Computer security precautionary measures

Tips to protect computers from internet intruders

• Use a firewall to defend against computer worms that are spread over internet.
  
• Connect internet only if you need it to give less accessing chance from a remote location.
  
• Update your computer operating system. Install security patches as and when released.
  
• Install anti virus software, firewall products and anti spy ware software and keep update them.
  
• Perform a complete scan of your computer periodically.
  
• Let the anti spy ware software do a full system scan on a regular basis.
  
• Configure the anti virus software to scan all incoming and outgoing emails.
  
• Check for viruses before using pen drives, floppy disks, CD-ROMS, email and downloaded files.

• Download software, games, screensavers etc. only from trusted, genuine, relevant, reliable or known sites.
  
• Don’t install any program if the origin is unknown. Install only if the source is trusted.
  
• Don’t Respond to spam. If you click, the spammer will come to know a live address.
  
• Be cautious about giving your email address to a website.
  
• Protect from phishing scam or phishing attack. Phishers attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Phishing directs users to enter details at a fake website that looks like a legitimate one.
  
• Type the website address into your browser. Don’t click on the link.
  
• Don’t fill an E-mail with input fields that ask you for sensitive information like User ID, Passwords, Account Number, etc.
  
• Open emails only when you know the sender.
  
• Delete email attachments from unknown sources.
  
• Scan email attachments for viruses before opening. An attachment may contain virus accidentally even it is from a known source.
  
• Clear your browser's cache and history so as to remove sensitive information.
  
• Configure the browser not to remember passwords by disabling AutoComplete.
  
• Leave a site if you suspect it fraudulent.