Security for Seniors

SeniorNet Help Desk631.629.5426

seniornethelp@gmail.com

Malware

• Virus– Needs a host

• Worm– Does not need a host [Stuxnet – Iran]

• Trojan Horse– Botnet [collection of computers – Denial of

Service]• Rootkit [malicious software]

A Virus in Action

Malware Countermeasures (I)

• Antivirus programs:– Commercial: Symantec [Norton], McAfee– Free: AVG, Microsoft’s Security Essentials,

Windows Defender (with Windows 8)– Antivirus programs sponsored by your ISP

• Firewalls• Service patches and updates

Malware Countermeasures (II)

• Password protection– Setup different accounts for persons using the

computer– Administrative permission to make changes

• Parental controls (settings and software)– Tools Internet Options Content Family Safety• Administrative password• Each child must have an account

Security Checklist

• Keep Windows up to date

• Check start-up processes [msconfig]

• Keep all security programs up to date

• Back up regularly• Surf safely

• Be wary of attachments• Don’t swallow the spam• Set up your IM and

Facebook accounts properly

• Keep an eye on the notification bar

Installing Microsoft’s Security Essentials

• Address:– www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/def

ault.aspx• Download• Location:– Start button\Computer\C :\Users\ (name of

computer)\Downloads\• [Note: if you have Windows 8 use Windows Defender, but first remove any

third party antivirus program]

Using Microsoft’s Antivirus Program to Scan a USB

• Insert the USB into the Computer• Open the Computer folder• Right click on the USB• Select “Scan with Microsoft’s Security Essentials”

from the drop-down menu• Click “Custom”• Click “Scan now”• Check the box next to the name of the USB• Click OK

Backing up your Libraries

• Insert a USB into the Computer• Right click on the Start button• Click “Open Windows Explorer”• Right click on any of the Libraries in the

window, and select “Send To” from the drop-down menu

• Select the USB• Repeat to back up the other Libraries

Backing up your Computer

• Automatic Backups– You need a external hard drive

• The System Restore Utility– You should create a manual restore point before

adding new hardware or software• Creating a System Image– You also should create a system repair disk

Internet Dangers and Problems

• Identity Theft• Internet Scams [

http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/scamsandidentitytheft/ss/top10inetscams.htm]– Phishing– Charitable collections– Unexpected attachments

• Hacking• Denial of Service Attacks• Spam [junk mail]

Phishing

Cookies

• Small text files• Placed in the computer by the Web sites you visit• The Cookie folder is hidden. Use the following

steps to unhide and see the Cookie folder:– Start menu\Control Panel\Folder Options\uncheck

the box next to “Hide Protected Operating system files

– Click Yes, Apply, and then OK– C:\Users\computer name\ AppData\Roaming\

Microsoft\Windows\Cookies

Controlling Cookies

• Open Internet Explorer• Click Tools on the Menu bar• Click Internet Options on the drop-down

menu• Click the Privacy tab• Move the dial to the level that you are

comfortable with• Click Apply, then OK

Other Internet Security Measures

• Go to Tools Internet Options to regulate the following:– General tab Browsing history– Security tab Security settings for Web sites

• To reduce tracking:– Tools Internet Options Advanced tab– Scroll down to Security– Check box “Always send do not track header”

Summary