Archive for security
Practice Safe Computing
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Use firewall and anti-virus software and update them regularly. Be prepared for when you get a virus anyway. Keep Windows® and Office® updated (turn on Windows® automatic update). Use a spyware blocker/cleaner.
Don’t give out personal information like address, driver’s license, social security number, or credit card numbers over the Internet, especially in e-mail, unless you are guaranteed security.
Repeat after me: “I never discuss anything financial if I haven’t initiated the contact.”
Disaster preparedness:
Posted by: | CommentsIf you’re prepared, it’s not a disaster
About 2 years after I got my first computer (back in the 80′s!), my hard drive crashed. It really did sound like a stack of plates crashing. I went to a computer repair shop to see if anything could be done. Nada. It was toast. Fortunately, I had just done a backup so all of my data was safe. The guy at the repair shop told me I was probably the first person he had come in that actually had a current backup. Lesson learned. I’ve been keenly aware of the need to be prepared ever since.
So, save often, create a backup routine, store backups off-site (online if you feel comfortable with that), and keep multiple backups of critical data. Use a surge suppressor. Get a UPS (battery backup). Perform routine maintenance on your computer—scan and defragment your hard drive, remove temporary files, and clean the hardware (even inside a desktop — just keep yourself grounded). A little healthy paranoia never hurt anyone.
I use a shareware program called CCleaner to clear out all those temporary files that seem to stay on your computer forever, clean out the registry, and remove programs I’m not using anymore. You can get it at www.download.com.
How prepared are you for the inevitable disaster?
Use strong passwords
Posted by: | CommentsUse decent passwords and keep them secure. Better yet, use passphrases.
Poor passwords are the number one security risk most people face. Use a mix of letters and numbers, upper and lower case. This can be done by substituting numbers or other characters for letters (like zero for an o, a one for an l, $ for s, and the + plus sign for a t). This kind of password is much more difficult for password-breaking software to break. If a password is 14 characters or more, you are about as safe as you can be. To get one this long, you could use a phrase (like a song title) or repeat a single word. Using this tip, the word “password” would become “Pa$$w0rd+Pa$$w0rd” – an extremely strong password.
If you work in an office where others have access to your computer, be sure to close your programs and log out or use a password protected screensaver so when you’re away from your desk someone can’t just walk up and use it.