Tips to Help Defend Your PC

Here are just a few tips to help keep your PC safe.

1. Secure your network router. The network router is your gateway to the Internet, so make sure you use a router that has built-in firewall functionality. You should also configure it securely, including changing the default password to one that can’t be easily guessed. Make sure that not just any communication port can connect to the Internet. For instance, many bots use the same communication ports as general Web traffic, so they can’t be blocked.
2. Don’t open attachments from unknown or EVEN KNOWN sources in email, IM or on social networking sites unless you have anti-phishing technology installed on your Web browser and hard drive.
3. Beef up your Anti-Virus software with Anti-Spyware. Installing a combination will help catch the worms and Trojans that cause bots.
4. Use a Firewall to catch botnets “in the act.” If a bot requires an Internet connection, a firewall prompt will be displayed to the user asking them to permit or deny the application access to the Internet. Users can also use the firewall to block specific ports known to be used by herders, so that remote users will not be able to control the bot, rendering it useless for them. Good firewalls also provide stealth technology and the ability to instantly block all Internet access at the click of a button should the user come under a bot attack.
5. Keep personal info in a “safe.” Within the firewall, enter private information in the safe feature found in good products. Turning on a safe feature prevents any transmission going through the Web or email if any private information is being sent through. Don’t store passwords in a file on your computer.
6. Be wary of free anti-spyware programs. They can actually be spyware masquerading as legitimate software.
7. Consider using a lesser-known Web browser, such as Safari or Opera. Most malware is written for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

How do you know if your PC is infected with a virus, Trojan or spyware?

1. Is your computer running slower than normal?
2. Do you keep getting an unusual amount of pop-up windows?
3. Has your homepage or your icons changed without your action?
4. If you are unsure if your PC is infected with malware, you can do a free malware scan here.

Learn more about how to help keep your PC secure from online attacks.

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Learn more about how to help protect your identity online.

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