System Security and Internet Privacy for Home Computers

Introduction

Personal computers have become an important component of today's society given their role in helping people stay connected with the contemporary world. Computers are currently used for a wide range of purposes and across a variety of settings. Consequently, they are used to store personal information, which makes them critical parts of everyday life. However, using computers requires ensuring privacy in order to guarantee the security of that information. Computer users are constantly faced with the need to secure their systems by implementing various measures related to computer and system security.

System Security

Upon receiving a new computer for a home environment that can connect to the Internet and perform online banking through an existing Internet Service Provider, the first priority is ensuring systems security in order to protect personal information — especially banking information. The first step toward keeping the system as secure as possible is configuring the network in a manner that promotes privacy. This is primarily because connecting a computer to the Internet links it to millions of other online users, which increases vulnerability to hackers and attackers.

Network configuration entails adjusting the router's settings by consulting the user's guide. Once the predefined IP address or URL has been identified, the network should be configured to use WPA2-AES encryption for data confidentiality, and the default login credentials should be changed (Kent & Steiner, 2012). This process is followed by filtering the Media Access Control (MAC) address to identify which computers are connected to the network. The final step in network configuration is changing the default SSID of the network in order to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Browser privacy settings should include appropriate tracking controls, management of browser history, use of private browsing mode, and blocking of third-party cookies — all of which help prevent certain types of tracking by advertisers.

The security of the system is further enhanced by enabling and configuring a firewall — a device similar in some respects to a router that controls the flow of information between the computer and the Internet. The firewall is typically enabled and configured within the operating system. Since the computer in this scenario uses Windows 10, it includes a built-in software firewall that must be enabled to manage information flow. The intended firewall settings include turning on the Windows Firewall, blocking all incoming connections including those listed among permitted programs, and enabling notifications when the firewall blocks a new program.

Firewall Configuration

Because the option to turn on Windows Firewall is selected by default in Windows 10, many programs are already prevented from communicating through it. However, a list of allowed programs can be created to permit specific applications to communicate through the firewall while most remain blocked. Blocking all incoming connections helps prevent unwanted attempts to connect to the computer — a setting that offers maximum protection, especially when a worm is spreading across the Internet. Although this setting does not provide notifications when blocking incoming connections, most basic online activities such as browsing websites and sending and receiving emails remain functional. Enabling notifications when the firewall blocks a new program is also essential, as it provides the option to unblock desired programs when needed.

The third system security measure is the installation of antivirus and antispyware software in order to detect the probable existence of malware by examining patterns in files or computer memory. These programs play a crucial role in protecting the computer, as they use virus signatures provided by software vendors to identify malware. The recommended antivirus software is Kaspersky, which offers one of the highest detection rates for known malware as well as a speedy response to emerging threats.

To ensure that online banking sessions are conducted securely, authentication should be used to verify communication with the correct server. The browser should connect using complete 128-bit SSL encryption, and users should look for the padlock symbol in the browser during any online banking session. The password policy to be adopted includes a minimum password length of eight characters and a combination of alphanumeric characters, including punctuation marks, letters, numbers, and special symbols.

Conclusion

System security and Internet privacy are important aspects of computer use in today's society. An individual should take necessary steps to ensure the security of his or her computer system and online activity. Such measures help prevent unauthorized access to personal computers and reduce the likelihood of personal information and data being lost or compromised.