USAA Magazine Fall 2006

For specifics on spyware, antivirus software, and firewall protection,visit Privacy & Security on usaa.com.USE PARENTAL CONTROLS. Childrenor grandchildren can easily get into troubleonline by accidentally coming across inappropriatesites. Use parental control software,such as Net Nanny, to make sure they staysafe online. If you use Windows Vista, use itsbuilt-in parental controls.PROTECT YOUR HOME NETWORK.If a hacker breaks into your home network, he’llget free rein to all of the PCs in your house. Usethe encryption built into your router and PCs sothat no one can break in. You can also use afiltering feature that will only allow certaincomputers to connect to your network.USE CAUTION IN PUBLIC PLACES.It’s easy to log on wirelessly to free “hotspots” at cafes, hotels, and airports — andit’s also easy to get hacked at them. Turnoff file sharing, make sure your firewallis turned on, and watch out for “shouldersurfers” — people who peer over yourshoulder to try to steal your passwords.AVOID INSTANT MESSAGINGVIRUSES. Viruses and malicious softwarecan be spread via instant messaging. Don’taccept file transfers in your instant messagingsoftware, and turn off the file transfer featurecompletely. Before clicking a link, make surea friend really sent it to you.KILL SPAM. Unsolicited e-mails are morethan an annoyance. They are often used todeliver malicious software, and their linksoften lead to scam sites. E-mail software, suchas Outlook, includes spam-killing features,but consider using extra protection as well.Symantec, McAfee, and Cloudmark all makeanti-spam software. For more on guardingagainst spam, see the tips on page 8.BLOCK POP-UPS. If you’ve ever clickedon a pop-up window when you visit a Website, you’ve endangered your computer. Why?Because pop-ups can be used to downloadmalicious software to your PC or Mac. Better yet,block pop-ups before they launch. Make sure thatyour pop-up blocker in browsers such as InternetExplorer or Firefox is turned on.GUARD YOUR PASSWORDS AND PINS.Keep them in a safe place, and never share themwith anyone. Never save that information inyour browser, either: Anyone with access to yourcomputer will be able to log on as you.LOCKDOWNAntivirus software. Scansa computer and kills any viruses it finds; works asan active shield, stopping viruses from infectingyour computer in the first place; scans incominge-mail for viruses and deletes dangerous ones beforethey get to your inbox.Anti-spyware software. Shields your computer fromspyware, which is software that gets loaded onto your computer withoutyou knowing it and sends info about your online activity to others.Software firewall. Stops others from connecting to yourcomputer without your knowledge; prevents malicious software planted onyour PC from making an outbound connection to a hacker.An up-to-date browser. Ensures that you have the latestsecurity patches and latest version of browsers, such as Firefox and InternetExplorer; enables you to use the browser’s latest built-in security features, suchas anti-phishing toolbars and pop-up blockers.Security suites. Includes antivirus and anti-spyware software,a firewall, and sometimes other software such as a personal privacy protector.The upside? They’re all-in-one. The downside? They can bog down your PC.Hardware firewall for home network routers.Performs similarly to a software firewall, except it’s built right into your routerand provides an extra level of security. If you have a hardware firewall, though,you should still use your software firewall.Laptop lock. Ensures that if your laptop is stolen, no one can use it;ranges from a lock that secures the laptop to a desk to methods that encrypt yourentire hard drive.USAA.COM WINTER 2007 USAA MAGAZINE 21