This year I will:
- Install good-quality anti-virus software, anti-spyware, and a
software firewall;
More information: Laptop: Security-Basics (UW).
- Patch and update my security software, operating system, and software
applications regularly and promptly;
More information: on updates for Microsoft and
Mac OS/X.
- Learn how to recognize suspicious web addresses;
More information: Anti-Phishing Phil at CMU.
- Beware of lesser-known security issues, such as cellphone "bluesnarfing";
More information: at YouTube Real Hustle Bluesnarfing.
- Be careful when using any wireless network -- at home and on the road.
More information: at YouTube Real Hustle - WiFi scam and The Real Hustle - The WiFi Scam.
This year I will not:
- Open email attachments unless I know who sent the message and what
is in the attachment;
More information: Email Attachments and Computer Viruses (Microsoft) and Safety tips for handling email attachments and content downloaded from the Internet (Apple)
- Click on links embedded in emails unless I know who sent the message,
what the link is for, and where it will take me;
More information: An Introduction to Phishing/Phishing 101 (NOCPA) and How to spot a phishing email (SANS/Tip).
- Fall for official-looking emails that ask for personal or financial information;
More information: Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails (Microsoft) and Don't fall for phishing schemes (SANS/Tip).
- Fall for free offers of copyrighted materials which may be tainted
with malware, and by the way, may be unethical to use;
More information: P2P file sharing: Anticipate the risks before you download your first file (Microsoft).
- Participate in online social networking-or allow my children
to-without knowing the risks.
More information: NetSmartz.
Finally, I will take the time to review the SANS
Security Tips.
