A lot of people ask me for computer security tips. I wanted to cover a little of that today, especially since there’s been a security product announcement from Microsoft. I’ve always found it silly that Microsoft would itself enter the antivirus market since viruses take advantage of security flaws in the operating system that they, Microsoft, had built. It was especially bizarre that Microsoft would charge a subscription for such an oddly self-serving purpose; almost as if making their operating system vulnerable would contribute to their income stream.

Thankfully Microsoft wasn’t totally insane and has made their Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) program free for home users. It has managed to make a name for itself and stand out amongst the other free home antivirus possibilities. It’s balance of quick scanning time, low processor utilization, and its ability to stop common malware make it an excellent choice for any home PC.

Microsoft has just released a new public Beta for the next version of MSE; which they promise includes an improved scanning engine and will integrate better with Microsoft Windows Firewall (don’t care too much about that myself).

Antivirus scanners won’t completely protect you against 100% of all security threats, but they provide a strong defense which minimizes the attack surface of your system. I suggest a four-pronged system of protection to keep you as safe as possible from malicious code.

1. Software Updates

Stay up-to-date on Windows Updates, as well as updates to frequently compromised software addons. Software in this category would include Windows, Office, Adobe Reader and Flash, Java, Firefox, and Chrome (automatically updated). Updating your software will help eliminate vulnerabilities that would open your system up to attack.

2. Use a Firewall

If you’re not a power user, at least take advantage of the Windows built-In firewall. If your router comes equipped with stateful packet inspection, this is a good idea as well. Firewalls filter the traffic you receive and send to the internet and protect your computer from being compromised remotely by a hostile attacker.

3. Run Antiviral Software

There are many free antiviral vendors out there. Don’t settle with purchasing that Symantec or McAfee product that came loaded on your new computer. These two vendors are pretty much junk, don’t pay money for something that you can do better for free.

Antivirus software helps to intercept malicious code BEFORE its run on your machine. Many of them include a web component that will help to scan webpages that you visit. Check out one of the following resources:

AVG Free
Microsoft Security Essentials
Avira (Ads, bleck)

4. Anti-Malware Software

In addition to Antiviral software, it’s a good idea to have a decent anti-malware scanner, which may have the ability to catch stuff that your antivirus would miss. These types of software are more geared toward web-based malware threats than your file system, that’s what your Antivirus is for. Here are some suggestions:

Spybot Search & Destroy
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
HiJack This

These important steps are all part of your Anti-Viral Barrier. Following these tips will help prevent your system from being compromised. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line via my contact page.