Ten IT security precautions
1.
Make sure you install an antivirus program, which identifies any virus that may be present in files you place or receive on your PC. Update the program regularly, preferably once a week, to ensure continual protection against new viruses. Set up your antivirus program to automatically check for viruses when you download files from the Internet.
2.
Install a firewall on your PC. A firewall protects against hackers and can also catch viruses known as worms. A worm will typically get through any unprotected hole in your programs.
3.
Be critical when opening emails. If you do not know the sender or receive an unexpected email, you should consider deleting it without opening it first. Be especially careful when opening emails with attached files, as well as emails with odd names or emails in a language other than English.
4.
Be aware of false virus warnings, also known as hoaxes. A hoax will often tell you how to erase a file that should be on your PC. A typical headline for a false warning is "virus warning".
5.
Be careful giving out personal information on the Internet or by email. Send only encrypted confidential information and only to people you know. When sending encrypted information, you will see a padlock in the bottom right corner of the browser.
6.
Download programs only from known and credible Web sites. Never open programs directly. Instead, save them on your hard disk and have your antivirus program check them before you open them.
7.
Use a password on your personal computer and keep it secret. Never use your own name or birthday as a password; instead, use a combination of letters, digits and special characters. We recommend that you change your password regularly.
8.
If your software supplier offers security updates, we recommend that you have your PC updated from time to time.
9.
If you are using a wireless network, be aware that strangers can obtain information from your PC. Therefore remember to activate the encryption key before using the wireless network.
10.
When you are not using your PC, turn it off so that you avoid being connected to the Internet for longer than necessary.
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Antivirus programs
We don’t recommend particular antivirus software, but here is a selection of programs available:
Panda Antivirus
Norton Antivirus
Trend Micro PC-cillin
CA InoculateIT
McAfee VirusScan
F-Secure AntiVirus
Firewall Software
We don’t recommend particular firewall software, but here is a selection of programs available:
ZoneAlarm
Sygate Personal Firewall
Norton Internet Security
Spyware
We don’t recommend any particular spyware checkers, but here is a selection of programs and information available:
Lavasoft
Spywareinfo