Home PC Security

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Home PC Security Chris Abelardo
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Session Agenda

• - Presentation
• - Questions at end / Open forum
• - Power Point will be posted to web

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Patches and Hotfixes
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Keeping your Home Computer Patched
- Microsoft releases patches on the first T
uesday of each month - Use of Windows Automatic
updates via the Control Panel is recommended
- Non patched machines may not be able to connec
t using VPN Good Practice setup automatic
updates to automatically download and install
updates without prompting
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Spyware

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Spyware and Malicious sofware

• Spyware are applications spammers and
  collaborators use to monitor Web Browsing habits
  as well as possibly obtaining confidential
  information.
• Adware is software used to serve up unwanted
  advertisments without the users permission.
  
• - Pop ups can be loaded with links to suspicious
  sites and hidden applications. Internet Explorer
  now includes a tool to block popups.
  
• Email attachments can also infect machines with
  Spyware and Adware
  
• Good Practice- Use a good Anti-Spyware tool.
  I.T. recommends Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition. A
  free (for home use) and powerful utility.
  
• Link http//www.lavasoft.com

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Antivirus Protection

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Viruses

• CSUF I.T. provides a top tier Antivirus solution
  for home use. McAfee Antivirus can be obtained
  by requesting a copy of the CD by using the
  online form at
• http//www.fullerton.edu/it/services/Software/ath
  ome.asp
  
• Viruses are becoming increasingly more dangerous
  and easy to contract. The number one source
  being infected email attachments.
  
• Phishing is a popular new type of attack that
  attempts to gather personal and confidential
  information under the guise of a legitimate
  request or web site. Phishing scams are
  primarily attempted through email.
• Good Practice- Set your Antivirus Software to
  scan your hard disk(s) each evening and make sure
  the virus definitions are up to date on a regular
  basis.

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Backup your Data
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Data Backups

• - The best protection from data loss is data
  backup.
  
• External hard drives are a great way to backup
  your data. They can be switched off to prevent
  access and hardware failure.
  
• DVD Burners are another viable backup solution.
  While the media does not have the capacity of an
  external hard drive they are cost effective.
  
• Good Practice Use Microsoft Backup to schedule
  an automatic backup of crucial files
  

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VPN and Campus Access

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VPN

• VPN is used to create a secure connection between
  your home computer and the CSUF campus network
  
• VPN is required to use any CMS modules or
  functionality
  
• Obtain your own copy of CSUF VPN by requesting
  the cd from the I.T. web site
  
• http//www.fullerton.edu/it/services/Software/atho
  me.asp
  
• VPN requires that your home PC is fully updated
  with the latest patches and Antivirus protection
  
  

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Home Networking
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Your home network
- Should be protected by using the Microsoft
Firewall at the very least. This can be
activated using the Security Center icon in the
control panel. - A home office type firewall is
inexpensive and easy to configure for protecting
multiple home computers. - Home Networking Wir
eless should be configured using the built in
security provided by the manufacturer
Good Practice Configure your home networking
product to NOT use default settings out of the
box. Set your own unique passwords and security
settings for wired and wireless functionality
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Questions ??