Internet attacks are common and can be dangerous for both your hardware and your data. That's why it's important to protect your machine. It suffices that an attacker gets your IP address and he can saturate the data stream of your computer and crash it as well. One of these attacks is to send requests via ICMP and thus saturate the target machine. From its personal firewall, Windows XP has mechanisms to protect your computer from such malevolence. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click the Start button and choose Run In the search window that appears, type “regedit” and confirm by clicking the OK button
2. Search for the entry “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ Tcpip \ Parameters”
3. Click to edit the value below the “enableicmpredirect” case. Set the value to 0
4. Click ok!
1. Click the Start button and choose Run In the search window that appears, type “regedit” and confirm by clicking the OK button
2. Search for the entry “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ Tcpip \ Parameters”
3. Click to edit the value below the “enableicmpredirect” case. Set the value to 0
4. Click ok!
5. You are done! Your system should now be immune from ICMP attacks
v … By learning common sense security tips
To help individuals of all ages stay safe online and protect themselves against identity theft and the repercussions of risky online behavior, RSA shared the following safe online behavior advice:
1. Assess your social network “friends” to ensure you’re connected with only people you know and trust.
2. Consider creating separate lists or profiles for professional and personal networking.
3. Take the time to practice safe online behavior – be sure to end every online session by logging off your personal accounts when you’re done using them.
4. Don’t access personal documents or online bank accounts on public computers.
5. Only shop with reputable online companies and be sure to verify web sites for their authenticity before submitting credit card numbers or other personally identifiable information.
6. Frequently change your passwords and ensure they’re hard to guess by including a series of numbers, letters and symbols.
7. Every year complete a full analysis of your online persona. Use a search engine to gather and review all content associated with your identity.
8. Check your financial health annually by obtaining a copy of your credit report to look for false or fraudulent activity.
Also check this link for more information
v … By protecting your online passwords
A few tips
To check if your password has been compromised in a major attack, visit this site. If this happens, immediately change your password on the compromised site
• Choose strong passwords, composed of at least 12 characters including lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid dictionary words and references to your personal life such as the name of your cat. Several sites like Gmail, Facebook and Twitter show the security level of your password (low, medium, high, very high, etc..).
• Use different passwords for each site you visit. For example you can reuse some part of your usual password everywhere (eg, six characters) and adapt the rest of the password according to the site it is associated with.Free your imagination
• If you struggle to remember your passwords, you can use softwares like 1Password (from $ 40) or Keepass (free). The latter records your passwords, which are protected by one master password. They can even generate complex passwords for you. "I use KeyPass to store hundreds of passwords that I use to access websites and computer systems, said Patrick Boucher a canadian computer science expert. This is a great tool and free you can even install on a USB key.
• The Firefox browser also has a similar function. In the "Preferences" menu of Firefox, click "Security" and check "Use a master password."
Protect your computer against viruses by using regularly updated antivirus softwares.
These softwares can protect your computer and your personal data by destroying viruses and spywares it might face .They are automatically updated so that you are always protected against the latest viruses.
Just a couple of reseach on google will give you links to download good antivirus softwares.Users who do not have an antivirus can use free online virus scanners like eset, bitdefender, Symantec, to find and eliminate viruses.
Protect your Internet connection using a software firewall (or firewall) that will allow the Internet access to the authorized programs only;
Your computer may already be equipped with a firewall if you use the latest versions of Microsoft Windows ®.
Regularly update your operating system in order to stay shielded against new forms of attacks
Internet Explorer users can update their system via the Microsoft site or service WindowsUpdate to correct possible flaws,exploitable by viruses. I finally advise you to follow the advice given here! For better help
