CYBER SECURITY

Software security is a never ending battle that the technology industry is constantly fighting.  By following a few simple steps, consumers can play a big role to insure that they do not become a victim of a cyber attack or an unwilling participant in spreading an attack to others.

• Install and keep virus software up to date.  Many new computers already come preloaded with a trial version of antivirus software from Norton or McAfee that can be renewed online.  Of the shelf software may also be purchased at your local retailer.  Once installed, be sure to update the software on a regular basis and schedule scans of your computer at least once a week.
• Activate or install a firewall.  A firewall monitors all incoming traffic to your computer and only lets in those communications which your computer trusts and needs.  It “hides” your computer from hackers on the network by closing all the communication ports that you don’t use.
• Keep your software up to date.  For both Windows and Mac users, activate the auto-update feature that automatically alerts you when security patches and software updates are available.  Once vulnerability is disclosed and a patch is offered, hackers often launch attacks that exploit the corrected problem because they know people are slow to update their computers.
• When in doubt, DELETE.  Do not open email or email attachments from people you don’t know.  Spam is increasingly being used to spread viruses in cute sounding attachments.  When opened these programs launch an attack on your computer and use applications like your email program to attack others.
• Passwords are like toothbrushes.  Use them daily.  Change them regularly.  And never lend yours to someone else.