Cyber Security Begins @home
by The Roaring Girl

Recently, there was a semi-hysterical(to me, anyway) about the DDoS of government computers.Computer Security has not politics. It is about securing our own information be it banking or facebook profiles. As I stated in a comment to that post, If you use a computer, surf the web, and download cracked software and indiscriminately click links without checking the status bar to make sure it’s the website it claims to be, you will be part of any cyber-attack that will occur. Why? because you have given over your computer to another who was paid handsomely for getting you to install trojans that no longer relay spam, but rather take orders from the highest bidder.

Your PC will be a “zombie”.

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What can you do to prevent your PC from falling under another’s control? first, if you’re using a PC, KNOW what version of Windows you’re using. Trust me, it’s not Dell, SONY, Toshiba or HP. Mac users, you need to know what version of OS X you have.

Windows users: First thing you need to do, is to UPGRADE to Windows 7, then, install an AV program, like ClamAV, or McAffee, or Norton and use it weekly, updating the virus definitions weekly as weekly as well. Don’t use the online ones, get a subscription to one that lives on your computer and use it. Regularly -

Next, install a software firewall. There are free ones out there, like
ZONE ALARM Once it’s installed, configure it to allow
only those ports necessary to function properly online and surfing.

(Mac users, this is just as valid for you)
this is a complete list of all internet ports. It is a very long list. this is a complete list of all internet ports. It is a very long list.Trojans install themselves on disused ports.

Mac users: You too need AV protection.
ClamXAV is freeware, and is quite good. a GUI for the BSDFree firewall is Flying Buttress Little Snitch is another good monitoring program, and worth the shareware price

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Windows/Mac
To stop email viruses, yeah, they still get passed around, inform your email contacts that they need to notify you in advance of sending an email with an attachment. This is especially important in an office situation. Mac users, if you use outlook, you can spread a virus, much like “Typhoid” Mary transmitted Typhus.

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PLAY TIME IS OVER. LEARN ABOUT HOW YOUR COMPUTER WORKS, OR GET OFF THE NET.

BOOKS THAT WILL HELP
any of the DUMMIES books that explain how to use Windows/Mac
any book that in as plain language as possible, explains how to secure your computer.
Get an external HD, and keep sensitive info there.
Wired/wireless network? Secure it w/a password. WPA-2 don’t let others use your IP address

NB: I am not an IT geek, programmer, network maven. I am a computer user who’s been online since HyperTerminal and command line, ascii text and telnet.
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My computer life began with a Kaypro “portable” computer, which weighed about 25 lbs and required a lightweight dolly to part about. It ran DOS. My next OS was Windows for WorkGroups on a AST Ascentia 910N. During the time I had that computer, it was infected twice - both times via floppy disc. I also learned what DDoS was, telnet, finger and ping were as well. I was a “baby hacker”. but I wasn’t malicious- ok, I knocked a few offline via ping of death, but they deserved it. I also learned the value of antivirus software. Even now, even though I use a mac, I use AV software, and have learned how to configure my firewall