Top Computer Security Tips

1. Setup Windows Automatic Updates to get patches as they are released. New exploits are found all of the time and to make sure you you're protected, sign up for Microsoft's Automatic Update.

2. Put your computers behind a NAT router. Even if you have one computer, it's not a bad idea to put a router between you and the rest of the world. Router's provide Network Address Translation, meaning your computer is assigned an IP by the router, but only the router knows your internal address. The rest of the world sees the routers external public IP only.

3. Turn off HTML or turn off the preview pane in your Email client. Viruses can spread by opening an HTML page right in your Email preview pane. Turn off HTML in you Email program and especially the preview pane.

4. If you aren't using a router be sure to have a firewall running. The next best thing to a NAT router is a software firewall. Prevent malicious scripts from sending and receiving without your permission.

5. Have an updated anti-virus program running at all times. We all get viruses. Do a weekly check to make sure you're bug free.

6. Update then run two different anti-spyware programs once a week. You can visit our downloads site at HaftaHave.com and download a spyware scanner. Since some catch things others might miss, we suggest running two.

7. Use WPA encryption with a hard password on routers. If all of your computers and Internet appliances support it, be sure to run WPA on your router. Learn more about encryption protocols here.

8. Never open Email attachments....even if you recognize the address. Did you know viruses often Email themselves to everyone in your Email address book? Never open attachments...it might just be a virus in disguise.

9. Public Internet access can be sniffed and passwords stolen. Public and hotel Internet access is great. But always assume someone is sniffing your packets.

1. Free Antivirus Programs
2. Rookkits Explained
3. Modify The Hosts File
4. Checking For Spyware
5. Erase Hard Drive
6. Phishing Scams
7. Realistic Computer Security Threats
8. Email Worms
9. Secure You WiFi Network
10. Secure Passwords Policy
11. The Bittorrent Protocol, How it Works, and Legal Issues
12. The Kerberos Authentication Protocol
13. How to Remove Viruses and Spyware
14. Implementing Kerberos