Do You Practice Safe Computing . . .

Whether you answered YES or answered NO to Practicing Safe Computing then you need to read on . . . Being in the field of technology, I know & understand the importance of ‘buttoning down the hatches’ when it comes to safe computing. Do I always practice what I preach? Evidently not . . . unfortunately, I have been attacked and crippled 3-times in less than 4-weeks and it’s time to take action and precaution.

Nothing can keep your computer, your data OR your smartphone 100% safe unless you never use it but following these suggestions will certainly help decrease your risk.

Run Anti-Virus Software

Make certain you have up-to-date, industry standard anti-virus software running on any computer you use. Check for anti-virus updates regularly AND schedule scans to run frequently.

Keep Your Computer Up-to-Date

Those pesky little popups for installation updates do popup for a reason. Don't be caught in last month's versions—someone's exploiting them!  Set your computer to automatically check for updates for your operating system, your anti-virus software, your web browser, and any plug-ins or other applications (such as MS Office, Adobe Reader, Flash, and Java). 

Once a week is not too often . . . more frequent is better than less frequent!

"Oh no . . . I have a virus!"
If you have an anti-virus program installed (and I don’t want to know about it if you don’t), immediately run a deep full scan of all files and folders.  (Note: This could take some time!)  Hopefully, it will find and quarantine any problems you might have BUT don’t rely on it!

If you don't have an anti-virus program, immediately download one BUT be warned!  Some viruses will prevent you from going to common anti-virus websites. If that is happening to you, or if your anti-virus program can't get rid of it, you may need to contact your computer's manufacturer (if it's under warranty) or get an outside consultant to help you.

If this is the case, then I hope you have your manufacturer’s restore CD close by. If not, either create one OR contact your manufacturer and have them ship you one asap. Unfortunately, most manufactures do not include upon purchase BUT instead upon request.

Backup, Backup, AND Backup Some More

These days, more and more people are using computers to run their business, to store memories, important documents, and various other pieces of information that may need to be kept for long periods of time. Backing up a computer is essential for keeping long term (or even short term) documents around.

Decide on the proper backup media for your needs. CD-R, DVD+-R, tape, hard drives (internal and external), online, and flash drives are all great choices, but the right tool for the job is always best. Do some research on the advantages of each, and choose the one which will best suit your needs.

IMPORTANT … if using an external source make certain you run your anti-virus on that device. Usually, it’s as simple as right-clicking on your device on your laptop or PC.

Take Care Where You Stick Your Drives

A relatively recent development in malicious software is the USB virus, which is spread by copying itself from an infected computer onto a USB flash drive plugged into it, and then is automatically run on the next computer the drive is plugged into.  Again (can't say this to much), make certain any computer you use a portable drive with is running up-to-date anti-virus software.

Sync Your Smartphone (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.)

Syncing your Smartphone to your laptop/PC is an added level of security. For example, if you were not diligent in backing up your Outlook (.pst) but you synced with your smartphone, if data was lost in one or the other device (just happened to me) then you have a simple recovery plan.

You know there is something to be said about having to do a complete system restore. Not easy, not fun BUT the end result is clean, faster running system and back-to-the-day you took your toy fresh out-of-the-box.

Empowering You to Become Your Best Self!