Virus Attacks. These are only too easy to pick up from the internet. Change your Windows settings so that you can see the true file extensions. Never click on a file that ends in .exe or .pif or .vbs as these are files that launch programs and do not open any file attachments from people you don’t know. This could result in the complete loss of data and the need to perform a data recovery.
Ensure you have adequate virus and spyware protection and that it is updated automatically. DO NOT store data in any default directories (eg My Documents) – this is the first place a virus will seek out. Use the scan facility regularly and heal any infected files. Rename directories logically and store them under the root and on a separate partition. Partitioning gives enormous advantages in file recovery and should be considered an essential precaution; however avoid installing separate operating systems on those partitions.
Worms. To avoid a worm infecting your address book and spreading, add a new contact called 000_. Where it prompts you to enter the new email address, type in WormAlert@alert.com. The “name” 000_ will be placed at the top of your address book as the first entry. This will be where the worm will start in an effort to send itself to all your friends, but when it tries to send itself to 000_ it will be undeliverable and the worm goes no further and your friends will not be infected. If an email cannot be delivered, you will be notified of this in your Inbox very quickly. Hence, if you ever get an email telling you that an email addressed to WormAlert@alert.com could not be delivered, you know right away that a worm has infected your system and you can take steps to get rid of it.
Wireless Security. Use a Wireless Access Point, Router or Gateway with built-in Security. Contrary to some beliefs, making your wireless network secure is straightforward. Most wireless devices are shipped with default security settings, which are never set up by users. Lock down your wireless network or you may be open to hackers
Web Security. Learn the IP addresses of your favorite websites (especially if you are banking online). Websites can easily be cloned, but IP addresses are more difficult to sabotage. DO NOT ever click on links received from emails, these can easily be rooted through to rogue websites. Poor authentication procedures are opening organisations website to hijack. There are tools that will detect and clean your system, but preferably make sure that you have got the latest updates and patches for your operating system.
