Being Smart About Security

As the new year gets going one of your resolutions should be thinking about simple things you can do to protect your data on your computer and make it less likely that someone will compromise your computer. Here are some of the simple reminders of things you can do:

1. This is still the easiest and most costly way of having your data on your computer compromised: DON'T OPEN ATTACHMENTS ON E-MAILS OR VISIT LINKS IN INSTANT MESSAGES FROM PEOPLE YOU DON"T KNOW. Even if you think it came from someone you know, make sure by either sending that person an e-mail or calling them on the phone and asking if they sent you the link.

Why is there only one rule you ask? That's a good question. What I have found in doing my own research and observing the day to day activity of how average people access the internet is that it's very hard to keep up with security updates, new threats, etc.

Are there other vulnerabilities out there? Yes. Are you likely to encounter them in your everyday browsing? Maybe yes maybe no. Being cyber-smart will liely put you at a much lower risk. Getting a simple program installed in your browser that helps advises you on the sites you visit will help immensly in conjunction with rule #1. My recommendation is a program called CallingID which can be aqquired at: CNET's Download.com site.

As always make sure that your anti-virus, malware, spyware programs are updating. Did you buy a new PC with a trial version of software? If that trial expires and you don't purchase the software, or uninstall it and install another piece of software to protect you, then you're very vulnerable.

You can install a simple piece of software that will encrypt your valuable information on your computer. The one I would suggest is Sophos FREE Encryption. Its easy to use and can protect files on your computer as well as files that you send.

My last recommendation is to install a simple proxy server. This is one of the best ways to protect against vulnerabilities. There is a FREE proxy that is called OpenDNS that will help protect you and your family against phishing and other questionable websites. It's simple to install and I HIGHLY recommend it. The basic plan that is linked above is free. You do need to create an account to use the service.

As always we are here to help. If you need assistance or advise please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us. datasaversinc@gmail.com or 315-876-9480