Stay informed - Follow the latest security developments on what to avoid or how to protect yourself against dangers
* Look for updates in any software you are running and install them promptly, so that you are always on the latest version
* Avoid email hoaxes circulating where you are asked to "pass on a special warning"
* Remember that there are "no free gifts" or "special bargains" for you from strangers on the Internet
* Setup separate user accounts for your children and use Vista's Parental controls
* Educate your children, family members, and friends
* Use a "Lessons Learned" approach when you make mistakes to avoid them in the future
Re-posting this (with some slight alteration) from Harry Waldon. It is written for the usual, casual, Microsoft Windows users but can apply to anyone.
==========================================================
Best Practices - Internet Safety for 2008
RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE
* Anti-Virus (keep it active and updated)
* Firewall (bi-direction preferred, windows XP / Vista built-in firewall works too, if configured)
* Anti-Spyware
* Spam Filter
* XP users move to IE 7 for better security
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
* Backup any files you don't want to lose to CD, DVD, or flash drives
* Apply Windows and Office Updates as soon as possible - Turn Automatic Updates on (use Microsoft update for both environments)
* Update all Software products periodically on your system
* Run virus scan scans periodically (weekly)
* Run anti-spyware scans periodically
* Clean up your recycle bin, temp areas, etc.
* Use UAC in Vista and prompt warnings in other Operating Systems
* Authenticate and register your version of Windows (including WGA checks)
* Read the EULAs in any software being installed
* Create a protected account (aka limited account in Vista or XP) and use it for daily tasks
* Avoid entering sensitive information or performing e-commerce on a shared public PC in a cafe, hotel lobby, or library
* Avoid P2P File sharing sites for "free" music or videos
* Ensure you are using a trusted website and secure servers for e-commerce
* Use complex passwords of 8 characters or more (at least 1 letter and 1 number, plus 1 upper/lower case -- and special characters if desired)
* Change your passwords periodically
RECOMMENDED EMAIL SAFETY TIPS
* Avoid email attachments where possible
* Avoid clicking on any URLs in email (even to opt out of spam)
* Use plain text mode in email if possible
* Avoid links and files shared in Instant Messaging software
* Never open email from someone you don't know (line up all spam in your in-box and delete it)
* Avoid taking actions or clicking on URLs in official looking email from banks, paypal,, government, etc. (verify by phone or on the primary website)
* Avoid e-cards which are not from a specific person (and check with the sender if you are unsure)
* Never install updates or free security software from an email attachment or URL
RECOMMENDED BROWSER SAFETY TIPS
* Avoid clicking on banner ads where possible
* Avoid visiting untrusted and inappropriate websites
* Be careful of Internet search results as malware authors are seeding malicious websites with malware
* Complementary browsers (e.g., Firefox, Opera) have good security track records, phishing filters, and other safety measures (e.g., NoScript) that can be used in addition to IE 7 with no conflicts. You can use these as a tool to cross-check questionable sites.
* Completely clean your browser cache regularly of all temporary files, history, cookies, passwords, etc.
* Enhance your browser from automatic processing to prompt warnings where possible (advanced security settings in IE)
MALWARE CLEANING TIPS
* Your computer may be infected with malware when performance deteriorates, browser pop-ups appear, home pages change, firewall warnings are issued, etc.
* When cleaning malware infections get technical assistance from a technically savvy friend preferably who can visit at your home or experts at a security website
* Find out the name of the malware you are infected with (as you must clean uniquely based on how you are infected)
* VirusIntel.com offers a list of free online and command line scanners from many AV vendors
* Free Standalone cleaners may be available to remove some difficult malware agents
* Use SAFE MODE to remove difficult malware
* Change your passwords after an infection in case a backdoor agent transmitted it
SECURITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
* Gain better general knowledge on security through articles, blogs, and security websites
* Avoid publishing private data - your email address, full name, address, SSN are valuable pieces of information, protect them
* Stay informed - Follow the latest security developments on what to avoid or how to protect yourself against dangers
* Look for updates in any software you are running and install them promptly, so that you are always on the latest version
* Avoid email hoaxes circulating where you are asked to "pass on a special warning"
* Remember that there are "no free gifts" or "special bargains" for you from strangers on the Internet
* Setup separate user accounts for your children and use Vista's Parental controls
* Educate your children, family members, and friends
* Use a "Lessons Learned" approach when you make mistakes to avoid them in the future
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コメント(24)
If anyone is looking for specific software packages, I've had great luck with these:
ZoneAlarm Firewall (www.zonealarm.com)
AVG Antivirus (www.grisoft.com)
AdAware Anti-spyware (www.lavasoft.com)
All of these have free versions for home users.
I especially recommend ZoneAlarm because it is easy to control which programs can access the internet, and AVG which does a better job than Norton or McAfee without slowing down or crashing one's PC like Norton and McAfee are famous for doing.
(imho)
ZoneAlarm Firewall (www.zonealarm.com)
AVG Antivirus (www.grisoft.com)
AdAware Anti-spyware (www.lavasoft.com)
All of these have free versions for home users.
I especially recommend ZoneAlarm because it is easy to control which programs can access the internet, and AVG which does a better job than Norton or McAfee without slowing down or crashing one's PC like Norton and McAfee are famous for doing.
(imho)
I used to use ZoneAlarm, but I switched to a package called Comodo because ZA was eating too much memory and processor.
However, one note that wasn't covered above.
SOFTWARE FIREWALLS LIKE ZONEALARM OR COMODO DO NOT GIVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION. They can be disabled or overridden by malware. So can the windows FW if your accounts aren't locked down.
Ideally you want a hardware firewall or something equivalent, which for most home users means that your router modem should be set up to use NAT or port forwarding for only the ports you need, with everything else closed off.
However, one note that wasn't covered above.
SOFTWARE FIREWALLS LIKE ZONEALARM OR COMODO DO NOT GIVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION. They can be disabled or overridden by malware. So can the windows FW if your accounts aren't locked down.
Ideally you want a hardware firewall or something equivalent, which for most home users means that your router modem should be set up to use NAT or port forwarding for only the ports you need, with everything else closed off.
Good point fenomas,
many ppl don't realize how easy it is to hack *some* web application.
I did not intend this topic to turn extra geeky with "real pieces of paranoia inside" (tm) so I won't go too far into "professional security".
No matter what, if someone is really determined to get to your data, chances are that person will.
The most common threat is not "technical" but "social" hacking (i.e the target gives all that is required to hack).
many ppl don't realize how easy it is to hack *some* web application.
I did not intend this topic to turn extra geeky with "real pieces of paranoia inside" (tm) so I won't go too far into "professional security".
No matter what, if someone is really determined to get to your data, chances are that person will.
The most common threat is not "technical" but "social" hacking (i.e the target gives all that is required to hack).
Right, and my point with the Sarah Palin thing was that you can't rely on applications and OSs to be secure. What happened is, the "forgot your password" question was where she met her husband, and a "hacker" found out in media reports that they met at high school.
ALL security begins with secure behavior; technical concerns come later.
ALL security begins with secure behavior; technical concerns come later.
whatever floats your boat :)
for your reference, most linux systems and windows (xp/vista) come with a firewall installed.
And yet, some security ppl like a dedicated FW appliance (or a router well configured) in front of their boxes.
And the fact that a FW is installed in the OS already doesn't mean : it's set up properly or it's even ...ON.
for your reference, most linux systems and windows (xp/vista) come with a firewall installed.
And yet, some security ppl like a dedicated FW appliance (or a router well configured) in front of their boxes.
And the fact that a FW is installed in the OS already doesn't mean : it's set up properly or it's even ...ON.
I know there is a need to be careful, but the response by people for the last 10 years or so to people who say "buy a Mac" as a solution to solving the problems with Windows has always been the same, so I just want to keep the dynamic alive.
The reality of the situation is that for the past 20 years, I have never had to put up with any Windows problems, and I have managed to accomplish everything I've wanted with a computer.
The reality of the situation is that for the past 20 years, I have never had to put up with any Windows problems, and I have managed to accomplish everything I've wanted with a computer.
Apple claims Safari is 7 times faster than IE7, so I installed them recently. Yes it was fast, but they didn’t have enough features like IE. It’s too simple and garbled on some website. It was OK for quick web check.
But I just got virus of using Safari even I have Anti-Virus soft both McAfee and Norton. McAfee didn’t catch the virus, only Norton catch it. After I talked to IT from my work it was Safari fault. Because suspected virus was originated under the Safari file. IT said Safari has big security hole. After I uninstalled Safari and the file, it’s fine now. IT didn’t recommend McAfee or Norton. He recommended me AVG.
But I just got virus of using Safari even I have Anti-Virus soft both McAfee and Norton. McAfee didn’t catch the virus, only Norton catch it. After I talked to IT from my work it was Safari fault. Because suspected virus was originated under the Safari file. IT said Safari has big security hole. After I uninstalled Safari and the file, it’s fine now. IT didn’t recommend McAfee or Norton. He recommended me AVG.
the whole reason i don't like mac believers because when they see my system for work, they are like psss windows?? and complete to deliver so much arrogance with their stupidity.
again they usually don't know anything about computers in the 1st place, fucking conformist.
i like mac users. i don't care, i just hate believers. there is a definite difference between them
again they usually don't know anything about computers in the 1st place, fucking conformist.
i like mac users. i don't care, i just hate believers. there is a definite difference between them
I actually worked at Apple Computer for a couple of years. It wasn't the product that made me hate Macs, it was the people. They treat temp employees like 2nd-class citizens within the company, and brown-nosing is really the only way to get ahead (at least at the support centers where I worked in Austin). If you're not part of the clique, don't expect to advance within that company.
10 Seal Pool
> The reality of the situation is that for the past 20 years, I have never had to put up with any Windows problems, and I have managed to accomplish everything I've wanted with a computer.
If that's true, then for about 15 years you presumably never wanted to play any game except that mahjongg thing....
(or maybe Marathon..)
> The reality of the situation is that for the past 20 years, I have never had to put up with any Windows problems, and I have managed to accomplish everything I've wanted with a computer.
If that's true, then for about 15 years you presumably never wanted to play any game except that mahjongg thing....
(or maybe Marathon..)
Here's a few points from a full-time IT geek...
- Anti-spyware: neither of available products is good enough. Use at least two; avoid ad-aware.
- Switching to IE7: at the same time, say good-bye to some of your favourite sites, as IE7's useragent string is still not accepted everywhere.
- Windows/Office updates: turn them on to Auto and expect occasional crashes for no apparent reason. For quieter life, do your homework and only install the ones for the products/features you use.
- Ignore the "safe long passwords" part. After all, you're still using Windows.
- Email safety tip #1: disable email preview pane. It's called "pain window" for a reason...
- Browser safety tip #1: switch away from IE.
- General safety tip #1: if you use Windows to browse the Internet, you deserve it.
Recommended software:
- Antivirus: AVG is the top free antivirus software. Otherwise, run whatever you subscribed to.
- Browser: Firefox or Opera. Check out Google Chrome once it's past beta stage
- Email: definitely Thunderbird. Something I can swear by, not at.
- OS. If you don't know what you're doing, switch to a Mac. Even default settings on that one will give you more security than Windows ever will. Otherwise, one of the countless *NIX flavours is recommended.
#6
> "or buy a mac" is a very bad notion.
*raises an eyebrow* O rly? You tried it yourself? If not, holding that comment in might've been a good idea.
> No system is secure by default (and for long),
Tip from a pedantic bubble-burster: check out openBSD. A very secure OS - by default.
As for what you actually meant - well, some systems are more secure than others in the out-of-the-box state. Mac OS X is a fine example, as was shown by various comparisons. Of course, manual hardening is always recommended.
One more thing I like about Macs: there are no "viruses" for Mac OS. And before someone starts yelling that they are, I suggest you go read definition of a computer virus and how it is different from a worm or a trojan. Worms do not cause harm to computers, but rather overload networks with traffic. Trojans... well, once people stop clicking on "click here to see Kournikova's naked pics" kind of links, they'll be a lot safer - on any computer. that having been said, there are _no_ viruses for Macs, and there are very little worms/trojans. So, once you switch, your computer's stability and your browsing safety go up a few notches right away.
#9
> man, i don't like mac believers at all.
and I hate Windows zealots... and people who do this kind of generalizations, regardless of their OS.
> i am a proud non ipod user. damn to quick time and itune for taking over my system!
I've been using an iPod for last five years, and iTunes is nowhere near my system. Neither is QuickTime. Winamp is all it takes. On the hardware side, though, iPod is a great&sturdy little thing. The battery is good enough to power my BIG headphones for hours, unlike some Samsung and Sony products that I tried. And it passed through heat, cold, moisture, and being dropped quite a few times. Oh, and outlasted two of my Mom's non-Apple mp3 players.
- Anti-spyware: neither of available products is good enough. Use at least two; avoid ad-aware.
- Switching to IE7: at the same time, say good-bye to some of your favourite sites, as IE7's useragent string is still not accepted everywhere.
- Windows/Office updates: turn them on to Auto and expect occasional crashes for no apparent reason. For quieter life, do your homework and only install the ones for the products/features you use.
- Ignore the "safe long passwords" part. After all, you're still using Windows.
- Email safety tip #1: disable email preview pane. It's called "pain window" for a reason...
- Browser safety tip #1: switch away from IE.
- General safety tip #1: if you use Windows to browse the Internet, you deserve it.
Recommended software:
- Antivirus: AVG is the top free antivirus software. Otherwise, run whatever you subscribed to.
- Browser: Firefox or Opera. Check out Google Chrome once it's past beta stage
- Email: definitely Thunderbird. Something I can swear by, not at.
- OS. If you don't know what you're doing, switch to a Mac. Even default settings on that one will give you more security than Windows ever will. Otherwise, one of the countless *NIX flavours is recommended.
#6
> "or buy a mac" is a very bad notion.
*raises an eyebrow* O rly? You tried it yourself? If not, holding that comment in might've been a good idea.
> No system is secure by default (and for long),
Tip from a pedantic bubble-burster: check out openBSD. A very secure OS - by default.
As for what you actually meant - well, some systems are more secure than others in the out-of-the-box state. Mac OS X is a fine example, as was shown by various comparisons. Of course, manual hardening is always recommended.
One more thing I like about Macs: there are no "viruses" for Mac OS. And before someone starts yelling that they are, I suggest you go read definition of a computer virus and how it is different from a worm or a trojan. Worms do not cause harm to computers, but rather overload networks with traffic. Trojans... well, once people stop clicking on "click here to see Kournikova's naked pics" kind of links, they'll be a lot safer - on any computer. that having been said, there are _no_ viruses for Macs, and there are very little worms/trojans. So, once you switch, your computer's stability and your browsing safety go up a few notches right away.
#9
> man, i don't like mac believers at all.
and I hate Windows zealots... and people who do this kind of generalizations, regardless of their OS.
> i am a proud non ipod user. damn to quick time and itune for taking over my system!
I've been using an iPod for last five years, and iTunes is nowhere near my system. Neither is QuickTime. Winamp is all it takes. On the hardware side, though, iPod is a great&sturdy little thing. The battery is good enough to power my BIG headphones for hours, unlike some Samsung and Sony products that I tried. And it passed through heat, cold, moisture, and being dropped quite a few times. Oh, and outlasted two of my Mom's non-Apple mp3 players.
good for you...
my sony mp3 player lasts about 36 hours playing time. does your ipod do that...?
and better yet, it sounds so much better than ipod. it's your preference so i don't care.
but as for quicktime... i have to use it for my business so there you have it.
quicktime alternative doesn't work unfortunately. itune is not near me.
but dude, i am not a windows zealot either. i was just making a statement. thanks.
my sony mp3 player lasts about 36 hours playing time. does your ipod do that...?
and better yet, it sounds so much better than ipod. it's your preference so i don't care.
but as for quicktime... i have to use it for my business so there you have it.
quicktime alternative doesn't work unfortunately. itune is not near me.
but dude, i am not a windows zealot either. i was just making a statement. thanks.
Well, there's no mp3 player that can last 36 hours with Sony MDR-V600 headphones. I mean, they need LOTS of juice. As for the quality - it depends on the quality of the song (e.g. mp3 bitrate) as much as the headphones. From my experience, 320bps mp3 file sounds the same on my iPod, Creative Jukebox, and Samsung YEPP. Of course, using the same headphones.
And about the 'windows zealots'... I was just showing you how wrong it is to make a prejudiced statement when you don't know anything about the other person. For example, I'm not a Mac believer. If anything, I'm a Linux fanboy - but for an "average Windows user", I'll recommend switching to a Mac anytime, at least on a system used to browse the Net. Personally, I use Linux for browsing and most other tasks, OpenBSD for firewalls, and Mac for streaming music/videos around the house. Windows/Office is used by my Mom on a standalone computer that isn't connected to anything else, and that's how it's gonna stay.
And about the 'windows zealots'... I was just showing you how wrong it is to make a prejudiced statement when you don't know anything about the other person. For example, I'm not a Mac believer. If anything, I'm a Linux fanboy - but for an "average Windows user", I'll recommend switching to a Mac anytime, at least on a system used to browse the Net. Personally, I use Linux for browsing and most other tasks, OpenBSD for firewalls, and Mac for streaming music/videos around the house. Windows/Office is used by my Mom on a standalone computer that isn't connected to anything else, and that's how it's gonna stay.
Luckily, I have a Mac ^-^
Moreover, I use Norton for Mac, so I believe that I'm safe from viruses. Noone ensures that "there's no virus for Mac".
I used WinXP on my desktop until last year, and suffered of viruses that made me reinstall Windows several times. Sometimes I thought we can't protect our computers from viruses, whatever we do. But now I use Linux (Ubuntu) instead. So I don't need to worry about virus.
To keep your email password safe, I recommend to change your password frequently. I do every month.
Moreover, I use Norton for Mac, so I believe that I'm safe from viruses. Noone ensures that "there's no virus for Mac".
I used WinXP on my desktop until last year, and suffered of viruses that made me reinstall Windows several times. Sometimes I thought we can't protect our computers from viruses, whatever we do. But now I use Linux (Ubuntu) instead. So I don't need to worry about virus.
To keep your email password safe, I recommend to change your password frequently. I do every month.
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