This page was last modified on Thursday, May 07, 2009 01:07:37 AM

IT Security has written a very useful article entitled The Twenty Minute Guide to PC Security: 20 Tips to Secure your Box. This article was written on Feb 2007 but the rules still apply today, it is a very good article that talks to pretty much everyone who has a home network or spends time on the Internet. If you do nothing else but take the advice in this article, you will be doing a lot to secure your computer and home network than the vast majority of users. Here are the areas that are covered in the article:

The Basics: Spotting and Eliminating Threats

1. Use a firewall
2. Install and update anti-virus software
3. Install and run anti-spyware software
4. Install additional basic threat counter-measures

Tweaking Settings and Making Usage Adjustments

1. Strengthen your web browser security
2. Install the latest OS service pack
3. Select secure software and update it regularly
4. Disable file sharing on your hard drives
5. Be cautious when downloading

Safely Emailing

1. Use a first-rate email client
2. Handle email attachments carefully
3. Do not click on email links haphazardly
4. Set up email filters

Protecting Your Password

1. Keep hackers guessing
2. Use a variety of different passwords
3. Password protect your login access

Wireless Protection

1. Protect your wireless network
2. Do not use a neighbor’s wi-fi connection

Physical Protection

1. Disguise your laptop
2. Use anti-theft solutions