Whether you are setting up a new computer or just want to tighten security on your old one, follow these 8 security tips to strengthen your computer's defences and to protect yourself!
- Use Anti-virus Software – Viruses spread from computer to computer, often through e-mail attachments. By protecting your computer from viruses you can help protect your data and save yourself unwanted downtime caused by a virus infection.
- Apply Security Updates and Patches – Security updates and patches fix known vulnerabilities in your computer and help keep your computer operating securely.
- Protect Your Accounts and Passwords – Accounts and passwords help ensure that only authorized people can access and use your computer.
- Back up and Protect Your Data – Computers are used to store significant amounts of information-from institutional and research data to personal files and financial information. It is important to back up your data and keep your systems physically safe.
- Use a Software Firewall – Firewalls help control network traffic between your computer and the Internet. A firewall is an important line of defence in detecting and refusing malicious traffic before it enters your system.
- Use Anti-spyware Software – Using anti-spyware software on your computer can help protect it from spyware and help prevent others from gathering your personal information without your knowledge.
- Use E-mail Safely – E-mail is an easy way to communicate with people in the same building or around the world. Attachments are a convenient way to send documents, image and files, and to share other information; they can also be used to send viruses and infect computers. It is important to use e-mail safely to prevent infection.
- Browse the Internet Safely – Surfing the Net has become part of daily life for many people. Set up your browser so that your computer stays safe while you navigate the Internet.
