Simple Tips for Safe Computing

This post was written by admin on March 25, 2008
Posted Under: Free PC Security,personal information,Safe Computing

Whether you are using your computer at home or travelling with your laptop PC, there are some basic tips that you should always remember.

Install an anti-virus product and keep it up to date - Viruses, worms and other malware are some of most prolific problems on the internet today.

There are some excellent free anti-virus applications that provide a great deal more protection than just searching for viruses.

Remember that any anti-virus product is only as good as you are about keeping it up-to-date and scanning your system regularly.

Install a Firewall product and keep it up to date - Like anti-virus products, Firewall products are designed to protect your system from Internet threats like hackers, viruses, and worms by filtering out any suspicious communications sent to your computer.

A firewall gives you greater control over inbound and outbound programs.

Use passwords - An essential component of computer security is a strong password policy.

Passwords control access to files, programs, computers, hard drives and networks.

They also deny access to unauthorized users. Poorly chosen passwords make it easier to break into your computer systems and expose your business and home to malicious attacks.

In general, set up passwords and keep them secret. Never share them with others.

Set up a system password and use it - Locking your system by setting up a system password prevents others from even booting your system.

A system password prompt will appear each time you start your computer before the operating system even loads.

To create a system password, you’ll need to access your computer’s setup utility (also known as CMOS BIOS settings).

Performing this function varies on different computers, so read the PC User’s Guide for further information on how to set up a system password.

Do use passwords that:
Contain mixed-case alphabetic characters, non-alphabetic characters, digits and punctuation, six or more characters, easy to type quickly without looking at the keyboard, and are easy to remember so that they do not have to be written down.

Alternatively use a Password Manager.

Stay away from passwords that:
Use your login name in any form, your first or last name, your child, spouse or pet’s name, easily obtained details such as your telephone number, social security number or address.

Passwords that are all digits or all the same letter, or passwords shorter than 6 characters.

Identity Theft is on the increase, so the use of strong, encrypted passwords will offer you more protection.

Backup up your data and all of the fun stuff, too - You’ve invested a lot of time and money creating those files, pictures of your family or other entertainment. Losing those files would mean a lot to you.

Take the time to invest in additional storage media and a software backup application.

Then, set up an automatic schedule to periodically back up and save the files that are so important to you.

Keep your private information private - You would never think of displaying your bank account number, so be careful about providing personal information about yourself, your family or others that you would not want to be publicly known.

Do not give out your name, phone number, address, passwords, etc.

Do not share photos of your self or family with strangers online.

Encrypt sensitive information

Do not enter personal or financial information into pop-up windows

Do not save your login information - Many programs, including instant messengers, include automatic login features that will save your username and password. Disable this option so that no one can log in as you.