Desktop Computer complete Security

Why do you need to secure your Desktop?
A personal computer used without proper security measure could lead to exploiting the system for illegal activities using the resources of such insecured computers. These exploiters could be Virus, Trojans, Keyloggers and sometimes real hackers. This may result in data theft, data loss, personal information disclosure, stealing of credentials like passwords etc. So, protect and secure your Personal Computer before it is compromised.

Things to remember while using your personal computer:
Always install Licensed Software so that you have regular updates of your Operating system and Applications. In case of open source software, make sure to update frequently.

1. Read the “Terms and Conditions” / “License Agreement” provided by vendor/software before installation.
2. Properly shutdown and switch off your personal computer after the use along with your external devices like Monitor, Modem, Speakers etc.

Software Installation:
Installation of Operating System

• Get proper Licensed Operating System and read License agreement carefully before installing the OS.
• Switch on your personal computer and go to BIOS Settings and change your first boot drive to CD Drive.
• Insert your CD/DVD into the CD drive and restart your system using Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
• After restart, the system boots from the CD/DVD.
• Follow the installation steps as specified by the vendor document.
• Use the CD provided by the Vendor to install your 
• Motherboard drivers
• Monitor drivers
• Audio & Video drivers
• Network drivers

Physical Security:
Regularly clean your system and it’s components. Note: Turn your PC Off before cleaning it.

• Properly organize the power cables, wires, to prevent from water, insects etc.
• While working at PC, be careful not to spill water or food items on it.
• Always follow “Safely Remove” option provided by the Operating System while disconnecting the USB devices.
• By setting BIOS password, you can prevent unauthorized access to your personal computer.
• Switch off the computer when it’s not in use. Note: To setup BIOS password refer “Setting password to BIOS” section.

Internet Security: 
Follow These Internet Ethics while browsing.

• Check the copyright issues before using the content of Internet.
• Always access the site which uses https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) while performing Online transactions, Downloads etc, which is secure.
• If the site uses SSL, verify the Certificate details like Who is the owner, Expiry date of the certificate etc to confirm whether it is trusted or not. You can do this by clicking the lock icon.
• Use only Original Websites for downloading the files rather than Third Party websites.
• Scan the downloaded files with an updated Anti-Virus Software before using it.
• Install and properly configure a Software firewall, to protect against malicious traffic

Data Security:

• Enable Auto-updates of your Operating System and update it regularly.
• Download Anti-Virus Software from a Trusted Website and Install. Make sure it automatically gets updated with latest virus signatures.
• Download Anti-Spyware Software from a Trusted Website and Install. Make sure it automatically updates with latest definitions.
• Use “Encryption” to secure your valuable Information. Note: For encryption password is required, always remember the password used while encrypting it, else data would not be available thereafter.
• Strong password should be used for “Admin” Account on computer and for other important applications like E-mail client, Financial Applications (accounting etc).
• Backup : Periodically backup your computer data on CD / DVD or USB drive etc..
• in case it may get corrupted due to HardDisk failures or when reinstalling or formatting the system.

Browser Security:

• Always update your Web Browser with latest patches.
• Use privacy or security settings which are inbuilt in the browser.
• Also use content filtering software.
• Always have Safe Search “ON” in Search Engine.
• Always use Anti-Spyware Software to scan the eMails for Spam.
• Always scan the e-Mail attachments with latest updated Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy ware before opening.
• Always remember to empty the Spam folder.
• Startup programs should be monitored or controlled for optimal system performance.
• Recovery Disk: Always keep recovery disk supplied by manufacturer or vendor of the Computer System to recover the Operating System in the event of boot failures due to system changes such as uncerificated drivers or unknown driver softwares.

Wireless Security:

• Change default Administrator passwords.
• Turn On WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) / WEP Encryption.
• Change default SSID.
• Enable MAC address filtering.
• Turn off your wireless network when not in use.

Modem Security:

• Change the default passwords.
• Switch off when not in use.

Dont’s:

• Do not install pirated software such as
• Operating System Software (Windows, Unix, etc..).
• Application Software (Office, Database..etc).
• Security Software (Antivirus, Antispyware..etc).Note: Remember, some Pirated Software themselve can be rogue programs.
• Do not plug the computer directly to the wall outlet as power surges may destroy computer. Instead use a genuine surge protector to plug a computer.
• Don’t eat food or drink around the PC.
• Don’t place any magnets near the PC.
• Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
• Don’t open the e-Mail attachments which have double extensions.