We are only three months into 2015, and we have already had several major online security issues come up. While the majority of the issues that make the news occur at large companies, securing your home computer and network is just as important. Here are four ways to check your online security. (Links for programs and sites mentioned are included at the end of the article.)
1) Windows Settings - If you have Windows, use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) to check your settings. The MBSA checks a variety of Windows settings, including password strength, updates, administrator accounts, and file/folder sharing. It will provide recommendations on how you can improve the security on your own computer. Do not simply click through each recommendation! Sometimes, there are reasons why your computer is configured the way it is, so make sure you thoroughly understand each suggestion before implementing it.
When you click the download link, you will be given several different downloads to choose from. The key is to know whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. If you are unsure, use Windows + Pause to open the System window, then look at System Type. If you have a 64-bit system, you will want to use the version that says "x64". If you have a 32-bit system, use the one that says "x86". Also, make sure you get the one that ends with EN, standing for English, unless you want it in another language!
2) Browser Add-Ons - Using an up-to-date browser is important for your security, but any add-ons installed in your browser also need to be kept up-to-date. Mozilla, the maker of Firefox, has a free plugin checker to determine if you need to update any of your add-ons. Even though it is made by the company that makes Firefox, this works with all major browsers. Simply head over to the site and see your results (no installation is necessary).
3) Facebook - I don't recommend that you post any information about your schedule or vacation until after it is over. (For example, "Taking the kids to the park at 2:00 today. Anyone want to join us?" isn't just an invitation for your friends to join you at the park; it is also an invitation for potential criminals to pay your empty home a visit a little after 2:00.) How well do you know every person on your friends list? If you are like me, your list probably includes acquaintances from high school, college, and old jobs that you barely know anymore.
However, if your post is public, then your problem could be even worse. Any comment or like broadcasts your post to people you don't know. Some simple searching could expose your address and make your home a target for thieves.
If you want to check what the public (or any friend) can see on your profile, Facebook has a tool for you. Go to your profile page (not your timeline), click on the three dots next to "View Activity Log", and select "View as ...". You will then see how your profile appears to the public. Change the link at the top of the page to see how it appears to specific people or groups of people.
Links:
Download the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Mozilla's Plugin Checker
No comments:
Post a Comment