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T.I.C.K.L.E.-
T.I.C.K.L.E. is a good acronym to remember when you are considering security measures to take involving your computer and your online activity. When learning about security in the beginning, you are likely overwhelmed with things to remember. Having this acronym can aid you in recalling what some of the more important aspects of security are. If you have friends that may benefit from this, pass it on.
The following is from Extreme Tech.com.
T Is For Test
Test your machine for spyware, viruses, and other hostile software that might already be present. The easiest way to do this is to enlist the help of a few "good guy" utilities and Web sites. Steve Gibson offers an outstanding tool: Shields Up!, a Web-based "port scanner" that makes sure your system isn't leaving the door open for Internet attacks.
I Is For Install
Firewalls, that is. Hardware firewalls, which are often built into low cost residential gateways, are also useful tools. These products often contain Ethernet hubs or switches, saving you the cost of a separate one. They usually make it quite easy to share a single Internet connection among several computers in your home or office. Their network address translation feature can stop some network attacks cold. But these devices do not block outbound connections made by spyware or malware, and so cannot do the whole job by themselves, so be sure to install an outbound blocking firewall that can recognize rogue applications, too. An outbound blocking firewall such as ZoneAlarm or the Norton Personal Firewall 2001 will detect and block spyware and malware as it tries to "phone home."
C Is For Choose
Choose an ISP that's security conscious. In particular, look for one that can filter e-mail and can block at least some spam and malware before it ever gets to your machine. If you are just now signing up for cable modem or DSL service, avoid those that do not offer a choice of ISPs. Otherwise, you're faced with a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.
K Is For Keeping Up-to-Date
Keep your security software up to date. The overwhelming majority of malware infections can be avoided if the user downloads virus patterns and updates firewall software regularly.
L Is For Learn
Learn about the latest security threats from Extreme Tech and other security sites.
E Is For Educate
Educate others and encourage them to follow in your footsteps. When you receive a copy of a virus, worm, or Trojan horse, let the sender know that his or her computer has run amok and alert his or her ISP's help desk so that the threat can be contained. Warn folks who send you chain letters and hoax viruses that they've been taken in. By doing these things, you can use your broadband connection to improve security rather than becoming a victim.
(Exerpt from Extreme Tech.com article on Broadband security )
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