Security Tips

[Contents]

Computer and Internet Security Tips

This guide will help you follow safe Internet practices. It also lists security programs that Cruzio recommends. Or you may want to browse all the Security articles.

If you have a website hosted by Cruzio, also see Keeping Your Website Secure.

Contents

• Updating your software regularly
• Practicing good security habits
• Using security programs
• Other options for keeping your computer safe

Updating your software regularly

Use a secure web browser, and update it regularly

Your web browser is the program you use to view web pages.

Updating your browser is probably the single best thing you can do to make your computer more secure.

Cruzio recommends Mozilla Firefox—it's more secure than Internet Explorer.

• Download the latest version of Mozilla Firefox
• Download the latest version of Safari

Update your operating system regularly

The operating system is the software that controls the overall operation of your computer.

Set your computer to check automatically for system updates.

On Windows XP

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Automatic Updates.
3. Choose "Automatic (recommended)".
4. For more information about updating your Windows XP, please visit this link: http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate

On Windows Vista

1. Click Start, then click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
2. Select Change Settings.
3. Select "Install updates automatically (recommended)".
4. For more information about updating your Windows Vista, please visit this link: http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate

On Mac OS X

1. In the upper left corner of your screen, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click the Software Update icon.
3. Select "Check for updates" and choose Daily.
4. Select "Download important updates automatically."

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Practicing good security habits

Back up your files

Make regular backups of your emails, documents, pictures, music, program registration codes, etc. If the worst happens and your computer fails, you'll be able to recover your data.

Use strong passwords

• To create a strong password, choose a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers.
• Even better, use GRC's strong password generator.

Use email safely

• Use Mozilla Thunderbird—it has better options than Outlook Express.
• Configure your anti-virus program to scan for attachments and viruses. Even then, be wary of opening attachments from strangers.
• Use both Cruzio's Junk Mail Filters and your email program's built-in filters.
• Don't send private data such as passwords or credit card numbers in email. Like a cell phone call, if an email is intercepted, it can be read.

Avoid phishing scams

"Phishers" create urgent-sounding emails and phony (but realistic-looking) web pages imitating banks, government offices, and other trusted institutions.

• The more urgent a message appears, the more likely it is to be a phishing scam.
• Watch out for warning flags like misspellings or bad grammar.
• Don't send secret information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, in email.
• If you reach a site by clicking a link in an email, don't enter your password or other personal information.
• If you think a request may be legitimate, email or call the company directly—or use a web address you've seen in official company literature, such as your bank statement.

Shop only on genuine, secure pages

• Avoid being caught by phishing scams; be careful where you enter your information.
• When you submit credit card information online, make sure that the page address (URL) starts with https, and that you see a padlock icon in the corner of the window.

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Using security programs

Use antivirus software

A computer virus is a program that can copy itself to your computer, and then to other computers, without you knowing about it.

Install antivirus software on your computer. Keep it updated, and run it at least once a week.

• Cruzio recommends Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
• For a second opinion, try AVG for Windows or ClamXav for Macs.
• You can also try using an online virus scanner such as HouseCall.
• If you'd like help, Cruzio Computer Care's OS Installation service includes installation and configuration of an antivirus program.

Use a spyware removal tool

Spyware is background software secretly installed on your computer, usually by an advertiser who'd like to know more about you and your viewing habits.

Install one of these anti-spyware utilities. Keep it updated, and run it at least once a month.

• Malwarebytes
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Ad-Aware Personal
• Windows Defender
• MacScan
• Hijack This!—search on download.com—for advanced users only!

Use a firewall

A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer.

• Follow our firewall configuration instructions to turn on your computer's firewall.
• If you'd like help, Cruzio Computer Care will install and configure a firewall for you, as part of our OS Installation service.
• Use a Cruzio router for an additional firewall. Cruzio's routers, and most other routers, include basic, built-in firewall protection.

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Other options for keeping your computer safe

Defragmenting and checking Disk for errors

Running the Disk Defragmenter and Check Disk for errors every couple of months is good for hard disk maintenance.  How you do each of these depends on your operating system. Follow the instructions accordingly at the below links:

• Windows XP - Disk Defragmenter
• Windows XP - Check Disk for Errors
• Windows Vista - Disk Defragmenter
• Windows Vista - Check Disk for Errors
• Mac OS X - Disk Defragmentation
• Mac OS X- Check Disk for Errors

System Restores

When running scans on your computer with an anti-virus or anti-spyware program, it is suggested System Restore be turned off prior to the scan. This is because if System Restore is enabled during the scan and the computer is infected, it is possible that the program running the scan may not be able to clean the infection. After you are done with the scan it is a good idea to re-enable system restore and create a new restore point. For instructions on how to enable/disable System Restore and other information, please visit the following links:

• Windows XP - Turn On or Turn Off System Restore
• Windows XP - Working With System Restore
• Windows Vista - Turn On or Turn Off System Restore
• Mac OS X - Time Machine (System Restore)

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» Browse all Security articles in Support

[member163619]

Received this phishing scam...

from   Cruzio Mail <landanerca@cosefa.com.ar>
reply-to   world_service.web@gala.net
to   
date   Sat, Jan 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM
subject   Dear Cruzio Mail Subscriber,
mailed-by   mx3.cruzio.com
   
hide details 6:59 PM (5 hours ago)
   
Dear Cruzio Mail Subscriber,

We are currently carrying-out a mantainace process to your Cruzio Mail
account, to complete this, you must reply to this mail immediately, and
enter your User Name here (.............) And Password
here(..............)

if you are the rightful owner of this account. Due to the Junk/Spam emails
you receive daily, we are currently upgrading all email accounts Spam
filter to limit all unsolicited emails for security reasons and to upgrade
our new features and enhancements with your new and improved E-mail
account, to ensure you do not experience service interruption.

This process we help us to fight against spam mails. Failure to summit
your password, will render your email address in-active from our
database.

NOTE: If your have done this before, you may ignore this mail. You will
be sending a password reset message in next three (3) working days>
afterundergoing this process for security reasons. Thanks for using
Cruzio Mail.



------------------------------------------
Correo enviado usando el Webmail de COSEFA

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