Here are a few tips on how to keep your home or office network and computer secure and safe from hacking, viruses, spyware and those who might want to use your private information or wireless network without your permission.

1. Turn your computer and your router/modem off at night or for longer periods when not in use. Disconnecting from your internet provider entirely reduces your overall vulnerability from hacking. With more and more people switching to high-speed “always on” internet these days, people are more at risk than ever before. You’ll also save on electricity by turning these things off at night. Exception:  If your backups run at night, be sure to leave your computer on – we don’t want you to lose that data!
2. Use well known up-to-date antivirus software such as Norton Antivirus 2010. Install and update when prompted!  While PCs are usually more well-known for virus attacks, Macs can be carriers too.
3. Don’t store passwords in plain text unless the document itself is password protected.
4. Keep your operating system, software and internet browser safe by installing manufacturer- recommended updates and security patches. These updates are created regularly to respond to new threats and to protect you.
5. When someone sends you a file or gives you a CD, DVD or flash drive with files ‘for you’, use your antivirus software to scan the whole device for infections prior to opening them.
6. Learn to be shrewd with email. When in doubt about the sender of an email, the subject matter, the content or an attachment:  delete it. Don’t open suspicious emails.
7. Always work with a locally trusted and certified computer service provider. Don’t let just anyone have full access to your important and critical data. Ask for credentials and references to be sure you are dealing with a reputable service provider. Make sure the provider you use is someone you can trust and call on when you need them.