When using the Internet, it’s critical to be aware of the risks. Computer security is a complex issue, at the risk of oversimplification, here are some simple guidelines to follow.
There is much more to these basic recommendations – and there are other issues to consider – but you can start by covering these essential items first and then build on them.
• Use anti-virus protection on each computer that accesses the Internet or is on a network with other computers.
• Apply all critical updates for Microsoft Windows and Office products. Hackers target these programs because of their popularity and nearly universal presence.
• Install and configure a firewall to protect computers that access the Internet.
• Don’t open unexpected attachments; have a healthy scepticism with unsolicited warnings. Viruses and malware often use these ploys as a way to sneak unto a computer.
• Use common sense. If something is too good to be true, it generally is; if something seems too risky, it probably is. Don’t believe everything you see online.
