Few guides to Protect your computer.

SnEafer · 2009-04-02T13:31:40+00:00

Most people think that hackers are only a problem for servers. This is not true. If your Windows PC is not properly configured, everything on your computer can easily be stolen or destroyed by hackers. However, because your PCs are directly connected to the Internet, hackers can bypass the servers and attack your PCs directly. The firewalls will help to some extent, but you must follow basic precautions if you want your data to be safe. Viruses: It is impossible for the servers to get computer viruses, because they run Unix, which cannot be infected by viruses. A virus must be executed before it can infect a computer. On Windows, programs like Internet Explorer and Outlook often execute files without your knowledge, which is what causes most virus infections. However, these files (or any Windows program) cannot be executed on the server. Some Windows viruses put copies of themselves on the server's shared disks. To the server, these are just ordinary files. The server is set up to periodically delete them to save space. They are not a problem unless you click on them. Clicking is the root of all evil. Here are some basic precautions to protect against hackers. Goto windowsupdate.microsoft.com at least once a week and install all critical patches. Run an antivirus program at least once a week. Update your virus signature files every time you use it. Use a firewall such as Zone Alarm. (Some firewalls have had major security problems. Be sure you have the latest update) Check your computer for trojans by clicking on: http://security.symantec.com http://www.trojanscan.com Don't click on email attachments.(unless you check them first) Don't install Napster, Kazaa, ChainCast, or any software from an unknown source. The former will turn your computer into a server and the latter may contain trojans and viruses. Turn off sharing, especially on your C:\ and D:\ drive. This is very dangerous! If you must share a disk, make sure it requires a password. Otherwise, anyone in the Internet can use your computer to back up their files without your knowledge. Never share any folder without a password. Put a good password on your PC. If you have a password on your PC that is easy to guess, your computer can be easily taken over by hackers. A bad password would be things like 'password', '12345', your name, license plate number, or any word that could be found in an English dictionary or a dictionary in your native language. Report any network slowness or strange computer behavior so it can be checked by admin or technician. Windows PCs with static IP numbers are especially easy targets. You should always set "Obtain an IP address automatically" in Windows unless you are running a server and you are knowledgeable in computer security. Here are some more tips: Please give your computer a sensible name. Not easy for anyone to guess. Don't store files in the /tmp directory on the servers (engram or protein). They are not safe there! If someone else gets a virus, their computer can put copies of the virus on the shared disk, mixed in with your files. The server cannot be infected by these viruses, but your PC could. Keep your backups in your home directory where they are safe and private. If you use Windows 2000 or NT, activate auditing of all system events, especially failures. This will you help discover how the hacker obtained access. Without this knowledge, it will be difficult to know what to change when you reinstall your operating system. Be sure to scan through the logs occasionally for unusual activity. Avoid executable content in web pages and email. Disable ActiveX. You can check your Internet Explorer installation for Active X security problems at this web site: EarthLinkÂ® - Page Not Found Disable automatic execution of Macros in Office programs (Word, Excel, etc). Use SSH in preference to telnet. You can replace it with the freeware TeraTerm client with the SSH plugin. Unbind the unneeded network settings in Windows. This is easy to do, and will greatly increase your security. Follow the instructions at GRC*|*Shields UP! -- Internet Connection Security Analysis** If a hacker gets on your computer, or you discover a trojan on your computer and suspect it is being actively exploited, unplug it from the network immediately and ask for assistance. Don't delete any files. They may need to check them to find out how the attacker got into your system. If your computer has been compromised by a trojan or an intruder, it cannot be repaired by removing the foreign software. There are dozens of different ways for a hacker to regain access, despite the firewall, that are impossible for any scanning software to find. The only way to repair your computer is to reformat your disk and reinstall the operating system. Until you do this, your computer is a threat to every one else's computer. GoodLuck

Thread starter SnEafer
Start date Apr 2, 2009

SnEafer

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts

Few guides to Protect your computer.

SnEafer

Senior Member

Our Community

Regional Communities