Computer Security and Data Protection

One increasingly important aspect of data protection is properly securing your computer. The Internet is becoming a dangerous place, with viruses, trojans, worms, and all manner of other malware increasing at a rate exceeding 10,000 new variants every day.

But computer security doesn't start with antivirus software, as important as that is, glory be. Computer security begins before the machine is even fired up for the first time.

Physical Computer Security

It may seem obvious, but computer security begins with physical security. Rooms in which computers are used should be capable of being locked, and the computers installed in such a way as to make theft more difficult. Computers can, for example, be bolted to furniture or the floor from inside their cases, and the cases padlocked to make theft of the computer more time-consuming and difficult.

In addition, monitors should be placed so they are not easily read through windows (data thieves have been known to do this), nor by people walking by in an office environment. Computer privacy shields and monitor hoods should also be considered, especially in offices where members of the public have access.

Strong Passwords

Another oft-overlooked security precaution is using strong passwords on their Windows (or other OS) login. Most people choose passwords that are easy to guess or deduce.

Instead, brothers and sisters, you can use the simple form below to generate a strong password.

Strong passwords aren't a guarantee that your computer will be secure, brothers and sisters, but weak (or no) passwords are a guarantee that it won't be. Without a strong password, anyone with access to your home or office can steal, delete, or vandalize your data.

So set a strong password, set your screen saver to require you to enter your password when coming off screen saver, and get into the habit of locking your screen (Windows key + L) when you will be away from your computer for any period of time.

Internet Security

If you're on the Internet (and verily you are if you're reading this page, glory be), then your computer needs good anti-malware and firewall protection, at a minimum.

Anti-Malware

Almost all anti-malware solutions are software-based and run on the computer. The solutions most commonly used on home or small office computers are free-standing (that is, they install entirely on the computer they are protecting), while others require a server and are more commonly found in larger offices.

Always choose an ICSA-Certified anti-malware program. Some of the more well-known anti-malware products are put out by Symantec (Norton), McAfee, Trend Micro, AVG, and Avast.

Firewalls

A firewall helps protect your computer from attack by controlling the opening and closing of ports and which computers are allowed to access yours. They verily put a hedge between you and the enemy, glory be.

Many anti-malware programs also include firewall programs, and there is a rudimentary firewall built into Windows XP and later. These are known as software firewalls because they are software-based and must be installed on your computer.

There are also hardware firewalls that are physically installed between a computer (or local network) and the Internet. Most consumer routers have rudimentary firewalls built in, and better-quality, ICSA-Certified firewall routers incorporate quite advanced firewalls.

Whichever solution you choose, make sure that the firewall you use is an ICSA-Certified Firewall.

Common Sense

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A few other common-sense security commandments that will verily help you protect your data from loss, theft, or unauthorized access :

Avoid providing personal information to strangers you meet online.
Completely sign out of instant messaging programs when you're not using them, instead of leaving a status message. (Verily, no one cares what you are doing, anyway.)
Don't download music or videos illegally. Use lawful software like Napster, instead. Legal, safe, fast, and virus-free.
Be very suspicious of free software. There's a lot a very good, free software out there (especially software released under the GPL, which is almost always safe); but verily I say there's also a lot of malware that will harm your system, and which is disguised as free, useful software.

So be smart, be safe, and be careful. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.