Security Tips
Please note: Because worms and viruses can open your computer to unauthorized access, deleting malware may not completely secure an infected computer. Reinstalling the operating system and recovering data from backups (system recovery) may be the only way to make certain a critical system is safe.
BEFORE connecting to any network, take the following steps:
-> Make sure Windows and the IE are fully up-to-date: www.windowsupdate.com.
-> Check/set your IE settings
-> Use Browser Hijack Retaliator for maximal protection of your Internet Explorer and Windows.
-> Use IE-Spyad to enhance your privacy and security
-> Use SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware
-> Install, run and update Anti-Virus software
-> Regularly do software updates
-> Reset default passwords
-> Turn off file sharing
-> Turn on a Firewall
-> Do your work in non-administrator accounts
-> Back up important files on floppy disks, zip drives, or other storage devices on a regular basis, so that they can easily be replaced if a virus wipes out your hard drive
-> Make sure you set windows to see the hidden files and folders.
-> Install, update and run Spybot Search and Destroy
-> Install, update and run also Ad-Aware
-> Download a Cleaning-Tool to delete all the Temporary Internet Files.
-> Use alternative browsers: Mozilla, Firefox, Opera.
-> Use alternate e-mail clients: Mozilla
-> Don't open e-mails from strangers or attachments you weren't expecting, especially attachments with *.exe extensions
Check out the Baseline Security Analyzer. It examines your computer to make it safer in the Internet.
Once infected, your computer is dangerous. Your computer...
could be used to attack or infect other computers
could be used to send out thousands of spam mails in your name
could burden or disrupt people's networks with high volumes of messages
so: --> disconnect the computer from the Internet (Information, Prevention & Detection).
Worm Removal Information: It is always safest to do a complete re-format (which means erasing all of the programs and the data on your machine) and re-install Windows after a computer has been compromised (Formatting & Reinstalling). If you choose to take this step, it is extremely important to use the following procedure to keep from getting re-infected almost immediately:
--> Please note: you must format your local hard disk before reinstalling your operating system, otherwise this process will be a waste of time. Also note that after you format your hard disk, everything on it will be lost forever. So make sure you have taken everything you need off the drive before starting the format procedure (Rebuilding Your Computer or Clean Install of Windows).
01. Gather all materials you need. For example, backup firewall software and any downloads you may need during the rebuild process. This is important because if you forget something and need to get on the network before all procedures are complete, your computer may become reinfected and you'll have to start all over again. If you run Windows XP, it would be the best to download Windows XP Service Pack 2 and burn it to CD.
-> 02. Disconnect the network cable.
-> 03. Perform your document backup. Back up (Free Helper Tools) your personal files and folders from the hard disk. It is better not to back up programs, if they can be reloaded.
-> 04. Obtain drivers for all the hardware.
-> 05. Reformat your computer.
-> 06. Reinstall programs from vendor media.
-> 07. If you are running Windows XP and you have a copy of Windows XP Service Pack 2, install it now.
-> 08. Reinstall your operating system.
-> 09. Install your drivers and software again.
-> 10. Enable the Windows XP firewall or any other firewall you may have.
-> 11. Reboot your computer.
-> 12. When the computer has completely rebooted, connect your network cable and follow the rest of the StartSafe procedures (http://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/startsafe)
-> 13. Change all passwords that were typed into your computer while it was infected.
-> 14. Copy personal files and folders back - but don't forget to scan these back-ups by antivirus-programs, otherwise you'll got the infections back on the new system.
NEVER bring up a server until all patches and configuration changes have been completed. Unpatched servers have been found and compromised in minutes by automated worms and scripts. Install the software while the machine is disconnected from network, make sure all servers are shut down, connect to the network and download the patches, disconnect from the network, and apply patches (FAQ Computer Security).
-> Please read: Why did I get infected in the first place
Many Thanks to several Security Pages on Internet
