Securing PCs Like a Computer Security Tech Does

It’s not easy to determine computer problems unless you know what to look for and which tools to use. Most computer security technicians are capable of determining and solving computer problems not only because of their general knowledge in the field, but because they were trained or certified to hunt down common issues. Others gain the skills to secure and fix computer issues after many years of experience and practice. If you want to know how to solve computer problems yourself, you have to think like a computer security tech.

This guide will help you get started with tasks like solving malware infections, preventing zero-day attacks, hacking attempts and unauthorized access to your network and devices.

Malware Issues

To solve malware problems, you should know which tools that malware removal experts are using to determine the problem. You also need to know about the types of malware and how they all work. Check out the linked articles so you don’t have to call a local computer technician, when you suspect your computer is infected with malware.

• Understanding Malware - How Malware Works
• Learn About Trojans: Types of Trojan Horse
• Dealing with Trojans (Not the Ancient Kind, Computer Ones)
• Use Autoruns to Improve Performance and Identify Malware
• How to Delete Locked Malware Files?
• Manual Removal of Malware Using HijackThis
• The Complete Computer Virus Removal Guide
• Detect and Remove Malware on Your Website

Intrusions

Network security experts protect their computer and network by using intrusion detection systems or firewall programs. The use of such protection will prevent hacking attempts on your network or computers. If you want to learn why the experts believe that using firewall software and encrypted connection are recommended, you better start reading these articles.

• A Beginner’s Guide to Firewalls
• The Benefits of Firewall Protection
• How Do Hackers Think? How Can You Protect Your Assets From Hackers?
• Getting Around a Firewall: The Legal Way
• What Are the Effects of Computer Hacking
• Wi-Fi Guides: Different Ways of Securing a Wireless Network
• The Dangers of Rogue Wireless Access Points and Network Access Points

Account Controls

Most IT administrators and computer security experts are aware that user accounts in Windows or Mac computers should be adjusted to prevent security incidents caused by malware or hackers. Their task is to ensure that client computers within their network are not allowed to access everything, unless such access is required. You need to do the same by using a limited user account. This will help secure your computers from attacks. The articles below should help you understand why security experts want you stop using administrator accounts for your day-to-day computer needs.

• The Case for Keeping and Using User Account Control (UAC) in Windows
• Using Limited User Accounts to Keep your Computer Secure
• Using DropMyRights for Windows XP
• Why You Should Use Protected Mode on Internet Explorer
• Mac OS Tips: Run as a Limited User to Improve Security

Exploits

Vulnerable applications and operating systems are the target of malware authors and hackers. Cyber-criminals will exploit known or unknown vulnerabilities to cause damage, steal private and confidential information and earn money. Computer security experts usually scan the system for security risks by using vulnerability scanners. They also keep themselves up-to-date on the latest security reports or incidents and proactively secure the network and its computers. Check out these articles so you can also protect your PCs and networks, in advance.

• How to Find Operating System Vulnerabilities Using the US CERT Website
• How to Scan a Computer for Security Risks
• What Is a Zero Day Vulnerability or Attack?
• Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer - Easy to Use Security Settings Scanner for Windows
• Available Microsoft Internet Security Software and Services

Phishing and Scareware

Scammers are currently attacking any type of computer user, because everyone has personal information that they can steal or use. They will attack businesses, an organization (for profit or non-profit) or consumers so that they can trick unsuspecting Internet users into revealing personal and financial information. Network and computer security experts also handle this type of problem by preventing fraudsters from getting to the information they want.

Learn about this type of Internet threat so you will know how to spot it before it’s too late.

• Hoax and Virus Alerts – The Danger of Scareware and Rogue Software
• Phishing Scam Information - What a Phishing Scam Looks Like
• Hacking America: Cybercrime or Cyberwar?
• What is Man in the Browser (MITB) Attacks? How to Prevent MITB Attack?

So, that concludes our guide in fixing and preventing security problems like an expert does. If you have some tips, we’d love to hear from you! Simply post your comments below. Don’t forget to bookmark or share this webpage using any of the available buttons below (e.g. tweet, stumble upon, email or LinkedIn buttons)

References

• Image credit: Malware logo by Skull_and_crossbones.svg: Silsor Computer_n_screen.svg: Everaldo Coelho and YellowIcon derivative work: Kizar (Skull_and_crossbones.svg Computer_n_screen.svg) [LGPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons