Tips to Protect Your PC Files
from External Attack
By Paul W Wilson
Essential to peace of mind is protecting
the PC and your online privacy.
When connected to the web, your
work and data is open to attacks
of various kinds including harmful
downloads. A simple game, picture,
or program may be the vehicle for
malevolence. So, you need to check
whether every file that you download,
open, or save, is safe or whether
there are irregularities of any
kind.
Protect your PC by:
• Blocking hackers and viruses
by installing the latest firewall
and antivirus software. It is advisable
to install a software firewall even
if you have a hardware firewall
in your system. A software firewall
is designed to query whether or
not it should permit “X,”
access. The user can specify which
applications can access the port
and which cannot. A bi-directional
firewall such as ZoneAlarm3 and
Personal Firewall 5 will monitor
both inbound and outbound traffic
preventing Trojans and backdoor
programs from functioning.
• Block downloads that install
unwanted programs by using the options
in Internet explorer to block all
software from source X specified
by you.
• Install software programs
that will constantly scan your PC
for spyware, adware, dialers, and
web bug traces which can create
a nuisance and cause crashes, slow
down systems, or steal financial
information. By adding a schedule
you can instruct NoAdware to automatically
scan your PC at set times for in-filtrations.
• Immunize your PC and prevent
malicious add ons to your system.
• Configure your PC browser
to protect you when you are working
online. Use a ‘real time shield’
and prevent intrusions. Be sure
to click the “protect IE Favorites”
box and ensure that no thief can
add an URL without your permission
to your browser’s favorites
list. This will block offensive
and dangerous websites from entering
your PC environs.
• Say “no” to any
web address or site that instructs
you to download specific software
to view their pages. Such software
can contain a virus, Trojan horse,
or auto dialer.
• Create a regular back up
schedule for your work. Once a week
is ideal if you are a virtual worker
or running a business. This will
minimize any damage should problems
arise.
• Be sure to update your software
with the latest patches and bug
fixes. Then use the updated or enhanced
security settings provided by the
updates. There are in built ways
which you can operate to block damaging
viruses, stamp out cookies, and
keep unwanted visitors away from
your computer system. The method
is easy for example if you are using
Internet Explorer just go to Tools-Internet
Options-Privacy tab. Click the edit
button to accept or reject a specific
cookie. Go to the advanced settings
and check block third party cookies.
• Scan all downloaded files
before use. Never launch executable
or scriptable files namely those
that have dot.exe; .bat ;.doc; .vbs
extensions. Do not access attachments
of any kind before they are certified
as safe.
• Remove file sharing and
windows printer options these increase
vulnerability of the PC.
• Encrypt your e-mail and
embed an identifying key.
Better be sure than sorry. Preventing
snoops is easier than trying to
recover after an attack. Take informed
steps to protect yourself and your
PC.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer
for http://www.1888Discuss.com/software-download/,
the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion
forum for Software Download Forum
including topics on all about software,
download, spyware, freeware, shareware
and more. He also freelances for
the premier Software Download Site
http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
