Introduction

This article deals with network and personal computer security. It gives an overview of what you should be aware of in the world of computers.

Having a good few years working on network administration and software development. I thought it would be good to give a overall account to harden on security for a home or network user.

Firstly, there are a few things to consider. Are you using Windows / Mac or Linux? Next is if you are running a network (several computers with a router/hub) or just a personal computer with a dialup connection.

For a personal computer you will need a antivirus and a firewall. That is all. One kills any identified harmful viruses and the other prevents hackers or software to access your computer. You might say, my company deals with all this? But at the end of the day, its your private data or work that is damaged. It is also your duty to look after yourself. You cannot always depend on your doctor. Prevention is better than cure.

Problem: Why am I vulnerable?

Firstly, you need to know how and why we can get attacked. We MAY get viruses when we visit strange sites, download and run strange software, copy files from another infect computer; friends or company, or download programs we do not know or have not used before.

If you do alot of those, you are more prone to virus or hacker attacks. So what happens? Your data might be destroyed, your pc may perform strange or slowly, your personal passwords or details might be stolen by hackers who sell them off for illegal purposes.

Solution: Defend Defend Defence..

Step 1 – BE HEALTHY. How to prevent and be a safe user ?

Here comes the trick. Software vendors and large companies continously upgrade and update their software to prevent attacks as this affects their data or reputation if they are vunerable. UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE is the key. Check all your softwares and make sure they are up to date! Download updates or new versions from the makers website. Normally they would give you updated software for free if you have previously purchased their software.

Step 2 – Install an antivirus package on your pc

Along the way, I have been testing lots of antivirus packages. Not only do I review the level of protection, I also review the effectiveness and how well it stays “invisible”. The antivirus should not interfere too much on your daily use of your computer or making it slow. So what antivirus package do i recommend?

If you are looking for free solutions…. amazingly there are some very good packages out there!

FREE Solutions

In no order or preference,

• Microsoft Essentials MSE
• Avast – Free personal Antivirus Avast
• AVG – Free Basic edition AVG
• MoonSecureAV – OpenSource Moon
• SpywareTerminator – Opensource with Buildin ClamAV antivirus SpywareTerminator
• Antivir – Free commercial antivirus Antivir

Commercial Paid Solutions

As for people who want to pay for the antivirus for whatever reason, lets say for companies who do not mind paying for a piece of mind. I would recommend NOD32. I don’t work for them or get any benefits, but based on experience and clients. NOD32 runs very well, slient and is very light, incomparison to mcafee, norton etc. Norton and mcafee I have used and found them to be cumbersome and loaded with too much fancy looks and from various reports, their virus capture rate is the same or less then NOD. NOD32 – Commercial award winning AV solution NOD

Step 3 – Install a firewall

There are various firewalls and most have its strengths and flaws. I am recommending Windows Own Antivirus tool Windows Defender and Smoothwall.org

Step 4 – Using the right browser

There are various browsers but i have seen so much problems in both IE and others. A browser should be simple, easy to use and very light. Google Chrome & Firefox both fit these. They update frequently fixing problems and taking in comments to better their product.

Step 5 – Being paranoid / Over secure

And not to forget that extra paranoid security feature: An antispyware tool, Spybot and/or Spyware Blaster

For Network Administrators

Wireshark – is a packet sniffer that allows a reasonabily skilled network person to monitor the packets that is passed from individual pcs to the internet and vice versa.

END OF THE DAY

I advise everyone not to visit strange websites and click on strange Advertisings. Use a good reliable browser like FireFox or Google Chrome. Run regular scans using antivirus solutions that is recommended above. Happy surfing and use your pc safely.

Special Thanks to

Dr. Jiang Nan for providing some valuable advice on windows based security.