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How Can I Improve Security?

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by Cherysei, 2005/06/30.

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  1. 2005/06/30
    Cherysei

    Cherysei Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello!

    Due to an outrageous catastrophe of malware problems, I just reformatted my Windows OS. So this thread won't be burdened with a predicament, just a question:

    To ensure that these problems won't occur again, I'm keeping up-to-date with downloading and installing all Service Packs. However, other than using the Google toolbar as a pop-up blocker, I'm wondering if there are any other, free, and considerably good programs available on the web to reinforce security. If so, what are they and where can I find them?

    Thanks! :)
     
    Cherysei,
    #1
  2. 2005/06/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Cherysei - Welcome to the Board :)

    Fisrt - read through the three sticky posts at the head of this forum.

    In today's internet world it is absolutely vital that you run an antivirus program and a firewall - you don't mention that you have either :(

    Antivirus

    A good free one is AVG Free

    Firewall

    You don't mention which OS you are running ....

    Win XP SP1 has a built in firewall, but it is turned OFF by default and is a bit basic.

    Win XP2 has a much improved built in firewall which is turned ON by default and is quite effective

    Other Win OS's have NO built in firewalls, recommended freebies are ZoneAlarm and Kerio (download through Quicklinks in my signature) - of the two Zone Alarm is best suited to the 'novice'. IMO.

    In addition you need protection against malware/spyware ....

    I suggest you download and install ALL of these ....

    Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta - auto scanning and updating and constant monitoring of your system. (Quicklinks)

    Spybot and Ad-Aware SE - on demand scanners - update immediately after installing and run. Use the Immunise feature in Spybot to give some blocking protection against nasties.

    SpywareBlaster 3.4 - not a scanner, but provides permanent blocking of a range of nasties - install , update and 'Enable All Protection'.

    For even more protection IESpyads adds a whole bunch of sites to the Restricted Zone in Internet Explorer

    Finally read How to surf the Internet more safely with Internet Explorer (Windows XP Service Pack 2 version)and set up IE accordingly. The same principles apply to earlier versions of IE.

    All the above provide good safety/security against spyware/malware, etc and should keep you out of trouble!

    Others will no doubt have their own views on this.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2005/06/30
    alex98uk

    alex98uk Inactive

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    I have had almost no viruses or spyware for years now using:

    Avast Anti-virus
    Sygate Personal firewall (Remember not to use more than one firewall at a time! :eek:)
    Spybot
    Ad-Aware
    CWShredder

    Sometimes just to be on the safe side i use online scanners such as Ewido.



    Alex
     
    alex98uk,
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