MVP Spotlight - Hosts File & Other Helpful Topics

This is the Microsoft MVP Spotlight for Mike Burgess.

Security MVP Offers Malware Protection

Consumer Security MVP Mike Burgess's Hosts file continues to lead the fight against malware and security threats from around the world. The internet can be a harsh place to surf, but Mike’s Hosts file for Windows, can be used to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most web browser hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the internet connection to malware sites.

Currently, he has over 10,000 mailing list members, with 126 updates last year, and accolades from Pricelesswarehome.org, and the "Hype-Free" security blog. Mike's contribution towards Windows is a strong piece of armor in the constant fight for internet security.

Learn more about how the Hosts file can protect Windows users by clicking here.

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

From URL: http://blogs.msdn.com/mvpawardprogram/archive/2009/04/30/security-mvp-offers-malware-protection.aspx

What I thought was neat was that you can select from 11 different helpful topics with the drop down arrow (at the top of the page). This is just a small example  of what Mike Burgess has to offer, in addition to the invaluable information about the Hosts file.

Security Issues for Windows and IE

Practice Safe Hex!  - Browsing the Internet without protection is just plain foolish!

It can't be stressed enough on how important it is to keep your system up-to-date. This not only involves Windows Update, but also all the other programs on your machine. The vast majority of user problems (hijacks, adware/spyware) I see are due to failure to keep Windows patched, and lack of a proper "Layer of Protection".

-Preventing Vulnerabilities in Windows and Internet Explorer

* Tighten the Settings in Internet Explorer

* Do NOT run as Administrator or an account with Administrator privileges

* Build a Layer of Protection - there are enough freeware products available on the Internet that there is no excuse for not having an adequate defense. Add an anti-spyware program that has "real-time" protection such as Microsoft's Windows Defender (freeware)

More......

From URL: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/security.htm