Safe Computing

Safe computing is also smart computing, because an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Most of these principles will apply to any computer (Windows, Mac or Unix), but some of the instructions are Windows-specific because it is the most popular operating system and it has the most problems. You may also be interesting in these articles:

Safety Tips

  1. Use a firewall (software or hardware)

    Make sure your firewall is turned on and updated regularly.

  2. Use anti-virus and anti-malware programs

    Configure your anti-virus to do real-time scanning of files and e-mails. Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware updated regularly. Here are some free programs:

  3. Use an alternative web browser

    Use Mozilla Firefox (free) instead of Internet Explorer.

  4. Use an alternative operating system

    Use a Mac or a Unix, instead of Windows.

  5. Update your software and operating system regularly

    Configure your software and operating system to automatically update.

  6. Be cautious about downloading or installing programs from the internet

    If you need to download a file, make sure you scan it with anti-virus before you open it. Always be cautious about installing free programs or using free services. Many of these carry malicious programs or want to collect your personal information. Always use Google.com to do background research.

  7. Be cautious about viewing or clicking on e-mails

    Be cautious even with e-mail from trusted senders, because the e-mail might have been sent by a virus. Turn off automatic preview and HTML viewing. Do not click on links in your e-mail, copy and paste them into your web browser if necessary. Do not click to open attachments in your e-mail, download them and scan them with anti-virus before you open them. If you get spam (unsolicited e-mail), do not respond to them, most unsubscribe links are a bait.

  8. Be cautious and skeptical on the internet

    The internet includes web sites, e-mail, instant messaging, forums and chat rooms etc. Be cautious about giving away passwords, personal or financial information, even to trusted parties because they can be imposters. Be skeptical about information forwarded to you even by trusted parties, there are many urban legends and scams on the internet. Always use Google.com to do background research.

  9. Be cautious about connecting anything to your computer

    For example, if you are connecting to the internet, make sure you have a firewall. Removable media can often carry malicious software, for example, music CD's, thumb flash drives.

  10. Audit your computer and network

    Use tools or hire professionals to scan your computer and network to find weak areas.

Privacy and Security Tips

  1. Change all default passwords

    Change passwords for your computer administrative account. Change passwords for network routers and other equipment.

  2. Use encryption when you store or transmit sensitive information

    When you use encryption, if your computer (laptop) is stolen or your internet traffic (wireless internet data) is intercepted, the thieves will have a harder time reading it. Encryption does not totally prevent unauthorized access to your data, but it does slow it down or make it highly unpractical.

  3. Use password protection for user accounts and screen savers.

    Always change the default passwords. For example, the default administrator account. The default passwords are documented and easy to find on the internet. Choose a password using a mix of upper and lower case letters and numbers. Do not use words found in the dictionary.

  4. Turn off your computer when not in use

    Turning your computer off prevents malicious programs or persons from hacking into your computer when you are not using it.

  5. Be cautious about giving away your e-mail address

    Get a free e-mail account besides your main account. If necessary, give out the free e-mail address instead of your main address.