|
Posted: 09/14/10 by:
Ken Norris |
|
That new
computer you just bought is a one-way ticket
to hacker paradise. Here are few things you
need to do shore up those security holes.
Antivirus
software is usually not enough to stop pests
from entering your computer. We recommend
you download and install
Malwarebytes
as a fighting force to combat Malware.
Malwarebytes can provide the needed
assistant to remove the infection and
restore the machine back to optimal
performance.
Protecting
your computer from hacker attacks is your
responsibility and the more you know how,
the safer you can keep your computer. |
 |
|
|
|
|
Update to the
latest security patches.
|
If your computer runs any
version of Windows, you're at
risk. Be sure to visit the
Windows Update site, choose
Product Updates, then download
and install any critical updates
noted for your system. You
should check for critical
updates monthly.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com |
|
| |
|
Make sure file extension viewing is enabled.
|
| |
|
Keep your email honest.
|
Email can do more than just send
a friendly greeting. Because it
is capable of running certain
types of code, it is capable of
being infected by a virus.
Disable this code in your email
and you'll be on your way to a
safer email experience.
Depending on the particular
email client you use, determines
how you disable these certain
type codes. For Outlook/Outlook
Express you can get help here!
Outlook/Outlook Express |
|
|
|
Update
your antivirus software.
|
Most new computers come with old
antivirus software. To be
effective against current virus
threats, the antivirus software
must be updated regularly. You
should update once per week on
average, more often if a new
virus has been discovered and is
widespread.
|
|
|
|
Enable file
extension viewing
The invisible extension - what you can't
see, can hurt you. By default, Windows does
not have file extension viewing enabled.
This allows virus writers to distribute
executable files disguised as something
non-executable. For example, an .EXE file
might appear to be an innocuous text file.
Enabling file extension viewing in Windows
95/98/NT
In Windows 95/98/NT, enable file extension
viewing by opening Windows Explorer. Click
View | Options | View and uncheck the box
for "Hide file extensions for known file
types". You can also do this by via Windows
Explorer View | Options | File Types menu.
Locate the desired file type(s) and check
the "Always Show..." checkbox).
Enabling file extension viewing in Windows
2000 and XP
In Windows 2000 or XP, open Windows Explorer
and choose Tools | Folder Options | View or
Tools | Folder Options | File Types, locate
the file type(s) desired and choose
Advanced. Then check the box "Always Show
Extension".
Enabling file extension viewing for .SHS
files (do not attempt this yourself
unless you are familiar with the Windows
registry and know how to backup and restore
a Windows registry).
The above instructions will display all file
extensions except for .SHS files. To display
.SHS file extensions, one additional step is
required. After following the above
instructions, users must then edit the
Registry, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ShellScrap,
deleting the value "NeverShowExt".
Executable file extensions
Following is a partial list of file types
that should be considered suspicious when
received in email and should not be opened
unless you requested or expected the
attachment: |
|
|
ADE -
Microsoft Access Project Extension
ADP - Microsoft Access Project
BAS - Visual Basic Class Module
BAT - Batch File
CHM - Compiled HTML Help File
CMD - Windows NT Command Script
COM - MS-DOS Application
CPL - Control Panel Extension
CRT - Security Certificate
DLL - Dynamic Link Library
DOC - Word Documents and Templates
EXE - Application
HLP - Windows Help File
HTA - HTML Applications
INF - Setup Information File
INS - Internet Communication Settings
ISP - Internet Communication Settings
JS - JScript File
JSE - JScript Encoded Script File
LNK - Shortcut
MDB - Microsoft Access Application
MDE - Microsoft Access MDE Database
MSC - Microsoft Common Console Document
MSI - Windows Installer Package
MSP - Windows Installer Patch
MST - Visual Test Source File
OCX - ActiveX Objects
PCD - Photo CD Image
PIF - Shortcut to MS-DOS Program
POT - PowerPoint Templates
PPT - PowerPoint Files
REG - Registration Entries
SCR - Screen Saver
SCT - Windows Script Component
SHB - Document Shortcut File
SHS - Shell Scrap Object
SYS - System Config/Driver
URL - Internet Shortcut (Uniform Resource
Locator)
VB - VBScript File
VBE - VBScript Encoded Script File
VBS - VBScript Script File
WSC - Windows Script Component
WSF - Windows Script File
WSH - Windows Scripting Host Settings File
XL* - Excel Files and Templates |
|
|
|
|
 |
