The Complete Guide to Internet Privacy

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The biggest products are the biggest targets for hackers, and that means Microsoft's Windows, Internet Explorer and Outlook. Microsoft made things worse by integrating browser functionality and Internet communications into the operating system.

Internet Explorer and Outlook are easy targets because they can execute ActiveX programs contained in Web pages - hackers have figured out different ways to download and execute programs that can do all kinds of damage to your PC. Microsoft keeps issuing one security patch after another, but the hackers always seem to be a step ahead.

For Windows 98 and SE, run the Windows Update feature and download and install all the security patches for Windows, IE and Outlook. These are also available at www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/corporate.asp. Windows 95 users should also get every security patch they can at www.microsoft.com/windows95/downloads/ .

2. WHEN YOU'RE OFF... GET OFF!

Your connection to the Internet puts you in the same realm as every Web and e-mail server on the planet as well as every hacker and network prankster. The difference is that commercial Web sites are usually built from the ground up with security in mind, and hackers know how to hide behind and within other systems. If you have a continuous connection, it doesn't always have to be on. Leaving your DSL or cable modem on and connected is fine, but if you use your computer a lot without the Internet, disconnect the PC from the mo dem - a hacker can't extract anything from just the modem. You can also add software that will prevent many Net-related prob lems from ever reaching your desktop.

Obtain a security assessment of your PC by going to www.grc.com and selecting Shields Up! and then Probe My Ports. The man behind the site, ace PC guru Steve Gibson, has done an excellent job of not only explaining but also actively demonstrating how exposed a computer using TCP/IP connectivity and Windows Networking can be. (TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and refers to how your computer sends information over the Internet. IP sends the information and TCP manages its flow.) Over 3.5 million users have checked their security at this site since late 1999 - security, it seems, is a common concern. After you find out how vulnerable your computer's configuration is, follow Steve's suggestions for securing your system. Steve also offers some observations about Internet advertising, and a tool, OptOut.exe, that further reduces the vulnerability of your PC through ad sponsored software.

3. SOFTWARE OFF
When you're surfing online or sending email, you may have more than just a browser and an e-mail program running. Any number of programs that also connect to the Internet - such as video streaming tools (Real Player) and instant messaging programs (AIM, ICQ) - may be running in the background.

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