Since most malware gets to our computers through our browsers, we should use every tool we have to protect ourselves.
As mentioned before, I use Google Chrome for several reasons.
1. It runs sand-boxed
2. It has malware warning. If you attempt to navigate to a known bad site it will give you a warning.
3. It has several extensions which will help protect you and make your browsing more enjoyable.
The extensions I use include Adblock, Flashblock, and Web of Trust (WOT) which gives your search results ratings as to safety.
Happy surfing!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Protect Yourself from Malware
Everyday I see computers compromised by drive-by infections, malware, rouge anti-virus, and scam-ware. To protect your computer in this current environment you must be proactive and take preventative measures. Here is a checklist of things you must do:
1. Setup and use a limited or standard user. I set up a user called "Superuser" as the administrator account with a password, and then downgrade my personal account to a standard user. The standard user can still install programs by downloading them and then right clicking on the file and selecting "run as" the administrator account. Be advised the administrator account must share the printers for the standard user to be able to print under XP. Both Vista and Windows 7 implement reduced rights using the User Account Control even for administrators.
2. Use a firewall.
3. Keep your computer updated. Both the OS and all programs. Use Secunia PSI (free) for the programs.
4. Use an anti-virus and keep it current. I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free).
5. Use an antimalware program on a regular basis. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Superantispyware both have free versions.
6. Use a sandboxed browser. Chrome runs sandboxed and Sandboxie will let you run any browser sandboxed.
7. Dump Adobe Reader and get an alternate PDF reader. I use Foxit Reader.
Take these measures and you will have a better chance of keeping your computer clean. Still be smart and do not open attachments in email unless you are sure of the source, and do not use peer 2 peer downloading software.
Happy computing.
1. Setup and use a limited or standard user. I set up a user called "Superuser" as the administrator account with a password, and then downgrade my personal account to a standard user. The standard user can still install programs by downloading them and then right clicking on the file and selecting "run as" the administrator account. Be advised the administrator account must share the printers for the standard user to be able to print under XP. Both Vista and Windows 7 implement reduced rights using the User Account Control even for administrators.
2. Use a firewall.
3. Keep your computer updated. Both the OS and all programs. Use Secunia PSI (free) for the programs.
4. Use an anti-virus and keep it current. I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free).
5. Use an antimalware program on a regular basis. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Superantispyware both have free versions.
6. Use a sandboxed browser. Chrome runs sandboxed and Sandboxie will let you run any browser sandboxed.
7. Dump Adobe Reader and get an alternate PDF reader. I use Foxit Reader.
Take these measures and you will have a better chance of keeping your computer clean. Still be smart and do not open attachments in email unless you are sure of the source, and do not use peer 2 peer downloading software.
Happy computing.
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