THWARTING
HACKERS
Author: Associated Press
Edition: Final
Section: Technology and Your Money
Page: E1
Estimated printed pages: 2
Article Text:
By being diligent about computer
security and following some simple tips, you can better protect yourself from
the things that go bump on the Internet.
* Use strong passwords. Choose
passwords that are difficult or impossible to guess. Mix up letters and numbers
in your passwords, and use a different password for each account. Never write
your password down on a piece of paper.
* Make backups of critical data.
Backups must be made at least once each day. Larger organizations should
perform a full backup weekly and incremental backups
every day. At least once a month, the backup media should be verified.
* Buy and use virus-protection
software. That means three things: having it on your computer, checking daily
for new virus-signature updates and scanning all the files on your computer
periodically.
* Use a firewall program as a
gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet. Firewalls are usually
software products. They are essential for those who keep their computers online
through DSL and cable modem connections. They are also valuable for those who
dial in.
* Do not open e-mail attachments
from strangers, no matter how enticing the subject line or attachment may be.
Be suspicious of any unexpected e-mail attachment from someone you do know,
because it may have been sent without that person's knowledge from an infected
machine.
* If you get an e-mail that
warns about a virus, visit an anti-virus company Web site to see whether it is
a hoax. Do not forward virus-hoax e-mail.
* Regularly download security
patches from your software vendors, especially from your operating system
vendor, such as Microsoft.
SOURCE:
Copyright (c) 2002 Lexington
Herald-Leader
Record Number: 0201140408