Secure Computing

Secure Computing

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Secure Computing Overview

If the computer you’re using now is not protected, identity thieves and other fraudsters may be able to get access and steal your personal information.

By using safety measures and good practices to protect your home computer, you can protect your privacy and your family. The following tips are offered to help you lower your risk while you’re online.

Install a firewall.

A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that blocks hackers from entering and using your computer. Hackers search the Internet the way some telemarketers automatically dial random phone numbers. They send out pings (calls) to thousands of computers and wait for responses. Firewalls prevent your computer from responding to these random calls. A firewall blocks communications to and from sources you don’t permit. This is especially important if you have a high-speed Internet connection, like DSL or cable.

Some operating systems have built-in firewalls that may be shipped in the “off” mode. Be sure to turn your firewall on. To be effective, your firewall must be set up properly and updated regularly. Check your online “Help” feature for specific instructions.

Use anti-virus software.

Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow down or crash your computer, or allow spammers to send e-mail through your account. Anti-virus protection scans your computer and your incoming e-mail for viruses, and then deletes them. You must keep your anti-virus software updated to cope with the latest “bugs” circulating the Internet. Most anti-virus software includes a feature to download updates automatically when you are online. In addition, make sure that the software is continually running and checking your system for viruses, especially if you are downloading files from the Web or checking your e-mail. Set your anti-virus software to check for viruses when you first turn on your computer. You should also give your system a thorough scan at least twice a month.

Use anti-spyware software.

Spyware is software installed without your knowledge or consent that can monitor your online activities and collect personal information while you surf the Web. Some kinds of spyware, called keyloggers, record everything you key in – including your passwords and financial information. Signs that your computer may be infected with spyware include a sudden flurry of pop-up ads, being taken to Web sites you don’t want to go to, and generally slowed performance. Spyware protection is included in some anti-virus software programs. Check your anti- virus software documentation for instructions on how to activate the spyware protection features. You can buy separate anti-spyware software programs. Keep your anti- spyware software updated and run it regularly. To avoid spyware in the first place, download software only from sites you know and trust. Piggybacking spyware can be an unseen cost of many “free” programs. Don’t click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.

Manage your system and browser to protect your privacy.

Hackers are constantly trying to find flaws or holes in operating systems and browsers. To protect your computer and the information on it, put the security settings in your system and browser at medium or higher. Check the Tools or Options menus for how to do this. Update your system and browser regularly, taking advantage of automatic updating when it’s available. Windows Update is a service offered by Microsoft. It will download and install software updates to the Microsoft Windows Operating System, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and will also deliver security updates to you. Patching can also be run automatically for other systems, such as Macintosh Operating System.

Secure your wireless network.

If you use a wireless network in your home, be sure to take precautions to secure it against hackers. Encrypting wireless communications is the first step. Choose a wireless router with an encryption feature and turn it on. WPA encryption is considered stronger than WEP. Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption. If your router enables identifier broadcasting, disable it. Note the SSID name so you can connect your computers to the network manually. Hackers know the pre-set passwords of this kind of equipment. Be sure to change the default identifier on your router and the pre-set administrative password. Turn off your wireless network when you’re not using it.

Remember that public “hot spots” may not be secure. It’s safest to avoid accessing or sending sensitive personal information over a public wireless network.

Secure All Files

One of the most common mis-conceptions about personal computers is that the files are safe if there is a password required to access the operating system. The reality is, however, the files on any hard drive can be accessed without any difficulty within minutes. The password is required to function the operating system, but if the hard drive is accessed from another computer the files can easily be dragged off the disc.

The most secure way to store files is within a secure disc image which requires a password to access it's contents. A disc image can be thought of as a file firewall around all sensitive material. All encryption and security measures are man-made, and can therefore be decoded. However, even the lowest level of security; a 128-bit AES encryption disc image is extremely hard to decode and would take decoders of FBI level up to several weeks to crack into. A common computer their does not have this level of expertise, also, by the time the information is accessed account numbers and other such information will have been changed and will be of not worth all the work. Even hidden files and hidden folders appear, these and password protected folders can be accessed easily when looking through a disc from another computer. Many computer thieves can access a hard drives contents within a minute to gain personal information such as date of birth, financial records or social security numbers. Once it is realized disc content is inaccessible, a disc will be wiped, have a fresh operating system written on it and reinstalled if it was removed from the computer, ready for sale on the black market or an unsuspecting buyer.

How to create a secure disk image on a Mac OS X:

  1. Open a new Finder window by either pressing the keys "command" then "N" or in the upper left corner of the screen, click "File" then click "New Finder Window" in the drop down menu. (All shortcuts in every mac app is listed to the right of the drop-down menu words)
  2. Select the "Applications" folder, then the "Utilities" folder, then double click "Disk Utility"
  3. In the menu along the top of the Disk Utility application, select "New Image"
  4. Name the new disc image and specify the size and security measures, 128-bit is ample, however if extra security is desired, 256-bit can be used.
  5. Click "Create"
  6. Type in a password, the use of numbers and punctuation greatly increases security. Do not select "Remember password in my keychain," this will prevent people from accessing it without a password on your computer.
  7. Write the password on paper and store it in a secure location, without the password the files will be accessed

There is free software for Windows available, however as Mac users, Stolen Lost & Online has not used any. This information could be Googled here

More Secure Computing Information

California Office of Privacy Protection (www.privacy.ca.gov)
The California Office of Privacy Protection provides information for consumers on protecting your computer, identity theft, and other privacy topics. The tips above are taken from “CIS 12: Protect Your Computer from Viruses, Hackers, and Spies.”

OnGuardOnline (www.onguardonline.gov)
OnGuardOnline provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you defend yourself against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org)
The independent nonprofit Consumers Union provides product reviews and strategies in a September 2006 article in ConsumerReports.org, “Stay Safe Online: Best Software Tools and Strategies,” available for free online. Product ratings are available to subscribers.

PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com)
The magazine provides product reviews in December 2006 articles, ”Suitest Security Software,” available for free online at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2076246,00.asp.

Secure All Files

One of the most common mis-conceptions about personal computers is that the files are safe if there is a password required to access the operating system. The reality is, however, the files on any hard drive can be accessed without any difficulty within minutes. The password is required to function the operating system, but if the hard drive is accessed from another computer the files can easily be dragged off the disc.

The most secure way to store files is within a secure disc image which requires a password to access it's contents. A disc image can be thought of as a file firewall around all sensitive material. All encryption and security measures are man-made, and can therefore be decoded. However, even the lowest level of security; a 128-bit AES encryption disc image is extremely hard to decode and would take decoders of FBI level up to several weeks to crack into. A common computer their does not have this level of expertise, also, by the time the information is accessed account numbers and other such information will have been changed and will be of not worth all the work. Even hidden files and hidden folders appear, these and password protected folders can be accessed easily when looking through a disc from another computer. Many computer thieves can access a hard drives contents within a minute to gain personal information such as date of birth, financial records or social security numbers. Once it is realized disc content is inaccessible, a disc will be wiped, have a fresh operating system written on it and reinstalled if it was removed from the computer, ready for sale on the black market or an unsuspecting buyer.

How to create a secure disk image on a Mac OS X:

  1. Open a new Finder window by either pressing the keys "command" then "N" or in the upper left corner of the screen, click "File" then click "New Finder Window" in the drop down menu. (All shortcuts in every mac app is listed to the right of the drop-down menu words)
  2. Select the "Applications" folder, then the "Utilities" folder, then double click "Disk Utility"
  3. In the menu along the top of the Disk Utility application, select "New Image"
  4. Name the new disc image and specify the size and security measures, 128-bit is ample, however if extra security is desired, 256-bit can be used.
  5. Click "Create"
  6. Type in a password, the use of numbers and punctuation greatly increases security. Do not select "Remember password in my keychain," this will prevent people from accessing it without a password on your computer.
  7. Write the password on paper and store it in a secure location, without the password the files will be accessed

There is free software for Windows available, however as Mac users, Stolen Lost & Online has not used any. This information could be Googled here

Secure Computing Conclusion

Stolen Lost & Found Online is here to help! If you have any secure computing information, tips or advice, please let us know. Thanks.

Source: California Office of Privacy Protection

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