New NSA Report Details Home Computer Security Best Practices

Home computer networks can be particularly vulnerable to attack, according to a new National Security Agency (NSA) report, since security practices can be less rigorous. The report, “Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure,” provides a host of steps people can take to keep themselves safe from hackers and other computer adversaries.

Among many other recommendations, the report advises using “sandboxing” technology, which can help prevent malware from executing on a system; another includes considering the use of software that can scan systems to help make sure applications are up-to-date.

For Microsoft Windows users, an important security step could be to upgrade to a more modern operating system, such as Windows 7 or Vista as opposed to XP, according to the report. Many security features in the modern operating systems are enabled by default, the report states.

The document also emphasizes the importance of limiting administrative privileges. Computer users should create a non-privileged account, which should be used for many activities including Web browsing, e-mail access, and document creation, according to the report.