Protect your computer

Protect your computer
TAN CHONG YAW offers some useful tips on fending off unwanted attention on your PC. PC.
Compliments to Digital Life.
HERE are a few things you can do to make your computer a little less vulnerable to hackers, snoopers and thieves.

Protect your files with a password

Threat: Some people keep their passwords, bank account details and other personal information in a Microsoft Word document. They then tuck it in an innocent-looking folder - like Backup - in the hard disk. What if their laptops were stolen?
Solution: Lock that Word document with a password. Go to File, then Save As, click Tools and choose Security Options.
Click on Advanced and choose Microsoft Enhanced Cryptographic Provider. Click on OK.
Now enter your password into the 'Password to open' box and click on OK. You will be asked to type in your password again. Click on Save.
Your file is now encrypted but do not forget that password.

Secure your Gmail messages

Threat: Google advises users that if they access Gmail, a Web-based e-mail service, on a wireless or non-encrypted public network, their Google accounts 'may be more vulnerable to hijacking'.
Solution: Make Gmail more secure by just a change in the settings.
Go to Settings near the top right-hand side of the Gmail window. Look for the Browser connection section at the bottom of the General tab.
Click on 'Always use https' and then Save Changes. That is it - you have now enabled Gmail's built-in encryption.
Accessing your e-mail messages may be a little slower but it will be tougher for hackers to snoop on them.

Stop sharing your wireless network

Threat: Out of the box, wireless routers are set up to shout out into cyberspace the name of your wireless network. Everyone within the range of your router, depending on what its specifications are, will be able to see your network and leech off the bandwidth in your connection.
Solution: Get your router to shut the door to your network.
Get the specifics, such as the router address and default user name, from the router manual.
Fire up your browser and enter your router's address, for instance, http://192.168.1.1, and hit the Enter key.
Type your user name (usually 'admin') and password (either not set or again 'admin').
Select the Wireless Menu and look for SSID broadcast, then select Disable or Off.
Now, your network will no longer be detectable by any laptop even if the machine is right beside your router. The approach is the same for all routers.

Lock your PC automatically

Threat: Office computers are usually kept secure with log-on restrictions like password protection. However, your PC is also vulnerable during the brief periods when you step away from it.
Solution: Enable the password on your screensaver.
Go to Start, choose Control Panel and click on Display. Choose the Screen Saver tab and then click on 'On resume, password protect'. Your screensaver password is the same as your log-on one.
Good for forgetful people, this simple tweak will deter the casual snooper.

Lock your laptop at the hotel

Threat: The very thing that makes a laptop convenient - its portability - is what makes it easy prey for thieves, especially when you are travelling.
Solution: There are times during your holiday that you do not want to lug your laptop around with you.
The hotel safe is the obvious place to keep it in. However, the safes in some budget joints may be too small to stuff the machine in.
Your laptop will have a Kensington slot - a small, metal-reinforced hole for inserting a cable lock. Buy one and use it to attach the laptop to something heavy like a bed when you need to leave your laptop in your hotel room.