- Jan 24, 2011
- 9,378
1. Don't run unknown programs on your computer.
Before clicking the 'Run' button make sure you know what the program is and always keep in mind from where you got it.
Everyone has seen this type of alert however most of the user for some reason decide to ignore it and allow the file to run without any kind of restriction.
Files that don't have a digital signature or were downloaded from a unknown source should always be treated as dangerous.
I strongly recommend that you check each file before allowing it to run :
1.Scan it with your installed AV engine
2. Scan it with an on-demad scanner like Hitman Pro or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3.Submit the file virustotal.com to be scanned with 43 AV engines
4.Submit the file at threatexpert.com in order to see how it behaves and what system changes performs
Even so it's strongly recommended that you run the file in a virtual environment like Sandboxie or Bufferzone until you can decide if the file is malicious or not.
2. No keygen = No infections
Keygen , cracks and patches are the most common ways of getting your PC infected.
I strongly advise you to avoid them, as there is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.
3. Download files only from trusted sources.
You can drastically reduce the risk of an infection by knowing what and from where you are downloading a file.
As a general rule it's recommended that you download files from known and reputable sites that have confirmed that the download is malware free.
If you are unsure about the quality of a download, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.
4. Use common sense while online
If it's sounds to good to be truth then most likely is!
You'll not win the lottery and you'll not get an amazing prize on the Internet so don't fall for this type of scams.
Ignore emails or websites who promise you a great prize as there is always a catch behind this type of promises.
Completing a survey will not grant you a iPhone or 1000$ instead it will give the cyber criminals your personal details.
5. Keep your PC up-to-date and secure
Always update your OS or software when an update is available as this can greatly reduce the chances of an exploit.
Also keep in mind that a simple antivirus engine doesn't do the job anymore, you need to have a layered system protection as malware threats are constantly changing and improving thus making the antivirus engine obsolete.
An antivirus engine, firewall , HIPS , site advisor and sandbox are security layers which every computer needs to be safe in today's world.
Another common mistake made by Windows users is to disable the User Account Control.
I strongly advise you to let this Windows feature enabled and pay a very close attention to this pop-ups , as this could save your PC from an infection.
Other Quick Security Tips :
- Uninstall Java if you don't really need it as this is one of the most exploited programs.
- Use complex passwords for you online accounts - Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters and contain a combination of letters (uppercase/lowercase), numbers, and special symbols (!,@, #, &, %,*)
- Do not open email attachments from unknown sources or files sent through an instant messenger
- Don't give out your details to people who don't have a legitimate need to know them.
- While on social networks it's best to be reserved when allowing people to see your profile or updates.
- Use a Limited/Standard User Account (LUA) - When using a Limited/Standard User Account , your user profile might still getting compromised, but not Windows 7 basic operating system in the background. Even your profile got hit, all your pictures, MP3 files or documents can be restored easily by logging in to another account that is not yet compromised.
Before clicking the 'Run' button make sure you know what the program is and always keep in mind from where you got it.
Everyone has seen this type of alert however most of the user for some reason decide to ignore it and allow the file to run without any kind of restriction.
Files that don't have a digital signature or were downloaded from a unknown source should always be treated as dangerous.
I strongly recommend that you check each file before allowing it to run :
1.Scan it with your installed AV engine
2. Scan it with an on-demad scanner like Hitman Pro or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3.Submit the file virustotal.com to be scanned with 43 AV engines
4.Submit the file at threatexpert.com in order to see how it behaves and what system changes performs
Even so it's strongly recommended that you run the file in a virtual environment like Sandboxie or Bufferzone until you can decide if the file is malicious or not.
2. No keygen = No infections
Keygen , cracks and patches are the most common ways of getting your PC infected.
I strongly advise you to avoid them, as there is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.
3. Download files only from trusted sources.
You can drastically reduce the risk of an infection by knowing what and from where you are downloading a file.
As a general rule it's recommended that you download files from known and reputable sites that have confirmed that the download is malware free.
If you are unsure about the quality of a download, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.
4. Use common sense while online
If it's sounds to good to be truth then most likely is!
You'll not win the lottery and you'll not get an amazing prize on the Internet so don't fall for this type of scams.
Ignore emails or websites who promise you a great prize as there is always a catch behind this type of promises.
Completing a survey will not grant you a iPhone or 1000$ instead it will give the cyber criminals your personal details.
5. Keep your PC up-to-date and secure
Always update your OS or software when an update is available as this can greatly reduce the chances of an exploit.
Also keep in mind that a simple antivirus engine doesn't do the job anymore, you need to have a layered system protection as malware threats are constantly changing and improving thus making the antivirus engine obsolete.
An antivirus engine, firewall , HIPS , site advisor and sandbox are security layers which every computer needs to be safe in today's world.
Another common mistake made by Windows users is to disable the User Account Control.
I strongly advise you to let this Windows feature enabled and pay a very close attention to this pop-ups , as this could save your PC from an infection.
Other Quick Security Tips :
- Uninstall Java if you don't really need it as this is one of the most exploited programs.
- Use complex passwords for you online accounts - Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters and contain a combination of letters (uppercase/lowercase), numbers, and special symbols (!,@, #, &, %,*)
- Do not open email attachments from unknown sources or files sent through an instant messenger
- Don't give out your details to people who don't have a legitimate need to know them.
- While on social networks it's best to be reserved when allowing people to see your profile or updates.
- Use a Limited/Standard User Account (LUA) - When using a Limited/Standard User Account , your user profile might still getting compromised, but not Windows 7 basic operating system in the background. Even your profile got hit, all your pictures, MP3 files or documents can be restored easily by logging in to another account that is not yet compromised.
