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The times are a changing folks! Most kids have never seen a cassette tape, we all use email more than snail mail and many of us have phones smarter than we are.
As technology becomes ever more necessary in our lives it is important to know some best practices and tools to keep yourselves and your information secure. We hope to shed a little light on those topics in this portion of the newsletter.
This month we go back to basics:
1. Avoid using PC under an administrator account- This helps protect your system by prompting for an administrator password if anything is being done that can have an adverse affect. It can also alert you to possible problems if the password is requested and you didn't initiate a process needing it.
2. Keep all drivers and programs updated for best system operation and security.
3. Install a dependable antivirus and scan system regularly.
4. Backup, Backup, Backup don't wait until something happens to your system and you don't have data backed up. (Keep copy off site if possible)
5. Disable auto load/play for CD's and USB- This will allow you to scan before information on cd or usb is accessed. (your music cd will no longer play automatically)
6. Install a router to provide hardware firewall protection if using cable or DSL. This can also facilitate home networking.
7. Avoid clicking links on webpages or in emails you are not familiar with.
8. Don't select yes or install in a dialog popup before reading and understanding it. If you are uncertain and didn't initiate the process don't do it.
There are many more things that can be done but the above are some of the most important. A few of the suggestions may be less convenient but there is usually an inverse relationship between security and convenience.
As always the full site URLs are listed for those of you following the best practice of not clicking links.
Thanks for reading,
Paul Astwood
PRA International
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