How to Protect Your Home PC from Trojans

Recently I have seen an influx in Trojan based attacks on personal computers. Some are more advanced and embed themselves so deeply into a system it is almost impossible to Know that you have gotten rid of them completely.

Most programs available are better at keeping trojans from ever getting to your PC, than they are removing them.

A combination of hardware and software protection is always the best solution to keeping trojans from getting to your PC, or keeping them from doing any damage once they are on your PC.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cheap Home Router
• SpyBot Search & Destroy
• AVG Free Virus Protection
• Connection to the internet

1. Purchase the cheapest home based router that you can find (wired models can be found for $20 - $40 online and at some big box stores. If you do not intend on using the router for wireless connections, buy the wired model only.

2. If you do purchase the wireless router, but are not going to use it, most have the ability to turn off the wireless function, and many have antennas that can be removed.

3. Following the routers instructions ( many are very easy to follow), install the router between your PC and internet connection ( broadband only ).

4. By installing a router between your PC and your internet connection, you have effectively block ALL broadcast request on your PC's network card. ( most routers are set to block broadcast request from the internet)

5. Download and install SpyBot Search And Destroy. There are many articles on this particular product, but make sure you add the "HOST" file from spybot to your PC from the "Advanced Mode" of the program under the "Tools" section of the program. The HOST file entries will block your PC from Downloading JUNK, Spy ware, and Trojans from known sites that do not monitor content.

6. Update and run your SpyBot Search and Destroy at least once a week to keep your PC protected.

7. Download and install AVG FREE (http://grisoft.com) Virus Software. The main difference between the paid version and the free version is that the free version can only be updated once a day ( typically enough for most home users).

8. Visit Windows Update from Microsoft and install any security patches they have available for your PC. HINT: If you are not using a particular program I.e. Outlook Express, Windows Media Player, etc.. uninstall them so you don't have to update security on them as well.

9. Do not use any file sharing services as this is the source of many spy ware programs and trojans. I have seen Trojans embedded in pictures, music files and videos that were downloaded by users ( this does not include online streaming videos ).

Tips & Warnings

• Many Trojans target windows pc' s that are not properly patched to current security levels so keeping your windows security patches up to date is important.
• Do not install any program on your PC that you get an offer from while browsing the internet. Many install Trojans on your PC themselves posing to be legitimate programs.
• If you are not sure of a programs authenticity, you can visit http://www.download.com and look up the program to see how many times the program has been downloaded. I.e. Spybot Search & Destroy has been downloaded just from them over 100,000,000 times.
• If after installing spybot, you cannot get to a particular website, you can go into spybots host file settings and see if the site is listed there and remove it. But Remember, if the site is listed there, it's there for a reason.

Resources

• DOWNLOAD.com