USA COMPUTER SECURITY DAY NOVEMBER 30Charlotte Observer | 11/29/2004 | It's time to get serious making PC safe, securePosted on Mon, Nov. 29, 2004

It's time to get serious making PC safe, secure

JOHN MCBRIDE


Computer Security Day is Tuesday, and you're probably thinking now is a good time to get serious about protecting your PC and the stuff on it.

Where to begin?

Maybe the Association for Computer Security Day can help. The group's Web site, computersecurityday.org, lists 50 ways to participate in Computer Security Day. Let's take a look.

No. 1 on the Computer Security Day site: "Display computer security posters."

Hmm. Perhaps they're saving their best for last. Although this suggestion isn't totally without merit since ACSD gives out free security posters. The posters feature an armored knight with broadsword standing over a list of security tips.

"Who is The Guardian?" the poster asks. "You are The Guardian ... engaged in a valiant battle to protect computers and information."

My No. 1 would be: "Back up your data."

Your computer is an appliance, like a toaster. Toasters fail. So do computers. When it does, you buy a new one. You cannot buy last year's tax return from CompUSA.

Computer Security Day would be a good day to make a backup.

On the ACSD list, backing up data is No. 10. To which they add, "after being certain it is virus-free."

Good advice. If you've never searched your computer for viruses, do that before you make your backup.

Otherwise, I'd make "check for computer viruses" No. 2 on my list. It's No. 4 on the ACSD list, behind "present computer security briefings" and "change your password."

Most newer anti-virus programs have an automatic protection setting that helps keep viruses out. But you still need to scan your hard drive, preferably after updating your virus definitions.

Computer Security Day would be a good day to scan.

No. 3 on my list: Install a firewall. This doesn't make the ACSD list, probably because it's so important they figure you've already done it. It would be like putting "breathe" on your to-do list.

Castles require moats. DSL and cable Internet connections require firewalls.

Computer Security Day would be a good day to go online to learn about them.

Checking in at No. 47 on the ACSD site and No. 4 on my list: Install all security-related updates. For most people, that means regular visits to windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

Haven't been there in ages? Computer Security Day would be a good day for a visit.

The next item on my list requires you to rethink e-mail. Think like a knight.

Would a knight open an attachment from someone he didn't know? Would a knight click on an unsolicited commercial e-mail link? Would a knight send money to a Nigerian businessman who happened across his e-mail address?

Nay, nay, a thousand times nay.

Although they don't mention it on the ACSD site, e-mail is dangerous.

Don't recognize who an e-mail is from? Delete it. I mean it. Even if you really need Viagra, don't buy it from an e-mail. Even if you recognize the sender, don't assume the e-mail is safe.

Start today. Computer Security Day's looking busy.

John

McBride