Measures for Protection Against Threats from Human Actions
* Lesson 1 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SECURITY AND PRIVACY
1.5 - PROTECTION AGAINST THREATS FROM HUMAN ACTIONS [1]
Measures for Protection Against Threats from Human Actions
You can take some simple measures to minimize the risks associated with
malicious human threats and human errors. The following table describes
measures to protect your computer from malicious human sources and human
errors. Scroll down to read each description.
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Store data safely
Keep your data in safe and secure locations that have limited access to
others. This minimizes the possibility of theft or tampering of the data.
Encrypt data
The BitLocker feature of Windows Vista helps you encrypt data at the
drive-level. When you encrypt data by using this feature, unauthorized
users cannot access the data by removing the hard drive and attaching it to
another computer.
Install antivirus and antispyware programs
Antivirus and antispyware software programs have the ability to check
for viruses and spyware present in the computer's memory and also prevent
new ones from entering. You must regularly update antivirus and antispyware
software so that they are able to recognize new viruses and spyware. Most
antivirus and antispyware software offer the automatic updates feature that
automatically installs the updated version of the software on your
computer.Built-in features in e-mail software, such as Windows Mail, allow
you to block junk e-mail messages and provide features to check for viruses
and worms. Windows Vista includes Windows Defender, a built-in antispyware
program, which provides real-time protection.
Install a firewall
Installing a firewall is another effective step that you can take to
protect against malicious threats. A firewall_ enables you to filter the
Internet traffic before it reaches your computer or a private network. It
provides additional protection against threats such as hackers and viruses.
A firewall also helps to ensure computer privacy by restricting external
access to your computer by any unauthorized user. Windows Firewall that is
available with Windows Vista blocks unwanted access to your computer.
Back up data
Regularly back up important computer data. Creating multiple copies of
data provides protection against loss of data due to accidental erasure or
destruction of data.
Keep computer in safe environment
Keep the computer in an area that is dust-free, free from vibration, and
out of the way of possible impact. The table or shelf housing the computer
should be steady and stable to keep the computer from falling, even if the
computer is bumped.Keep the computer away from any magnetic substance,
water, or static discharge. For example, do not put the computer on the
floor or on a rug. Avoid eating and drinking near the keyboard and use a
keyboard cover to protect against any spillage.
