Advanced PC Virus and Security Help

A proxy is a server that you can connect to before browsing to a website. The website will think that the proxy is your computer which will mask your computers actual identity. Proxy servers will prevent advertisers from keeping a privacy evading database on your browsing habits. Now, there are some very important aspects of a proxy to keep in mind. Most online proxy servers don’t use SSL encryption so that aren’t really that anonymous. You must only use encrypted proxy servers. Also, in recent years, new technology, called XB Browser, was released to the public. TOR is an extremely secure proxy system comprised of many servers. Originally, it was very complicated to use but has become simpler. A product called XB Browser is an excellent solution for consumer privacy because the software can be installed on a USB drive and has the ability to run on any computer. For example, use XB Browser at a public library and then use another http proxy through XB Browser for maximum anonymity.

• XB Browser - use XB Browser for the highest level of online anonymity.

It’s very important to every so often check your computer’s running programs and how much CPU power they are using. This is an effective way to find viruses or spyware that may be frequently contacting the internet or using your hard drive. You can check by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then selecting task manager. However, viruses and trojans often will not show up in task manager because they are purposely hidden. So, I recommend a better alternative, Process Explorer. Process Explorer will probably give you the most in depth look into your running programs. Next, if you find a program that looks like mal ware, you can simply put the name of the offending process/program into google. There are many websites just dedicated to classifying all the bad and good programs on your computer. Also, consider the HijackThis software. HijackThis will analyze all the common areas that spyware may be located. Again, if you find an offending program or you are not quite sure, simply type in the name in google and you will quickly find information about the program.

• Process Explorer - the most indepth process/program information tool
• HijackThis - a very effective tool that will find the common locations of spyware.

While this is technically not a free download, I see this so often I thought I should emphasize it. People often start a wireless network at home and don’t use any form of security. Please understand that this is a Huge Security Risk and completely invalidates the majority of security software installed on your computer. For example, your neighbor might download songs, look at bad stuff, hack your computer, hack other computers off your wireless and you’ll be sued or held responsible not the perpetrator. When setting up a wireless network only use WPA2 protection if your router does not support WPA2 use WPA. Also, make your pass code pretty long like 30 characters so it can’t be cracked. Please never ever use WEP encryption because it almost is as worst as having no security. WEP can be cracked in under a minute. Finally, set a password to get into your router; don’t leave it as the default admin.

There are three more important aspects to your computers security. They are low level security, physical protection, and file encryption. If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you need to insure that you have set a BIOS password and set the boot disk priority to first boot your hard drive. Often computers default boot order will first allow CD ROM or floppy access. This insecurity will allow a hacker to run a Linux Live CD (operating system on a CD) with the ability to reset your Windows XP or Vista password. The Live CD will also potentially give the hacker access to all of your files. Second, you need to physically lock your computer to a wall and lock the case shut. Locking the case will prevent unauthorized users from removing your drives or changing jumper settings. Finally, you should encrypt your private data. If a hacker gets your password through a Linux Live CD, they still won’t be able to recover your encrypted files. A great free program to encrypt your files is True Crypt. True Crypt even has the ability to create hidden password protected drives for an extra layer of security.

• True Crypt - use True Crypt to safely and confidently encrypt all your computer's files.