Restrict access to your C-Byte account
C-Byte enhances the security of your account by enabling you to direct the circumstances under which your account may be accessed. However, these features should not be regarded as diminishing the importance of reading and practicing ALL of the recommendations on this page.

Do not click on links in unsolicited email messages
Do not fill out forms in e-mail messages

• e-mail may not be from who it claims to be from (i.e. spoofed). Many common Internet frauds start with spoofed e-mail.
• Viruses can be delivered to your computer by simply looking at a web page using a vulnerable web browser.

Verify website identity before entering passwords
Fraudulent "phishing" websites designed to trick you into divulging your passphase or other sensitive information are common. Spoofed e-mail (see above) is commonly used to lure victims to phishing websites. Never assume that a website is the website you intended to be at based on its appearance. Before entering your C-Byte password, ensure you are at the real C-Byte website by:

• Checking for an active padlock in the browser status bar.
• Checking the browser location bar for a site name beginning with (exact spelling is critica):
  https://www.c-byte.com
• Checking the SSL certificate being used for appropriate "Issued To", "Issued By", and Thumbprint fields. At the C-Byte web site, these values are:

  Issued to:	www.c-byte.com
  Issued by:	Equifax Secure Global eBusiness CA-1
  Valid From:	04/12/2007 to 03/01/2009
  Thumbprint:	68DE B1FF 3D0D E392 0452 FAC9 9D00 4C7B BE2D 5210

Keep your operating system and applications updated
Use Windows Update to make sure you have the latest security patches installed. Also check for updates to your application programs, especially Microsoft Office.

Use a hardware and/or software firewall
A firewall can protect your computer from malicious traffic. A hardware firewall/router (such as the many offerings of companies like Linksys, D-Link, SMC, and others) acts as a barrier between the outside world and your computer. A software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, performs that function to a lesser degree but can also block malicious programs on your computer from sending data out to the Internet. Window XP includes a simple firewall, but it is disabled by default. The free version of ZoneAlarm does a very nice job.

Do not run untrusted applications
Running any program that arrives via email or that was downloaded from the Internet can be dangerous. Only run applications that you wish to grant complete access to your computer and the data contained on it.

Upgrade to a better web browser
You're already using a better computer - now choose a better browser. Mozilla is available for almost every operating system and has many security and privacy advantages. Try "tabbed browsing". Manage your cookies. Block pop-up windows. The features are many, but the cost is low - in fact free.

Use an Anti-Virus program
If you follow all of the above recommendations a virus will have difficulty infecting your computer. However, since a computer virus can be a vehicle for a criminal to gain total control of your computer and thereby any information stored on, sent by, or received by your computer, it is prudent to install antivirus software from a reputable source and run it regularly. Since new viruses are discovered daily, it is important to keep antivirus software and the virus definitions it uses for detection up to date at all times.

Educate yourself
Become a smarter computer user with regard to security issues. Here are a few places to start:

CERT Home Network Security

www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

Microsoft Security Basics for Home Users

www.microsoft.com/security/home/

Common Sense Guide for Home and Individual Users

www.isalliance.org/

NSA Security Recommendation Guides

www.nsa.gov/snac/

Gibson Research. Info on Spyware, Shields-UP/port scan.

grc.com/default.htm

Anti-Phishing Working Group

www.antiphishing.org/

Security Focus community homepage

www.securityfocus.com/

Password Recommendations at CERN

security.web.cern.ch/security/passwords/

CERN Computer Security Recommendations

security.web.cern.ch/security/Recommendations

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