Welcome to Computer Security Northwest website

The purpose of this site is to provide information security resources and information for networked or Internet-attached computers, both Windows PCs and Macintosh. It includes both practical measures to secure you computer and instructions/advice on backing up your data.

Please click on any topics you may be interested in below.

1) Essential Security Measures for Home Computers <- Click for document

This is a no nonsense document that briefly gives you the necessary steps (and programs) to secure your computer. (Also applicable for small businesses.)
This includes information that is critical for every Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac computer!
This latest version of the “Essential Security” document is Version 3.5, Updated March, 2010

Hightlights of some of new information in this version of the “Essential Security” document:

8 – Over 75% of all identify theft is due to physical theft of wallet/purse/personal identification or physical theft of your computer. Physical security is important! Consider Lifelock (below). Details at this article: www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=8461
– If you travel a lot or are especially concerned about physical recovery of a stolen laptop (or remote data deletion), consider LoJack software for your computer: www.absolute.com/products/lojack

9 - If you click on a website and a pop-up comes up telling you that your computer is infected with a virus and they can clean it for you, don’t believe them! Chances are this is another scheme to get you it install a virus. See here for more info: www.symantec.com/norton/theme.jsp?themeid=mislead

2) Simple Backup Strategy for Home Computers <- Click for document

This document describes the components and steps needed to create and implement a backup strategy for your Windows or Macintosh computer. If you do not yet regularly backup your data, please read the first part of this document.
This latest version of the “Simple Backup Strategy ” document is Version 3.0, completely re-written and updated August, 2010

3) A Detailed Backup Strategy <- Click for document

- You probably do not need to see this document if you read the Simple Backup Strategy above, but, if you want more details and discussion of all issues involved with backing up your computer, please see this document.

– I highly recommend you use Web of Trust (WOT) so you can see the rating of websites you visit. Click the link below to get more info about what WOT is and how to install it: