Security Issues and Verification

• Use anti-virus software and KEEP IT UP TO DATE. This means paying annually for an update service - Do not let your subscription lapse. Do not let your computer attach to the Internet without up-to-date antivirus software.
  
  
• Ensure your anti-virus software has a full system scan scheduled regularly.
  
  
• Implement 2 firewalls: Hardware and Software.
  
  
• Use automatic anti-virus updates if you software permits it. Maunally verify that this process is working at least once a month (Some viruses like to disable your anti-virus systems).
  
  
• Don't assume that because you have anti-virus software and firewalls that you are completely immunized against all threats:
  These programs only work against threats that they know about. New threats come out every week It often takes a while before they are recognized and the immunization built into your software.
  If you get a virus before it is generally know about and dealt with your system will be at risk - Keep an eye out for suspicious system activity: Maybe you are one of the first to get it!
  
  
• If you do get a virus on your system, and it was not automatically 'quarantined' by your antivirus software immediately when an email arrived: Know which virus you are dealing with, do your homework in finding out how to completely remove it from your system, and follow the procedures to the letter.
  Also, write down the name of the virus, date and time when the incident occurred in case you later need help with the problem. Just removing the immediate symptom with your virus scanner may not solve the problem completely, and could make resolving the issue more difficult since key elements are no longer so evident.
  
  
• Don't turn off your firewall because it interferes with accessing something you want to do. Determine what is interfering with what you want to do and correct it in your firewall settings. By turning it off you expose your computer to risks, and may be playing into the hands of a nasty program already installed on your system.
  
  
• Manually verify your anti-virus updates at least once a month - Make sure that automatic updates are actually being applied.
  
  
• Manually verify your OS updates (Windows / Linux / Mac) at least once a month - Make sure the automatic updates are being applied.
  
  
• Make sure your network is secure, especially if you have a wireless network (Don't let your kid set this up!)
  Have an unsecured wireless network? - Your neighbors do too!
  Have an unsecured share as well? - Your neighbors might be viewing your photos and documents!
  
  
• Secure your shares. Test what you think is secured to make sure it is. Verify your security settings periodically.
  
  
• Make sure you know what is running on your system! (do you have viruses, spyware, trojans or backdoors?)