Home PC Baseline Security Self-Assessment Checklist - Version 1 May 2006

Aug 22, 2026

Home PC Baseline Security Self-Assessment Checklist provides a two-part, step-by-step evaluation for home users running Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. It guides users through checking system security baselines—anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, personal/Windows firewall status, and Windows Update procedures—using a reference first check and an updated second check. It also covers Internet Explorer advanced security baseline settings, focused on privacy, safety of browser options, and correct control of cookies, temporary files, and popup blocking.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

System Security (General) Baseline Checklist (Part 1)

Quick check for Windows

System security software

Personal Firewall / Windows Firewall

Windows Update

Internet Explorer (Advanced) Security Baseline Checklist (Part 2)

Quick Check for Internet Explorer (IE)

Home PC Baseline Security Self-Assessment Checklist (Applicable to Windows 98/ME, 2000 and XP) Page 1 of 4 HKCERT Home PC Baseline Security Self-Assessment Checklist (Applicable to Windows 98/ME, 2000 and XP) Version 1 May 2006 [http://www.hkcert.org/secguide/pc_checklist_home_v1.pdf -1-](http://www.hkcert.org/secguide/pc_checklist_home_v1.pdf -1-) Home PC Baseline Security Self-Assessment Checklist (Applicable to Windows 98/ME, 2000 and XP) Page 2 of 4 This assessment includes two parts, which are System Security (General) Baseline Checklist (Part 1) and Internet Explorer (Advanced) Security Baseline Checklist (Part 2) . Part 1 (General) is suitable for all home users. Part 2 (Advanced) is designed for users with more computer knowledge. Please contact us for any enquiries. Please follow the figure below to complete the checklist 1st Check: Proceed the checklist without changing any settings or installing any applications. This check is used as a reference to an amended system in 2nd Check. Please follow the legend to complete the checklist. 2nd Check: Proceed the checklist after updating all the security settings including Windows Update and software installation. The assessment passes if all fields are “○”. Please follow the legend to complete the checklist. | Legend | ○ – Pass | | --- | --- | | | ╳ -Problem(s) Exists (Please follow up) | User Name: Date: | SYSTEM SECURITY (General) BASELINE CHECKLIST (Part 1) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quick check for Windows | | | | | No. | Item | 1st Check | 2nd Check | | 1. System security software (Do NOT connect to the Internet except * steps)
To obtain an effective defense from outside attacks, keeping the security software up-to-date can help for resisting attacks. | | | | | | Part A – Anti-Virus | | | | | Note: If you have not installed any anti-virus software, please refer to “Application Downloads” in appendix. If one of the following actions fails, please refer to “Emergency Repair” in appendix. | | | | | Auto Protection is ON. If not, please enable. | | | | | Auto Update Virus Definition is ON. If not, please enable. | | | | | Update virus definition manually. * | | | | | Scan all hard drive(s) manually. | | | | | Enable / change the Virus Scanning Schedule Time to your daily computer operation time. (Assign the schedule at least once a week and ensure your computer is running but not busy while scanning.) | | | | | Part B-Anti-Spyware | | | | | Note: If you have not installed any anti-spyware, please refer to “Application Downloads” in appendix. | | | | | Realtime Monitor is ON. If not, please enable. ** | | | | | Auto Update Definition is ON. If not, please enable. ** | | | | | Update definition manually. * | | | | | Scan all the hard drive(s) manually. | | | | | ** This function is not available for all anti-spyware software. For enquiries, please check with the supplier. | | | | 2. Personal Firewall / Windows Firewall
Firewall is a shield that builds between PC and the Internet. It can protect the PC against attacks from the Internet. | | | | | | Note: If you have not installed any firewall, please refer to “Application Downloads” in appendix. | | | | | Personal Firewall is ON. (For installed personal firewall or Windows XP users only) If not, please enable. | | | | 3. Windows Update (Do NOT connect to the Internet except * steps)
Since Windows security vulnerabilities are sometimes discovered, a regular update is necessary. It can fix the vulnerabilities to reduce outside attacks. | | | | | | Part A-Update patches manually | | | | | Open Internet Explorer > “Tools” > “Windows Update” *
(Please follow the instructions shown in the web page) | | | | | Part B-Enable Automatic Updates | | | | | “Start” > “Setting” > “Control Panel” > (“System” [For Windows XP only]) >“Automatic Updates” > Select “Automatic (recommended)”. Assign the schedule within you

FAQs

What are the two parts of this home PC security self-assessment?

The checklist includes System Security (General) Baseline Checklist (Part 1) and Internet Explorer (Advanced) Security Baseline Checklist (Part 2). Part 1 suits all home users, while Part 2 is designed for users with more computer knowledge.

How should users perform the 1st Check versus the 2nd Check?

For the 1st Check, proceed without changing settings or installing applications as a reference. For the 2nd Check, proceed after updating security settings including Windows Update and any software installation, and the assessment passes when all fields are marked “○”.

What does the checklist ask users to verify for anti-virus and anti-spyware?

It instructs users to ensure auto protection and automatic updates are ON, update virus/definition files manually, and run manual scans of all hard drives. For anti-spyware, it also notes that some functions may not be available for all products.

Aug 22, 2026

Upload by Riley West