Anti-Pharming and Anti-Phishing

Tips And Suggestions

Install anti-virus software to prevent web browser-redirecting viruses.

Install anti-pharming and anti-phishing software.

Install anti-spyware software to protect against known spyware.

Update your operating system to remove security vulnerabilities.

Presume that every e-mail you receive is bogus until proven otherwise.

Do not respond to e-mails asking for personal information.

Do not click on links within e-mails.

Presume that every website you visit is bogus until proven otherwise.
Do not enter personal information into a popup box.

Before providing personal information to a website, ensure that you are using a secure connection. A secure connection will start with https:// and will have an icon of a padlock at the bottom of the page in Internet Explorer.

Spyware Prevention and Removal

Tips And Suggestions

Install firewall software to block hackers from installing spyware on your computer.

Install anti-virus software to prevent backdoor viruses that might install spyware.

Install anti-spyware software to protect against known spyware.

Update your operating system to remove security vulnerabilities.

Do not click on links within the e-mail. This may download spyware from a hackers website.

Do not click on a link inside a pop-up window. Clicking on the link may install spyware software on your computer.

Use caution when downloading files from the Internet, especially freeware or shareware programs such as screensavers, games, and even anti-spyware software. Ensure that the source is legitimate and reputable.

Do not open email attachments before checking the source.

When installing software always read the End User License Agreement (EULA). It is perfectly legal to hide spyware within another program as long as they mention it in the EULA (Example: “You agree to install third party software”).

Never click on Agree or OK to close a window on your web browser, doing so may download spyware on your computer. Instead, click on the X in the upper right hand corner of the window or press the Alt+F4 buttons to close the window.
Sometimes you may be unable to remove spyware because it is in use. Usually the spyware can be easily removed by running your anti-spyware software in safe mode.
To access safe mode, restart your computer and immediately start tapping the F8 key to access the boot menu. Once you are at the boot menu, if necessary select Safe Mode by using the Arrow keys, then press the Enter key.
Once your computer has booted into safe mode run your anti-spyware software. After the spyware has been removed restart your computer to boot into normal mode.
Note: When booting into safe mode you may be asked for an Administrator password, unless you setup an administrator account just leave it blank and proceed.

Virus Protection

Tips And Suggestions

Install anti-virus software to prevent and remove viruses.

Install firewall software to block worms.

Update your operating system to remove security vulnerabilities.

Do not click on links within the e-mail. This may download viruses from a website.

Do not click on a link inside a pop-up window. Clicking on the link may install a virus on your computer.

Disable images in Outlook and Outlook Express to eliminate viruses that are imbedded within the e-mail message. With Outlook Express, click on Tools and select Options, click on the Security tab, and check Block images and other external content in HTML e-mail, then click OK.

Do not open email attachments before checking the source, even if it appears to come from someone you know. 97 percent of people who received a virus through an e-mail attachment got it from someone they knew.

Use caution when downloading files from the Internet, especially freeware or shareware programs such as screensavers and games. Ensure that the source is legitimate and reputable.

Never click on Agree or OK to close a window on your web browser, doing so may download a virus on your computer. Instead, click on the X in the upper right hand corner of the window or press the Alt+F4 buttons to close the window.

Sometimes you may be unable to remove a virus because it is in use. Usually the virus can be easily removed by running your anti-virus software in safe mode.

To access safe mode, restart your computer and immediately start tapping the F8 key to access the boot menu. Once you are at the boot menu, if necessary select Safe Mode by using the Arrow keys, then press the Enter key.

Once your computer has booted into safe mode run your anti-virus software. After the virus has been removed restart your computer to boot into normal mode.

Note: When booting into safe mode you may be asked for an Administrator password, unless you setup an administrator account just leave it blank and proceed.

If the virus was executed, it will usually damage your computer. If so, you will need to repair the damage that the virus did to your computer. Note the name of the virus and go to the McAfee or Norton website and download the virus removal tool for that virus. Double click on the removal tool and it should repair the damage.

If a virus removal tool is not available, you will have to manually repair the damage. Do a search for the virus at the McAfee or Norton website to receive instructions on how to manually remove the virus.

Computer Diagnostic

Tips And Suggestions

Note: The procedures listed below are for Windows XP, but should be the same or similar for other operating systems.

Some system file errors can be fixed by running Scan Disk. Double click on My Computer, right click on the hard disk (C:) and click on Properties. Click on the Tools tab, under error checking click on Check Now. Select Automatically fix file system errors in the pop up dialog box, click on Start, then restart your computer.

If Internet Explorer is constantly crashing, try updating ActiveX add-ons. Open Internet Explorer. Click on Tools and then Manage Add-ons. Click on the drop down list arrow and select Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer.
In the list of add-ons, click the add-on you want to update, and then click on Update ActiveX, then click on OK.
If you are having a hardware problem you can try running the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter. Right click on My Computer and click on Properties, click on the Hardware tab, then click on the Device Manager button. In the device manager click on the + sign next to the hardware that you are having problems with and double click on the device. If necessary click on the General tab, then click on Troubleshoot.

Computer Hardware Installation

Tips And Suggestions

Unplug the computer. Even when turned off, some computers deliver power to the motherboard. If you touch the wrong component, you could receive a shock and damage your computer.

Always ground yourself before working on a computer. Static electricity can damage the integrated circuits. Use a grounding strap or touch an unpainted, metal portion of the chassis before handling any electrical components.

Handle circuit cards and memory modules by the edges only, avoid direct contact with any chips or circuitry.
Do not use a magnet to pickup dropped screws or use a magnetized tipped screwdriver. The hard drive is very sensitive to magnetic fields and can be easily erased by a magnet.

Computer Tips

Tips And Suggestions

If you want to change your wallpaper (Image on your desktop), go to the control panel (Start, Control panel or Start, Settings, Control panel), double click on Display, click on the Desktop tab and under Background, select an image and click on OK.
Note: In most cases, select Stretch under Position.

For a sharper image on your monitor, increase the refresh rate.
Go to the control panel (Start, Control panel or Start, Settings, Control panel), double click on Display, click on the Settings tab, click on the Advanced button, click on the Monitor tab, make sure that Hide modes that this monitor cannot display is checked, and under Screen refresh rate select the highest setting, and click on OK.
To change your web browsers home page go to the control panel (Start, Control panel or Start, Settings, Control panel) and double click on Internet Options, if necessary click on the General tab and under Home Page enter the URL of the website you want for your home page, then click on OK.

For better search results, use a meta search engine like dogpile.com.

Computer Tune Up

Tips And Suggestions

Delete cookie files, history files, and temporary internet files.
Go to the Control Panel (Start, Control panel or Start, Settings, Control panel) and double click on Internet Options, under the General tab click on Delete Cookies, Delete Files, and Clear History.

Delete unnecessary files.

Empty the recycling bin.

Delete unneeded e-mails from your inbox and empty your deleted e-mail folder.
Remove unneeded icons from your desktop.
Uninstall unnecessary programs.

Run scandisk to fix file system errors.

Run Disk Defragmenter to improve system performance. Note: Delete all unnecessary files and programs first.

Do not use window cleaner on your monitor, this will ruin the anti-glair coating on your monitor.

Data Backup Strategy

Tips And Suggestions

Make data backups a part of your normal scheduled. Your backup schedule is usually determined by how often your data changes.

Generally, perform a full backup at least once a month and a incremental backup every day.

It is a good idea to have at least two different backups of your data. Store one backup onsite and the other backup offsite or online.

Many businesses keep their onsite backups in a fire resistance safe and their offsite backups in a security box at a bank.

Test your data backups periodically by trying to restore your data on a test computer or server.

Data Loss Prevention And Recovery

Tips And Suggestions

Data Loss Prevention

Avoid moving or bumping your computer, especially when it is powered on, this will prevent hard drive crashes.

Protect your computer against power surges with a power surge protector or better yet, with an uninterruptible power supply.

Back up important data regularly. If your hard drive fails, you can restore your data to a new hard drive.

Turn off your computer when not in use. Besides the risk of power surges, an earthquake can shake you computer that might cause a hard drive crash.

Avoid operating your computer in extreme temperatures or high humidity.

Install anti-virus software on your computer. This will help protect your computer from viruses that might delete your data.

Install firewall software to block worms that might try to delete your data.

Data Recovery

If your computer will not power up, reseat the power cable going to the hard drive.

If your computer will not power up, reseat both ends of the data cable.

If your computer will not power up, try plugging the data cable into the secondary controller.

If you receive the following error message “Missing Operating System”, check your floppy drive or CD/DVD drive, your computer may be trying to boot from these drives rather than your hard drive.

If you hear your hard drive making very unusual noises, turn off the computer immediately. The noise is probably due to a hard drive crash.

Do not run Scandisk to fix data loss situations, as this may cause some of the sectors to be non-recoverable.

Do not copy or move any files to the hard drive containing your lost data. This may overwrite the lost data.

Defending Against Hackers

Tips And Suggestions

Install firewall software to block hackers.

Install anti-virus software to prevent backdoor viruses.

Install anti-spyware software to protect against keystroke loggers.

Update your operating system to remove security vulnerabilities.

Disable Terminal Services. With Windows XP, right click on My Computer, click on Manage, double click on Services and Applications, double click on Services, double click on Terminal Services, in the Startup Type text box select Disabled.

Encrypt files and folders that contain sensitive information.

Password protect your computer and disable the guest account if not in use.

If you do not have a home network setup disable File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks and Client Services for Microsoft Networks.
Go to the Control Panel (Start, Control panel or Start, Settings, Control panel), double click on Network Connections, right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties, uncheck File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and Client Services for Microsoft Networks, then click OK. Note: The names of the icons and the steps may differ depending upon the operating system.

Printing Problems

Tips And Suggestions

If you are having a print quality problem try removing the ink cartridge and place it in 1 inch of hot water for about 10 minutes, wipe off the bottom of the ink cartridge with a paper towel and install the ink cartridge.

If you are unable to print, start with the basics:

Verify that your printer is plugged into a working power source and make sure that the printer is turned on.

Verify that the data cable between the printer and computer is not loose. Reseat the data cable by unplugging the cable and plugging it back in.

Verify that your printer has paper and that you don’t have a paper jam.

Verify that your ink cartridge is not out of ink. Remove the ink cartridge, press a paper towel against the bottom of the ink cartridge, and look for inkblots on the paper towel.

Try power cycling your printer by turning it off and then turning it back on, this will flush the printer memory.

Try restarting your computer.

If all else fails, use the Windows Printing Troubleshooter.

With Windows XP, click on Start, Help and Support, Printing and Faxing, Fixing a Printing Problem. This will take you step by step through the printer troubleshooting process.

Transferring Files and Settings

Tips And Suggestions

One of the biggest problems that most people have in setting up a new computer is transferring their files and settings from the old computer to the new computer.

Unless your old and new computers are networked together, the easiest way to transfer files and settings is with a USB flash drive (Portable memory stick) using the Windows Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

On your new Windows XP computer, click on Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then on Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, follow the steps to create a wizard disk (Do not close the files and settings transfer wizard). Note: If one of the computers does not have a floppy drive you can create the wizard disk on the flash drive.

Plug in the flash drive and insert the wizard disk into your old computer. Run the files and settings transfer wizard and follow the steps to copy your files and settings to the flash drive. Before removing the flash drive, double click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon in your system tray (Bottom right hand side) then click on Stop then click on OK. Remove the flash drive and the wizard disk.

Go to your new computer and plug in the flash drive then click on next on the files and settings transfer wizard and follow the steps to copy your files and settings to your new computer. After the files and settings transfer wizard has completed transferring your files and settings, click on Finished to close the wizard and safety remove the flash drive then restart your computer.

Wireless Networking Security Tips

Tips And Suggestion

Update The Firmware And Drivers

Just as you need to update your operating system and programs you also need to up date your access point and your network adapter to deal with security vulnerabilities.

Updated firmware and drivers often includes security bug fixes and sometimes adds new security features.

Change The Default Administrator Password

To improve the security of your wireless network, you should change the administrative password on your wireless access point as soon as possible.

The default passwords for popular models of wireless network devices are well known to hackers and often posted on the Internet.

Enable Encryption

Encryption is used to improve the security of the wireless connection by encrypting the data and also authenticating the client.

The different types of encryption are WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2.The best type of encryption is WPA2 followed by WPA then WEP. The best key length is 256 followed by 128 then 64.

Change The Default SSID

To improve the security of your wireless network, change the SSID (Service Set Identifier) to a different name than the default.

Changing the SSID will not prevent someone from hacking your network but when a hacker finds a default SSID, they see it as a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it.

The SSID is a sequence of case sensitive alphanumeric characters (letters or numbers) having a maximum length of 32 characters.

Disable SSID Broadcast (Beacon)

In wireless networking, the access point typically broadcasts the SSID over the air at regular intervals. Once your wireless clients have manually configured a profile for the access point you should disable SSID broadcast.

Disabling SSID broadcasts decreases the likelihood that a hacker will try to log in to your network, as more likely the hacker will bypass your network seeking easier targets elsewhere.

Enable MAC Address Filtering

Every network adapter possesses a unique identifier called the Physical Address or MAC Address.

To set up MAC address filtering, you as the network administrator must configure a list of clients (based on the MAC Address) that will be allowed to connect to your network.

Once enabled, whenever the access point receives a request to connect to your network, it compares the MAC address of that client against the administrator's list. Clients on the list are able to connect to the network as normal; clients not on the list are denied any access to the network.

Enable IP Address Filtering

Some access points allow you to filter IP addresses the same way as in MAC filtering.
Clients on the list are able to connect to the network as normal; clients not on the list are denied any access to the network.

Disable DHCP

DHCP automatically assigns all clients (Including hackers) on the network an IP address. Disabling DHCP makes it harder for hackers to access your network.

When you disable DHCP on your access point you need to configure all your clients with static IP addresses.

Replacing The Access Point Antenna

An access point normally contains an omni directional antenna that radiates signal equally well in all directions.

Omni directional antennas are more likely to bleed signal outside the house into neighboring areas where the signal can be accessed by hackers.

Directional antennas allows the signal to be aimed towards the area of the house where wireless devices are located reducing the chances that a hacker might pick up the signal. If possible lower the transmit power on the access point.

Disable File And Printer Sharing

If you must share files or folders do not share the entire hard drive but only share what you need to share and password protect everything with strong passwords.

Use NetBEUI as the protocol for file and Printer sharing.

Turn Off The Access Point When Not In Use

The best security measure, shutting down the access point will prevent hackers from accessing your wireless network.