siliconman01
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Some More Security Tips !
« on: Oct 31st, 2007, 2:06am » |
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Here are some more security tips/issues which warrant your attention. Items will be added to this post so please check back to see if new items are available.
Users with Hardware Routers
- BE SURE to promptly change the default password on your hardware router to a strong password that is unique to only your router.
Why? The cyber criminals already know all the various default passwords that come as factory settings on routers.
Java Updates/Upgrades
- Keep your JAVA applets updated to the latest version issued by Sun Java. A new version typically indicates that security issues have been fixed.
http://www.java.com
- BE SURE to uninstall older versions of Java after you update. Unfortunately the Java installer does NOT uninstall previous versions. Go to START>CONTROL PANEL>ADD or REMOVE PROGRAMS to uninstall old Java versions.
Why? The cyber criminals can still use the older, less secure Java elements to attack even though the latest version of Java is installed on your system.
Check "Rogue" status of new security software before installing
Why? There are many so-called security programs on the Internet that are fake or rogue. These can harm your system if you install them...even just to test them.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
Run an "Umpire" remote scan using a different antivirus scanner. Recommended frequency - MONTHLY
Why? This is to double check or cross check the detection rate of your system's licensed scanner.
A very good online remote scanner is Kaspersky.
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
Ensure that your HOSTS file is not compromised.
Why? Cyber criminals use the HOSTS file to redirect browsers to malicious websites.
A tutorial on the HOSTS file can be viewed at:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial51.html
The HOSTS file is located at:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
The DEFAULT setting for the HOSTS file contains only one entry which is:
127.0.0.1 localhost
(A # as the first character in the string is a "comment line")
An excellent tool to manage your HOSTS file is freebie program Hostsman
http://www.abelhadigital.com/
http://forum.abelhadigital.com/
Turn OFF Autoplay for all drives.
Why? When inserting CDs or Flash drives, malicious crimeware can be automatically installed on your computer from the inserted CD or Flash drive.
In Windows XP, to turn off Autoplay-
- Go to START>RUN and type in gpedit.msc
- Press OK
- In the tree pane on the left, navigate to and select Local Computer Policy|Computer Configuration|Administrative Templates|System
- Scroll in the right plane and double-click Turn off Autoplay
- In the "Turn off Autoplay Properties" dialog box, click Enabled and chose All drives from the drop-down list underneath
- Click Ok
In Windows Vista, to turn off Autoplay-
- Go to START>RUN and type in gpedit.msc
- Press OK
- Click Continue when prompted by User Account Control
- In the tree pane on the left, navigate to and select Local Computer Policy|Computer Configuration|Administrative Templates|Windows Components|Auto-Play Policies
- Double-click Turn off Autoplay
- Click Enabled and OK
- Next, double-click Default behavior for AutoRun
- Click Enabled, and choose Do not execute any autorun commands in the resulting drop-down list.
- Finish by clicking OK
Identity Theft- What you can do.
Per Consumer Reports
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/credit-loan/identity-theft/iden tity-theft-what-you-can-do-305/overview/index.htm
Test your Browser Security Settings
The Jason Levine website has a series of tests that permits you to test your browser security settings
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/javascript.asp
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