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Preventing Hackers

Here are some basic precautions to protect against hackers.

1. Goto windowsupdate.microsoft.com at least once a week and install all critical patches.
2. Run an antivirus program at least once a week. Update your virus signature files every time you use it.
3. Use a firewall such as Zone Alarm. (Some firewalls have had major security problems. Be sure you have the latest update)
4. Check your computer for trojans by clicking on: http://security.symantec.com http://www.trojanscan.com
5. Don't click on email attachments.
6. Don't install Napster, Kazaa, ChainCast, or any software from an unknown source. The former will turn your computer into a server and the latter may contain trojans and viruses.
7. Turn off sharing, especially on your C:\ and D:\ drive. This is very dangerous! If you must share a disk, make sure it requires a password. Otherwise, anyone in the Internet can use your computer to back up their files without your knowledge. Never share any folder without a password.
8. Put a good password on your PC. If you have a password on your PC that is easy to guess, your computer can be easily taken over by hackers.
   A bad password would be things like 'password', '12345', your name, license plate number, or any word that could be found in an English dictionary or a dictionary in your native language.
9. Report any network slowness or strange computer behavior so it can be checked by me (if it's a network problem) or Brad (if it's a Windows or Mac problem).
10. Windows PCs with static IP numbers are especially easy targets. You should always set "Obtain an IP address automatically" in Windows unless you are running a server and you are knowledgeable in computer security.

Create strong passwords

Strong passwords are important protections to help you have safer online transactions.

Keys to password strength: length and complexity

An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.

• Whenever possible, use at least 14 characters or more.
• The greater the variety of characters in your password, the better.
• Use the entire keyboard, not just the letters and characters you use or see most often.

Test your password with a password checker

A password checker evaluates your password's strength automatically.

Protect your passwords from prying eyes

• The easiest way to "remember" passwords is to write them down.
  It is okay to write passwords down, but keep them secure.

Common password pitfalls to avoid

Cyber criminals use sophisticated tools that can rapidly decipher passwords.

Avoid creating passwords using:

• Dictionary words in any language.
  Words in all languages are vulnerable.
• Words spelled backwards, common misspellings, and abbreviations.
  Words in all languages are vulnerable.
• Sequences or repeated characters.
  Examples: 12345678, 222222, abcdefg, or adjacent letters on your keyboard (qwerty).
• Personal information.
  Your name, birthday, driver's license, passport number, or similar information.

How to Avoid Computer Viruses