User Behavior Component

of the Home Computer Security Baseline

aka: Don't be your own worst enemy

Why is User Behavior at the bottom of the Home Computer Security Baseline when it is perhaps the most important aspect of keeping your computing environment secure?

Maybe it's because it isn't related to computer hardware or software; nor does it have to do with spending money.

STOP! Before you go any farther, head over and check out (hopefully install and use) SiteAdvisor.

But in my years of dealing with infected, polluted and frankly, somewhat abused computer systems, I have to say that unwise user behavior is the leading cause of malfunctioning computers!

Many times it is youth who just haven't yet learned that there is no such thing as a free (lunch) mp3, killer game, or provacative photo of Anna Kournikova. Other times it's more mature individuals in a temporary lack of judgement.

Not everyone on the internet
is telling the truth

Email and attachments

Some of your contacts are just more prone than others to send you an email that leads to trouble. You know who they are. Be VERY careful when dealing with those! And don't open attachments automatically.

So many of the worst viruses have historically been spread by infecting a computer and then the virus will systematically go through all email contacts and send them an email, usually with an attachment, including a copy of itself to infect those machines. Be Cautious!

SiteAdvisor

I really can't emphasize enough using SiteAdvisor. Whether you use Internet Explorer or an alternative browser like my favorite Firefox, SiteAdvisor has a plug-in for you to use. Please USE IT. It's the best guide for User Behavior that I know of.

Return from User Behavior to Home Computer Security Baseline