Top tips for IT security

It's hard to imagine anyone else being interested in the information held on your PC. But whether for fraudulent or mischievous reasons, there are a number of people out there intent on hacking into your computer...

It only takes a couple of news stories about hackers infiltrating the World Economic Forum and accessing the credit card details of Bill Gates or viruses hidden within emails about Anna Kournikova to remind us how devastating it would be have our computer stored information stolen or corrupted.

The cost of protecting your data and computer systems will always be a good investment compared to the cost associated with losing critical data or experiencing computer downtime.

For a solid security foundation you must follow steps 1-7 below without exception. Steps 8 below onwards are really the icing on the cake and provide more specific advice depending upon your circumstances.

1. Don't be so obvious

We all have problems remembering all the passwords we need to set, but don't use the same password for everything, and try not to be too obvious. Names, and words which appear on or near your PC and the classic QWERTY will be the first passwords a thief or hacker tries, so try to use passwords no one else would think of. Combinations of letters and numbers are the most secure and if you can help it, don't write them down and leave them anywhere obvious.

2. Update your software

If you are using any standard software such as Microsoft Windows it is advisable to look for software updates on a regular basis from the software providers websites. These software updates 'patch' existing faults with your software and reduce the risk of hackers being able to exploit any security holes.

3. Get vaccinated

Invest in some anti-virus software. Software packages can be bought online at a reasonable price and, with updates released on the web everytime a new virus is developed, it is a worthwhile investment.

4. Back-up, back-up, back-up

The only surefire way of protecting your data from sabotage, theft or fire is to back it up. For insurance purposes it is recommended that you back-up all data regularly and store it off site (in case of fire or flooding). This can be done by either copying onto a CD-ROM and removing the disc from the premises, or you could use a data back-up service provider.

5. Watch your mail

Be careful when opening emails. Never open an email from someone you don't know. The most catastrophic viruses are often spread via email. If you are worried you have received an email which contains a virus, click delete and empty your deleted items folder immediately.

6. Explore with caution

When surfing the web, make the most of the security functions available with Internet Explorer. These can be set at 4 levels, can change according to the type of site, and can be used to restrict specific high-risk sites.

To change your security settings click Tools>Internet Options>Security. We also recommend switching off the autocomplete function in Internet Explorer, especially if you shop online, failure to do this amounts to an open invitation for online credit card fraudsters.

7. Build a firewall

Nothing to do with vikings, this software actually runs in the background while your computer is in use, protecting your data like a metaphorical wall of fire, and preventing hackers from accessing your files.

8. Public enemy no 1

Be careful when using public computers, and if you can help it try not to do anything that may involve you typing in your logins or disclosing your credit card details. Public computers are the most likely to have a hidden Trojan horse program inside, which may steal your passwords and pass them onto a hacker.

9. Password power

If you have Windows NT, partition the hard-drive to allow other people to log on and use your PC without giving them access to your private section of the hard-drive. If you are using an older version of Windows, set a power-on password, preventing your PC from even being turned on without the correct password. This can be done through the BIOS (if you're not sure how to do this contact your PC supplier).

10. Get with the times

The latest versions of Windows have a variety of local file security features. If you already use one of these, make sure you make the most of these features. If you don't and you are storing highly sensitive information on your hard-drive, you had better think about upgrading, as the security features of Windows 95 and 98 are almost non-existent compared to the new versions.

11. Make the most of what you've got

Even if you are using one of the older versions of Windows there are things you can do to improve the security of your data. Try to avoid storing important documents on your desktop. It may seem frustrating to open folder after folder in order to find the file you want, but a complicated computer filing system acts both as a deterrent and a security system against hackers. Alternatively you can protect important files by assigning passwords or hiding them.

12. Search and destroy

You may have hidden Spyware programs running on your machine without you even knowing about them - although generally they ask your permission before they install themselves.

These software programs communicate information about your system and online habits to advertising or sales companies when you download an application or utility for free. They then build a database about you and other users which allows them to deliver ads that are in tune with surfers interests. If you are concerned about the misuse of data or just annoyed by spam mail and want to rid your PC of spyware programs then you can download a search and destroy program called Ad-aware for free from download.com.

 

13. Rewrite history

You should wipe your history files on a regular basis. This doesn't mean just deleting them, it means using a specific wiping program like Eraser which is available for free at download.com. Files to wipe should include cookies, internet history, temporary files, logs, outdated personal files.

14. Be en-cryptic

Encryption software saves important files and data in a coded format, only allowing them to be decoded when the correct password is entered. Windows 2000 has this facility built-in, but you can also buy encryption software from most suppliers.

15. Don't be afraid - you are not alone

There is no need to panic about IT security. While it is vitally important in today's techno world it is easy to set up a security system, and there are plenty of programs and organisations out there to help you. If you are not sure about something or really don't understand then ask someone who does. If it means paying for the services of an IT consultant then it may turn out to be a worthy investment.