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Best practices

1. Use anti-virus software:

Your anti-virus software should be set to constantly monitor your system using "real-time monitoring," and you should be sure your virus definitions are kept up to date.

Click here for more information about anti-virus software.

2. Install hardware and software firewalls:

Your network should be behind a hardware firewall, particularly with a high-speed connection. Install a personal firewall to block any content that the hardware may miss.

Click here  for more information about firewalls.

3. Create strong passwords:

A strong password is one that has at least 8 characters including letters, numbers, and other non-alphanumeric characters.

Click here  for more information about strong passwords.

4. Establish a back-up schedule for important data:

Creating and maintaining a set schedule for backing up your data can prepare you for any unfortunate breach that could occur despite your best efforts to remain secure.

Click here  for more information about back-ups.

5. Maintain up-to-date security patches:

Carefully review and install software patches as soon as they become available. This will help to reduce the amount of time that you are vulnerable to an attack.

Click here  for more information about security patches.

6. Use password-protected screen savers:

Reduce the chance that others are able to access your data by using a screen saver that activates after a short time and requires a password to return to the desktop.

Click here  for more information about password-protected screen savers.

7. Check the settings in your e-mail client and web browser:

In your e-mail client you should use content filter settings to block unwanted e-mail. You can also set your Web browser to block cookies and unwanted JavaScript.

Click here to learn how to change the settings in your e-mail client.
Click here to learn how to change the settings in your web browser.

8. Use safe e-mail and download practices:

Most computer viruses spread through e-mail or direct downloading to your computer. With this in mind, you should think carefully about everything that you download.

Click here for more information on safe download practices.
Click here for more information on safe e-mail practices.

9. Increase your awareness of internet security:

Become aware of the dangers surrounding you on the Internet. You can do this through formal training, or simply keeping up with the latest Internet news and alerts.

Click here to start learning about securing your piece of cyber space.
Click here to register for free cyber alerts.

10. Establish policies and rules for information security:

Policies or rules should be established in your business or agency, and even in your home, providing guidelines for secure computer use.

Click here for information about creating policies for your business.
Click here for information you may find useful for establishing rules in your home.

courtesy: http://www.secureflorida.org


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