Safe Computing

Computer Maintenance Back up, Back up, Back up

External Hard Drive CDs or DVDs

Disk Defragmenter Reallocates files so they use available hard drive

space more efficiently Restore Utility

Periodically creates a restore point Manually create a restore point before making any

major changes to your system

Viruses Computer viruses are malicious codes or

programs that are usually installed on your computer without your knowledge and against your wishes.

Virus severity varies Just a nuisance Corrupt or erase files Shut down the computer Erase the entire hard drive

How does your computer get a virus? Through an e-mail attachment

Don’t open attachments without scanning with anti-virus software

Don’t open attachments unless you know the sender and why they are sending the attachment

Through files you download

Worms Worms are malicious programs that spread

from computer to computer without human interaction. Burrow into your e-mail address book and then

send themselves out to your contacts Open a “back door” to your system, which enables

hackers access to it and the ability to control it with remote access

Replicate themselves and eventually fill up your hard drive or network drive

Trojan Horses Not truly viruses because they do not

duplicate themselves or infect other files. Appear as legitimate programs (free

screensaver, animated cursors)

Spyware and Adware Spyware is software designed to capture personal and

confidential information that resides on your system and send it elsewhere. Primary threat to your privacy and confidentiality –

passwords, IP Address

Doesn’t usually harm your system Adware is spyware that tracks your Internet browsing

and can install malicious cookies on your computer. Cookies are small text files that contain information that

can identify you to a Web site. Cause an increase in the number of pop-up ads sometimes

even when you’re not online. Hijack your browser and direct you to undesirable Web

pages.

Key loggers Key loggers record every keystroke made on

the computer. Capture passwords, credit card numbers, bank

account numbers, etc. Hardware key loggers attached between keyboard

and computer Trojan horses can be used to distribute key

loggers.

Avoiding Spyware Don’t use free file-sharing services – Kazaa,

Morpheus, Share Bear Don’t click on buttons on pop-up ads – use the

close X in the right corner of the window Use pop-up blocking software – already

enabled in IE and Firefox

Protecting Your Computer Update your Operating System and Web

browser Install and update Antivirus software

AVG Free – www.download.com, type AVG free in Search box

Personal firewalls – prevent unauthorized access to your computer, prevent it from becoming a zombie Hardware - router Software – Windows XP and Vista have software

firewall included

Protecting Yourself Avoid phishing attempts by never giving out

personal information unless it is for legitimate purposes. Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords, bank account numbers or credit card details through e-mail.

Be aware of pharming. Pharming is the practice where fraudulent Web sites are created to look like an official Web site, so that unknowing clients and customers conduct business and reveal personal information.

Create strong passwords that include combo of numbers and letters

Never give out your passwords

Phishing example

Secure Web sites When using a web site for shopping or

banking transactions, you want the Web site to be secure.

In the address bar the URL should have the protocol HTTPS:// rather than just HTTP://