Being software developer, I
know how it feel when your program files or any precious data is lost. In the
early days of my programming career, I lost my program files many times.
Everytime I lost my data, I had to redevelop the modules. Its not a big deal, If
you lost few lines of programming code but what if you lost all of your data on
computer system which can not be restored again? I have seen many friends of
mine facing this same condition. I feel pity for them, but for your my friends,
following are few simple security tips. Follow these tips to avoid any accidents
/ attacks causing data loss or theft of your personal information.
1. Backup files regularly to an external drive and keep these backups on some
other location.
2. Use encrypted folders that automatically encrypt files put in them.
3. Use the My Documents folder which is automatically protected on most
computers.
4. Use a strong password. Use number and alphabet combinations in your
passwords.
5. Make sure your system is protected by a firewall. Activate Windows firewall
and keep updated.
6. Use antivirus software. Update your antivirus very frequently.
7. Check your PC for spyware and adware. Many freeware software available for
protection.
8. Keep your windows Updated. To get latest security fixes.
9. Change the default name of the administrative account.
10. Raise Internet Explorer's default security level.
11. Secure and configure the guest user account.
12. Stop Using Internet Explorer and Outlook. Learn to use a new web browser and
email client or enhance IE security level. Chrome and Firefox are best
alternative browsers.
13. Never download anything from the insecure websites.
14. Never open email attachments from the unknown and unreliable sources.
15. While using MSN messenger don't open any links from the unknown sources
otherwise you will lost your account's access.
16. Use UPS to protect your hard disk failure and data loss due to the power
failure.
17. Log out of or lock your computer when stepping away, even for a moment.
18. Shut down laboratory or test computers after you are done with them.
19. Remove unnecessary programs or services from your computer.
20. Configure system logging to record significant events.
21. Use NTFS on all your partitions.
22. Use passwords on all user accounts.
23. Use a firewall if you have a full time internet connection.
24. Password protect the screensaver
25. Unhide file extensions
26. Replace the "Everyone" Group with "Authenticated Users" on file shares
27. Make sure that Remote Desktop is disabled
28. Use SSH instead of Telnet
29. Encrypt any personal information held electronically if it will cause damage
or distress if it is lost or stolen.
30. Don't dispose of old computers until all the personal information on them
has been securely removed or destroying the hard disk.
31. Regularly scan your computer for spyware
32. Never copy your sensative information in Windows clipboard. Internet
explorer can share your data to others.
33. Never share personal information via email
34. Don't Install Search bars into your browsers.
35. Never download any executable file from any unknown or malicious website.
Learning how to configure and use these security tips might take a few hours or
minutes depending on your computer skills. It can provide you the peace of mind,
if files are well worth it.