Dr-Fix-It! Notebook Archive:
Doc’s Simple Tips for More Secure Computing.

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• Shut down your computer when it is not use. This is especially important if you use cable, DSL or other "always-on" ISP. Hackers simply cannot breach a computer that is not running!
• Back up your files frequently and regularly .
• Install a three-point security net including anti-virus software, personal firewall software and anti-spyware software. Schedule weekly scans by each product to assure that your computer is clean. If applicable, check for and install the latest Microsoft Critical Updates on a weekly basis.
• Keep your security software up-to-date. Updating your security software is just as important as the installation itself because hundreds of new security threats are identified each week.
• Remember to back up your files frequently and regularly .
• Don't blindly open e-mail attachments. Most worm viruses are now coded to automatically collect e-mail messages from address books. This means infected attachments will frequently come from known sources such as work contacts, family and friends. The safest way to open an e-mail attachment is to save the attachment to a document file, and perform a virus scan on it before the attachment file is opened. Use common sense. Most new malicious applications try to entice the user to open the attachment by means of simple appeals to greed, curiosity or friendship. Subject lines promise " A gift For You…", "I Love You…" or "You HAVE to See This…". Needless to say, you don’t HAVE to open the attachment!
• Minimize the amount of sensitive data that is stored on a computer connected to the internet. Financial records, personal identification, and important numbers are prime targets for hackers.
• Finally and most importantly, back up your files frequently and regularly! I can't repeat that tip enough! By the way, remember to back up your files frequently and regularly...