This document is intended to prescribe basic guidelines to the home computer users working with computer systems running Windows Operating System. The basic purpose of this document is to create awareness about computer security issues among home computer users and suggest them the tasks to be performed to secure their computer systems to protect their information assets.
Why Home Computers?
Home computers are typically not very secure and are easy to break-in. When combined with high-speed Internet connections that are always turned on, intruders can quickly find and then attack home computers. While intruders also attack home computers connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, high-speed connections (cable modems and DSL modems) are a favorite target. There may not be important data stored on the home computers but they are targeted by the intruders for launching attack against other computer systems.
How attackers do it?
In general, attack vectors which attackers use are:
In some cases, they send email with a virus. Reading that email activates the virus, creating an opening that intruders use to enter or access the computer. In other cases, they take advantage of a flaw or weakness in one of the computer program’s vulnerability to gain access. Once they’re on the computer, they often install new programs that let them continue to use the computer even after user plug the holes they used to get onto user’s computer in the first place. These are known as “backdoors” and are usually cleverly disguised so that they blend in with the other programs running on user’s computer.
Why Home Computers?
Home computers are typically not very secure and are easy to break-in. When combined with high-speed Internet connections that are always turned on, intruders can quickly find and then attack home computers. While intruders also attack home computers connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, high-speed connections (cable modems and DSL modems) are a favorite target. There may not be important data stored on the home computers but they are targeted by the intruders for launching attack against other computer systems.
How attackers do it?
In general, attack vectors which attackers use are:
- Through E-mail
- Through Un-trusted Websites
- Through Internet Shares
In some cases, they send email with a virus. Reading that email activates the virus, creating an opening that intruders use to enter or access the computer. In other cases, they take advantage of a flaw or weakness in one of the computer program’s vulnerability to gain access. Once they’re on the computer, they often install new programs that let them continue to use the computer even after user plug the holes they used to get onto user’s computer in the first place. These are known as “backdoors” and are usually cleverly disguised so that they blend in with the other programs running on user’s computer.
