how can i be completely safe from viruses, hackers and malicious software?

Question

how can i be completely safe from viruses, hackers and malicious software?

Answer 1

There is no foolproof product that can stop everything so a layered approach using a combination of firewall, antispyware and antivirus is the best. However, it would depend on the user's surfing and file downloading habits. If you don't take the time to scan downloads before opening them or click on unsolicited links, etc, sooner or later you will pick up something malicious.

Below are some products you may want to look at. All are free and, as such, you may be required to check for updates manually on a regular basis, enable new protections and run scans.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Kerio Free Firewall
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Office/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/
(Note: Use only one firewall)

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This is free and requires you to check for and enable updates manually once a week or so. It uses no system resources. It blocks spyware before it installs.
SpywareBlaster (inoculates, not a spyware removal tool)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

====================

SuperAntispyware
http://superantispyware.com/
Spybot S&D (free version requires manual updating)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
AVG AntiSpyware
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5
Adaware from Lavasoft (free version requires automatic updating)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
(These programs can be run in Safe Mode after installation and updating)

Note: Adaware2007 for Vista is not due to be released until August 2007)

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ATF Cleaner (An easy program to use to clear all old history, cookies, Java cache, etc.)
http://www.atribune.org/content/view/19/2/

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AVG 7.5 AntiVirus (Vista Compatible)
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Avast Home Antivirus (Vista Compatible)
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
AntiVir PE (Vista Compatible)
http://www.free-av.com/

( Note: Only use one anti-virus product. Running more than one can cause conflicts thus rendering each ineffective.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206 )

Answer 2

Completely safe, have a stand alone system not connected to the internet, disable its wireless capabilities, and never upload anything to it, no media, no USB's, nothing with an auto execute.

That's not very practical, so there are things that will mitigate the risk, big things are : Have a firewall, have anti-virus software, have s/w for detecting MRU's, tracking cookies, keep your OS, browser and applications up to date. Practice safe surfing, many sites attempt to upload just by visiting them, you want porn, buy a magazine.

And don't open attachments willy-nilly. "E-cards" jokes, new bulletins, they have all been used in social engineering attacks, trying to trick users into clicking on the link. They continue to do it because it works 3-5% of the time, think about that.

I don't open attachments from even my closest family for at least a week, to ensure I have had several AV definitions updates, to prevent a zero-day attack.

Also, use the system admin function, limit privileges, use encryption when possible, passwords always, and make then strong, no "ILIKECATS" that could be guessed with decent s/w in very little time.

Answer 3

The more ominous the warning, the more dangerous the product is than what it claims to protect. You've got a rogue software (meaning that's its bogus). You need to get rid of it ASAP -- not follow what it tells you to do. You have 2 choices -- format your computer and start anew. This is the hassle free way. The second method is to attempt to clean it out using: 1. Malwarebytes anti malware 2. Spybot SD 3. Trend Micro's HijackThis 4. An ISO image of Kaspersky's Rescue Disk 2008, which you need to burn to a CD using a program such as IMGburn. To use it, you boot of this disk during startup and it will perform a virus sweep inside a Linux environment.

Answer 4

Security Recommendations
http://www.bluecollarpc.net

It is now strongly recommended to have a firewall, antivirus, and antispyware paid subscription security software installed, updated, and running continually for personal and computer security. It is also recommended to join at least one avenue of information and/or help such as groups or forums or RSS news feeds or simply checking any Internet News publication on security at least on a weekly basis.

webmaster
http://www.bluecollarpc.net
http://www.bluecollarpc.org/

You should be fully patched at Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Internet Explorer 7 or Vista.

Answer 5

Dont have a computer is the only way, because they make spyware and firewalls stronger but people with nothing better to do, will always find ways around them...So if you dont want a viruses sell your pc...Other then that get use to it

Answer 6

most virus are spread through IE. IE is not a safe browser.

you should use a more secure browser to protect your PC from virus. i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar.

firefox can block any any popup and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE browser.

as you know, most of virus spread throught internet and webpage.

besides, firefox is much smaller than IE, so it run faster than IE. download firefox for free, Just have a try:

http://www.securebrowser.info/firefox/

Good Luck !

Answer 7

Be world wise, on the net, be circumspect, avoid suspect contacts, and , above all, use a good anti virus measure, for peace on a pmt. footing!

Answer 8

Actually you never can be safe!
No internet=Viruses from cds etc.

Answer 9

Use good antivirus (NOD32), antispyware (AVG) and firewall (ZoneAlarm), keep them up to date and perform scans regularly. Also, get rid of internet temporary files automatically with CCleaner. http://www.ccleaner.com/download/

Answer 10

disconnect your computer from the Internet . And turn it off. That is the only sure way.