Advanced DIY Privacy for Every Woman
  • Introduction
  • Before we start
  • 1 - Identify your security risks
  • Security areas to prioritise
  • 2- Document security violations
  • Safety and security strategies
  • Securing a mobile phone or a tablet
  • FAQ on mobile phones
  • Securing your laptop/other connected devices?
  • 3 - Securing your connections
  • 4 - Securing your apps, software and internet services
  • 5 - Browsing the web
  • Social engineering and phishing
  • Internet browser, search engine and passwords
  • IP address, WIFI and emails
  • Social media: what to pay attention to!
  • Facebook, Twitter, Google, Foursquare
  • Apps and internet enabled apps
  • Online banking, billing account and other accounts
  • Protection measures
  • 6 - Documenting privacy violations
  • Voice calls and keeping a diary
  • 7 - Advanced security resources
  • Anti-virus, Firewall and Spyware
  • Secure internet browsing
  • Authentification
  • Encryption
  • Deleting your information
  • 8 - Glossary
  • How we put this guide together
  • Final words
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  • Regularly update your operating system, and all the programs installed upon it
  • Anti-virus software
  • Use a firewall
  • Spyware

Anti-virus, Firewall and Spyware

Previous7 - Advanced security resourcesNextSecure internet browsing

Last updated 7 years ago

Regularly update your operating system, and all the programs installed upon it

Computer programs are often large and complex. It is inevitable that some of the software you use on a regular basis contains undiscovered errors, and it is likely that some of these errors could undermine your computer's security.

Anti-virus software

A computer virus spreads software, usually malicious in nature, from computer to computer

Recommended free anti-virus software

(Best system)

You may install multiple Antivirus programs but make sure to only run one at a time.

  • Enable “always on” virus settings (Realtime protection, Resident protection)

  • Make sure your anti-virus software is sending you updates regularly. If it is not, change the settings so that it does

  • Check that you have the most up-to-date version of the software regularly (Avast does this automatically when connected to the internet)

  • Regularly do full computer scans (every week, or after you connect to a public internet connection, opened an email with attachments, or downloaded anything)

Removable Media (DVD, CD, USB, etc.)

  • Be careful with removable media (DVD, CD, USB)

  • Ensure anti-virus software is running before use

  • Disable autoplay (Go to My computer > CD or DVD drive > properties > Autoplay > for every content tab click either Take no action or prompt me to take action)

Use a firewall

A firewall prevents unauthorised access to or from a private network, it receives, inspects and makes decisions about all incoming and outgoing data. A good firewall allows you to choose access permissions for each program on your computer. It can be used as an early-warning system that might help you recognize when your computer's security is being threatened.

Recommended free firewall programmes:

Spyware

Spyware collects data, observes and records your private information and tracks your Internet habits, it can run on your computer secretly. Spyware can be used to track the work you do, both on your computer and the internet, it can then send this information to someone else. This information could be used to track you.

Viruses and spyware are different. You need both anti-virus and anti-spyware software to protect yourself.

These can be used with anti-virus software:

N.B It is important that you regularly update Spybots malware definitions manually – the free version does not do this automatically.

(for Windows only)

Avast!
Avira Free Antivirus
AVG Anti-Virus Free
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Sophos
ZoneAlarm
Comodo Firewall
Spybot S&D