Security Tips for Computer Users

Passwords

1. Create strong passwords

-- use a mix of upper and lower case letters and numbers and symbols

-- and make the password at least 12 characters long

2. Use different passwords for different websites

3. Don't share your passwords with others

4. change your passwords at least monthly

5. don't use dictionary words

Common Sense and Judgment on the Human Side

1. Don't download software from unknown or untrusted websites

2. Don't pirate software-- a lot of pirated software have trojans

3. Don't pirate movie or music files - some have trojans

4. Avoid pornography websites -- prone to malware like worms, viruses, etc

5. Don't open email attachments from strangers or if it look suspicious- possible trojan embedded inside

6. Make sure when doing money transactions or purchases that the website uses: https and not http

https is secure and safe.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware

Remember to keep your Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware up to date and scan your computers at least once a week.

Windows users:

AntiVirus Recommendation:

I recommend Avast Free 2015 Edition, it offers good protection and is fast, light on resources

https://www.avast.com/windows

Some users like the built in Windows Defender/MS Security Essentials

Windows users:

Anti-Malware Recommendation:

Malwarebytes Free Edition or Premium

The Free Edition is good but it only does on demand scans, the Premium version provides live protection but costs money.

This supplements the Anti-virus program and scans for adware, spyware, trojans, etc.

Pair this with good virus protection and common sense while using the computer online and you are good to go.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/downloads/

The following are Malwarebytes Anti-Malware minimum system requirements:

Software Requirements:
- Microsoft® Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 (32 bit and 64 bit).
- Microsoft® Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later.
- Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6 or newer.
Hardware Requirements:
- 800MHZ CPU or faster.
- 256MB of RAM (512MB or more recommended).
- 20MB free hard disk space.
- 800x600 or greater screen resolution.
- Active internet connection for database and product updates.

Mac users:

AntiVirus Recommendation:

I recommend ClamXAV for Mac OS X, it is good, fast and provides good protection, I recommend turning on the Clam Sentry to monitor your downloads folder and set it to scan downloads and volumes mounted to your desktop.

https://www.clamxav.com/store

ClamXAV costs $29.95 for a personal license.

Mac Users:

Anti-Malware Recommendation:

Great news! MalwareBytes is now available for the Mac! AdwareMedic got bought out and is now

MalwareBytes Mac edition. The Home edition is free and they are developing a business edition.

It is fast, lite and snappy and it is FREE for home users!

They will actively develop it and add features like live protection and more!

It cleans adware ( such as Genieo, VSearch, and Vidx) and malware like trojans.

System requirements:

(Mac OSX 10.7 Lion, Mac OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion, Mac OSX 10.9 Mavericks, Mac OSX 10.10 Yosemite, Mac OSX 10.11 El Capitan)

Core 2 Duo CPU or faster

2 GB RAM

40 MB free hard disk space

800x650 minimum screen resolution

Active Internet connection for database and product updates

download here:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

Malwarebytes for Mac is free and scans for adware and various malware for Macs.

Thanks for reading & sharing Maestro Game VIP