If in case the role of a tech expert in your family and friends
fell into your hands, chances are you may get calls in the wee hours asking you
to come over -- your aunt is having problems with iPad not getting enough
signal when she's in the kitchen, or your friend's new laptop is keep getting
some weird pop-ups that's making his computer crash. Extending help to them
using your computer and networking skills doesn't have to be a burden as long
as you have the right and awesome tools kept somewhere safe in your USB drive.
Having these tools handy will always make you available to give out a helping
hand to those who are in need.
So here are some highly useful tools that you should have in
your so-called "security toolkit" at all times. With these tools
available, your repairs will become faster and easier. You can also leave them
with some protection so that you don't have to go back next week because of
some nasty virus attack.
Nowadays, even perfectly clean sites are being hacked in a way
that malicious software are automatically downloaded into the victim's site by
just merely opening the page. In some cases, modern threats are already capable
of resisting when you try to install an antivirus software. Others have the
power to tweak your computer's Registry to disable launching of known antivirus
executables. While others can monitor Internet access and specifically prevent
access to security company sites, prohibiting you from updating or registering
your product. In short, these malicious software have become ingenious in a
negative perspective.
If in case you are unable to install the full power of an antivirus solution, you can try wiping out your system clean using a free cleanup-only tool. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free is known to accomplish this kind of task. The Norton Power Eraser tool is also a reliable solution for resistant malware infections, which can be downloaded for free. This tool is proven to be effective especially against rootkits, which are malicious programs that hook deep into Windows to hide their actions. Comodo Cleaning Essentials is also great for combating rootkits, and its malware cleanup power is better than many commercial products.
You don't have to choose which among them is going to your
toolkit USB drive because you can get all of them. The advantage of it is if in
case one doesn't do the trick, you can always try the other one.
Ever encountered a case wherein you're innocently browsing a
webpage or just checking your Facebook status when suddenly your computer
crashed and won't come back up? Almost every antivirus manufacturer out there
offers a free bootable "Rescue CD" wherein the CD boots into an
alternate operating system, usually a version of Linux. In this way,
Windows-based malware will not be able to interfere with the scan, since
Windows is not running.
However, it may sound impractical to carry around a CD in your
pocket all the time when your toolkit is supposed to be handy? Good thing some
vendors give an option for their users to create a free bootable "Rescue
USB" such as AVG, Norton, Kaspersky, and among others. For those who are
interested in using the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool, be informed that it is only
available for free for Norton customers. Your product key has to be entered
each time you use it, and it cannot be used commercially.
Once you have created a bootable rescue USB, it wouldn't hurt to
test it a few times first. Boot from it, check if it works fine, and make sure
you understand how to use it. You don't want to ruin your "tech
expert" image, right?
So you've done cleaning up your Aunt Mary's laptop after almost
an hour...for the third time this month. If you have other important things to
do, why not leave some sort of protection so that you don't have to face the
same routine over and over again.
AVG Anti-Virus Free 2013 is one of the best bet when it comes to this category. It offers competitive protection, as well as malware blocking and removal capabilities. The software also includes PC tuneup analysis and the browser toolbar includes active Do Not Track technology. Another prospect is the ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, offering a powerful firewall protection for added security against harmful attacks from the Internet.
It will always be up to you which antivirus program you would
like to use and include in your toolkit. It would also be your choice if you
decided to put more than one in your toolkit just to be sure. Spare another
half an hour or so to install one of these protective software, later on you'll
be grateful that you did.
Once in a while, a friend or a relative would ask for some help
with their hacked account -- whether it's an email or a social networking
account. If one of them keeps getting the same problem because he keeps coming
up with a lame password (ouch, that's harsh), you may want to consider using a
password manager. This will help your friend or relative configure secure sites
to create strong passwords without the hassle of having to remember all of
them. Just imagine if you have more than ten online accounts!
One popular password manager is LastPass, which works with a wide range of browsers and syncs with all your devices. It's simple to use, offers multiple layers of security to protect your sensitive information. Another known password manager is Dashlane, which provides many features that goes beyond just password management. It facilitates online shopping through the use of easy-to-understand color-coded information, allowing users to complete online transactions by clicking a few tabs. Dashlane is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. SplashID claims itself as the best-selling password manager, in which mobile is its main focus. It operates differently than the browser-based plugins, and requires no installation. SplashData, its company, will send you a $29.95 4-GB key-shaped USB device, which you will plug in your computer, enter your password, and SplashID Safe will launch your data. The app securely stores your usernames, passwords, account numbers, and any records you need to remember and keep secure.
A good password manager can store all of the information you
need to function online – usernames and passwords for all your banking, social
media, email, shopping and other accounts. All you need to do is memorize one
secure password and you will have access to all of your sites with just a few
clicks. This is also a must-have in your emergency toolkit.
Vulnerabilities found in your computer's operating system,
browser, and even on some popular programs are the often target of exploitation
by many malicious attacks. As soon as these kinds of exploitation is
discovered, the affected company releases a security patch that will serve as a
fix. So make sure to check for updates of your security program to guard
yourself, well, at least until the next exploit. Ignoring these security
patches will leave you like a worm bait.
Try installing Secunia using your USB toolkit, run a one-time
scan and update, and then uninstall it. Yep, you need to uninstall it
otherwise, it will periodically check to make sure the system hasn't missed any
new critical updates.
