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Thursday, October 25, 2007
Don’t wait to be hit with a bat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Until a demented fellow used a baseball bat to break through a door at my home last year - a heck of a way to wake up, by the way - our home security system was seldom used.
Now I’m more prepared, with a dog named Glock, an active security system and motion sensor outdoor lights .
Like the security at your home, keeping your computer safe only becomes a big deal after you’ve been burned. But why wait for someone to convince you with a baseball bat? I hope you’ll take a hard look at the security for your computer and home network before things get ugly.
There are so many factors to consider that I’ll talk briefly about each area and then list Web sites to cover the “how to” details.
Firewall
Windows Vista users can rely on the built-in firewall. Windows XP comes with a less capable, but adequate firewall. If you want a fine commercial firewall consider Norton Security.
More information: For Windows Vista Firewall, go to this link or simply go to http://www.microsoft.com and type the words “Vista firewall” into the search box at the top right of page.
For Windows XP Firewall, go to this link or follow the same procedure above and type the words “XP firewall” into the search box.
Router
Most routers use a technology called NAT that adds an extra level of security. NAT stands for network address translation. It creates a firewall (one that works fine with your software firewall) for your computer.
While it’s not a good idea to use two software firewalls, using NAT and a software firewall together is a great idea.
More information: To learn all you’d ever want to know about NAT, and maybe a tad more, go to this link
Wireless routers
I created a separate category for wireless routers because so many of you use them and also because they can be a major entry point into your system.
Neighbors can innocently connect via your router, which is usually not a problem except that they are using the internet on your dime. Worse is the chance that a drive-by hacker could connect and gain access to private information. If you need the convenience of a wireless router, which makes it wonderfully easy to use a laptop anywhere in the house, you need to make sure it’s secure.
One thing that defeats even the best of hackers is turning off the wireless router. (Do this either with the switch, if your router has one, or by unplugging.)
You can use this link to learn how to use the security features of your wireless router during times it is turned on
Passwords
Use passwords with both numbers and letters. Avoid words that can be found in a dictionary . Change your password at least once every six months. If you do no more than that, you’;re better protected than most home users.
More information: You can get some fine tips about using passwords at these Web address:
or
Anti-virus
Many threats sneak into a computer using a virus or worm. It’s essential that you install an anti-virus program and keep it updated. I favor commercial anti-virus programs from Norton, and I’m a huge fan of a free anti-virus program that can be downloaded at this link
Doing all this won’t make your system bulletproof - just as my alarm system and Glock the beagle won’t make my house burglar proof. But it will sure make you sleep easier.
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