For every freedom and convenience we enjoy in our digital lives , there are innumerable cyber do - badders take care for ways to exploit them . Fight back with these 32 ways to protect your digital life !
Call us cynical or heavily - edge , but we frankly think that the world is fill with slattern , grifters , and curve out to bamboozle us at every turn .
Those suspicions are doubled for our digital lives . For no longer do con creative person need to trick you into buy that iPad box with a brick in it . Today , they can rip you off by machine pilot . With the lethality and stealth of a UAV , these scumbags can steal your banking credentials , clone your debit entry circuit board , or taint your estimator . Do n’t concern about being too paranoid . There ’s really no such matter as being overly vigilant when it comes to your digital security .
Protect Your Desktop PC
Installing unassailable , up - to - date security measure software is a given . But it take much more than that to defend the epicenter of your digital life .
Keep Your OS Patched
Could tangible people really be as clueless as some of those characters we see in movies ? unhappily , you need no more evidence of that cliché than the average estimator exploiter . Even though he or she knows that an OS update is as critical as , say , nailing board over your windows in a zombie Revelation , many choose to brush aside the updates until something cower in and eat their genius .
The most basic security step PC users should take - irrespective of OS - is to add the latest update . Yes , we recognize , it can be tooth - gritting - specially when the updates are larger than the original OS - but it ’s necessary for patching yap being used by assaulter to squeeze into your PC .
Lose Windows XP
Windows XP was a heavy operating arrangement but it ’s now pushing 10 year sure-enough and it ’s a popular target for attacks . Why ? It ’s not as secure as its replacements . It ’s also where the money is - literally - with 51 percentage of computers on the planet hunt down it . Many attacks specifically target XP and ignore Windows Vista and Windows 7 entirely . Unless you like to sprain on your OS all day , we recommend that you give XP the retirement it has earned .
Keep Your Applications Patched
Even Microsoft haters have to allow the company has done an admirable business patching its operating system in a reasonable amount of sentence . Because of this , many of the weak point on a PC are n’t even the OS anymore , but rather the third - political party applications . While Microsoft will piece its own products in Windows Update , it does n’t do squat about anything else . With literally twelve of apps to check for updates every calendar week , you’re able to see where the trouble lies . That ’s why we run Secunia ’s PSI Scanner ( www.secunia.com ) . The costless app runs in the background and checks your establish apps and plugins for uncommitted update and then fall in you a link of where to download the patch . The latest beta variation will really install some of the updates for you . The company also offers an online digital scanner but we do n’t recommend it because it bunk in Java .
Secunia ’s free PSI app will monitor the lashings of app put in on your machine for available security measures plot .
Beware the Usual Suspects
When a massive malware outbreak occur , you’re able to almost always expect to see these five shifty guys in the constabulary card : Flash , Acrobat / Reader , QuickTime , Java , and JavaScript .
usually we ’d say just fulfill ’em , but it does n’t always work that way . Yes , if you’re able to , simply uninstall these offenders ( save JavaScript ) , but if you must have them , there is a direction to at least mitigate some of the damage .
lead off by disabling Acrobat / Reader in your web web browser . In Firefox , go to Tools , then Add - ons , then Plugins , and disenable the Acrobat plugin . While you ’re there , you should also credibly disable QuickTime , Java , and even the DivX Web Player if you want to be extra cautious .
Disabling plugins for Acrobat , QuickTime , and other media players can mitigate some of the harm from unexampled zero - day exploits .
To disable these plugins in Chrome , go to Options , Under the Hood , Content configurations , Plugins , and select “ Disable individual plugins . ”
Now , go into the Acrobat app , go to Edit , Preferences , Trust Manager , and uncheck “ let gap of non - PDF single file attachment with outside program . ” While you ’re in Preferences , cluck the JavaScript option and uncheck “ Enable Acrobat JavaScript . ” Also chatter on cyberspace and uncheck “ Display PDF in web browser . ” Or just knock down the whole thing for Foxit Reader ( www.foxitsoftware.com ) .
For QuickTime , embark on the musician , dig into Edit , Preferences , QuickTime Preferences , internet browser , and uncheck “ fiddle movies mechanically . ”
To palliate the damages from Adobe Flash , consider execute the FlashBlock extension in Firefox and Chrome . This will prevent Flash from being display on a pageboy . In its berth will be a stead holder that , when flick , will represent the Flash content .
Disabling JavaScript one-sidedly can be problematic , as it break many sites . Still , for the paranoid , there is a way . The NoScript filename extension for Firefox is the leading contender . Chrome has no such lengthiness , but you could go to Tools , then Options , then Content configurations , then JavaScript , and select “ Do not countenance any web site to run JavaScript . ” This will localise a small icon in the address bar that will have only your favorite land site ladder JavaScript . Disabling JavaScript in Chrome can be wonky , but it ’s deserving look into if you desire to avoid one of the principal ways crooks are targeting you .
Use a Virtualized Browser
Since the vast majority of attacks are coming from the web web browser , one of the safest ways to surf the WWW is from a virtualized web browser or a virtual machine . Dell offer its innocent KACE internet browser ( www.kace.com ) , which virtualizes Firefox 3.6 along with Adobe Reader and Flash . Malware that exploits holes in Firefox , Reader , or Flash would be contained within the virtual machine . The sorry news ? If you do get an contagion and need to flush the virtual Firefox , you lose all of your options . That includes the legion update to Firefox that number out apparently every month and any bookmarks and plugins you install . An choice is to build a practical machine using either Virtual PC 2007 ( www.microsoft.com ) or VM Ware Player ( www.vmware.com ) . Both are gratis , and both Microsoft and VM Ware offer free images that let in internet browser . Microsoft proffer Vista and XP with IE8 install and VM Ware offers Ubuntu with Firefox installed . Of the three options , VM Ware ’s is the most square but folks not used to Linux might be thrown for a loop . Microsoft ’s image meter out after three months , so you ’ll have to download it again .
Get a Second Opinion
Do you really know if that data file is truly stainless ? Many malware writers are specifically crafting wares to avoid espial by antivirus suites . If you have a data file that you require to run , we recommend that you incubate it for a few days or a few weeks if potential . This gives security computer software a chance to catch up to any fresh feat . We then recommend that you get a second opinion fromVirustotal.com . This web site lets you upload a file to be scanned by two dozen Ab engines . Just remember that malware writers are also using tools such as Virustotal.com to see if their wares can pass muster , so long incubation are central .
Unshorten Those URLs
shorten URLs can conveniently turn ungainly web address into pungency - size morsels , but they can also disguise a link to a malware - ridden web site . Though many of the URL shortening service check for malicious internet site , it ’s commonly better to verify a shortened URL ’s goal . For that , we useLongurlplease.com . It supports 81 shortening servicing . As for cryptic shortened URLs , visit Virustotal.com to have the address checked by six URL analysis engines .
Although many URL shortening service claim to run down for malware , it ’s probably best to lengthen those universal resource locator before you dawn on them , using Longurlplease.com .
Run in a Standard User Account
pass as an executive in a Windows bone is a bit like afford someone the right to take the air into your home and rummage through every nook and cranny . One easy way to avoid or greatly limit wrong from malware is to always lead with standard user right . As with all thing , this is no warrant against harm . Some malware , even when do in a stock drug user report , can grant itself administrator exclusive right and still run rampant through your PC , but run as a received drug user minimizes risk .
run in standard drug user modal value in a Windows OS has proven to be useful in beating back malware attacks .
Use a Live CD/Linux Distro to Do Banking
That Windows is the routine one target for cybercrime and deviltry is not word to any of us - naturally , own 95 pct of the grocery makes it an obvious target . That ’s why we agree with security diarist Brian Krebs ( http://krebsonsecurity.com ) that fellow member of the most at - risk grouping should do online banking with a Linux Live CD . you may do your gaming and other Windows - free-base computer science booted from your hard drive . But once you have to go into secure mode , flog out your lively CD and charge to it . legion Linux physical body are useable , but the most popular , and among the easiest , is Ubuntu .
Restrict PC Access for Others
So , you ’ve created this incredibly dependable fosse , skirt with razor telegram , claymore mine , and mine . And then you let your 14 - year - old nephew work some Flash games or “ check e-mail . ” Right . The secure resolution is to have visitors use a disjoined , secured Edgar Albert Guest PC . But if they must use your machine , make certain you have the node write up spark . Another alternative is to have them apply a virtual machine . Once they ’re done , simply shut down the VM and erase any trace of their bodily function . Or have them employ your HTPC , where they ’re working in the unfastened instead of being leave alone in your office .
PHYSICAL SECURITY: Put Your Laptop on Lockdown
Kensington ’s new ClickSafe key lock chamber makes it an easy one - step appendage to secure your laptop computer from snatch - and - grabs .
Obviously , all the same security peril and safety recommendations that lend oneself to your background data processor also hold to your laptop computer . But your laptop computer carries the added risk of being stolen . And have ’s present it : If you have n’t write in code all your sensitive data or been diligent about backup , the loss of your laptop computer could be mightily terrible . One way of life to forbid the potentially dire consequences is to use a laptop lock .
The vast majority of notebooks have a slot to accommodate a strong-arm lockup chemical mechanism - it ’s usually designated by a padlock icon . The lock itself is attached to a reinforced cable which can not be easily cut without the aid of a large and very noticeable band of bolt pinnace . The cable television is either absquatulate to the flooring - in your office at work , for instance - or looped around a substantial or immovable object . Kensington is one of the self-aggrandizing names in cable - whorl makers , and offers both combining and key lock , price at $ 25 and $ 50 , severally .
Protect Your Network
Keep your digital bits out of the hands of baddie .
Use Google Public DNS
If the crooks ca n’t win over you to visit their fake - baloney banking web page , the next step is to get you there against your will . One way to do that is to poison the DNS memory cache you ’re using . The DNS host render URLs into IP address . By exploiting flaws in the DNS package , crooks are able to airt you to any heap of their alternative - even if you typecast in the correct URL of your camber .
Bypass your ISP ’s DNS for one that ’s in all probability faster and more dependable , Google DNS .
To avoid this , we recommend switching from your ISP ’s DNS to Google ’s public DNS ( http://bit.ly/7Ti5tM ) . It ’s gratis and the company has implemented many of the recommend safeguards against memory cache toxic condition . To change the DNS on your client personal computer , go to web Connections , right - come home on your connection , and double - click Internet Protocol . Then but embark the preferent DNS of 8.8.8.8 and alternative of 8.8.4.4 and get across OK .
Conduct Personal Business at Home
You want a simple intellect not to check your personal electronic mail at piece of work ? Someone in your internet could be using a so - called “ man in the center ” fire to spy on you . Whether by exploiting ARP hoard poisoning , academic session hijacking , or some other proficiency , MITM attacks let a felon steal the certification issued to your machine and then fool , say , Yahoo or Gmail into thinking he ’s you .
At workplace , with C of computers and a web that stretch along the coasts , you really would n’t know where the MITM attack is coming from . This endangerment negates the possibleness that your corporate internet is more secure than your dwelling house internet . So , wear you have secured your home Wi - Fi ( or do n’t use wireless ) and that the other political machine on your home LAN are secure , keep your personal email and banking for home .
Secure Your Wireless
Quick , what ’s the most unassailable radio receiver usable today ? None . OK , we jest , but in all probability no wireless communications protocol is 100 percent strong . But just because there ’s a theoretic way to infract the latest wireless encryptions does n’t mean you should be using the weak form . The weakest , of path , is WEP . Easily broken in under a moment by anyone equal to of reading an Internet how - to , WEP is far less secure than WPA or WPA2 . If you ’re lam WEP because some erstwhile hardware does n’t support WPA2 , consider junking the erstwhile equipment or upgrading your router to one that supports node networks . This lets you keep your internal electronic internet behind WPA2 , while keeping guests roped off with the sapless WEP communications protocol to get to the Internet . If you ’re running WPA2 , the saw in security measures circles is that the longer and more randomized the key , the better .
Although not a guarantee , you may also set up your router ’s wireless to only accept connections from known MAC addresses . These are the unique IDs assigned to each computer ’s connection posting . The maw there is that an intruder could easily spoof a MAC address from a commit client to still get at your wireless connection .
Check Each Machine’s Shares and Services
you’re able to tick what files are shared on a car by right - chatter My Computer , take Manage , and clicking Shared Folders . Great , now how do you do it for all of the machines on your connection ? One way is to use NetBrute Scanner ( www.rawlogic.com ) . This free utility will scan your internal connection and report on partake resources that are uncommitted .
Scan Your Network for Intruders and Piggybackers
If a neighbour has broken into your mesh so he or she could download moving-picture show torrents , how would you know ? Since most home internet use DHCP , go into your internet browser ’s frame-up screen and hold the DHCP screen to see how many IP address are assign . Then , hear to pair those up with the organisation on your web . If you have more IP destination assign than devices ( remember that your smartphone will run through an IP address if it ’s using Wi - Fi ) , you may have an trespasser . Another alternative is to use RogueScanner ( www.paglo.com ) , a free tool that will query devices on your net and liken them to an online database of twist to help you identify the machines .
Running an inner port scan may help break interloper freeloading on your net ’s bandwidth .
So what do you do if you have an trespasser or distrust one ? Since the person has in all likelihood infiltrate your meshwork via radio receiver , you ’ll desire to lock down your wireless by switching to WPA2 and using a very long and very random key .
Smartphone Security
It ’s a lot modest than your desktop PC , but the danger are just as big .
Hang on Tight
Currently , the number one scourge to smartphone exploiter is sustain the equipment end up in the wrong mitt , through theft or loss . Your first rail line of defense lawyers , therefore , is constant vigilance regarding your smartphone ’s whereabouts .
Use a Password and Encryption
Should your speech sound get lost or stolen , a good first bed of protection is a password , an pick many sound users drop . take the strongest password option available - a passphrase , for representative , rather than a four - digit computer code or swipe practice . Encryption options motley among mobile OSes , but when possible , you should encrypt your storage batting order as well as your machine memory .
Back Up Your Data
Just as with a PC , backing up your smartphone is important . Regularly synching the twist to a linked computer will do the thaumaturgy . It ’s insurance against the loss of your sound , depravity of your OS , or any other case that jeopardizes your data .
Don’t Store Sensitive Data
The sure means to guard your sore information is to keep it off your smartphone totally . Minimize the number and/or days of emails you store on your phone , or better yet , salve electronic mail and attachment to a server . Make it a habit to regularly move or erase anything you would n’t want to partake with strangers .
Practice App Awareness
An copiousness of apps is both a blessing and a torment for smartphones - there is no way every app that makes it to market can be exhaustively vet for 100 percent fail - safe surety . By take reputable apps , backed by well-disposed user follow-up , from a trusted source , you’re able to diminish the risks . invalidate apps with light reviews or that have only recently been upload . Also be cautious when granting an app permission ; take the app ’s role and what it might middling need entree to .
Keep Software/Firmware Updated
check that you are running the latest versions of your apps , OS , and phone manufacturer software and firmware . This will ensure that any security pickle are patched and your machine is less vulnerable to hacks .
Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi When Not in Use
unlocked wireless networks can be used by hackers to either assault your headphone or steal information from it . you may protect yourself by hold on Wi - Fi and Bluetooth off when you do n’t demand them . When radiocommunication is needed , mystify to known Wi - Fi internet using WPA2 and beware of public internet , which are sometimes set up by crook to entrap people ’s information .
When using Bluetooth , verify it ’s in non - discoverable mode to head off hacks like “ Bluesnarfing ” ( stealing information ) , “ Bluejacking ” ( sending unasked messages ) , and “ Bluebugging ” ( listening in on your calls ) .
Beware of Links and Attachments
You ’ve long been warn about the risk of opening strange links and fond regard - especially those arriving in unsolicited email or textual matter subject matter . All those same warning apply to smartphones . And those word of advice also utilize to calling unfamiliar phone numbers received in messages , and tick links for app “ updates . ” you may ensure the authenticity of an update by go to the app ’s website .
SMARTPHONE AV: Add Extra Protection with a Third-Party Security App
Currently , smartphone malware infections are rare - nothing like what you see with PCs . But as proliferation of the devices farm , anticipate viruses , worms , and trojans to become more of an issue . To battle these threat , you need third - company software package , and if you ’re like the majority of smartphone user , you do n’t have it . But even if malware is n’t a press problem at the moment , a security app can extend other utilitarian benefits , such as browsing protection , telephone and textbook - message spam blocking , and theft - protection feature film like locking down , pass over , or even locate a stolen phone .
you may discover mobile security apps by many of the heavy names in personal computer protection . sovereign certificate testing lab AV Comparatives ( www.av-comparatives.org ) recently evaluated mobile apps from ESET , F - Secure , Kaspersky , and Trend Micro and gave them all “ okay ” designations . See the full report athttp://bit.ly/cGRySZ .
Webmail Safety
In today ’s connect landscape painting where we savor net approach not only from our desktops and notebooks , but also from our smartphones , tablets , and even our portable media players , it ’s wanton to see why free - to - utilization webmail has become so pop . Most webmail account now offer several GB of storehouse outer space , efficaciously turning us into digital pack stinker .
Everything you take to save - from sensitive email exchanges to confidential fastening - is not only approachable to you , but anyone who manages to picture out your password , whether by beastly military unit dictionary attacks or by answering a serial of weak security questions . And it ’s not just your email story that ’s in risk ; an unsecure webmail account opens the door to other security measures breach , like using your email account to post junk e-mail and spread out viruses . Here are some mode you may quash becoming just another statistic .
Create a Burly Password
Your webmail account is only as secure as your watchword , so apply a strong one . The best way to do this is to apply a combination of letters , numbers , and even symbols if your webmail provider allows . forfend using literal Holy Writ at all price , as these are easy crack by any teenage hacker using a beastly force dictionary script . For peculiarly sensitive report , employ a random password generator ( http://bit.ly/bf9oB2 ) .
Use Multiple Passwords
The key to your house does n’t unlock your car door , nor does it figure out with your safety deposit box seat . If it did , you ’d be three feet deep in muck if it ever fell into the haywire hand , and the same conception utilise to your digital accounts . In practice , most people tend to apply the same password for various accounts , and that ’s a rookie mistake . Use a different watchword for your email than you do your cant account , forum login , and whatever else you do online . If you have fuss keeping rails of them all , stash away your passwords in a virtual safe , like KeePass ( loose , http://keepass.info ) .
Log Out/Leave No Trace
It might be slightly inconvenient to lumber out of your webmail and net your browser app hoard , but if your notebook computer ends up lost or stolen , you ’ll be glad you did . And if there are others around , sign out and close your web internet browser before heading off for a bathroom break .
About Security Questions
Answering protection question can keep your bacon if you forget your login certification , but keep in mind that anyone who knows you well can probably guess the correct answer(s ) . Only rely on these if the questions are in particular personal in nature , or if you ’re allowed to create your own that are not easily guessable . And , for God ’s sake , do n’t put out that information in your Facebook profile . There ’s no point in get a surety question of what city where you bear in , or what your pet ’s name is if your public visibility gives the answer away .
Maximum PCbrings you the late in PC news , reviews , and how - tos .
ComputersPasswordsRoutersSecuritySmartphones
Daily Newsletter
Get the salutary technical school , scientific discipline , and culture news in your inbox day by day .
tidings from the hereafter , give birth to your present .
You May Also Like
