How to protect your computer from hackers, spyware and viruses

Posted on June 26, 2007 at 8:48 pm

Make sure to read other posts from the Online Security series!

How to detect computer & email monitoring or spying software
How to protect your computer from hackers, spyware and viruses
Lessons worth learning – How NOT to remain anonymous on the Internet

This post has been inspired by the situation of one of my cousin’s computers in India. I recently made a trip there and since I’m in the IT field, she asked me to take a look at her computer since it was acting “funny”. The “funny” act was that the computer would automatically restart whenever you tried to install ANY software onto it or download any program from the Internet. First thing I noticed was that there was no anti-virus software installed on the computer, so my first goal was to install AVG anti-virus and check for viruses. But of course, the virus that was already on the computer would not let me install or download anything! Smart virus! To make a long story short (and I mean a LONG story), there were 2256 viruses on the computer and 110 instances of spyware. I have never even heard of such a ludicrous number of viruses on a computer before!

Most of the viruses on the computer were hidden in files that had been downloaded off the Internet: songs, videos, and movies. I was amazingly surprised that the computer lasted for 2 years with that many viruses! So I gave my dear cousin a serious lesson in how to protect her computer from the dangers of the Internet and I will go through them here for anyone else who might be interested!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment and I’ll add them on!

1. Install Anti-Virus Software - This should not even have to be listed, if you don’t have anti-virus software installed, you’re asking for trouble! And if your reason for not installing anti-virus software is because it’s too expensive, then that can reason can be shot down because there are several free anti-virus programs out there that are considered better than commercial software packages. Here are two of the most popular ones:

AVG Anti-Virus – Very good and completely free.

Avast Anti-Virus – Almost on par with AVG.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus – Not free, but one of the best detection rates.

2. Update All Software - Installing an anti-virus program by itself is not enough. There are hundreds of new threats that are found daily and the anti-virus programs release updates regularly to combat the new threats. Make sure you anti-virus program is set to update automatically so that you don’t have to rely on your memory to do it. Also, this goes for all the software on your computer. The most important software to keep up to date is your Windows operating system. It is essential to have Automatic Updates turned on and set to download and install updates automatically.

3. Install only Trusted Software - If you’re not sure what a piece of software does from it’s name, then don’t install it. Also, don’t install anything you didn’t intend to install in the first place. Sometimes programs will ask you to install other programs during the install of the first application. Be careful of that because it’s usually spyware. Install software from big names sites only, such as Microsoft or Adobe.

4. Avoid P2P File Sharing Software – If used with great caution, P2P software is quite useful for movies, songs and software, but if you’re not very technically savvy, you might end up downloading a song that has a keystroke logger attached to it that will send anything you type to some other computer over the Internet. It’s almost impossible to tell that this is occurring unless your anti-virus or anti-spyware programs pick it up in their scans.

5. Delete Unknown Emails – If you receive emails from random people’s names, do not bother to open the email, just delete it. If you have any doubts after reading the name and the subject, it’s probably not someone you know. Never download or open attachments unless you are sure it’s from someone you know. Give the person a call quickly and ask them if you’re not sure. Most large companies that you create online accounts with will not send you attachments unless you specifically ask for them through their web site. Also, be wary of any emails from sites pretending to be banks, auction sites, etc asking for you to verify bank account info or address info. No bank ever does that.

6. Do not click on Ads - Avoid clicking on ads if you can. Especially those ads where something is flying around and if you shoot the duck, you win some prize! Ads have become more sophisticated in that they try to make the ad interactive so that you’ll be tempted to play it like a game.

7. Run Virus Scans Regularly – If you’re not in the mood to scan every day, at least run a scan once a week. Actually, setup a schedule for your computer in your anti-virus software to run a scan late at night or whenever you don’t use your computer and that way you won’t be bothered with a slow computer.

8. Be careful what you attach to your computer – This is a more common way to transfer viruses than you might think. Everyone now has a USB flash stick that they carry around on their key chains, ready to snap into any computer. But who knows what your viruses are on your friends computers and what accidentally got transferred to their USB stick. A lot of virus programs will auto launch right when the USB stick is put into the computer, so you don’t even have to open or download any of the files to be infected.

9. Avoid Shady Web Sites – If you need to look at porn, then make sure you do it in a virtual environment. You are DEFINITELY going to get some virus or spyware if you browse porn sites on your computer. Virtualization basically allows you to run programs like Internet Explorer in a virtual environment that does not effect your current operating system. If you want to find out more, search for “Virtual PC” or “VM Ware” in Google. Otherwise, simply avoid going to shady web sites!

10. Turn On or Install a Firewall - If you’re running Windows XP, make sure Windows Firewall is turned on. A firewall prevents hackers from gaining access to your computer by limiting the number of ports that are open to the public. Also, when buying a wireless router, make sure it has a built in firewall. Having a software and hardware firewall is better than just having one or the other.

11. Secure Your Wireless Network – Most wireless routers are set to no security when you install them. Be sure to log into the router and at least set the basic security that requires a password. There are stronger encryption options, but if you don’t understand those, then simply set a password on the router, otherwise anyone can connect to your home network and access everything.

12. Use a Complex Password for Login – This means that you should already have a password to login to your computer. Not having a password at all is not a good idea. Create a password for all user accounts and make sure it’s complex. Complex means it should have numbers, upper case characters, lower case characters, and symbols. This makes it way more difficult for a hacker to get into your computer.

Anything else!?!? Please feel free to add!

[tags]protect computer from viruses, how to protect computer, spyware, block hackers[/tags]

» Filed Under Computer Tips

Comments

23 Responses to “How to protect your computer from hackers, spyware and viruses”

MICHAEL J. SCHMITZ said on : July 4th, 2007 at 8:04 pm

IF THE QWEST GIVES YOU EACH PHONE NUMBER AND COMPUTER ON THEIR OWN HACKERS LINES TO LISTEN TO ALL INCOMING, OUTGOING AND COMPUTER TO GO THROUGH YOUR FILES AND TO STEAL CERTAIN FOLDERS. SO TELL ME HOW I CAN STOP THAT WITHOUT MOVING>

akishore said on : July 4th, 2007 at 10:56 pm

I’ll be glad to help. Can you explain that a little more? I’m not exactly sure what you mean. Thanks!

Jamie said on : February 26th, 2008 at 2:59 am

Hey, is it possible for you to tell me what a ‘Virus protection program’ actaully protects you against ty

akishore said on : February 27th, 2008 at 9:58 am

I personally like AVG Anti-Virus as my virus protection program. I have also heard that Kaspersky is great anti-virus program also, but it’s not free. I would not recommend Norton or MacAfee.

Dr Praveen said on : July 11th, 2008 at 7:17 am

Thank u…. i felt the explanation regarding virus protection program is good. got eye on this post when i was in search of it. based on ur sugesstion i am using AVG antivirus it on my pc.

cally said on : September 9th, 2008 at 9:24 pm

Is it possible to get spyware through picture transfer?

anisa said on : October 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

i thought norton was the best, because that’s what i heard and i had a trial version in my laptop certainly its not free so i have to renew it … and i havent yet!
so my father got AVG for the laptop! and thanks to what i dont know… there is some trouble with it!
so i just try to avoid using the laptop for browsing the net!

Carolyn said on : December 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm

I own Kaspersky but when a tech guy reloaded my computer he put AVG and Threatfire and did not reload the Kaspersky. I am thinking to put the Kaspersky back on. Is there any way to know if these programs could function together as the AVG and Threatfire do?

pandu said on : December 26th, 2008 at 9:45 am

I am living in a student hostel/dorm. I have my own internet connection. My laptop is connected to internet vie LAN. All Security essentials that came with Windows Vista like Firewall, Defender, Automatic updating, Malware, etc. are active or turned ON. And one free anti virus software/program Avira is also scanning my computer 24hrs a day. These days the downloading speed has come down drastically. I have suspicion on my neighbour. This is because his absence increases the download speed and his presence …

Can anyone suggest me on how to get rid of this problem.

Sax said on : March 27th, 2009 at 9:28 am

quite an old past but, @pandu – do you use a wireless internet connection? Make sure that it is secure and asks for a security key for authentication when you connect to it. Or you should be able to check your usage online (check with your internet service provider how) to see if it tallies.

louise said on : June 8th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

I hope you don’t mind but I used some of this information for a school assignment, it was very helpful. Thank-you!

P.S. The term is “Cracker” not “Hacker” by the way.

Carolyn said on : November 24th, 2009 at 2:33 am

Dear Louise,
No it’s not. Computer hacker; safe cracker.
And no one cares if you use information on the internet for school. Its free for the taking. But remember, it’s not all true– far from it.
This is a very old post and I’ve learned a lot since then. I think the best tip I got from someone on security was to use a router even though I only have one computer. This way the IP address keeps changing which foils many of today’s problems. And I’m sticking with AVG and Threatfire and have not had any problems since.
All the best,
CA

akishore said on : November 25th, 2009 at 9:58 am

@Carolyn – I agree that it’s best to have a wireless router between your cable modem and your computer. Being connected directly to a cable modem is probably not a good idea in terms of security. However, most of the other suggestions to protect yourself from hackers are still very relevant!

Kieran said on : December 10th, 2009 at 4:42 am

Some excellent tips! As we become more and more dependent on or PC’s for online shopping etc we need to make sure our PC is fully protected. These are good security tips!

nate said on : December 16th, 2009 at 11:37 pm

well well, that is a very good list but ill tell you what if you want maximum protection you need a very good firewall, windows firewall will not cut it its to easy to pass. i have outpost firewall its pretty good no problems with it, another good firewall is comodo, now for a antivirus i use norton endpoint, being in the military we get this stuff for free and it works very well.

Also think about encryption, you can get free encryption software that will do a very good job. also if you want a very quick and fast computer, think about not using windows defrag cause again there defrag sucks, i use perfect disk professional and it does a far better job.

You can also get a password generator, so you dont have to reuse the same old passwords over and over again.. with this tool it makes it harder for people to figure out your passwords which limits the probability of them gaining access to your computer and or files. also i need to clear something up a router does not change your ip address. it changes your submask which is your fake ip but your original ip address does not change. the only way you can actually change your ip address is by calling your provider and telling them you want to change it..but there is a thing called dynamic ip. again you get that through your provider where it does change your ip address automatically.

Also think about getting port sniffers etc etc. im sure by now you guys should get the hint. but let me remind you there is no way shape or form of getting rid of everything its impossible this list is just to help prevent it. and also think about a good antispyware, i use adaware its a good tool and also get malwarebytes, that program right there is a slow scanner but it picks up everything a antivirus doesnt pick up.one more thing i need to suggest is do not a get a internet security suite, the reason being is they lack everywhere cause there trying to put to much in one program each program is unique so stick to one program just being antivirus another program being antispyware etc etc so on and so on…

oh ya last but not least if you ever run into a problem where you have a virus that you cant get out.. go into safe mode and run your scanner in safe mode. it will get it out all the time… reason being is in regular mode the virus is constantly running and sometimes the scanner cant pick up on it.. so in safe mode the virus is stationary and cannot run so it picks up on it.. if you guys need help or have questions feel free to email me at sniper_aimz@yahoo.com

good luck
nate

nate said on : December 16th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

one more thing louise is correct in theyre term cracker, a hacker is someone that hacks for the good, meaning fbi cia military, all them types of people who “hack” to protect everything is a hacker, a cracker is someone who cracks your computers source code, and destroys what they can… so there is a difference. this is coming from someone who is a IT professional. good luck you all

nate said on : December 16th, 2009 at 11:46 pm

oh haha one more thing im sorry you all but a router is in fact very easy to crack. its actually just as easy as your land line, if not easier.. just be careful on what you do. always look for guidance if your not sure on what your doing thanks again

carlos said on : December 19th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

I have SVG anti-virus, but a hacker was still able to break through and get access to my computer. I turned on my firewall and he turned it off the next day. How is he able to break through the anti-virus program and turn off the firewall? What can I do to protect my computer?

Daphne DeLaurier said on : December 27th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

A forum website (which I was logged into) appears to have been hacked over the holidays. The moderator of the site is looking for help from a webmaster. Could anyone tell me what the risks are to those of us who are registered on the site and to those who were logged in?
Many thanks -

neil said on : December 31st, 2009 at 7:37 pm

How do you know that you have a firewall on your wireless router? And how can you turn on the firewall?

rutvik said on : January 20th, 2010 at 10:02 pm

I read your literature and I now know something new, but i have one problem. My firewall is turned on and automatic updates is turned on. I have an evaluation copy of quick heal antivirus. I got the Internet a few days ago and there is some ip address that attacks my pc. My firewall detects that IP address and I write that IP address, but after they attacks on my PC, I keep loosing my internet connection. i have had this problem for the last few weeks. i think that you help me solve my problem.

Pradeep said on : February 6th, 2010 at 4:29 am

pls help me, how can I prevent my computer from unauthorized remote desktop connections and screen monitoring of my computer? pls suggest me the software which I can use to protect my PC from such problems.

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August 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 am