Something which many people are aware, but most of the time not well-informed about what to do to make their personal computer safe. Some might have been totally at ease with their pre-installed but out-dated anti-virus softwares and never update their virus database once and expect to be protected. There are others who never knew there are other browsers out there besides Internet Explorer.
Bruce Schneier, a CTO of Counterpane internet Security wrote this article Who says safe computing must remain a pipe dream? in CNet lays out some easy recommendations for home users to take note since many wouldn’t have a geek or sysadmin to maintain their personal computers.
Some tips are obvious: “Operating systems: If possible, don’t use Microsoft Windows. Buy a Macintosh or use Linux.”
bq.. Browsing: Don’t use Microsoft Internet Explorer, period. Limit use of cookies and applets to those few sites that provide services you need. Set your browser to regularly delete cookies. Don’t assume a Web site is what it claims to be, unless you’ve typed in the URL yourself. Make sure the address bar shows the exact address, not a near-miss.
Web sites: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption does not provide any assurance that the vendor is trustworthy or that its database of customer information is secure.
Think before you do business with a Web site. Limit the financial and personal data you send to Web sites–don’t give out information unless you see a value to you. If you don’t want to give out personal information, lie. Opt out of marketing notices. If the Web site gives you the option of not storing your information for later use, take it. Use a credit card for online purchases, not a debit card.
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