RICHARD DANIELS CONSULTING  Shaking hands thru a computer

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SECURING THE SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEM

by Richard Daniels                                                                                                                                                December 2004

 The modern computer system is one that is constantly under attack. The home user is at risk using peer-to-peer file sharing programs, chat programs such as MSN and ICQ, and email viruses. The small to medium business must worry about SPAM, Spyware, Email Viruses, Trojans, and general snooping. With the final rollout of Canada’s Privacy Act 1980-81-82-83, c. 111, Sch. Ii "1", business will now be responsible for the management and security of any information they hold about other people. This will include your contact management software, marketing databases, letters and other communication.

 Fortunately the system owner has some low cost/no cost solutions at hand to combat the bad guys. A few good programs and a rigorous maintenance schedule will help keep all but the most persistent and skilled hackers at bay.

 PROTECTIVE COMPONENTS 

  1. Your existing Windows has security features that can be invoked
    1. Do not retain passwords [Respond “no” when asked if IE should remember the password]
    2. Turn off cookies [Internet Explorer/Tools/Internet Options/Privacy]
    3. Turn off Email Preview [In Outlook – View/Preview Pane…In Outlook Express – View/Layout/Preview Pane]
    4. If it is not required, turn off file and print sharing. [Right click on Network Neighborhood, Properties, File and print Sharing]
  1. Consider moving away from Outlook Express and Internet Explorer completely. Firefox and Thunderbird are Open Source alternatives that are more resistant to attack, cost nothing and have some awesome features.
  1. A  hardware firewall to help stealth you to the outside world
    1. DLINK GNET and OVISLINK all make good products.
  2. A software Firewall to fine tune your security and reduce the popups and other intrusive web transmissions.
    1. Zone Alarm, and SYGATE are free in light form, and the pro versions are inexpensive. A process firewall like PREVX is also worth a trial.
  3. Virus protection
    1. Mcafee and Norton are the market leaders, but AVG is free for home users; and it works! For Business users AVG is a good inexpensive choice.
  4. Cleaning software to erase any trails and passwords
    1. Window Washer is the low cost number one choice, but Secure Task is worth a look.
  5. Encryption Software for sensitive data
    1. Secure Task is free and it works.
  1. Anti Spyware Software
    1. Adaware is the easiest to install and use. Free to use; for few dollars it will prevent the problem in the first place. Spybot Search and Destroy is a very sophisticated and powerful program; not as easy to configure, but once set up it runs well and easily. Spyware Blaster will put in a number of kill hooks that will prevent some of the more common types of Spyware from ever lodging on your system. Aluria has a free scanner that will tell you if you are infected but will not remove the problem unless you pay. They have one of the best lines I have seen on this subject, “A Virus can destroy you computer, Spyware can destroy your life”.

 

KEEPING IT UP TO DATE

 If your machine is not on all the time follow this schedule. If your machine is on all the time, the antivirus software can be set to auto update.

DAILY

Run the Cleaning software to eliminate any history and passwords. Run the Anti Spyware programs.

 WEEKLY

Check for updates to the Virus Protection and Spyware Software.

 EVERY 2 WEEKS

Defragment your hard drive.

 MONTHLY

Check for product updates for the various security products on your system.

Have Clean Machine come in and check out your systems.

Review stored data, and archive/delete any data no longer required for current use.

 ADVANCED SECURITY FOR SENSITIVE DATA

 Users that wish to add more security to their systems to meet legal requirements, or to protect valuable information should look into encryption and removable storage. The user must remember that protecting your information does not stop when the machine is replaced. Secure disposal must also be considered, so the information does not wind up on the front page of the Globe and Mail. As with all security measures there is a performance penalty that must be paid for the peace of mind. Clean Machine can help sort out your security needs.