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Hi Everyone, Computer security solutions change as threats and technology changes. This is what I am recommending now as a base for keeping a secure home computer. These recommendations are different from what they were last year and different from what they will be in the future. There are trade-offs for security in cost and speed. I take those into account. Some of you reading this may need something a little different and I hope you will discuss it with me and we can come up with a more personalized solution for you.
ANTIVIRUS / MALWARE 1. Windows Vista or 7 – Microsoft Security Essentials Windows 8 – Windows Defender 2. Malwarebytes Premium ($25 per year) These should both be configured to exclude each other while scanning. Both of them should also be configured to run a daily full scan. BACKUP – Carbonite Online Backup Carbonite is $60 per year to scan one whole computer without scanning external drives or $99 with external drives. I believe in online backups as the best way to keep your data safe. Carbonite is inexpensive and easy to use. It works in the background without your having to remember to run it. I resell it for the same cost you would pay. The advantage to that is that I have a console of all my customers’ backup statuses. If there is a problem I am alerted and will alert you. PASSWORD SAFETY – PasswordSafe or LastPass. The idea with both of these is to keep all of your passwords in one program. You need to remember one password to get into that program. I use the free PasswordSafe and store lots of passwords in it. There are quite a few features to it. I use the random password feature among others. It will create a random password and store it for you. It is very easy to then copy it from the program into a website. PasswordSafe is a program to be installed on your computer. LastPass is a web based program with similar features. I do not actually use it myself but it receives very good reviews from people I trust. LastPass is free but has a paid version that allows mobile device access. It is also a good idea to change your passwords every so often. These programs make it easier to keep up with changing passwords. FIREWALL – Windows Firewall For most people, Windows Firewall is a good firewall solution when used as part of an overall security plan as described here. SOFTWARE SECURITY UPDATES
a. Adobe Acrobat b. Flash c. Java d. Shockwave e. If there are other legitimate programs that you use that update themselves they should be updated. Make sure these are legitimate (non-malware) programs. If you need help with that then ask me.
OTHER GOOD IDEAS 1. Unchecky This small, free program unchecks optional installs when installing something on the internet. Many ‘junkware’ add-on programs are pre-checked when installing something. Most people install defaults and get these optional installs. This program updates itself. 2. CryptoPrevent This small, free program prevents programs from running where they are not supposed to on your computer. Malware often runs in these places. This program was created to help prevent the particularly nasty Cryptolocker but also helps with others. It is a good idea to check online for updates to CryptoPrevent or purchase the paid version for automatic updates. 3. WOT – Web Of Trust This is a free browser add-on that connects to an online database of safe and malicious websites. It will alert you in many cases before you go to a malicious site. 4. PRACTICE SAFE BROWSING HABITS I wrote something up a while ago that still has value.https://sandercomputerservices.com/safe-internet-browsing-habits/
Much of this is included in a PC Tune Up. I charge a fixed price of $85 for that. I am also introducing an updated All-In-One Security Package that is all of what you see below and includes quarterly updates from all the software mentioned here. The cost for that is $145 plus the costs of the software.
Thanks and Happy Computing,
Greg Sander 972-514-7724 |