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Security Awareness
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Best Practices for Internet Security
Contents |
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General Security Tips:
- Install eScan Anti-Virus application on your computer and ensure that it has the latest virus definitions.
- Make sure eScan firewall is enabled on your system.
- Do not download and install pirated software from illegal Web sites as these files may contain hidden malware.
- Ensure that the operating system and the softwares installed on your computer have the latest updates and hotfixes applied to them.
- Always read the End-Use License Agreement (EULA) before installing any software on your computer.
- While installing software packs, ensure that you perform a custom install to avoid installing unnecessary software programs.
- Always backup your files and important data at regular intervals.
- Scan your computer periodically, at least once a week for viruses, Trojans, and other malware.
- Delete unwanted files and data from your computer’s hard drive. This will free up space on your drive and help you back up your important data easily in the event of a malware infection.
- Ensure that you do not download files via P2P sharing, FTP sites, and unauthorized Web sites.
- Use a secure browser or adjust the security settings for your browser to block ActiveX programs and scripts from running automatically.
- Do not disclose your confidential information to strangers or on Web sites such as blogs or social networking Web sites. Similarly, do not enter sensitive information such as banking passwords, credit card numbers, and blog passwords from shared or public computers.
- Always use trusted Web sites for performing online transactions such as money transfers or shopping for goods.
- Always use complex passwords that are longer than 8 characters.
- Do not use the same password to log on to multiple Web sites.
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E-mail Security Tips:
- Do not open e-mails from unknown senders.
- Turn off rich-text or html formatting for your e-mails.
- Avoid sending attachments whenever possible.
- Avoid clicking hyperlinks in e-mails.
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Browser Security Tips:
- Do not click on banners or advertisements on Web sites.
- Do not visit untrusted or illegal Web sites.
- Do not click on any link that appears to be suspicious, such as a link to an .exe file.
- Do not configure your browser to run ActiveX components or scripts automatically.
- Clean your cache and temporary files regularly.
- Configure your browser to display warning messages whenever you open an untrusted Website or try to download an unknown application.
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Malware Cleaning Tips:
- Your computer may be infected with malware when performance deteriorates, browser pop-ups appear, home pages change, firewall warnings are issued, etc.
- When cleaning malware infections get technical assistance from a technically savvy friend preferably who can visit at your home or experts at a security website
- Find out the name of the malware you are infected with (as you must clean uniquely based on how you are infected)
- VirusIntel.com offers a list of free online and command line scanners from many AV vendors
- Free Standalone cleaners may be available to remove some difficult malware agents
- Use SAFE MODE to remove difficult malware
- Change your passwords after an infection in case a backdoor agent transmitted it
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Security Awareness and Education:
- Gain better general knowledge on security through articles, blogs, and security websites
- Stay informed - Follow the latest security developments on what to avoid or how to protect yourself against dangers
- Look for updates in any software you are running and install them promptly, so that you are always on the latest version
- Avoid email hoaxes circulating where you are asked to "pass on a special warning"
- Remember that there are "no free gifts" or "special bargains" for you from strangers on the Internet
- Setup separate user accounts for your children and use Vista's Parental controls
- Educate your children, family members, and friends
- Use a "Lessons Learned" approach when you make mistakes to avoid them in the future
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Recommended eMail Safety Tips:
- Avoid email attachments where possible
- Avoid clicking on any URLs in email (even to opt out of spam)
- Use plain text mode in email if possible
- Avoid links and files shared in Instant Messaging software
- Never open email from someone you don't know (line up all spam in your in-box and delete it)
- Avoid taking actions or clickin on URLs in official looking email from banks, government, etc. (verify by phone or on the primary website)
- Avoid e-cards which are not from a specific person (and check with the sender if you are unsure)
- Never install updates or free security software from an email attachment or URL
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Recommended Browser Safety Tips:
- Avoid clicking on banner ads where possible
- Avoid visiting untrusted and inappropriate websites
- Be careful of Internet search results as malware authors are seeding malicious websites with malware
- Complementary browsers (e.g., Firefox, Opera) have good security track records, phishing filters, and other safety measures (e.g., NoScript) that can be used in addition to IE 7 with no conflicts. You can use these as a tool to cross-check questionable sites.
- Completely clean your browser cache regularly of all temporary files, history, cookies, passwords, etc.
- Enhance your browser from automatic processing to prompt warnings where possible (advanced security settings in IE)
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