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| What can I do to protect my computer and data? |
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Last Updated
13th of April, 2010
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There are three main threats to the data on your computer: malicious software, network intrusion by hackers, and physical theft.
To protect your computer against viruses, spyware, worms, and Trojan Horse programs (which let hackers control your computer), you must use anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software—and keep those applications up-to-date. To keep intruders out, connect to the Internet through a properly configured firewall; keep administrative names and passwords updated; set wireless networks to "no broadcast"; and be sure to power down your computer when not in use.
Never open an email spam or other emails from unknown sources and avoid using public computers for online banking, email account access, or other sensitive exchanges of information, since keystroke loggers, web "cookies," or cached pages may be capturing your data.
Limit access to your computer to those you truly trust, and use restrictive permission levels to protect sensitive files. Whenever possible, encrypt files containing sensitive information, including backup files. And don't forget to protect your computer against physical theft—"password protection" sounds daunting, but is actually easy for a tech-savvy criminal to defeat.
Finally, beware of "phishing" and "pharming" scams, which use fake corporate email, redirected web addresses, and "cloned" corporate webpages to plant viruses and con users into providing sensitive information. Never provide identity or account information in response to an email, or if you have doubts about a website's authenticity.
Learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself.
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