Quick Steps for Securing Windows
If you need secure your Windows system immediately, here are quick steps to get you started. Please be sure to go to Windows Security Checklist for additional help in securing your Windows system.
- Install Your PC without an Internet Connection
If you have not already installed Windows on your PC, make sure that it is disconnected before you install the operating system. By installing the system while its on the network without the latest security patches and anti-virus software, your system will be an open target for attacks from viruses and hackers. No Windows installation requires that you be connected to a network during installation.
- Install a Personal Firewall
Firewalls help to isolate your machine from attacks originating from malicious or infected hosts on the network. While they are a great tool for protecting your machine, they do require a bit of knowledge to set up.
If you are not comfortable with PCs, you may consider skipping this step. HOWEVER, this will leave your system vulnerable while it is being patched and may cause it to become infected within a matter of minutes.
If you are running Windows XP with SP2, you can enable the Windows Personal Firewall to protect you from attacks. You can enable this before you connect to the Internet to download patches so that you will not be vulnerable to attack while you're trying to patch your system.
- Patch Your System
Once your system is up and running, you should visit the Windows Update website to download and install any missing critical patches. Once all of the patches are applied, you should revisit the site at least once a week to check for new updates.
If you are running Windows 2000, XP, or 2003, you can configure your PC to automatically download and install updates rather than having to remember to continually revisit the Windows Update website. Be sure to visit the site after setting up your computer to be sure that you have all of the latest patches installed.
Visit Windows Update website
- Install Anti-Virus Software
VCU has a site license for Symantec AntiVirus, which you can download at no cost. Download the Symantec AntiVirus Managed Client so that your PC is automatically kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest anti-virus definition software. This helps protect your PC against the latest threats from the Internet.
Download Symantec Anti-Virus Program
- Subscribe to the Microsoft Security Bulletin Service
As an added measure of protection, you can sign up to receive e-mail notifications from Microsoft when critical security holes are found in their operating systems. This helps you to stay informed and protect your machine from malicious attacks.
Sign Up for the Microsoft Security Notification Service
