Ghen's Wisdom

Security Guidelines for SMD

Here is a brief list of what SMD members should do to ensure reasonable security.

1. Get an antivirus program. (I got Norton 2008 for zero dollars after rebate.) Run a "full system scan" every couple of weeks.
2. Make sure that you have a firewall. (Most likely, it is part of your network setup. Ask your kids if you don't know about this (although Milo might not be able to answer this one!)
3. If you don't know who sent you an email:
-don't click on any links in the email
-don't open any attachments in the email
-better yet, don't open the email!
4. Phishing is real. (Phishing is someone trying to trick you into logging into a fake site, stealing your login or credit card info.) Be careful if logging in to your bank, or providing credit card information. Be ware the site is one you went to from an email sent unsolicited to you. Use common sense (why is the Bank of America web address "www.124.170.us/gov/stealfromdoug"?)
5. Keep an eye on the address bar in your browser.
6. Turn your network off when not using it, if you can. Turn your computer off if you can when not in use.
7. Set up your email to block images. In Yahoo Mail, that's in "Options->Spam". Then select the choice: Show images only from my contacts and certified senders.

posted by Ken Hirsohn @ 11:56 AM