| Why worry about things at all |
| The best situation I can come up with presently and still own and use a computer for the WWW is as follows;
My system is physically disconnected from the Internet (using the NetSafe Internet Security Switch)until I have a need to go on.
This means my IP Address is not to be found actively on the Internet and there are NO locks to be picked on the gates that don?t exist to protect the information that is NOT there for anyone but myself.
When I choose to go on, I bring my buddy 'Mr. Anti Virus Protection', I have my Firewalls in place, and I go where the roads are clear.
If I get into to an area by accident where I seem to be loosing control, and it seems there are windows popping up at light speed, I can just switch off that source and take control and begin again without turning off my computer.
When I'm done, I will switch off, clear my Temp Cache files, cookies, and sweep my system with AdAware or Spybot.
It might sound like a lot of work to surf, but day by day we must adapt to the changing ways of the web and ensure security.
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| | Speaking of Viruses |
| Destructive and Nuisance Viruses: Once in the mainstream, they just get passed around. They are programmed to take advantage of security issues that we take for granite.
What can you do ???
Have a good Anti Virus program in place. I suggest ?Mcafee? or ?Norton? and it is a definite must to keep the Virus definitions current. These can be updated regularly via the Internet.Set your Email preference?s to Plain Text. This is to avoid the Attachments from being automatically opened when your mail is viewed. And most of these viruses come as an attachment.
Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered Spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
Do not download any files from strangers
Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 200 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected
Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments.
Don't open attachments ending with the extension: .exe - .bat - .com - .vbs - .scr - .pif - .txt - .dat WRITE THESE ON A POST-IT AND STICK IT TO your MONITOR, this will help. Don't be fooled!!!! example: newtune.MP3.scr This looks like a sound file but the extension is .scr (a no no) or schedule.DOC.pif LOOK CAREFULLY
Your virus program can only do about 80% of the security job, YOU have to use about 20% of good sense.
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| | Article: |
| Is My ADSL Connection Safe?
Q: I have ADSL. Can anyone access my computer?
-- Doug from Bloomington, Illinois
A: Any time you have a permanent connection to the Internet, like an ADSL line or a cable modem, you are more vulnerable to hacking. It is not common, but you should take certain precautions to protect yourself:
Network safety tips from Ira Winkler of ZDTV's CyberCrime:
Assume that everything you do and say on the Internet can be watched.
Never give your password to anyone.
Update your software frequently. Download the software from vendor websites.
Back up your files regularly.
Use and continually update your antivirus software.
Be careful about opening email attachments.
Be careful when visiting "non-corporate" websites, and especially about downloading files from the Internet.
Don't reveal personal information on the Internet, especially in chat sessions. Also be very skeptical about arranging to meet people.
Be aware and maintain skepticism about the Internet. It can expose you to a whole new world, but remember it is a subset of the real world.
I could go on forever, but just be careful out there.
Leo's Network Safety Tips
Turn off file sharing.
Be aware of hidden servers.
If you use ICQ, make your IP address invisible.
Use monitoring programs like Nuke Naber to monitor your connection.
Don't open attachments.
Disconnect when you're not using the Internet.
Update your antivirus software.
Originally posted July 9, 1999
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| | Link to Speedguide.net Article regarding ADSL/High-speed Cable Security |
| | Cable Security |
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