Saturday, September 27, 2008

Laptop Security .... Why Is It A Must ?

Almost half of the world communities are getting a notebook, I believed it has become an essential need to mankind nowadays.

To have a notebook is an enjoyment but I believed nobody wants their privacy be leaked.

That is why I strongly believed that a notebook security is a Must!

I've been visiting some friends lately and most are asking me the same question, "How to do?"

That's is why I am creating this post to clear any doubts that any users might have in their aim to have not only a fun, lightweight, nicely designed, fast notebook but an unbreakable one too.
Here are the 10 best practices that you can use in order your notebook data is safe.

* Protect Hard Drive with Data Encryption Software If you using Windows Vista, you can use the in built EFS (Encrypting File System) named Bit Locker. It can be found at the Control Panel but unfortunately it only applies to Windows Vista Ultimate and Enterprise editions only. For those whom wanted to use a third party software, there's Steganos. They are currently the leading software maker in security and privacy.

* Track Your Notebook Tracking software are available for you to track keyloggers. What keylogging does is that it detects whatever the users keys in the computer and reports it back to the creator..... kinda like an invasion to your privacy.... no-one would like that!

* Install Virus and Spyware Detection cum Removal Tools An anti-virus and at least spyware removal tool is a need. The "sulks of these robotic mechanism" (in another terms ... pests) can silently be installed in one computer without being noticed. Sophisticated viruses and spywares have been widespread and even the state of the art anti-virus are unable to be captured. But it is essential to protect you from the 99% of all harm and dangers to your notebook.

* Lock It Down How? Use a lock of course. Be it a software or hardware lock, it's essential to those who travels a lot and did not want to loose their prized asset. Cable locks are examples of hardware locks, wherelse Laptop Alarm is an example of the software ones.

* Firewall Necessity The firewall is the first line of defense in every notebook. This should be the primary task. Often users tend to think that anti-virus is the one but however that is not the reality. But these days there are a lot of Internet Security Suites by various companies and you will get the 2 in 1 package minus all the headaches in configuring the anti-virus and firewall separately.

* Patch Up Your OS Windows is a very exposed and vulnerable software. Thus patches are important to block all those "leaked holes" in the system. The same applies to Linux users too.

* Secure Passwords Strong passwords can proof to be a blessing in disguise in protecting your data. But you would want it too difficult as it might backfired on you one day.

* Wi-fi Caution With the convenience of Broadband anywhere at shopping malls, restaurants and fast food outlets ... connecting without caution could have a deadly effect. Remember to disable all "Shared folders" and have your notebook secure before entering such networks. You might not know who might be crawling beside you.

* Disabling Unwanted Services Some services are simply cloaking up the system. Unnecessary for some and even vulnerable left unattended. Thus actions need to be taken in solving this issue. I'll be sharing about this in my next post soon.

* Is Your Notebook Insurance Protected? Some of you might think this maybe not applicable. Well for those who are constantly traveling, this might be a good benefactor as you wouldn't want to loose your prized asset.

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