Robert M Libby - MCSE, CCNA, CNE
	Protecting yourself against Internet threats Everyday new threats to your identity and your computer are discovered. Viruses, spyware, and adware are just some of the things floating around waiting for an opportunity to strike. What can you do to protect yourself against these threats? I am Robert Libby and with 27 years experience in network consulting, I have found that there are some relatively easy steps you can take to protect yourself from these threats.  1. Install Antivirus/AntiSpyware package – Many products are available on the market. Make sure you purchase one that offers real time protection against viruses and spyware. Norton Antivirus and McAfee Antivirus are good choices. Remember, it’s not enough to install an Antivirus package, you must keep it up to date and running. Your Internet provider may also offer Antivirus software at no cost.  2. Install a firewall – Computer users enjoy high speed Internet access but often don't protect themselves against intruders. Buy a firewall. A hardware based Internet Gateway/Router from  Linksys or Netgear is a good choice. These devices keep intruders from gaining access to your computers and identity.  3. NEVER open attachments that come from unknown sources - Many virus and Trojans are transmitted through email via attachments. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know, delete it. Another common method of transmission is to send you an email that looks like (spoofs) it came from a reputable source asking you to run the attached program to update your computer for security reasons. DO NOT DO THIS. No vendor will send an update via email without you requesting it.  4. Be very careful of popups – Ever had a popup that said your system wasn’t optimized or needs to be tuned for maximum performance?  These look like the real thing but are tricks for someone to install a spyware or adware program. Frequently they ask if you want to install a program and give you a yes/no option. The best security practice is to close this window without clicking on either option. Close this window by right clicking on the title bar and then selecting close.  5. Secure your wireless network – What a great idea, network access with no wires. Only problem is that anyone driving down the street can also access your network unless you secure it. Make sure that you are using data encryption and have changed the default name of the wireless network.  6. Backup, Backup, Backup – There is no worse feeling then turning on your computer, staring at a blank screen and realizing that you have just lost all your work. Back it up regularly! CD burners are great tools because you can backup your documents, emails and contacts easily.   7. No Free Lunch – Adware companies bundle their programs with other seemingly user friendly items. Most common are screen savers and background pictures. Free downloads usually come with a price. The Adware programs installed can slow your computer to a crawl and are difficult to remove. Read and understand the license agreement before you install any software.  8. Gone Phishing – If you get an email that appears to have come from your bank asking you follow the link below to verify your account and password info, DO NOT DO IT! This is a scamming technique know as phishing used for identity theft. The link will take you to a site that looks official and correct but is just a front to trick you into giving up personal information.  9. Windows Update – Microsoft regularly publishes new security updates and patches. Without these updates your computer and network may be vulnerable. These updates need to be downloaded and installed. Use the Windows Update feature to do this automatically.  Viruses, Spyware and Adware threaten your computer and your identity. They capture personal information, corrupt data and slow computers to a crawl. You need to protect yourself.  I am available to help you plan and upgrade your security and keep your computers trouble free.  Contact me via email or phone for more information on how I can help you.
	Networking Maine Robert M Libby 20 Fellows St South Portland, ME 04106 (207) 318-6572 bobl@networkingmaine.com © 2006 Networking Maine