Adding my 2 cents...
Bobby Heid wrote:
Hi all,
I am going to give a little class on pc security for people at my church. I
am by no means an expert on this, but I see so many things that need
changing whenever I do something for so many people.
I would like to get some ideas from you all on what I should cover.
Off the top of my head, I see (in no particular order):
1) Discussion of why they need to secure their pc - trojans, viruses,
adware, malware, etc.
ID theft, rootkits, their pc can become part of a zombie network,
general slowing, link hijacking (ads), being a good netizen...
2) Antivirus - What are some of the recommended free/paid versions? I know
many hear do not like NAV, but I have had no problems. I usually recommend
NAV.
FREE = SUCK. "Grow a set (or get a job) and PAY for AV" Kaspersky, Nod32
from Eset or Trend Micro PC Cillin. FREE = SUCK
3) Anti spyware - Gonna recommend AdAware, Spybot, and MS Defender for the
free versions, and Spysweeper for the paid version.
If the user employs responsible behavior and uses safe habits these
shouldn't get much use. Honestly, most of these programs wait for crap
to get installed then clean it up. TOO LATE! The object here is NOT to
get it in the first place. Paid - Counterspy (in conjunction with
Webroot's SS)
4) Broadband - why you need a router. Gonna recommend the Linksys WRT54G.
Even no name routers do the trick...
5) Why you need a software firewall. Kerio for the free version. Also
Kerio for the paid version.
Huzzah! Problem is Kerio doesn't do it anymore. They sold it to Sunbelt.
Same program and everything - lower prices I think!
Agnitum Outpost firewall is also VERY good!
6) Passwords - strength of passwords.
alphanumeric - uppercase lowercase - symbols like $%&^
7) Wireless network security.
*cough* Lock by MAC address. Don't expect security and why. Wired better
for speed and security.
8) Using Firefox.
Firefox isn't more secure, as much as it's not as popular. That's what
they are targeting - whatever people use the most. Mozilla is also good.
makes sense right? 90% of web idiots use IE. FF/Moz gaining ground
(sadly almost)
9) Safe surfing.
Everything you read here = safe browsing. Cybersitter program can also
help with spyware and that ilk but also enforce safe browsing habits.
Nothing like a modified HOSTS either.
10) Safe email habits.
Web and email - most popular ways to get crap on the system. Don't load
html images, don't forward junk email, don't send jokes and other
lameass email to everyone under the moon. Use disposable email for sign
ups (IE hotmail etc)
11) Phishing stuff.
Yeah good luck here.
12) Windows update.
Isn't the cure-all. I have people come in completely up to date with win
updates and system is loaded with bullshit. If it ain't broke...
13) Installed software updates
... don't fix it.
Anyone have any additions/changes?
Thanks,
Bobby
--
Cheers,
joeuser (still looking for the 'any' key)
