Security & Anti-Virus Issues

Because of the problems Touchscreen users and Windows users in general have been experiencing with viruses, we are attempting to address these issues to smooth your way to a secure but working Touchscreen application.

There are two basic problems to deal with for internet-connected Touchscreen computers. First is the problem with spyware, viruses and other malware. Second are problems with anti-virus programs themselves.

This page is not meant to be an exhaustive treatment of these issues, but a way to get started for those who wish to have an internet connected Touchscreen computer. Those churches with IS departments can skip to configuring your Anti-Virus program.

Warning: An unprotected internet connected Microsoft Windows computer can be compromised within minutes of going online.

This means that it has been attacked and broken into, had programs installed on it that can make it a zombie host for a spammer or the propagation of viral email or data collection from your computer and other unprotected computers on your network. (simple description of the problem)

First line of defense: Hardware Router

We recommend a simple Linksys router (made by Cisco Systems) as the first device coming off your cable or DSL modem. Shop (Type "linksys router" in the search window.)

Read the directions, install it. Get local tech support to help you set it up.

Second line of defense: Software updates

Update every bit of your system software for your Windows computers. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com This means updating the software, restarting the computer, updating the software, restarting the computer, etc. until the Windows Update site says there are no further updates available.

Third line of defense: Anti-Virus software

There are a number of products out there. Norton AntiVirus, McAfee AntiVirus, AVG anti-virus and CA anti-virus are the most commonly found products. There are many others that will be suitable, but with the hardware firewall already in place, either of these two may be enough. If you have a tech support person who prefers a particular antivirus software, then go with that. Local help is far more valuable than any insight we can give.

Most new computers come with a short subscription to an antivirus program, meaning your computer is probably protected when you hook it up the first time. But the antivirus provider will want to offer you a whole suite of utilities. buy what you need, but do not allow your antivirus software subscription to lapse without a renewal or replacement.

Set these programs to update the virus definitions automatically and to notify you if there is a problem.

Shop (Type "antivirus" in the search window.)

Final Cleanup: SpyWare eliminators

There are lots of candidates for this prize. The August edition of MaximumPC magazine recommends Spybot Search and Destroy. But they say it is not enough, so a good additional tool may be needed. We use Lavasoft Ad-Aware personal edition. Both of these are free.

Use them periodically and update the definitions before each use.

There are many other products for this including most of the major providers of antivirus programs.

Note:

The latest version of Norton AntiVirus, AVG and some other antivirus products do not need to be configured to work with the World Missions touchscreen. Install the antivirus system before running the touchscreen. Test the touchscreen. If it works you are finished. If it fails to load or operate correctly, you will need to figure out how to disable the features in it that "break" the touchscreen.

Configure your AntiVirus program

The World Missions Touchscreen runs almost exclusively on a complex of scripted procedures. Many AntiVirus programs by default block the use of scripts because malicious scripts have been used to compromise Windows computers.

What you need to do when you have an AntiVirus program installed is find the dialog box in the AntiVirus controls that allows you to turn off script blocking.

Please, before configuring any of these programs follow directions to update these programs to the latest versions, virus definitions and program updates.

The following examples are from Norton AntiVirus and McAfee Internet Security Suite. The most recent of these programs will probably be configured differently. This guide was written early in 2006. It may be helpful however if there are complications.

Norton AntiVirus:

In Norton AntiVirus: first, open the program and click on the Options tab at the top of the window. On the left under System click the Script Blocking item. Uncheck the box titled Enable Script Blocking (recommended). Click the OK button at the bottom. Click the close box at the upper right corner of the window.

Your Touchscreen application should work fine. If not, restart the computer.

McAfee internetsecuritysuite:

When you install McAfee the internet suite, check the Custom radio button in the Setup Type window. Click the Next button at the bottom right. In the next window, uncheck the box titled McAfee Privacy Service. Then finish the installation.

This service absolutely prevents the Touchscreen from working under every configuration and must not be installed.

Note: If you have already installed the Privacy Service and the Touchscreen does not work, just uninstall the Privacy Service.

Next, follow the directions below to configure the VirusScan program in the McAfee Security Center.

McAfee VirusScan:

For McAfee VirusScan you need first to open the McAfee Security Center and click on the virusscan button on the left. Then click Configure VirusScan Options on the upper right. Click the Advanced button on the lower right of the dialog box. At the new window click the ScriptStopper tab (third from left). Uncheck the box titled Enable ScriptStopper (recommended). Agree to the changes in all dialog boxes and exit the Security Center.

You will need to restart your computer for the change to take effect.

For virus protection software that comes with your new computer:

Read the manual and discover how to change the settings in your software. Where there is a script blocking option, make sure that option is unchecked.

Further Cautions

The more software one uses to protect the computer from attack, the slower the computer will become. It is therefore necessary to purchase a faster computer to compensate for the requirement to protect it.

For users of the Touchscreen, it is often enough to use an antivirus program alone which keeps watch for viral programs. This, in addition to the hardware router mentioned above, should be enough to protect your computer. The touchscreen computer will not be doing any browsing of the world wide web, or come in contact with malicious web sites.

The Touchscreen computer should not be used for general email, but can be used for Touchscreen specific email. This will ensure that there will be little or no spam or viral emails.

We do not recommend using any AOL products on the same computer as the Touchscreen.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Updated. 7/19/2005