Helpful Hints

Best Practices

Update Your Operating System – Computer security issues are usually centered around flaws in the operating system. As these flaws are discovered, software vendors release patches to correct the vulnerabilities. Make sure Windows updates are set to download and install automatically on your system.

Install and Update Antivirus Software – While installing anti-virus software is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your computer, it has some limitations. Because it relies on definitions, anti-virus software can only detect those viruses that have definitions installed on your computer, so it is very important to keep them up to date. You may still be susceptible to viruses that circulate before the anti-virus vendors add their code, so continue to take other safety precautions as well.

Install and Update Spyware Detection Software – Spyware/malware has become an major threat to computer security in recent years, and many vendors are now releasing packages that incorporate both anti-virus and anti-spyware capabilities together. However, if you decide to choose separate programs, we recommend that you have only one of each installed on your system to avoid potential conflicts. Anti-spyware software varies widely in effectiveness and reliability, so research your options in advance.

Use Your Computer’s Firewall – Modern versions of Windows, as well as some antivirus security suites, come with a firewall that shields your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary Internet traffic. When installed and configured properly, they provide another layer of protection against attacks on your system. Make sure that yours is enabled.

Backup Your Data – Protect important data by copying it regularly to a CD or DVD, external device, or other recovery system. Establishing a backup and storage procedure can help minimize the time required to recover data that is lost or damaged.

Internet Safety

Protect Your Personal Information – With many online services, you will be required to provide personal information in order to create accounts or to facilitate billing and shipping of purchases. However, make sure that you review the website’s privacy policies. They should explain what personal information the website collects, how it is used, and whether it is provided to third parties. If you don’t see a privacy policy or if you can’t understand it onsider doing business elsewhere.

Avoid Identity Theft And Fraud – Never respond to unsolicited or unknown email messages asking you to click on a link to enter or “update” your personal information. These ‘phishing’ emails often claim and even appear to be from a bank or online store, but most legitimate companies will never make a request for confidential information via email. If you believe there may be a need for such information by a company with whom you have an account or placed an order, contact that company directly by telephone or regular mail.

Communicate With Caution – Chat rooms, message boards, and instant messaging all offer ways to “meet” others, but people aren’t always who or what they say they are online. Never post or disclose any personal information without knowing exactly who you are dealing with.

Beware of Attachments – If you receive an email with an attached file from an unknown source, simply delete it. Opening these attachments could activate spyware or a virus which may infect your machine. Emails from friends and family can also include viruses if their computer is infected, so make sure you have up-to-date protection (see Best Practices).

Use Secure Passwords – Create unique combinations of letters in both upper- and lowercase, numbers, and symbols at least eight characters in length. The more obscure your password, the harder it will be for others to guess.

Contact us for more information.

Contact us for more information.