Preventing malicious attacks

Preventing Malicious Attacks

Preventing attacks from adware, spyware, trojan horses, keyloggers and other parasites is essential. You can greatly reduce your risk of infection with education, the right combination of software and good computer habits.

Education

Their counting on your lack of knowledge to infect your system. Educate yourself, family members and friends. It won't matter how well you protect your computer if someone else installs malicious programs when you aren't around. Become familiar with what can attack you, types of infection methods, signs or symptoms of infection and new outbreak's. Visit our Security Center to keep on top of the newest threats.

When installing software "always" read the software's EULA (End-User License Agreement). The EULA could contain a warning that spyware is being installed on your system. If you just "click" through, you will miss this warning.

Many web sites publish a 'Privacy Policy' to inform users of their personal data collection and disclosure practices. Web users should "always" read and be aware of what personal information is collected and how that information is being used. Many web sites have honorable intentions while others can be unlawful.

Software Programs

To reduce your risk of infection install and maintain protective software applications.

Install a personal firewall to protect your system from unauthorized access.
Install a spyware scanner to scan for adware, spyware and other malicious activity.
Install Trojan horse and anti-virus protection software to prevent attacks.
Keep all software up to date to prevent known security vulnerabilities.

Software programs often have upgrades, vulnerability fixes, bug fixes, security patches, and critical updates. It's important to update your system often with Windows Updates and by visiting your software vendors home page. This will help keep your programs running properly and help protect your system.

Good Computer Habits

Good habits can go a long way! Once you develop good habits "always" perform them and "never" stray.

When downloading software select "Save As" instead of "Run" (unless it's necessary), and save the file to your computer. This will allow you to virus scan the file prior to installing. AVG users can right click the file and select "Scan with AVG free". In addition, save all email file attachment and virus scan prior to opening.

Scan your system often for adware, spyware, viruses, trojans and other malicious programs.

Keep your system in good running condition with proper maintenance. Keep your hard drive clean with Disk Cleanup and run Disk Defragmenter periodically (once a month) to consolidate your files.

Backup important files often to protect data loss. Read Windows XP Backup Made Easy and Back Up Basics.
If a file is important, save it in multiple places (off your pc).

Make sure to disconnect your computer from the Internet when you aren't using it.

Use strong passwords (Password Generator), change them often and always change passwords after infection cleanup.