"Secure your Computer"
 

The members of the NRPD feel the only way to have a safe computer is to better understand its security features to help you make the right choices for your Computer Security needs.  Below are some helpful ideas from the NRPD Information & Technology Unit. Please check our Computer Glossary to gain a better understanding of various computer related terms.        Securing your home computer is not a trivial task. There are many topics to consider and many steps to follow. They take time to learn and do. If you can, read this entire document before you begin to secure your computer. You’ll have a better understanding of the effort and all its facets. This ought to help you when you begin to tackle the tasks described here.      Throughout this document, we describe two types of activities. Some you can do using the programs that came with your computer: working with passwords and email attachments, running programs, and backing up your work. For other activities, you might need to obtain some specialized programs: applying patches, and running anti-virus, firewall, and file encryption programs. Though some vendors’ products provide these features, we’ll assume your computer doesn’t have any of them so you’ll need to add all of them.      Here then is the list of tasks you need to do to secure your home computer. Their order is based on how intruders attack computers, beginning with the most-often used attack methods. By starting with the lower numbered tasks, you address the biggest problems you face in securing your home computer.   Task #1 - Install and use Anti-Virus Programs Task #2 - Keep your System Patched Task #3 - Use Care when Reading Email with Attachments Task #4 - Install and Use a Firewall Program Task #5 - Make Backups of Important Files and Folders Task #6 - Use Strong Passwords Task #7 - Use Care when Downloading and Installing Programs Task #8 - Install and use a Hardware Firewall Task #9 - Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls               Summary