Computer Security

A cleaner and safer online experience can be obtained by adopting healthy browsing habits.

Your computers security can be covered by simply following these few easy steps…

1.Taking the time to secure your system properly, by learning about your security and not assuming anything!

2. Using a reliable antivirus program and choosing an antivirus package that has a consistent track record.

Base your decision on their reviews and recommendations and not their packaging.

3. Reviewers are your best source for information on making reasonable choices.

Always use a reliable firewall solution. Some operating systems will come with a firewall which will only filter

incoming traffic. Use a firewall that can control both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, restricting any

unauthorized outgoing traffic, this can help restrict the effects of any infection your PC may get.

4.You should by no means open e-mails from unknown or distrusted sources.

There are many viruses that spread via e-mail messages so please ask for a confirmation from the sender.

5.Do not open the attachments of messages with a suspicious or unexpected subject lines, unfortunately even those

from people you may know. You should first do a full scan of the attachment by downloading it to your PC

and then scan it with an updated antivirus program.

6. Securely delete any chain e-mails and unwanted messages. Do not join the hordes & forward them or reply

to their senders. Any message that states “ if you don’t forward this to at least “X” number of friends within the

next 24 hours” .. these kinds of e-mails are considered spam and overload the Internets traffic.

7.You should avoid installing services and applications which are not needed on a daily.

Any services or operations … such as file sharing servers, remote desktop servers are potential hazards, and should

not be installed if they are not necessary.

8. Update your system and applications as often as you can. Some operating systems and applications can be

set up to automatically update. Failure to do so may leave your computer vulnerable to threats and other viruses.

9. Do not copy any files if you don’t know or don’t trust the source from which it came.

Be aware of the source for files you may download and make sure that an antivirus program has already verified the files.

You should always recheck after downloading files to your system, as well as prior to attempting to open the file.

10.Get yourself into the habit of making regular backups of important files and personal information such as

correspondence, documents, pictures on a regular basis. You can store the copies on removable media such as

CD, DVD or External hard drive. Doing this will minimize the risk and the effects of any infection your computer

may get.