Don't be a zombie

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Here's some tips on internet security.

Hackers sniff out wireless networks and run port scanners to take over computers. They get your personal information, use your PC to host their porn or spam business, or use it to cover their tracks while they attack other computers and businesses.

So if you have a wireless home network, take these precautions:

1. Don't broadcast your SSID
2. Turn on encryption (128 bit is better than 40 bit)
3. Use MAC authentication on every wireless connection

And on each of your home computers use this software and keep it updated:
1. Install a firewall like ZoneAlarm (it's free and awesome)
2. Use antivirus like Norton or Mcafee (keep it running and set it to scan weekly)
3. Use a malware scanner like Spysweeper (keep it running and set it to scan weekly)

I've had computers get infected before and spent days and even weeks decontaminating or rebuilding them because my friends or stepkids didn't know how to use their security software or turned it off.

I use the ZoneAlarm Security suite on my system. The suite's not free, but it combines their firewall, antivirus, spy scanner, and popup blocker. I also use Spysweeper and set it for rootkit detection. IMO it's the best thing out there.

I got a rootkit trojan horse from my stepkids' computers once (before I bought spysweeper), but that's it. I've been virus and malware free for six months now.