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Computer Security Measures worth taking

Given that the transfer of information and the integrity of our databases is crucial to the furtherance of our cause, we need to make sure that we don't all fall victim to some ratbag hacker. They make use of software such as Microsoft's Active-X, Javascript, etc to infect your PC with spyware, viruses and trojans. And that's not all.

This is written with Windows users in mind. Those of you using Macs or Linux or other operating systems I will assume for now are big and ugly enough to look after yourselves! The vast majority of viruses and trojans are written for Windows anyway due to it's market dominance and indifferent security until recently.

It is recommended that we adopt the following security measures

a) Disable Windows File and Printer Sharing! Do it now! See below on how to do this.
b) We should all set our email software to send "plain text" rather than "html" format.
c) Also set our email software to just show the message title - not the message itself- until you click on it. That way you can delete it if it looks dodgy, rather than open it and risk all hell breaking loose.
d) If you are using Internet Explorer for anything beyond banking and going to the Xtra or Herald homepage.... CHANGE! Internet Explorer has huge security issues (mainly due to it's ActiveX components) and is extremely prone to spyware, viruses and virus-like malware that can end up costing you money and hassle, and also slow your machine down hugely or even make it unusable. Our reccommendation; upgrade to Firefox, available here or you can get it on the CD that comes with NZ PC World magazine.or Atomic magazine.
If you must use Internet Explorer, upgrade to the latest version 6.1 or newer (with Outlook 6 or newer) You can set different security levels for email and internet - a good idea. See below on how to do it.
e) Run Windows and Internet Explorer updates every so often. This means you get all the latest fixes and bug patches. Can be time consuming, but means that you get fixes for all of Microsoft's security holes (and they are legion...)
f) If you are using Windows XP make sure you have the Service Pack 2 installed for it. Otherwise it will be extremely prone to viruses and other forms of attack. Service Pack 2 also includes a basic firewall and an Automatic Windows Update system, both worthwhile additions especially if you are on broadband rather then dialup. Service Pack 2 can be downloaded or ordered on a CD for free from Microsoft if you are on dialup.
f) If at all possible avoid the use of Internet chat and file swapping applications, such as IRC (Internet Relay Chat) or Messenger. These things make it just too easy for hackers to get malicious code and files onto your machine.
g) If you are going to send an attachment off to someone, precede it either with a short email or a phone call to let the recipient know "Hey I'm sending youse an attachment" . This is important as email attachments are one of the primary means of delivery of viruses, plus worse nasties like trojan horses that can actually take control of your PC. If you receive an attachment without such a warning - even from someone you trust - ask them before you open it. They may have a virus and not know it.
h) Run a good anti-virus package (there are a couple of good free ones, such as Avast or AVG), and try and remember to update it at least once a week or two. Avast will update itself. However, such programmes are far from infallible, even the paid for ones, and are no substitute for the precautions above!
i) Those of you blessed with generous bandwidth through having Broadband, Woosh, Saturn cable, and other similar technologies need to be aware of one downfall, being that they are "always on" in most cases - which makes them vulnerable to being taken over by hackers, with potentially disastrous results. The solution to this is get yourself a firewall, there are some good little software ones around that are either cheap or free. Zone Alarm is a good one, available here or on the CD that comes with NZ PC World. Windows XP Service Pack 2 as above comes with its own firewall which is not ideal but is far better than nothing at all. Those of you who spend lots of time online (more than four hours a day, particularly if its all at once) should also look into getting one of these.
i) Run good anti-spyware package. Those of you with Windows XP or Vista can use Windows Defender which is actually a very good product. Those of you with Windows 2000 or older will need Lavasoft's Ad-aware or Spybot Search and Destroy or preferably both. One of these can also be used to supplement Windows Defender for added protection. All of these are free for personal use.

Details of Security Problems and how to fix them

Windows File and Printer sharing

Don't! This is a "feature" of Win 95 and Win 98 that makes your PC extremely vulnerable to hackers, meaning they can read, move or even erase any file on your machine while you are online. If you have a need to have a number of machines linked together and/or sharing a printer, it would be wise to invest in a firewall device for the machine that is used for the Net, or see the more in depth documents that I have added as links below

From Windows 200 onwards, this feature was turned off by default. Do not turn it on unless you a) know what you are doing and b) have taken other rigorous security measures.

To get rid of it in Windows 98, right click on the Network Neighbourhood icon, and select Propeties. A list of Network Components will come up. Keep an eye out for one called File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks. If its not there, good. If it is, select it, and then click on the remove button.

Windows 98 also often comes with something called Personal Web Server, which is riddled with security holes. You can remove this the same way as File Sharing.

Visual Basic scripting

A real virus magnet, this is somthing you are generally better off without. Generally found in older Windows operating systems, i.e. those prior to Windows 2000, but may have been installed in later ones inadvertently. Here's how to get shot of it.

Click on the Start Menu, go to Settings, then control Panel. Then select add/remove progams or software. On the box that appears, click on Windows Setup. A list will appear, on which the item accessories will be found near the top. Click on that item once to highlight it. Then click on the Details button. Look for Windows Scripting Host in the list that appears. If the box next to it has a check mark in it, uncheck it. Click on OK to remove the VBS hosting.

Windows may ask you to put your Windows CD in the CDROM, and you will need to restart your machine.

Setting different Security levels for internet and email

To do this (for Internet Explorer and Outlook 5 and newer)

1. Start Internet Explorer as you would when browsing the Internet.
2. Click on Tools in the menu bar along the top. A menu appears, select Internet Options.
3. The Internet Options dialog box appears, on this select the Security tab.
4. The Security Options panel appears, now click on the Restricted zone to select it.
5. Next click the Custom Level button.
6. The Security Settings panel now appears. Go through and disable EVERYTHING!
7. When done click on Apply.
8. Now open Outlook Express.
9. Click on Tools in the menu bar along the top. A menu appears, select Internet Options.
10. The Internet Options dialog box appears, on this select the Security tab.
11. There are two Security Zone Options. Select the Restricted Zone one.
12. Now click Apply.

The latest version of Outlook Express, 6 also gives the option in the same box to disable the opening of attachments. Whether you select this is up to you. It is a trade off between even better security and the inconvenience of not being able to see attachments. What I do is leave it selected, and deselect when I have been advised that I have been sent an attachment by someone I trust.

Some more useful stuff about Security
Cyber Security Tips from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)
About Windows File Sharing
About Computer Security in general
Another Computer Security site that also will run a check on your machine for you to make sure it is secure
All about viruses with a big list of anti-virus software suppliers and links to places you can download anti-virus software for free.