| Keep Your Computer Protected |
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Just as you wouldn’t keep your house or car unlocked, you shouldn’t leave your computer and all of the information on it unprotected and vulnerable. An attack by a virus or hacker could leave you feeling just as violated as you would after a break-in to your car or house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your computer safe and the information on it protected:
- Keep your computer updated and protected. Your first line of defense is keeping your computer, browser and anti-virus software up to date. Once your systems are current, you can configure your computer’s operating system and browser to receive updates automatically.
- Install anti-virus software. Anti-virus software will scan your files and emails to detect an existing virus. You can keep this software up to date with the automatic updates offered by most virus protection programs. Then, you’ll want to scan your files for viruses monthly – or better yet, set up your anti-virus software to scan every file you open.
- Activate your computer’s firewall. Your computer should have a firewall that will block unauthorized access to your computer when you’re on line. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer firewall services to their customers or you can buy the firewall hardware and software.
- Make sure you have anti-spyware installed. Anti-spyware software helps protect your computer from malicious spyware programs that are usually hidden in otherwise harmless programs. Spyware is dangerous because it can gather private information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Again, you can look to your ISP or to a retail outlet for the latest anti-spyware protection.
- Protect your wireless network. Because the default configuration of your wireless network may not be secure, you should contact your wireless software vendor about increasing the security of your network.
- Surf carefully. A lot of free software can have viruses or malicious software that could steal your information. Be careful when downloading free software from the Internet.
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