James Stabile Informational Newsletter
February 2005
Technology and Business...
I'm still harping on computer security. I fill like the patron saint of computer security, but it is imperative that all computers are protected and secured. You my say, "I'm a home computer user, I don't have any personal or financial information on my computer's hard drive. Why should I be concerned about security?" You should be concerned about security because of the massive damage and expense that a computer hacker can cause not just to your system but to every computer of the people in your email address book. Would you want people listening in on your telephone communications? Would you want people looking at your medical records? Would you leave your house unlocked when you are not home? I don't think so. The questions could go on and on. Remember, when you boot up your computer and make the Internet connection, no matter how you connect to the Internet, every person who is on the Internet at that time is a potential computer hacker.
You must take precautions. Here are a few from Equifax.
Know what you are downloading. Many Trojan horses are downloaded through an executable file (with an ".exe" extension). If you do not know what you are downloading, then don't download. It could infect your computer as soon as you run it.
Install anti-virus software and keep it updated. Some Trojan horses take over your computer and fins your personal information.
Install a firewall and keep it updated. When your computer is connected to the Internet, people with the right software could gain access to your social security number, credit card numbers, etc. You shouldn't leave your computer "unlocked". Firewalls prevent unauthorized people to access your computer. Know how to use the firewall. Yes, it takes reading and learning, but that time spent will be worth it in the long term.
Backup your system. If your files are destroyed or corrupted, this will allow you to fully restore your system. It's a good practice to backup your backup. Invest in movable data storage disks - external hard drive, rewritable CD, rewritable DVD, portable flash disks. It's not good to back up your files on your internal hard drive, unless you have two internal hard drives. Back up your files on portable disks or storage devices. This will allow you to physically remove the disks from your computer for secure storage. Also, use passwords on all files.
Turn off your computer when you are not using it. Don't stay connected to the Internet if you are not using it. I usually disable my network adaptor. I have a router connected to my DSL line, the router allows me to network my computers. When I'm not using my main computer I usually disable the adaptor. That way I'm not connected to the Internet. When I want to reconnect it takes two seconds to enable the adaptor and connect. To disable the network or dialup adaptor(s): Start-Settings-Network and Dial Up Connections-choose the appropriate adaptor, right click, disable or enable. I have a shortcut for the adaptor on my taskbar, just right click and select the appropriate command.
Use common sense. If you don't know the person who your received an email, don't open it, delete it, and never click on any enclosures. Never click on a web address contained in a received email, even if your know the company that is supposedly is sent from. It may be a fake. Go to the web address that you have stored for doing business with that particular business or company. Put account numbers or sensitive information on a data storage device and remove form the computer. Again, use passwords.
The computer is a marvelous invention, a time save and an efficient way to do business, but it can cause an headache. Take care of your computer and it's information. The computer should make your live easier and not be a burden.
February
2005 Newsletter
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