What are some of the basic precautions a computer owner or network administrator can take to help make the computing environment secure?

Answer 1

The only sure way of protecting a network is unplugging its outside connection. There is no one definitive answer as far as safeguarding a network is concerned. Cybervandals / Hackers are coming up with more ways of violating our networks, so a mixture of softwares (antiviruses, spywares, firewalls, etc) and a hardware firewall (running on either UNIX or LINUX) along with constant vigilance and a dose of common sense would be good for starters.

Answer 2

Opinions about the three most important computer security measures will vary. Please add you own opinions below.

1. Disconnect the computer or network from the internet. If you must connect to the internet on a network, try to have a single point of entry to make things easier for your sysadmin to monitor.
   
2. Educate your employees about security policies. The easiest way to gain unauthorized access to a system is to trick the people who work there to give you access.
3. Enforce your security policies. Set up your networked computers to enforce password changes every 30 days. Ensure your firewall is properly configured. Hire a security-focused system administrator.
   

Answer 3

Make sure your system is behind a firewall, use the NAT proxy service to hide your IP address, use of anti-spyware and anti-virus. Plus, make sure your applications and system software are up to date with all the latest patches.

Answer 4

Keep Windows updates current so that security patches are installed as soon as they are available. Use a software or hardware firewall. Run Antivirus software and keep it current.

Answer 5

Use firewalls, packet analyzers, switches and antiviral software. Make sure that all ports which are not used are blocked (Telnet and so on).