Making my PC Secure

[majoha]

What?s the best way to make the data on my pc as secure as possible?

It?s been on my mind for a while now and as I?m about to do a fresh install to my pc it seems the ideal opportunity to address this question.

I?m running WinXP, and have an always on internet connection. I have a lot of sensitive client information on my pc and want to make it as secure as possible.

I have the XP firewall switch on and run AVG antivirus software, but should I be taking other measure to protect my internet connection?

Next area of concern is if the PC is stolen: should I have the data encrypted, if so best method?

Finally, my CD data backups ? how do I secure these?

Thanks in advance,

Matthew

 

[MrChad]

1. Slipstream SP2 with your XP install CD.
2. Turn on Automatic Updates within Windows.
3. Keep an up-to-date antivirus and firewall running, as you already mentioned.
4. If you have broadband internet access, purchase a NAT (Network Address Translation) router. Not only will this allow you to share your internet connection with other computers, it will add another layer of protection.
5. Use a limited account for your everyday tasks. Log on only as an administrator when it is absolutely necessary.
6. Use complex passwords and change them on a regular basis.
7. If you do decide to encrypt your data, make CERTAIN that you back up the key! If you lose the key, your encrypted data will be worthless.

 

[n0cmonkey]

PGP.

 

[Klixxer]

Pretty Good Privacy. Disk, data, communication encryption.

 

[majoha]

Thanks for the advice.

Couple of questions:

I use remote desktop to connect over the internet to access the data when I am travelling - if I use a router will this still be possible?

Second how set WinXP so that all data is automaitcally encrypted ?

Thirdly can I encrypt my back up CDs?

Thanks again

 

[HKSturboKID]

If you use a router, you'll need to forward port TCP 3389 for Remote desktop to work to your Hosting PC.

To encrypt, all you have to do is right click the directory, or file and goto properties, I believe there is an encryption check box.

Thirdly I think the attributes carries over when You burn it to cd. To add an extra layer of protection, you might want to zip it with a password and then burn it to cd for backup.

Back to you original post.

If someone do steal your PC, it depends on how desparate they want to get to your data. No matter how secure it is, there is always a way around it.