These are the most basic security tips every computer user should follow to protect privacy and keep computer and data safe and secure.
Do not reveal personal information to strangers or just-met "friends"
Be very careful to whom you give personal information and where you post information. The speed of the Internet is often reflected in rapid online acquaintanceships and friendships. There are people on the Internet who can be trusted, but there are also people on the Internet who can't be trusted, and it is very difficult to tell them apart. Your best bet is not to trust anyone you don't know in person.
Do not reveal personal information inadvertently
Most of the computer programs, like Email handlers, browsers etc, have options that you can set to specify personal details. Leave them blank or if the system insists, then give a reasonable looking but fictitious name.
Use strong passwords. Choose passwords that has no relation to you as a person and are difficult or impossible to guess. Use a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters and make sure it is at least 6 characters long. Change your password frequently. Try not to keep it written down. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Click here to read more about password protection.
Backup your files on a regular basis. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
Do not keep a computer online when not in use. If you have DSL or ADSL connection to the Internet, then the backdoor of your computer is always open. Always switch off your computer or physically disconnect it from Internet connection when you leave it.
Use virus protection software.
• Install reliable anti-virus software.
• Update your anti-virus software regularly.
• Configure your anti-virus software to scan all the files on your computer periodically.
Make sure your family members, employees, or others that may be using your computer, recognize virus alerts and know what to do should one attempt to infect your system or in the event it succeeds.
Use firewall. Use a firewall as a guard between you and the internet, this can be either a software or hardware firewall. It is essential for those who keep their computers online through the popular DSL and cable modem connections but they are also valuable for those who still use standard modem dial-up. Firewalls work in the background controlling inbound and outbound traffic and notifies the user of any intrusion attempts on their system.
Use encryption
Computer networks are not, by themselves, particularly secure. When sending or receiving confidential information such as a financial transaction, encryption ensures that no unauthorized parties have access to that data. Encryption is extremely important for passwords. Sending an unencrypted password across the network gives an open invitation to hackers. Once your password has been compromised, a hacker can access your personal e-mail as well as your personal data and data stored on shared systems.
There are some good encryption software programs available. If things are really sensitive, even up to defence of the realm, then this is the way to go.
Keep a "clean" e-mail address.
Use e-mail address from one of the free services for all general correspondence and as the return address in your browser. If too many spam messages come your way, cancel it and start a new one.
Keep your proper e-mail address for friends and trusted business contacts.
Do not open e-mail attachments from strangers, regardless of how enticing the subject line or attachment may be. Be suspicious of any unexpected e-mail attachment from someone you do know because it may have been sent without that person's knowledge from an infected machine.
Do not reply to spammers, for any reason If you reply, or even ask for your name to be removed from the spammers list, this confirms that the e-mail has been read by an actual person, and you will receive even more spams. There are some spam filters available.
Don't give out credit card numbers in a non-secure environment. If you're making a purchase through a web site, read the company's security policy before you buy. A secure web page will usually have a URL that begins "https" (instead of "http"), and most browers will alert you to the fact that you are going to a secured (or unsecured) page. A secure server will show on your browser with a closed lock icon at the bottom in Windows, or at the top on Mac.
Don't log in to sensitive accounts (e.g. your online banking account) from a computer that is shared (such as in a webcafe).
Turn on cookie notices in your web browser and/or use cookie management software.
Most cookies are useful in web surfing. The Internet offers a wide variety of useful services such as free e-mail accounts, online forums, and e-commerce sites. The use of cookies is essential for these sites. But, in one of their malevolent forms, cookies from one web site might track your visits to a different web site.
There is an option in web browsers to display a warning if any visited website wants to send you a cookie to be stored and allow you to decide whether or not to accept it.
You can also use cookies management software and services. One example is ProxyWay. It can accept or reject cookies from certain web sites.
Disable scripts While most of scripts are useful and used to increase the functionality of web sites, some are harmful as can be used to get access to your personal information or cause damage to your PC based on the information about your computer. To avoid the problem turn scripts off while surfing, and only turn them on when a site you trust and want to use requires them. Scripts disabling will keep you from being vulnerable to malicious scripts, however, it will limit the interaction you can have with some web sites.
| 
