Security Things you should do for a safe
PC
This part of the guide describes security from a PC (rather than Person) point of view. (Things to watch out on a browsing level - watch who you give details to (especially email addresses and telephone numbers / postal addresses), never respond to emails asking you to update details - eg. for online banking - they would NEVER email you asking for any of this, watch out for any security / "install this software" boxes - don't just click "yes" on everything, be especially careful with email attachments - even if you know who it is from - viruses spread by using your (or your friend's) email software's address book, be careful when downloading files - scan for viruses and don't just click "open" in the download box (click "save"), be especially careful when going to websites you may have reason to not trust. This list is by no means exhaustive, criminals and people with malicious intent are always thinking up new scams)
Here are the main things you should do to have a secure PC.
- Keep your computer up-to-date with the latest updates. Turn on Automatic
Updates - in Control Panel - and go to the Windows Update site (or Microsoft
Update if you have upgraded to it) - it is in the Start Menu, or go into
Internet Explorer and then Tools | Windows Update. Sometimes it is best not to
download hardware updates if everything works OK, but always download all the
Security and Critical updates.
- Use anti-virus software, and make sure it is up-to-date. Even if you have
to pay a subscription, it is better than being infested with viruses which are
ready to either destroy all your documents, or send bank details or every
password you enter to who knows how many criminals.
Only install one antivirus program though, they will conflict (and could render each other ineffective) if you install more than one. This goes for some firewalls too.
- Use Internet Security or Firewall software. The Livebox has a firewall
built-in, but this won't stop malicious programs or viruses sending
information OUT, it will only stop things COMING IN. Software firewalls will
ask you what programs you want to allow access to the Internet, and often
suggest if they recommend you should. And don't just click Allow or Permit,
try and see if it looks like a malicious program (though that can be quite
difficult if it is trying to pretend to be something else)
- Also, if you aren't then don't worry about this paragraph; but if you are
using software which does need to get through the Livebox firewall (such as
file sharing or instant messaging programs, or online gaming), then don't just
turn it off fully - use the special features of the built-in firewall to allow
just the required data to be passed through - ie. Network Address Translation
(NAT) and Port Forwarding. These can be changed in Configure Livebox, and will
allow information coming into the box to be firstly allowed through, and
secondly sent to the right device (ip address, ie. computer or games console)
on the local network. You need to specify the local server ip (the ip of the
PC or games console), the internal and external ports (may be the same), and
the protocol (TCP or UDP) - these details depend on what you are trying to do,
there will be information on the software provider's website.
- Get some spyware remover software. There are a few different programs
available, Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, and Microsoft Windows
Defender (formerly Windows AntiSpyware). The best ones will actively
protect the computer, showing a popup box if any programs try and change any
settings, asking if you want to allow the change. Some Internet Security
packages have basic spyware removal facilities, but most would say a dedicated
program is the way to go.
- Make sure that the wireless security is enabled on the Livebox (this goes
for routers too!). If it isn't, then anyone can access your Internet
connection and use it for whatever purpose they see fit, or possibly access
files on your computer even too. You could be spied on in other ways too.
Remember, wireless networks go outwards from your wireless box, in all
directions for about 30 metres, though special antennas on the wireless card
connecting can increase this distance still further.
This is one reason the Livebox is a good router - especially if you are not overly familiar with PC's and the Internet - it's security is turned on by default. If you have a third party adapter, don't be tempted to turn off the security because you can't get it to work with it switched on - try harder! You'll get there in the end!
As well as the security, depending on the router it may have other features which increase the security, such as hiding the name it usually broadcasts, or restricting access to certain PC's. Check your router manual. The Livebox has the pairing button, which prevents new network adapters connecting unless the box is in Pairing Mode (ie. button 1 has been pressed in the last 10 minutes) - so you need physical access to the box to connect at first.
- Some would say that using a Limited User account rather than a full
Administrator account helps limit any possible effects of spyware or viruses
(This won't be as big an issue in the next version of Windows, as it will ask
for a password before allowing critical changes). If you do do this, remember
that you will need to use the Administrator account (most likely) to install
any software, so if you did install something malicious using that account, it
would be able to do what it wanted anyway..