Give your computer a fresh start to the new year by following these simple steps.

» Install security patches and enable automatic updates: Make sure your computer has all critical security patches and verify that it’s enabled for automatic updates and working correctly. For Windows, run the Windows Update program and click "Check for Updates." For Apple’s OSX, click on the System Preferences menu, choose "Software Update," and then click "Check Now." While on these screens, check that your system is configured for Automatic Updates. In Windows Update, click "Change Settings" and make sure "Install Updates Automatically" is selected. For Macs, it’s on the same screen as the "Check Now" feature.

Enable automatic updates for your applications as well. Adobe products are a favorite hacker target so if you use Adobe Acrobat, Reader, Flash, or any of their other popular tools, make sure they are configured to automatically update. Other popular targets are Sun’s Java and Apple’s QuickTime, both of which will update automatically if you don’t ignore the prompts.

» Change passwords: Most companies require employees to change their passwords every 60 to 90 days for good reason: the longer a password is used, the more time a hacker has to crack it. But most home users don’t change their passwords, putting them at greater risk of being hacked. Change your passwords at least once a year, particularly on critical sites such as your bank, email, and any site that holds personal or sensitive information about you. Select a strong password or passphrase — the longer the better. See previous Tech View articles for tips on choosing strong passwords.

» Update antivirus: Check your antivirus program to ensure the subscription is still valid and that signatures are being updated regularly. Some Internet service providers (ISPs) offer antivirus protection as an included service feature; customers must install the protection and ensure that it’s working properly. Some offers of "free" antivirus programs work for only three to six months before requiring a subscription to an update service. And with about 50,000 new viruses coming out every day, protection degrades quickly without at least daily updates.

» Scan for malware: In addition to up-to-date antivirus protection, I recommend sweeping your computer with a malware scanner from time to time. Some of my favorite low- or no-cost options for home users include MalwareBytes, Ad-Aware and McAfee. Microsoft and most antivirus companies offer free malware scanners. They are easy to run and can give you additional peace of mind.

» Pare down installed programs: You’d be surprised how many applications get installed on your computer within a year. Many times these applications are rarely used beyond the trial period but may drain your computer’s resources and leave it vulnerable to security problems if they are not patched regularly. I like to open up my list of installed programs (via Control Panel on Windows) every few months and look for things that I no longer use and are just taking up space and memory. Uninstalling applications in OSX is a little more complicated, but it’s a valuable exercise and worth spending a few minutes on.

» Back up important data: Think about all the information you have stored on your computer — years of family photos, tax returns, important documents. What would you do if your hard disk crashed or was erased by a hacker? Consider some form of regular backup, at least once a month. There are many low-cost solutions that allow you to back up your files to the cloud, avoiding the expense of a second hard disk or a tape backup system. As with anything you send to the cloud, look for solutions that offer encryption to make sure the data is not exposed to others on the Internet.

Taking these preventative measures will help ensure that your computer is in top shape as you start the new year. Happy 2013!

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Hawaiian Telcom Information Security Director Beau Monday is a local cybersecurity expert. Reach
him at Beau.Monday@hawaiiantel.com.