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Computer Security Essentials for Everyone

Home Computer Security Checklist for Windows

[Printable Checklist]

The items on this list represent suggested protective measures that should be implemented for every computer that accesses the internet. Recommended intervals should work well for most average users. Computers that get a heavy amount of use should be attended to more frequently. Following this guide will help protect your computer and data, and will also ensure that you get up and running again quickly in the event of a system failure. Although this checklist is designed for Microsoft Windows users, many of the security measures are not specific to Windows and can be implemented on any computer, regardless of operating system.

Anti Virus, Firewall and Spyware Protection

• Anti virus software should be installed and running at all times.  Anti-virus software should be updated at least once a week.  Use the antivirus program's auto update feature if possible.
• A software firewall (personal firewall) or hardware firewall should be used to protect from intruders.  Don't rely on Windows Firewall alone, it doesn't have the full features of protection found in a commercial personal firewall. 
• Anti spyware product should be used to protect against fraud and personal information theft.   This should be updated at least once a week.  If possible, turn on the anti spyware's auto update feature.
• If P2P file sharing applications are used, a P2P spyware protection product (like P2P Doctor) should be used.  Common peer to peer applications are Kazaa, Morpheus, BearShare, etc...  P2P Doctor will remove the spyware from these programs and leave them usable.  Regular anti spyware software will kill the spyware, but render the P2P application useless.

Keep Software and Hardware Up To Date

• Windows updates should be downloaded and installed at least once a month.   Use Auto Update if possible.  This ensures that any new security issues are fixed.
• Check for and install application (program) updates and patches at least every 60 days.  This will fix any security holes or issues that have been discovered since you installed the software.
• Check computer manufacturers website for driver updates and BIOS upgrades twice a year.  This will ensure your system's motherboard software is up to date, and any known problems are fixed.
• Hardware firewalls and routers need occasional firmware upgrades for maximum protection. Check for updates every 90 days.  BIOS updates for firewalls and routers are important, as they normally contain fixes to security issues that have been recently discovered.

Data Protection

• Back up documents, photos, favorites, email, etc… to CD, DVD, tape or another disk at least every 2 weeks.  This will ensure that your data is not lost in the event of a hard disk crash.  If you use your computer for business, back your data up daily.
• Keep system recovery disk, original software, driver disks, ISP settings and system documentation together.  In the event of a hard disk crash or damaged operating system (caused by malicious software or a virus), having these things handy will ensure that you get back up and running as quickly as possible.
• A handy way to backup your data and ensure that it is always available anytime you need to recover it is to use an online backup service.  Carbonite.com offers automatic backup of your PC over the internet for only $5 per month! 

System Security Settings

• If applicable, Windows Firewall should be turned on.  Although not as robust as a third party personal firewall, it does provide some additional protection.  If you have Windows Firewall, you might as well use it.
• Never turn Windows File and Printer Sharing (FPS) on unless absolutely necessary.  This creates an "open door" into your computer that can easily be accessed by outsiders.
• If using Windows FPS, never share folders that include private information.
• Never operate computer an administrator account. This allows installation of anything (including spyware).  Create a user account for everyday use.
• Each user should have their own unique user account if possible. This ensures personal privacy and security, and maintains your own personal computer settings.
• If possible, hard drives should be formatted with NTFS, and only authorized accounts given file access.

Privacy and Identity Protection

• Never use the same user id you use for email or internet logon for anything else.  Maintaining separate user id's for important accounts will help minimize the security risk in the event someone gets hold of your ID.
• Never use your email password for anything else. This will prevent unauthorized access to your email account.
• Store passwords in an encrypted file or password manager program with encryption.  This ensures that your passwords cannot be accessed in the event an intruder or spyware application gets hold of your password list. 
• Never give user ids or passwords to anyone. Never email your personal identification information to anyone.  Email can easily be intercepted by hackers.  Banks and other online accounts should never ask you for your password and ID, other than at your account log in page.  Suspect a phishing scam if anyone ever asks for this information, and do not provide them with anything.
• Never click on links in emails, particularly from banks. Manually go to the site and log in. This is a common phishing scam.  Unscrupulous people send emails that look legitimate.  The links they give you normally take you to a copy of a legitimate website.  Inputting your account information onto these fraudulent websites will allow thieves to gain access to your real account.
• Unless absolutely necessary, never download and install freeware. If you do download free software, only download from developers site. Many copycat sites exist that are fraudulent.  Downloading from them will most certainly install spyware on your system.
• Use parental control software if children use the computer.  This will prevent access to questionable websites where spyware can secretly be installed.
• Browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc…) security setting should be set to high. This prevents many sites from installing certain types of spyware and adware on your PC.
• Never click on pop up ads as this can install spyware on your system.  One click is all it takes to have spyware secretly installed.
• Avoid browsing to questionable websites. Sites that contain illegal, immoral or lewd content are often havens for spyware.  Simply viewing some of these sites is all it takes to infest your computer with spyware.
• Excessive pops usually mean adware is installed on your system. Use an adware remover to kill it. Never click on a popup ad.
• If computer appears to run very slowly, suspect spyware. Install a spyware remover and scan pc.
• Use file encryption for sensitive documents, and use a file shredder utility when deleting confidential documents.  Encryption software ensures that only you can open the file.  A file shredder ensures that no one can recover it once deleted.

Physical Computer Protection

• Use a password protected screensaver if privacy is a concern.
• Always turn computer off when not in use, especially if connected to broadband internet.  When a computer connected to a broadband connection (like cable or DSL) is on, hackers can get in.  Even if using firewall protection, the absolute best protection is no access to the PC at all.
• To avoid hardware issues caused by excessive heat, blow dust off the inside of computer twice a year.  Purchase a can of compressed air at any computer or office supply store.  Remove the case cover and blow the dust out.  Excessive dust buildup is common, especially if your PC is in a carpeted area.  The dust acts as a blanket, trapping heat inside the computer.  It can catch fire or cause your CPU to overheat and die.

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