Home PC Security – Do’s and Don’ts

On occasion, I will host a training on PC Health and Security to our home-based agents.  I believe that a clean and safe computer will help increase your travel sales and keep you and your client’s data secure.

Detailed below is the talking points I use during this training.  Some of it is self-explanatory and possibly obvious.  But there are some proven viewpoints in keeping your PC secure and maintaining optimum system performance.

If anyone would like a training class on this subject please feel free to email me at ross@tvl2000.com so we can schedule a training appointment.

Install a Better and Safer Internet Browser

1. Mozilla FireFox
   http://www.getfirefox.com
2. Apple Safari
   http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

Spyware Removal Tools

1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
   http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
2. Lavasoft Ad-Aware
   http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Anniversary-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html
3. Spybot Search & Destroy
   http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Antivirus Software

1. AVG Free
   http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html
2. Avast Home Edition Antivirus
   http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10019223.html

Locking down your Internet browser

1. Internet Explorer Security Settings
2. Internet Explorer ActiveX Settings
3. FireFox Plugin: AdBlock Plus
   https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865

Common Maintenance

1. Weekly Virus Scanning
2. Weekly Spyware Scanning
3. Monthly or Bi-Monthly Hard Disk Defraging
4. Cleaning Old Files with CCleaner Application
   http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10315544.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10876371

Firewalls

1. What is a Firewall?
2. Which is better: A Software or Hardware Firewall?

Common holes in security

1. Downloading Email File Attachments
2. Giving away personally identifiable information to 3rd parties or scammers inadvertently
3. Visiting Malicious Sites on the Internet
4. No Firewall Protection

Securing Your Private Information

1. Look for the Lock, Always!!!
2. Banking Websites
3. Online Shopping
4. Why should I have 2 email addresses?
5. Automatic Form-filling or Login/Password Entry
6. Why is your Social Security Number saved on your computer?