Basics

These are just some basic guidelines that should be followed for most computing situations:

1.  Keep software up-to-date with patches and hotfixes; 
2. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date, including the virus signatures;
3. Use strong passwords;
4. Check with an anti-virus and/or hoax site(s) before deleting files listed in virus warnings and similar emails;
5. Never open an email attachment from someone who is unknown to you;
6. Do NOT click on an unsubscribe link in a SPAM, you will only get more, and;
7. You will never get any money from Nigeria.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Links

• Home Network Security
• Basic Security Checklist for Home and Office Users
• Secure Online Behavior; Part II; Part III
• Secure your laptop
• Instant Insecurity: Security Issues of Instant Messaging
• Virus Hoaxes and the Real Dangers They Pose
• Malware Myths and Misinformation
  

High-speed Internet @ Home

Whether it's DSL or cable, these basics apply.

1. Run anti-virus software and make sure that it is up-to-date, including the virus signatures, and;
2. Install a firewall, to protect yourself from ne'er-do-wells on the Internet.

Links

• Always On, Always Vulnerable: Securing Broadband Connections
• Firewalls For Beginners

Wireless @ Home

Specific directions on how to perform these tasks, should be included in the manuals that came with your access point, or be on the manufacturers website.

1. Use a good SSID, change it from the default; 
2. Turn off broadcasting the SSID;
3. Use WEP (it's better than not using it, but still has issues), and; 
4. Implement MAC filters on your access point.

Links

• Basic Security Mechanisms for Wireless Networks

Microsoft

Operating Systems

1. Run anti-virus software and make sure that it is up-to-date, including the virus signatures;
2. Do not select remember password in IE or Dial-Up Networking;
3. Run Windows Update regularly, and;
4. If you have installed Windows 2000 Service Pack 3, or Windows XP Service Pack 1, disable the auto update service, in the services control panel.

Internet Explorer

1. Setup Up Security Zones
2. Security Test

Office

1. Configure Outlook / Outlook Express securely, part 1, part 2, and; 
2. Run Windows Update regularly. 

Linux

1. Install a firewall, to protect you from ne'er-do-wells on the Internet, and;
2. Check regularly with the distribution manufacturer for security updates.

For the Privacy Conscience

1. Secure your Privacy
2. Install a SPAM filter.  SPAM Filters  Our Recommendation
3. Install a cookie management program.  Cookie Managers
4. Install a pop-up window blocker.  Pop-Up Managers
5. Install spyware detection.  Spyware Managers
6. Install webbug detection. Webbug Managers