Virus Ed
101. com®
will provide information we should all know about computer security and
how to defend against attacks. While dealing with viruses, it should be
known that viruses are not your only concern. Not becoming educated can
lead to attacks on your privacy, your computer, your files and
documents...
that is, being
prepared without
being paranoid.
Specific and current virus attacks and
information can
be found on the Threat Database page by clicking the button on
the
left.
Web Site
Objective:
Hopefully, you can
use this page
and its resources, for a daily practical guide to maintaining computer
security.
Are you guilty of
these "Eight
Deadly Sins of Computer Security?"
1. My
computer came with
anti-virus software so I shouldn't have to worry. Don't count on this!
2. I've
heard about updating
virus protection but I'm sure it will tell me when. Wrong!
3. I
don't have to worry.
My internet service provider (ISP) takes care of this. Wrong! Very
wrong.
4. There
is nothing important
enough on my computer to worry about.Your computer can be taken
over by a Trojan Horse
5. I am
not connected to
the internet much. Even a brief connection,can
invite trouble into your computer.
6. I have
a Macintosh or
Linux-based system and they don't attack these. Wrong again! No one is immune.
7. I
don't open mail or attachments
of anyone I don't know. This used to be foolproof prevention. It no
longer.
8. What
do you mean, "Back
up your data often. It's on the hard drive isn't it?"
Not attending to
these fallacies
could cause serious problems to your computer's security.
What You Need
to REALLY Feel
Safe:
If you have the
following protection
devices on your computer, you should really feel safe. Although this
looks
like a full plate, remember that more and more bad things can happen to
your computer. (many products are on the market...those mentioned below
are friendly for the typical user) For more detailed security products
and information, go to the Tools & Links page.
1. An
Anti-Virus program
kept up to date (at least weekly updates)-read details on the Virus
Page and the Tools
& Links Page.
2. A
program that cleans
your computer of "spyware" which advertisements place on your hard
drive
to find your internet tendencies. Two great programs are Adaware
(free) and Spybot (shareware). Read more on the Tools
& Links Page.
3. A
program that will search
your computer for Trojan Horses. The Cleaner is one that is
free
to download. Read more on the Trojan
Horse Page as well as the Tools
& Links Page.
4. A
firewall program that
will keep unwanted information from coming into or leaving your
computer
without your knowledge. XP has one built in. Zone Alarm is free
to download. Read more on the Tools
& Links Page.
5. With
frequent security
attacks on the Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, ME, XP) it's more
important than ever to get windows updates and patches from the
Microsoft
site at windowsupdate.com.
The Windows system is usually attacked because, by usual estimates, 95%
of the computing world uses Windows. At the very least, do this
monthly.
However, beware of any so called security patches in your e-mail that
look
like they're from Microsoft. Get updates ONLY at the Microsoft website.
6.There
are constant internet
scams trying to steal your privacy, money, passwords, etc. Be aware by
checking Scambusters.org
or subscribing to their E-mail newsletter.
7. Back up your data often. Copy
it to floppies, CDs, or an external hard drive made just for that
purpuse...weekly
is not too often. You might also make use of offsite data backup
services
(usually automated) that keep your information on their servers remote
from your location.
See Bitleap.com,
a service that
does just this.
A Suggestion on
Using this Site:
Don't try to absorb
all the information
on this site in one sitting, especially if you're new to security.
Spend
several sessions to get yourself up to speed.
Background:
This page had been
an education
resource for several years, originally named, "Chalk Talk." Over those
years, I was amazed at the number of users that had computer security
questions
for "Chalk Talk," the original site. Because of those questions, I have
revamped the page to address that topic.
I have been
associated with computers
since the early 60's, from science fairs, to online, to the internet. I
have been online for almost twenty years and much has changed. See an
article
titled Short
History
of the Internet for more on internet evolution. At one time,
security
risks were minor to anyone other than government or businesses. Today,
everyone with a pc is at risk.
Contacting Me:
Use the electronic
form or e-mail,
found on the "Contact Me" link.
Simple
Navigation:
Viruses
|Trojan Horses
|Firewalls |FAQ
|Tools & Links
|Prevention
What
If IT Happened?|Site
Contents |Threat
Database |Contact
Me |Home
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Disclaimer-
Please be informed
that this page
is here for the use of its users, as a resource, and free. I will in no
way assume responsibility for any recommendations found herein, located
on any links from this page, or given as solutions that cause loss of
data,
normal computer operations, or damage to software or hardware. Any
fixes
attempted by way of suggestions or information included herein,
including
links, are taken at your own risk.

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