Online Security
Step 1: Install a Personal Firewall
Protect your computer from unauthorized access.
A firewall is a software application or hardware device used to protect a computer or network from unauthorized access. Firewall protection is vital for High-Speed Internet subscribers because the connection to the Internet is always on.
* Blocking intrusions attempts and unwanted inbound traffic (i.e. port scans)
* Program Control – what allowed to access the Internet
* Logging inbound/outbound traffic
If you have Microsoft Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the built-in firewall can be enabled from the Windows Security Center:
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.
If you have Windows XP, but you don't have Service Pack 2 running on your computer, you can download it by visiting the Windows Update. Versions of Windows before Windows XP did not come with a built-in firewall. If you have a computer with an earlier version of Windows, install a firewall.
Hardware Firewalls
Many wireless access points and broadband routers for home networking have built-in hardware firewalls, which provide good protection against intrusion attempts and unwanted inbound traffic. However, if a computer becomes infected, it may use the Internet connection in the background to send out malicious traffic or open a back door for future exploitation.
Software Firewalls
A software firewall is a good choice for the lone PC; it can control which programs are allowed to use the Internet connection. If you are uncertain whether a software firewall has been installed on your computer, you can check in the All Programs folder. Click Start, and then click All Programs. Look for a firewall program that is installed. Some common brand names for software firewalls for home users include F-Secure, McAfee, Norton Internet Security, or ZoneAlarm.
Step 1: Install a Personal Firewall
Step 2: Download Critical Updates
Step 3: Use Up-To-Date Antivirus/Antispyware
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