Computing Security tips

• "Never store sensitive data on your computer and, if you must, make sure it is encrypted."
• "When disposing of your computer, remove the hard drive and destroy it to prevent information being accessed by a third party."
• "Install a software firewall on your computer."
• "Install a virus scanning package on your computer and scan on a regular basis. Ensure you keep it up to date by using the auto-update feature. Full virus scan at least weekly."s
• "Use Spyware and Adware scanning software. Configure these to run daily."
• "Ensure your computer is up to date with the latest security patches for both the operating system and the applications."
• "Get into the habit of backing up sensitive data using CDs, removable hard drive, network backup device or even another computer."
• "Always use passwords that are a combination of letters and numbers, use upper a lower case and that are NOT family, pet names, birthdays etc."
• "NEVER use the auto fill feature provided by browsers when accessing sensitive data."
• "NEVER access your on-line banking or other sensitive web site via an email link. Use your known link in order to limit the risk of phishing."
• "NEVER open email attachments unless you trust them or know who they came from."
• "ALWAYS scan incoming emails and any applications before installing them."
• "NEVER unsubscribe to speculative emails, this only serves to confirm you are a valid target."
• "If you have a wireless network at home: ALWAYS ensure it is secure, use a pass phrase and MAC address filtering. Never keep the out of the box user name and password combination."

Useful links:

Cert: Home Computer Security

Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/default.aspx

SafeOnline: http://www.getsafeonline.org/

Let us know if these tips have been useful or if there are other problem areas you would like us to cover on this page or other pages on the site.

Covering: North Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire including Chippenham, Malmesbury, Tetbury, Cirencester and Swindon