Common Security Tips

Common Security Tips to Keep You Safe :-)

Use an Anti-virus software

Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Many anti-virus packages support automatic updates of virus definitions. We recommend the use of these automatic updates when available.

Use a firewall

I strongly recommend the use of some type of firewall product, such as a network appliance or a personal firewall software package. Intruders are constantly scanning home user systems for known vulnerabilities. Network firewalls (whether software or hardware-based) can provide some degree of protection against these attacks. However, no firewall can detect or stop all attacks, so it’s not sufficient to install a firewall and then ignore all other security measures.

Avoid phishing

Always trust only yourself. It’s not too hard to type the address of online banking site on the address bar. Please DO NOT access online banking site via the link in your email or some untrusted sources.

Unknown email attachments

Before opening any email attachments, be sure you know the source of the attachment & also scan the file using your anti virus software.For additional protection, you can disconnect your computer's network connection before opening the file.

Unknown programs

Never run a program unless you know it to be authored by a person or company that you trust. Also, don't send programs of unknown origin to your friends or coworkers simply because they are amusing -- they might contain a Trojan horse program.

Disable hidden file name extensions

Windows operating systems contain an option to "Hide file extensions for known file types". The option is enabled by default, but you can disable this option in order to have file extensions displayed by Windows.
To disable hidden file name extensions follow these steps:

1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Folder Options.
3. Select the View tab.
4. Scroll down in the list and uncheck "Hide Protected operating system files" and check "show hidden files and folder".
5. Click OK.

Password tips

DO NOT use the same password in ALL your online accounts. If you do and one of your accounts got hacked, hacker will be able to access all your other accounts.
Try to avoid using dictionary words like “prettygirl”, “imagination” etc or any other stuff that’s easy to guess (like your birth date, your car plate number)
Password is case sensitive, choosing passwords that are composed by different case will add more strength to the security (for example, StRonG_pAss).
DO NOT disclose your password to anyone, even if the person claimed he/she is working for the bank or is the site admin.

Beware of Social Media Sites

Do not click on links in social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook or MySpace that don't look right.
Patch all applications, including your operating system
Keeping your OS updated is very important in keeping it secured from exploitation, and so should never be overlooked.Vendors will usually release patches for their software when a vulnerability has been discovered. Most product documentation offers a method to get updates and patches. You should be able to obtain updates from the vendor's web site.

Disable Simple File Sharing

Simple File Sharing allows users to share folders without a password and may allow malicious attackers to read or write files from your shared folders.Windows XP allows you to disable Simple File Sharing and require a user id and password for shared folder access.
To disable Simple File Sharing follow these steps:

1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Folder Options.
3. Select the View tab.
4. Scroll down in the list and uncheck "Use simple file sharing".
5. Click OK.

Secure Your Accounts and Passwords

You must establish effective passwords for all active accounts. Existing accounts with weak or nonexistent passwords are an invitation for malicious attackers to compromise your system.To disable any unused accounts such as "Guest" and to verify that an effective password is set for the Administrator account, follow these steps:

1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click User Accounts.The User Accounts dialog box appears.
3. Select the User Account you want to set a password for (e.g., Administrator).
4. Click Change the password and enter your old and new password.
5. To disable a Guest account, select it in the dialog box and click Turn off the guest account.