Your computer is unsafe, again

[newscientist.com] Password-cracking chip causes security concerns
24 October 2007
This is major news in the software security community. The hacking team claimed that they could crack a Windows Vista password in 3-5 days with the aid of a not-so-expensive graphics card. And from the screenshot it looked like the password cracking software needs to run in the same local network as the victim. A few things come to my mind:

1. Blocking physical access to your local network is still the safest measure.
2. Always deploy a firewall to block unwanted network traffic.
3. Don't access websites that do not estalish secured log-on.
4. Avoid using public WIFI networks.
5. Always keep your computer up-to-date with the latest security patches.
6. Disconnect Internet connection after use. Unplugging your computer is the only sure way it does not get hacked.
7. Don't create file shares and don't host unneeded network services (including BT, eMule and other P2P services).
8. Don't download or install third party applications (including web controls) just because they look cute.
9. Install anti-virus software. Even free products like AVG or Avast! are very effective. Ask a computer guru friend when your computer begins to act funny.