Liza asked us, How can I secure my PC completely . That’s impossible, but Satya Mishra explains how to make Windows much more secure.
You can’t, because of the old computer industry phenomenon known as PEBCAK, or “Problem exists between chair and keyboard”. A lot of hacks depend on “social engineering,” which means manipulating people into handing over their passwords or other details. It can be as easy as phoning up and pretending to be from head office or, apparently, trading passwords for bars of chocolate. Linux and Mac OS X are more secure than Windows, but PEBCAK is a problem with every operating system.
You could equally well ask, “How can I make my house completely secure?” Some simple precautions will protect you from casual theft in a nice neighbourhood, but not even bars and barbed wire will stop a gang equipped with explosives to blow your doors off. So, the real problem is to decide how much security you need. This will depend on who you are and where you live.
Who? In computing, you need a higher level of security if you are an obvious target or you have access to very valuable information. Obvious targets include celebrities, activists, and investigative journalists. You may also have valuable information if you work in finance, or at an important research establishment, or for some government agencies, etc.
Where? In computing, you create your own neighbourhood. If you visit sites that specialise in hacking, cracking or pirate software, then you’re at much more risk than if you only visit mainstream sites for shopping and social networking. Sites that offer free music, software or pornography are more likely to be dangerous than ones that offer the paid-for equivalents. Remember, if it’s free, somebody is probably making a buck somehow, even if it’s just by installing adware.
Standard defences
In protecting your home, the first rule is: don’t leave doors unlocked and windows open. In protecting your PC, it’s: don’t leave security holes open. Keep the operating system and all your software up to date. The vast majority of Windows hacks are based on exploiting holes that Microsoft closed months or even years ago. Yes, sometimes there are “zero day” exploits for which there is no patch, but these are worth a lot of money and mainly used on high-value targets.
To keep Windows up to date, turn on auto-updates: Microsoft will install patches on or shortly after the second Tuesday of each month. However, recent versions of Windows, if patched, are no longer the main target. As a priority, you must also make sure your browser (including IE), all Adobe and Apple programs for Windows, and Oracle’s Java are up to date. Uninstall Java if you don’t really need it. Indeed, uninstall everything you don’t need: it will reduce your attack surface.
You should also run anti-virus software. Many people use the built-in Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender. Those who need something heavier can install a free program such as Avast 2015 or AVG Free. If you require more complete security, install a paid-for suite.
Browser protection
The web browser is your interface to the net, and therefore most likely to be attacked. Most leading browsers are reasonably safe, if kept updated, and Google Chrome may well be the safest. Although Chrome has the highest number of vulnerabilities, they get patched quickly, and it has a “sandbox” to help insulate it from the rest of your PC.
also make sure to check that all your browser plug-ins are up to date. Most online attacks use JavaScript, so you can increase security by turning it off. Unfortunately, a lot of websites and most web-based apps use vast gobs of JavaScript, so this may be impractical.
Incoming threats
Any computer that’s online will find its ports being scanned from other computers, some of which will be worms (viruses), and some of which may be human attackers. It’s therefore important to have a firewall, and the one built into Windows 7 and 8 is good enough for most users.
To sum up, most ordinary computer users are completely unknown to the security issues that could happen with their computers and their informations. And its almost impossible to keep your computer completely secured, all by yourself. Thats why, you need us. We, at techyuga love securing your computers. Just not for once but forever.
STAY SECURED WITH TECHYUGA TODAY !
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Source : The Guardian
