Internet Security - Summary

Summary

Internet Security - 4 Part Series

by David Foster
CBR Systems Analyst

(March 2005) This article is to sum up and stress the need to protect your computer while accessing the Internet. With more and more people turning to DSL and Cable Internet connections, which are on while your computer is on, it is imperative to take steps to shield yourself from outside intruders.

Probably the first thing a computer user should do before accessing the Internet is to tighten up the security in Windows. There are a few tools that Windows XP comes with, and a couple holes that Windows has that need closing, that need taken care of for safe Internet browsing. The February 2005 In Contract has an article explaining more about Windows XP security.

Next the computer user needs to install a firewall program to close down direct access to computer resources from the Internet. As was explained in the December 2004 In Contract article, there are many portals used by a computer to access the Internet. A firewall will shut down the portals that a regular computer user does not utilize, in order to prevent a hacker from gaining access to the computer from the portal. The firewall program will also watch the portals left open to help monitor for unauthorized access.

The next layer of security to be added would be the anti-virus protection. Viruses can be introduced primarily by email or Internet browsing, both activities are legitimate in the eyes of the firewall. This means a firewall will not protect well against viruses. For more on viruses and anti-virus software please read the article in the January 2005 In Contract.

Once these steps are taken, it is now safe to set up the Internet connection. Remember, the programs are the initial install at this point, so they are only providing a minimal amount of protection. Once connected to the Internet, the programs need to be updated to provide the maximum amount of protection they afford. This does include updating Windows XP as well.

The final common Internet problem we face is spyware. The November 2004 In Contract article goes into detail of what spyware is and programs to combat them. There are a couple free programs mentioned that are great for detecting and removing spyware (which we in the CBR Technical Support recommend using), but usually only purchased programs, like SpySweeper or Pest Patrol, will come with an active, effective shield that constantly monitors for spyware intrusions.

The above steps are a good start to protect your computer from Internet bad guys. However, the most effective measure is to simply turn off your computer when you are done with it, or if you have a dial up Internet connection make sure it is disconnected when done with the Internet. While you are on the Internet, you are susceptible to attacks. When your computer is off, or disconnected, the attacks have no way of getting to your machine. Another good habit to get into is "situational awareness". Basically, if you do not know the sender of the email, and/or the email has an attachment, do not trust it; likewise, if you do not know the web site requesting authorization to install a program, or if you did not request any such installation, do not allow it. These simple steps can greatly reduce computer nightmares in the future.