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| Threat Type: Software based Examples of Threats:Exploiting a security flaw in the operating system (for example, Windows) to perform an unauthorized action, such as gaining control of the computer or installing a malicious program Exploiting a weakness in the operating system to steal private information such as passwords Exploiting a security flaw in any program installed on your computer, similar to exploiting operating system flaws or weaknesses
Our Tips:Enable Windows Automatic Updates (or the equivalent for your operating system) with a weekly update frequency. If automatic updates are not supported by your operating system, set yourself a reminder on your PC to do it manually. Create restore points periodically and after each time you install new software. Regularly update programs installed on your computer with updates from the vendor, especially any program that accesses the Internet, such as browsers, e-mail handlers, media players, and instant messaging. Use antivirus software (see Chapter 3, "Tip 3: Use Antivirus Protection").
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 One of the key potential security holes in your home network is outdated software. This includes the Windows operating system itself, programs that you have installed, and even security software programs such as antivirus and personal software firewalls. Computer software is an intricate collection of programs, files, and features that all must work and talk together to have a functioning home computer. There are literally tens of millions of lines of computer instructions (called code), and it is nearly impossible to get them all correct the first time when a new operating system such as Windows XP or Windows Vista is released. Sometimes mistakes or oversights are made when the programmers write the software that make it possible for people to "punch a hole" in a piece of software and sometimes exploit such a hole to run malicious software code, such as a virus. |
