| • | Use common sense. Phishing only works because people don't stop to think before clicking a link. Don't open attachments from strangers. Don't click suspicious links (wamu.com is not the same as wamu-com.cn), and don't divulge personal information on non-verified sites. (1) |
| • | Run a network perimeter security product. Even if you're home with one computer, build a simple little network and insert a broadband router. Simply having an extra layer of firewall protection (and hopefully antimalware) will provide additional protection. (1) |
| • | Run an endpoint security solution. Recent reviews of security suites by my colleague Neil Rubenking show that you can protect yourself and your computer. I also reviewed corporate solutions like Symantec EP 11 and eEye Blink 3.5. (1) |
| • | Enable you security suite's active components. Yes, they'll slow down your machine somewhat, but real time scanning, registry watching, etc will pay off in the long run. (1) |
| • | Configure your security suite to periodically run complete scans. I run one once a week. If you don't use your computer as much, maybe once a month is good. Use the scheduler to run the scan in the middle of the night when it won't impact your system use. (1) |
| • | Keep your operating system up to date from Microsoft. (Windows Update). |
| • | Do not install 'Search Bars'. Search Bars add unnecessary overhead. |
| • | Do not open email attachments and other suspicious programs from people that you do not know or are expecting something specific from. |
| • | Be leery of software that you install. It is best to research to program before installing it. As a rule, if it is advertised via SPAM or it is free, be suspicious. |
References / sources:
(1) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2327810,00.asp
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