Computer Security 101 for the Financially Enlightened

After my sudden awareness about my financial situation, I have been accessing incredible amount of financial data on the internet. With so many fake websites and phishing scams floating around, it makes me a bit uneasy every time I type my password for access (may be that’s because I am a bit paranoid by nature..whatever). I am pretty sure computer security is a no-brainer in the PFblogging community by now, but I still feel like pitching in my two cents on the topic. Here are Golbguru’s steps to securing your computer before accessing financial websites on the internet.

1. Make yourself aware of phishing and fake websites scams. Take the MailFrontier Phishing IQ Tests. Click here for Test I and Test II. You will be surprised with the results. This test was partly responsible in convincing me that I require some additional tools to protect my computer, on top of my observational skills.
2. Get a good antivirus program. Check PC World for reviews and try to get the one that suits your needs. Over the years, I have convinced myself that free antivirus programs are no match for subscription ones (I used the free AVG for a long time). Some of you may have had better experience with free stuff. [Good choices: Symantec Norton, Bitdefender, McAfee, Trend Micro PC-cillin]
3. Get a good antispyware program. Contrary to popular perception, not all good antivirus programs are good at removing spyware. Get a standalone antispyware module that really knows it’s job well. [Good choices: Webroot Spy Sweeper, PC Tools Spyware Doctor]
4. Get a good firewall. Most of you might know this, but Windows built-in firewall is not good enough. Fortunately there are many free (and good) firewalls available, so you don’t have to spend on this one. Read about firewall reviews here. Once you install your firewall there are some free (and excellent) firewall tests available at www.grc.com (Click on their Shields Up! module) to see how kick-ass is your firewall. Also, make sure you test your firewall with the “Leak Test”. [Good choices: Comodo Firewall, ZoneAlarm]
5. Get a verification engine. Most of you might not know about this. These engines verify the authenticity of the padlock symbol you see at the bottom right corner of secured websites. It will recognize fraud websites instantly. You can use Comodo Verification Engine or Cloudmark Anti-Fraud Toolbar.

I haven’t tried using any anti-spam software, but I have heard Comodo and Cloudmark offer decent products in this department. If anyone knows about them please enlighten me.

All these things don’t mean you are 100% safe, they just mean you are less likely to be taken advantage of; you still have to be aware all the time and cultivate your sense of smelling fishy things.

My personal picks are as follows:

Antivirus: Bitdefender 9.0 (2 year subscription $39.95)

Antispyware: Webroot Spy Sweeper. This thing also has a keylogger shield (2 year $14.95, click here to see how I got it for $14.95)

Firewall: ZoneAlarm (Free). I tried Comodo Firewall, but after the last auto-update it started giving problems, so I am back to ZoneAlarm.

Verification Engine: Comodo (Free). Gives a green border to secure websites (sometimes there is also an irritating green cursor). But its more visible than Cloudmark’s smiley symbols.

Secured browsing: Priceless. (Well…a total of $55 for two years of safe browsing is not that bad anyways)

Other useful resources:
1. PC World ( Article: Bigger Threats, Better Defense)
2. Anti-phishing Workgroup
3. AntBlog701 (Article: phishing websites? Fake websites)
4. Federal Trade Commission (Article: How Not to Get Hooked by a ‘ Phishing’ Scam)