Computer Security Basics....

[Flashman]

Welcome,

Security is job #1 before you store anything of value on a computing device.

We have been saddened here lately by hearing of people losing bitcoin to malware, virii and hackers, when it appears the most elemental of basic security procedures could have prevented it.

So, not to overwhelm you, but here's some basic security info to get you started, you should check/implement basic security on your machines before acquiring any amount of cryptocurrency, bitcoin or anything else. Should you want to secure large value amounts, additional advice should be sought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh9KcpGGAVw
http://www.cmu.edu/iso/aware/presentation/sec101-idtheft.pdf
http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/cybersecurity-101_4.pdf
http://community.stratics.com/threads/tech-computer-security-101.89533/

This is a non-exhaustive list of "reasonable" first step security information, more specific advice would be available from the distributors of your operating system. Some of the links contain links to more in depth information.

While the advice given above is "a good start" and may keep you safe from run of the mill security threats, threats become more advanced over time and there is the possibility that you may be targeted by a sophisticated, directed attack if you are known to be holding large values in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Defending against such an eventuality is beyond the scope of this little primer, and you should probably seek advice from professionals in the field.

Please feel free to contribute any tips and advice to this thread,

Flashman

[notlist3d]

Get a good antivirus and malware protection.  This is one of the biggest protections.  Also don't download files that promise faucet bots, free btc, etc.  I think a lot of security is common sense.

As far as your wallet keep it in cold storage or paper wallet.  Only keep what you need weekly or so in hot wallet. If using hot wallet or online always have 2 factor authentication on. With paper wallet don't print in public/work print at home also use your internet at home for this not a public wifi.  

Then there is storage of your private key.  If you use a usb keep it safe! Also you can do physical storae, my signature campaign i'm in actually is one.  You put private key in a coin.  You again need to treat it like gold and store safely.

[LiteCoinGuy]

Get a good antivirus and malware protection.  This is one of the biggest protections.  Also don't download files that promise faucet bots, free btc, etc.  I think a lot of security is common sense.

As far as your wallet keep it in cold storage or paper wallet.  Only keep what you need weekly or so in hot wallet. If using hot wallet or online always have 2 factor authentication on. With paper wallet don't print in public/work print at home also use your internet at home for this not a public wifi.  

Then there is storage of your private key.  If you use a usb keep it safe! Also you can do physical storae, my signature campaign i'm in actually is one.  You put private key in a coin.  You again need to treat it like gold and store safely.

and update your OS, Java etc.

its amazing that some people dont even install an anti-virus like the guy who lost 180 BTC on the main-forum - unbelievable behaviour  


and buy a hardware-wallet:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=899253.0

[sgk]

Get a good antivirus and malware protection.  This is one of the biggest protections. 

Correct. Usually when you become tech-savvy over internet use of several years, common sense is the best protection. But for less technical people, a good antivirus is highly recommended.

Also since there have been several cases of keylogging, I highly recommend using virtual keyboard for entering your password. (Virtual keyboard is a standard component in most operating systems, also it is included with many reputed AV programs, like Kaspersky).

[bitbaby]

Keeping a system secure is getting harder and harder but you're right, having a good anti-virus and anti-malware and keeping them updated is very necessary, also make sure you don't install things you don't trust. And always perform a md5 check-sum to check the file integrity.

[Aggressor66]

• Use security software
  Maintain current software and updates
  Frequently back up important documents and files
  Do not click random links
  Beware of email or attachments from unknown people, or with a strange subject line
  Do not download unfamiliar software off the Internet
  Do not propagate virus hoaxes or chain mail
  Log out of or lock your computer when stepping away, even for a moment
  Remove unnecessary programs or services from your computer
  Restrict remote access
  Treat sensitive data very carefully
  Remove data securely

[HeroCat]

Good anti virus is a must software for every computer, there are around 5 - 7 large anti virus software companies

[fenghush]

The AV industry is a scam running since the 1980's. AVs can't protect you even from old malware which has been xor'ed with a prebuilt program in just couple of minutes. Security on the internet is an illusion. if you want security that works, have an air gap between your day to day system and the system you want to protect http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_gap_%28networking%29 and have proper hygiene, never connect that system on the internet or lan and ideally cement the USB ports and keep it in a locked room.  

[Flashman]

I will often be heard saying "paranoia is appropriate" but scale your paranoia to the scale of your investment.

Extreme security procedures have a tendency to become more onerous over time and then you get a tendency to take lazy risks and shortcuts, which may lead to greater exposure than if you just had something simpler in the first place. i.e. plug in your "never on the internet" air gapped machine "just this once" ... of course it doesn't have recent OS or AV updates and could fall prey to relatively ancient exploits.

Maybe you want to exercise the self discipline preparatory to acquiring larger investment. If you've got enough to keep you frightened, then go all out.

Bear in mind also that bitcointalk.org can be a treacherous hive of scum and villainy and there's relatively few jedi around.

[banksycoin]

Thanks for this.

The "common sense" approach to security is one that is often taken for granted by experienced computer users. There needs to be more information like this, and the more simple it is made for people the better.

[sgk]

People often recommend getting Mac for less-tech savvy users, since most viruses are targeted towards Windows. Some geeks switch over to Linux.

In view of this, a recent news might come as interesting:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/macs-vulnerable-to-virtually-undetectable-virus-that-cant-be-removed/

Mac have a vulnerability that can't be detected and is virtually impossible to remove.
Someone just needs to physically gain access to your Mac for a few minutes and it's done.

[fenghush]

People often recommend getting Mac for less-tech savvy users, since most viruses are targeted towards Windows. Some geeks switch over to Linux.

In view of this, a recent news might come as interesting:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/macs-vulnerable-to-virtually-undetectable-virus-that-cant-be-removed/

Mac have a vulnerability that can't be detected and is virtually impossible to remove.
Someone just needs to physically gain access to your Mac for a few minutes and it's done.

Same applies for any OS with accessible USB ports, see BadUSB.

[sgk]

People often recommend getting Mac for less-tech savvy users, since most viruses are targeted towards Windows. Some geeks switch over to Linux.

In view of this, a recent news might come as interesting:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/macs-vulnerable-to-virtually-undetectable-virus-that-cant-be-removed/

Mac have a vulnerability that can't be detected and is virtually impossible to remove.
Someone just needs to physically gain access to your Mac for a few minutes and it's done.

Same applies for any OS with accessible USB ports, see BadUSB.

I remember reading about BadUSB a few weeks ago, I just wasn't sure how bad it was.

AFAIK, it was showcased by some black hat hackers at some linux event.
The nature of how USB drives are built makes it impossible to avoid the malware and there's nothing you can do about it unless USB drives are manufactured in some different way.

[godlyitems]

nice website, gonna check it soon.
good luck withh ur webite.

[kpitti]

I like your post.

I am again and again surprised by fact that lot of people are not reading before they act - just click, save and open 
This is is behavior which open doors for loosing data and information in their computers.

Good antivirus is a must to have. But please slow down and read and think