I don't think there is an all-in-one program to stop hackers! You can make sure that certain tools are set up and in place to detect, prevent and handle real or potential security threats. I use a multi-pronged approach to ensure a secure PC environment:
1. Secure your PC with a hardware or software solution like a firewall
2. Secure your applications and data using Anti-Virus, Anti-Spy, and built in OS security + privacy tools
Here are some of the basics to give you a good start:
---------------------
DETECTING
---------------------
Scan and rid your PC of existing problems. Run baseline checks with new updated Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy software.
o DISABLE any unnecessary programs that start with windows
Unnecessary programs would be those you don't use often or at all, those you can start easily only when needed, or those you check out and deem unecessary. By eliminating these programs, you will free up alot of RAM and resources to make your PC start and run much faster. Note the original config so that you can get back to it if you make a mistake. Don't disable your Anti-Virus, Firewall, resident Anti-Spyware,
drivers for special hardware or printer ops, or other essential programs for security and MS system use.
o Check out and install, update and run one or more of the Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware "Security Essentials" below and run baseline checks to rid your system of existing problems
o Check running applications and processes periodically and especially if you notice problems: Press CONTROL/ALT/DELETE and select the "Applications" or "Processes" tab in Windows Task Manager
---------------------
SECURING
---------------------
Make sure your system is configured to protect your system on an ongoing basis Install and configure Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy software (set to run on windows start and schedule via software) to do checks automatically.
o MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER OR OTHER BROWSER
----Make sure that MS Internet Explorer or your browser is setup for appropriate security measures (disable certain java + activex controls, downloads, and install to desktop). In MS Internet Explorer, go to TOOLS/INTERNET OPTIONS and choose the SECURITY tab to view and select settings for Internet and Local Intranet Zones
----Use the "TRUSTED SITES" (known safe sites) and "RESTRICTED SITES" (unknown and potentially dangerous sites) list and setup to enable/disable appropriate actions for sites in each zone. You could set "RESTRICTED SITES" to the "high" security level, and "TRUSTED SITES" to the "low" security level, for example. Security settings on both lists can also be customized and changes to fit you needs
----Only visit reputable sites; be careful where you go
----If you want to download something, make sure to read the license agreement and program info before. Many "helpful" programs include spyware, adware, or malware
----Don't click on flashing ad banners for contests or whatever, you may unwittingly download something to your pc
----Don't click on pop-up windows. Close this with the "X" in the upper right corner or make sure box is active and click ALT-F4
o POP-UP BLOCKER
----In MS Internet Explorer, go to TOOLS/INTERNET OPTIONS and choose the PRIVACY tab to enable the pop-up blocker. Click the "Setup" button to add sites to the "always allow pop-ups" list. Some sites and services use pop-ups for login, help, or additional information links.
o COOKIE BLOCKER
----In MS Internet Explorer, go to TOOLS/INTERNET OPTIONS and choose the PRIVACY tab to enable Cookie settings. For more control, click the "Advanced" button and check the boxes to "Override automatic cookie handling", and "Always allow session cookies". You can then set First Party Cookies to "prompt" (choose on site by site basis) or "accept" and Third Party Cookies to "block". If you select "prompt", when
you visit a site a box may be displayed asking to "allow" or "block" see "more info" for the cookie. Choose what you want to always do for that sites cookies, and check the box "Apply my decision to all cookies from this website" to have them handles automatically from then on. You may have to go thru this the first time you visit each site, but subsequrent visits will be handled automatically. If you don't feel like messing with all this, just set First Party Cookies to "allow" and Third Party Cookies to "block".
Many sites (like shopping, ordering, product browse or customized feature sites) depend on cookies to work properly, so if in doubt, "allow all" cookies for the site. You can also select the "sites" button to preselect and add sites to "always block" and "always allow", or select the "Import" button to import a file of MSIE privacy settings.
o EMAIL SETTINGS
----Set up your POP3 email client (Outlook, Thunderbird) appropriately to disable java, scripts, and other malicious actions from ocurring when you open an email.
---------------------
MAINTENANCE
---------------------
Keep software up-to date to detect and remove the latest threats. Make sure you are using the latest versions, scan engines, and update the virus + spyware databases at least weekly. New updates may be available every few days or so.
o Configure Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy to check for and install updates
o Enable Microsoft Updates to see and install latest Microsoft OS and program updates/fixes, or visit the site on a regular basis to download these yourself
=================================
SECURITY ESSENTIALS - ALL ARE FREE!
=================================
o FIREWALL updated regularly, up and running, If you have a broadband connection; it is essential.
----ZoneAlarm is excellent -- http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co...
o ANTI-VIRUS updated regularly, up and running.
----AVG Anti-Virus -- http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
----Avira AntiVir® Personal Edition Classic -- http://www.free-av.com/
----avast! 4 Home Edition -- http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.ht...
----Online Panda ActiveScan -- http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ac...
----Online TrendMicro Housecall -- http://housecall.trendmicro.com/...
o ANTI-SPYWARE updated regularly, up and running, or set up to scan computer on a daily basis.
----Spybot Search and Destroy -- http://spybot.safer-networking.de/...... Has real-time spyware catcher and other nice features.
----Ad-Aware -- http://www.lavasoft.de
----YAHOO! toolbar now has a built-in Norton Spyware scan and tabs for Internet Explorer