1	Securing Computers from Viruses, Ad Ware and Wireless Intruders Dave Bodnar October 20, 2004
2	Objectives Present an overview of what threats are faced by connecting a PC to the Internet or wireless network Discuss strategies to protect PCs from those threats Outline specific procedures to follow to protect systems & files Q & A to discuss and address individual concerns
3	Viruses What are they? Programs that are designed to run on your PC and spread to other PCs Can be attached to other programs or spread by email attachments & scripts A few cause damage to files but most just propagate and slow down computers and networks as they grow
4	Viruses Average time between connecting to high speed Internet and infection is less than 10 minutes
5	Install Anti Virus Before Connecting to the Internet or Network Update and confirm activation Install from CD or USB memory stick Norton & McAfee are very good but charge for initial installation and for annual updates AVG & AntiVir – work well and are free for individual use
6	Email Security Never open an attachment unless: your antivirus is set to scan email you are 100% sure the attachment is clean the attachment is expected Remember, just because it came from someone you know does not mean it isn’t infected!
7	Email Security Some email servers will block sending and receiving files that may contain viruses Use non-primary email for on-line orders and such (Gmail, Yahoo, etc) to avoid getting spam on your primary email account
8	Email Hoaxes Phishing – attempting to gain financial or other confidential information Real file is a virus (SULFNBK.EXE Warning) Payment from Microsoft ($800 from Microsoft Hoax) Get rich quick (Nigerian letter, South African Football Association) Chain letters (frequently involve earning easy money or raising money for a cause)
9	AdWare Damage ranges from cookies (low) to mal-ware which redirects IE home page to another web server Main issue is with slow PC performance Data miners can send information about your PC, software and browsing habits to their authors or designees Use free Ad-Aware and SpyBot to clean PC periodically
10	Set Up Software or Hardware Firewall The Internet provides for 65536 ports – We generally use: html = 80 ftp = 21 email = 25 A firewall blocks potentially damaging Internet traffic from reaching your PC via unused ports, thus protecting it from some virus attacks Activate XP’s firewall (Control / Network Properties / Advanced / Windows Firewall / Settings) or buy one Hardware firewall can be set up in most newer cable / DSL routers using NAT (network address translation)
11	Keep Windows Updated Set for auto update (in XP right click My Computer / Properties / Automatic Update) Especially important to update Internet Explorer as it has many security holes Upgrade to XP if using Win 2000, NT, 98, ME, etc as it is more secure and Microsoft is devoting more energy to keeping it secure.
12	Set System Restore (if Running XP) IMHO: One of the best things Microsoft has ever done! Creates an image of system settings periodically or whenever system changes are made Right click My Computer / properties / System Restore – make sure there is no checkmark under “Turn off System Restore”
13	Backup! Backup! Backup! Choose your weapon: External hard drive (USB-2) To another PC if on a network USB memory stick (camera memory works, too!) CD or DVD writer Email important files to yourself or others Ghost one hard drive to another for full image backup
14	Backup! Backup! Backup! Decide what to back up – whole drive (image) or files Make sure to back up your email address book and favorites as well as data files Take backups of important files off site High reliability operation using RAID drives A spare PC (laptop?) is a good idea, too Test backups!
15	Wireless Security Once connected to a wireless network you are broadcasting all Internet / network activity Others can access unprotected wireless PCs if they are set up incorrectly Set up WEP security on access point and PC(s)
16	Wireless Security Don’t share entire drives over wireless networks If necessary just share one folder and copy files to be shared to it (nothing confidential) Careful connecting to wireless Internet in coffee shops, airports, etc, especially if you have drives or folders shared
17	Backup! Backup! Backup!
18	Thank You!