INTERNET SECURITY HELP

These days you need to have four things to keep your computer safe and secure.  If any one of these is missing or improperly configured, you are vulnerable.

1.      Current (kept updated) Anti-Virus Protection

  Such as AVG (free download), Norton Anti-Virus, Mcafee, or Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin.

2.      Current (kept updated) Anti-Spyware Protection

  I recommend LavaSoft's Ad-Aware or Microsoft's Defender.

3.      Two-way Firewall

  Windows XP built-in firewall DOES NOT QUALIFY as it is only one-way.

  An excellent way to test your firewall is to go to www.grc.com and run their "Leaktest" program.  You should also run their "Shieldsup" program to check for open ports that hackers can use to access your system.

  Firewalls built into routers, such as for wireless broadband, need to be properly configured for two-way protection, and some do not provide it.

  I recommend ZoneAlarm2.  It is free to the personal user, and is the best firewall software available, free or otherwise.  It comes with a built in tutorial that you will need to spend a little time going through, about 15 minutes.

  The Norton Personal Firewall or Norton Internet Security Firewall will provide excellent two-way protection if it is configured correctly.

4.      Properly configured browser settings

  The default settings on Firefox are better than the default settings on Internet Explorer, however Internet Explorer can be configured to be much more secure than the default Firefox product.

  In “Tools – Internet Options – Security” in Internet Explorer, block everything in the “Internet Zone” (except maybe downloads, if you know what you are downloading is safe).

  In “Tools – Internet Options – Security” in Internet Explorer, allow everything in the “Trusted Sites Zone”.

  Only add websites to the “Trusted Sites Zone” that you know are reputable and safe.  This does not include porn, free music, free games, and many other dangerous sites.

  Change default cookie settings.  Go to “Tools – Internet Options – Privacy – Advanced.”  Select “Override automatic cookie handling.”  Select prompt for First Party Cookies and block for Third-party cookies.  Leave "Always allow session cookies" unchecked.