Safe Personal Computing

Bruce Schneier BLOG ^ | December 13, 2004 | Bruce Schneier

[zeugma]

As always, Bruce has some good thoughts here. A lot of it would seem to be common sense to me, but given the prevalence of spyware, viruses, and such, perhaps I'm just too much of a nerd to notice.

One suggestion I'd add to his list: Install Linux

[zeugma]

Tech Ping

[stainlessbanner]

bttt

[ChadsDad]

Don't use windows, don't use explorer, don't use office... I sense a theme here but I can't put my finger on it.

[ChadsDad]

Don't use Outlook or Outlook Express....

[AppyPappy]

And delete the files "command.com" and "cmd.exe."

Afterwards, Create them with Notepad but make them read-only

[TexConfederate1861]

I have used Outlook for YEARS, and NEVER had a problem.

[ShadowAce]

Security Ping

[tfecw]

yeah, i'd say for the average user you're fine. the big buisness need to keep some of these process in mind. And they are going to have aditional network security to help cut down on hackers and other leaks.

Now if you started writing articles about how to secure your computer i have a funyn feeling you might single yourself out for an attack to test your theories ;)

[ShadowAce]

Install Linux

I do believe he mentioned that.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Don't use Outlook or Outlook Express....

Thunderbird is go!

[Lazamataz]

I am regularly asked what average Internet users can do to ensure their security. My first answer is usually, "Nothing--you're screwed."

I'm grateful every time that I am.

[RayChuang88]

There's one problem with leaving Windows: hardware support can get iffy very fast in the Linux environment, especially with today's modern multimedia hardware.

If you do continue to run Windows, you should do the following:

1. Make sure Windows is properly patched up to current levels. Check Windows Update at least 3-4 times a week for the latest updates.

2. Run a good firewall, whether hardware based or software based. For software firewalls, the current version of ZoneAlarm (5.5.062.004) is probably one of the best out there.

3. Have a good antivirus program constantly running. There are several good commercial antivirus programs, and there are also free antivirus programs out there, too. Don't forget to look for virus definition updates at least once a day.

4. Run a spyware remover at least three times a week. Programs such as Ad-Aware SE and SpyBot do excellent work, as does the new Yahoo! Toolbar for IE with its built-in spyware remover. Don't forget to get the latest definition updates for spyware removal at least every 3-4 days.

[Little Pig]

It is possible to memorize high-strength passwords, so that doesn't hold, and DON'T WRITE YOUR PASSWORDS DOWN, especially if you plan to carry them in your wallet! All it takes is you losing your wallet, and not only does the finder have your credit cards and ATM, now they have your passwords too! And don't delete cmd.exe. That's the command-line interface for Windows. You need that now and then.

[lilmsdangrus]

btt

[martin_fierro]

FREE PC PROTECTION: (Not an exhaustive list. Your results may vary. Void where prohibited. For entertainment purposes only. No wagering, please. Whattayawantfernuthin'.) (Thanks, but "Buy a Mac" doesn't qualify as "FREE PC protection")

Free Alternative browsers: Mozilla Mozilla FireFox Opera Free AntiSpam Tools: MailWasher Free Antiviral protection: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition Free Firewalls: ZoneAlarm Sygate Personal Firewall (thanx KoRn) Test your firewall from without with: ShieldsUP! DSL Reports Port Scan Test your firewall from within with LeakTest Free General Anti-Malware tools: Prevx Intrusion Detection (thanx TomGuy) WinPatrol (thanx TomGuy) Free Popup ad killers: Bayden Systems Popup Popper: Blocks popup ads well in MSIE Shoot the Messenger: Close that friggin' Messenger in Windows XP Free Spyware removers: Spybot S&D AdAware Free System Diagnostics: Everest Home Edition (thanx TomGuy) Free Windows Update: Windows Update LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Explore Linux as an alternative OS, without installing it on your hard drive, via a free bootable CD-ROM! Download Knoppix (or one of these other Linux distributions), burn the ISO file onto a CD-ROM, and reboot with the CD-ROM in its drive. If you later want to install Knoppix on your hard drive, here are some tips.

[ShadowAce]

And don't delete cmd.exe. That's the command-line interface for Windows. You need that now and then.

Rename it to something that can't be guessed.

[ShadowAce]

Check out Outpost as a free firewall as well.

You may want to add that to your list.

[martin_fierro]

It only appears to be free for 30 days.

[ShadowAce]

No--you can download the previous version totally free.