As one year comes to an end and a new year begins, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the things we wish we had done differently. With that reflection often comes new resolve to break harmful habits and adopt healthier alternatives. Unfortunately, we also have a tendency to repeat the same new year's resolutions year after year, demonstrating that we're likely far more comfortable with our old habits than we care to admit. This year, shake things up a bit and adopt some new new year's resolutions that may just prove to be far more manageable and sustainable.
- . Update your computer. If your budget will allow it, consider upgrading to Windows 7 or buying a Mac. Either will offer better overall security.
- Adopt a patching cycle. Need an excuse to skip the gym? Update your computer with the latest patches instead. This means all software - not just the operating system. Particularly problematic are the many vulnerabilities continually being exploited in the ubiquitous Adobe Reader and Flash apps. To make the task easier, use the free Secunia Software Inspector.
- Install the latest antivirus. It's not just the signatures that need constant refreshing; antivirus engines play an even more important role in overall detection abilities. Whether you're using fee or free antivirus, always use the latest version available.
- Pare down your social contacts. Promiscuous friending greatly reduces your risk of malware infection. When it comes to online friends and security, less is truly more. Only accept friend requests from people you know and trust. And speaking of trust, don't blindly follow links in Facebook or Twitter. Use the same precaution you should already be applying to email links - if you didn't request it and didn't expect it, treat the link with caution.
- Keep a close eye on your identity. Set up transfer or balance threshold alerts for online accounts, consider freezing your credit report or signing up for a credit monitoring service, and shred documents and junk mail that contain personally identifying information.
Here's wishing you a very happy - and secure - New Year!