Protect your computer and yourself against a variety of threats on the Internet by following smart computing practices.

1. "Common sense" items
• The old saying "There's no free lunch" usually applies online too. If something appears to be free, is it really?
• Avoid types of websites known to create problems.
• Read the fine print when downloading software! Understand the license agreement, and watch for hidden catches. "Free" toolbars etc. often compromise privacy and security.
• Peer-to-peer software, such as many popular programs for sharing music, often contains malicious sneakware. Those "free" downloads may end up being costly in terms of money, computer efficiency, and privacy invasion.
• Use legal software.
• If you insert a disk or download software, you're effectively saying "I trust you" - there's no way to be sure what's really in the software.
• Supervise others who use your computer, as appropriate.
• Consider using special software to protect children (see getnetwise, for example).
• Anyone can potentially run software on a computer to record any events, including communications with you.



2. Email
• Always use good email etiquette to protect privacy, defeat spammers, and more.
• BEC Internet Services does not permit remote websites to determine your username or identity. Don't provide your identity or email address online unless you trust the site and are required to provide it. Don't give out other people's addresses either.
• Delete suspicious email messages. Open only expected attachments.
• It's easy to forge email. That strange message from Aunt Martha may not really be from her.
• Unencrypted email is completely non-secure. There's an old saying: "If you don't want to see it on the front page of tomorrow's paper, don't put it in an email". Think how easy it is to forward messages or to make errors when sending.
• Never reply to spam.
• Consider using plain-text email for better privacy (hidden web bugs can't report back to unknown senders) and faster downloading.



3. Passwords
• A good password is easy to remember but hard to guess (don't use parts of names, pet names, telephone, address, license, etc.).
• Use at least 6 characters; no dictionary words; use at least one upper-case letter and number.
• NEVER give your password to anyone, especially online! If you suspect your password may have been compromised, change it immediately



4. Windows user levels
• Take advantage of Windows user levels. Create accounts for users, including the primary user (probably you), that have limited system privileges. Don't log on as administrator unless necessary. Keep the administrator password in a safe place.



5. Update Windows regularly
• When Microsoft patches security holes, you should normally update promptly. If Windows Update isn't configured to run automatically on your computer, run it manually each month:
  • Click Start | Windows Update, or in Internet Explorer click Tools | Windows Update. Scan for updates, then download and install critical updates as prompted. (You'll need to be logged on to Windows as a user with administrative privileges.)
• Microsoft no longer provides any updates for Windows 95, 98, ME or 2000. Windows XP and Vista are supported.
• NEVER click on links in email messages purportedly sent by Microsoft!



6. Antivirus software
• Even though BEC runs updated antivirus software on its mailserver to protect your email, be sure to run antivirus software on your own computer at all times, and update it frequently. See more information.
• Windows users should download Microsoft's free Security Essentials



7. Antiparasite software
• Parasite software and viruses are not the same. Parasite software is a huge and rapidly growing problem. Click here for information.
• Microsoft's free Security Essentials also protects against parasite software



8. Browsing strategies
• Use an automatic popup blocker. This is available in some browsers, including the latest Internet Explorer version and Firefox, and in some products such as the Google toolbar.
• Check security settings on your browser (see windowssecrets.com for suggestions); review your cookie policies. If you make changes, make sure you understand the consequences. Make notes of original settings in case new settings don't work properly.
• Read privacy policies when appropriate.
• Use an alternative to Internet Explorer. Consider, for example, Firefox, which has fewer security risks and is free.
• If Internet Explorer is cluttered with nuisance toolbars special software may be helpful



9. Firewalls
• Windows XP and Vista contain firewalls. A good third-party "personal" firewall can provide additional protection.
  
• Reviews: firewallguide.com, Pcworld; review the reviewers.
• ZoneAlarm is often recommended in reviews.
• Be careful when installing and configuring a firewall, since you can accidentally lock yourself out of just about everything.



10. Other resources
• Check the security-related section of the Helpdesk page
• Test your security and learn much more at Gibson Research Corporation


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