How to secure your PC in Different steps, I
recommend to read this article carefully and be safe
Choose the right operating system
Choose an operating system based on its security and
vulnerability (Linux has no known active viruses in the wild, Open BSD is
focused on security). Find out if it uses limited user accounts ,all files
permissions and is regularly updated. Make sure you update your operating
system with security updates and update your other software too.
Choose the right web browser
Choose a web browser based on its security and
vulnerabilities because most malware will come through via your web browser.
Disable scripts too (NoScript, Privoxy and Proxomitron can do this). Look at
what independent computer security analysts (such as US-CERT) and crackers
(similar to hackers) say. Google Chrome[1] is more secure and has a sandbox
feature[2] so it would be more difficult to compromise the system and spread
the infection.
Use strong
passwords
When setting up, use strong passwords in your user account,
router account etc. Hackers may use dictionary attacks and brute force attacks.
Passwords need to be strong and contain capital letters, numbers, and other
symbols in no particular order. A different, strong password for each service
makes them difficult to remember, so we recommend using a password manager.
Use trusted sources
Use trusted sources. When downloading software (including
antivirus software), get it from a trusted source (softpedia, download,
snapfiles, tucows, fileplanet, betanews, sourceforge) or your repository if you
are using Linux.
Install good
antivirus software
Install good antivirus software (particularly if you use
P2P). Antivirus software is designed to deal with modern malware including
viruses, trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, and worms. Find out if your antivirus
offers real-time scanning, on-access or on-demand. Also find out if it is
heuristic. The truth is, anti-virus software is a must for almost everyone.
Yes, they will slow down your computer a little, but I think that is a pill
worth swallowing as opposed to being infected by a virus. Choose one, download
and install it and scan regularly. Keep your virus definitions up to date by
updating regularly. here are free options out there, but they’re limited, and
besides, the paid programs won’t set you back a whole lot.
Download Anti malwares
Download and install software to deal with spyware such as
Spybot Search and Destroy, HijackThis or Ad-aware and scan regularly. I can't
state this enough - you need to run a good anti spyware and anti malware
program like Spybot if you search the web at all. Many websites out there
exploit weaknesses and holes in the security of Microsoft Explorer and will place
malicious code on your computer without you knowing about it until its too
late!
Download and install a firewall
Download and install a firewall. Either ZoneAlarm[7] or
Comodo Firewall[8] (Kerio, WinRoute or Linux comes with iptables). If you use a
router, this gives an added layer of security by acting as a hardware firewall.
Close all ports
Close all ports. Hackers use port scanning (Ubuntu Linux has
all ports closed by default).
Perform Penetration Testing
Perform Penetration Testing. Start with ping, then run a
simple nmap scan. Backtrack Linux will also be useful.
Secure physical security
Don't forget to think in terms of physical security!
Consider something like a Kensington lock (in case of theft/unauthorised
access). Also setting a BIOS password and preventing access to your machine or
its removable devices (USB, CD drive etc.). Don't use an external hard drive or
USB device for important data, these represent another vulnerability, as they
are easier to steal/lose.
Encryption can be effective against theft. Encrypt at least
your entire user account rather than just a few files. It can affect
performance but can prove worth it. Truecrypt works on Windows, OS X, Linux,
FreeOTFE works on Windows and Linux. In OS X (10.3 or later) System Preferences
Security, click FileVault (this can take minutes to hours). In Linux Ubuntu
(9.04 or later) installation Step 5 of 6 choose "Require my password to
login and decrypt my home folder". This uses "ecrypts".
Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent way to step
up your security, especially when browsing online. While using a VPN, all of
your internet traffic is encrypted and tunneled through an intermediary server
in a separate location. This masks your IP, replacing it with a different one,
so that your ISP can no longer monitor your activity. The problem here is that
open, public Wi-Fi is not secure. Its unencrypted status means that anyone with
the means could be potentially spying on your traffic. The solution here is a
virtual private network (VPN).
