CastleCops Safety Tips
Tips for Safer Surfing
- Read Tony Klein’s So how did I get infected in the first place?
- ALWAYS surf with an active internet firewall. The XP Windows firewall does not provide outbound protection, but ZoneAlarm® FREE, the Comodo Personal Firewall FREE and the Sygate Personal Firewall 5.x – FREE will block both inbound and outbound traffic.
- Use only reputable Antispyware and Security Programs: Consult the Malwarebytes’ RogueNET™ Suspicious Applications Database (SAD)and the Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Progam List first – before you download.
- Do not click on any random solicitations to “Scan your system for spyware”.
- Do not download any attachments from unsolicited email or even unexpected attachments from known contacts
- Never provide sensitive personal information (SSN, financial account numbers) in response to an email request.
- Never click on a link within an email; right-click & copy the link, paste it into your browser address bar – and watch where it takes you as it loads.
- Do NOT click on popups ads or download any anonymous software – google it first and read reviews
- Download all software from the vendor/developer site whenever possible (3rd party sites may distribute bundled adware)
- If you are a Skype user, please read the Tips on how to safely use Skype on the bottom of the page and pay particular attention to Article 4 – Permission to Utilize section of the EULA (end user license agreement).
- Set Safe Configurations for Internet Explorer and acquaint yourself with the Internet Explorer Security Zones
- Read these suggested Safe Configurations for Firefox
- Read about Cookie Management in The Unofficial Cookie FAQ
- Wireless Network Security For The Home
- Browse thru PC Magazine’s 80 Super Security Tips
- Although CastleCops does NOT condone or recommend the use of peer-to-peer file sharing software for sharing copyright protected material, if you must use it, use it wisely:
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- Please read these recommendations provided by Mike Healan regarding the safest P2P filesharing programs available.
- You may also refer to this list compiled by the Malware Removal Forum which details Clean/Infected P2P Programs
- Remove any adware/spyware programs which were bundled with your file-sharing program
- Adjust your file-sharing program settings so it does NOT automatically run at Windows Startup
- Adjust your file-sharing program settings so it does NOT allow others on the P2P network to openly access downloads from you computer.
- Close your filesharing program when you are not actively using it
