Troubleshooting 10: Computer Security

When one typically thinks of computer security, thoughts focus on Internet security; however, there’s more to it than this. The primary concern of security lies in the security of files. When you don’t want someone else to read the contents of a given file, a potential security issue exists. Below are 10 tips to help you maintain the security of your computer files.

1. Know where threats come from. There are two major sources of security threats: over a network or Internet, or from a threat to your physical hardware. These security threats need to be addressed in different ways.
2. Understand and implement physical security. For instance, leaving a door unlocked might invite a "baddie" to swipe your stuff. Once your hardware is stolen, it is at the mercy of the thief.
3. Don’t leave your computer running. If you do, anyone can use it. To a computer, anyone who uses the computer during the session is you. What you can do, the person who uses the computer during the same session can do too. Even if you are away for just a short time, log off or shut your machine down.
4. Erase files when upgrading. If you upgrade to a new machine (whether it is a computer, PDA, or anything that has files), either erase all of the files or save the hard drive (or other file storage device). The military does not consider a file erased until it is erased eight times. If you permanently want to get rid of files, you need a program called a “shredder," which will do this for you.
5. Obtain and regularly update an antivirus program. There are various threats that can come over a network or the Internet. The most common kind is a virus. There are good anti-virus programs on the market. Get one and update it regularly. Make sure that it is running and checking file transfers, especially e-mail.
6. Set up a firewall. You need a firewall if you use the internet. A firewall can prevent unwanted access to your computer while you are online. It can also prevent wanted access. You must configure the firewall to allow you to send messages out of your computer. Many viruses send out files without your knowledge, so the capacity to block unwanted outgoing messages is important.
7. Install an anti-spyware program. A virus is not the same as spyware. You need a good anti-spyware program that you keep updated and run regularly (notice a theme here?) Good free programs include SpyBot and AdAware. Many commercial security packages include an anti-spyware program as well.
8. Upgrade the hardware. All this security software must run all the time. Because the software is constantly checking file transfers and changes on your computer, the security software will slow down your computer. If your computer is already slow, it may be time to upgrade the hardware. Please re-read #4 if you do this. Remember, your old hard drive can still be useful as a backup system.
9. Download security patches. Hackers are very creative and persistent; they can get into your computer through the most arcane of means. Thankfully, most large software companies like Microsoft and Adobe release security patches to plug known “holes” in existing software. You want them. Download them, or set up the “automatic updates” feature of your software.
10. Take security seriously. There are hundreds of new security threats every month. Many are minor, but some can be serious. The biggest security problem is a refusal to take these threats as real. After a while, you’ll find out they are—the hard way.

Bernard Sypniewski is a the Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rowan University, Camden, NJ.