Security Tips.
Update / patch ALL your software every now and then.
Use firewall, like ZoneAlarm to control what goes in and out from your computer.
Use good passwords: at least 8 characters long, containing both letters and numbers. Remember to change your password every few months atleast and don't ever use the same password in two places.
Use a antivirus program: F-Secure or Norton Antivirus and keep it updated
Don’t open or execute files that you are not 100% sure are absolutely safe nomatter where or how you get them.
Install and run spyware removal programs(Spybot and Ad-Aware;free softwares). Remember to check for updates and database updates from their site every now and then. Run these program every now and then too!
Note: I recommend that you run both programs (Spybot as well as Ad-Aware)
When you are finished using some internet-based service like email, sign out of it rather than just closing your browser. Also, when you leave your computer, make sure that none of such programs or connections are left open that someone could abuse.
Don’t use public computers for anything you need to type in your logins, they usually have Trojan horses that capture your passwords.
[Back]
Spyware.
“Spyware” means programs or files that, to put it simply, SPY on you. They spy on your behavior, what files you download & execute, what pages you visit, etc. After the cookies, spyware is the WORST thing that can ever happen to your privacy.Spyware is perfectly legal and about 95% of all internet users have spyware on their system. Spyware is used (according to their creators, however) to “follow how their services are used so they can provide better service in the future and build a statistics from user behavior”. So, in other words, to build a very detailed profile on you and use it for marketing purposes.
[Back]
Be Wary of E-mail Attachments.
Viruses can hide in an attachment. Opening it will unleash the virus. Don't open an attachment from anyone you don't know. Even if you do know the sender, an infected attachment may have been surreptitiously sent from an infected machine. The safest thing to do is to scan the attachment with anti-virus software before you open it.
[Back]
Install a Firewall on Your Computer.
A firewall is a software program that blocks unauthorized access to your computer. This is particularly important if you have a broadband connection, such as DSL or a cable modem. One program that I like is ZoneAlarm. You can download it for free for personal use from the Zone Labs website.
[Back]
Pay Attention to Passwords.
Many online services, such as banking, brokerage and e-mail require the use of passwords. A secure password is the first line of defense against cyber-snoops. Use a different password for each account, don't divulge them to anyone and change them periodically.
Use good passwords: at least 8 characters long, containing both letters and numbers.
[Back]
Update Security Patches for Your Operating System and Web Browser.
You've probably read about security "holes" that turn up periodically. Once they are discovered, you can download fixes. For Windows users, an easy way to update your system is click on the Windows Update option under the Start menu or by pointing your web browser to this link: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
[Back]
E-mail Fraud
E-mail and Web site fraud, often referred to as “phishing,” “carding,” or “spoofing,” involves a perpetrator sending you an e-mail request that appears to be from a business with whom you normally deal—for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), online payment service, or bank. The e-mail may instruct you to “update” or “validate” your information, including account information, Social Security number, passwords, and other sensitive information via e-mail, or by directing you to a phony Web site that looks like the legitimate business site. By complying with the e-mail instructions, you unknowingly provide this information—not to the legitimate company, but to the perpetrator. The information may then be used to transfer money, make payments, and commit other illegal acts. E-mail scams also may carry worms or viruses that can further harm you by planting potentially damaging viruses in your computer system.
[Back]
Phony Web Sites.
Often used to perpetrate e-mail fraud schemes, a phony Web page or Web site is similar to that of the legitimate company, using a URL address that is similar to that of the reputable business. For example, the address of the phony Web site or Web page may use a common misspelling of the company’s name or may add a word, symbol, or number before or after the name. Even if you do not receive an e-mail directing you to such a site, you may accidentally mistype the address of a legitimate site in your browser and end up on the phony site. The perpetrator’s hope is that you will continue to conduct your online transactions as usual, entering personal information, account numbers, and passwords.
[Back]
Avoid E-mail and Web Site Scams.
You can help protect yourself and your accounts by following these guidelines:
The safest approach is to immediately delete e-mail from unknown sources, without opening the email. If you receive an e-mail that warns you that an account of yours will be shut down with little or no notice unless you reconfirm your billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the e-mail. Instead, contact the company cited in the e-mail using a telephone number or Web site address you know to be genuine. Avoid sending personal and financial information over the Internet. Before submitting financial information through a Web site, look for the padlock icon on your browser’s status bar (see Figure) . It signals that your information is secure during transmission.
[Back]
Backup Procedure for All workstations.
Backups are done daily on a routine basis for all the data on "Desktop" and in the "My Documents" folder. If you create new folders either for saving your data or archiving your email, make sure that you create them on your desktop or in your My Documents folder. Data saved at any other place will not get backed up and hence I would not be able to retrieve it, in case of hard drive failure. The types of Backups for the controllers office are listed below:
Daily Backup:
This backup is a differential backup according to files. Only the files that were changed since the last full backup are backed up by the system. Operated automatically with backup running on Monday through Friday.
Weekly Backup:
Full backup for all the workstations (Desktop and My Documents folder).Operated automatically with backup running on every Friday .
[Back]
[Top]