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Computer security guide

Identity theft

Buy a cross cut shredder, & shred any document that has your name & address or financial details on it. These documents can be used to fake your identity & set up loans based on your credit rating. Rexel produce good shredders.

Lock your office / study, or filing cabinets

So cleaners & visitors can't view your personal or financial information.

I use a keypad entry lock.

Computer passwords

1. Add username & passwords to all computers; & log off or lock them when you leave, ctrl+alt+del & return.

2. Store all usernames & passwords in an encrypted file. See Verstand > Software > Password safe.

3. Use strong passwords for financial systems eg online banking, don't use any word in a dictionary, & add numbers & special characters & add uppercase. This makes it very time consuming to crack the passwords using software programs. eg W1ingD1ng£

Firewalls

Buy a router, that has a built in firewall, & check it at at www.grc.com > shields up

Software firewalls are a total pain & cause lots of odd problems.

File server security

Setup directory permissions, so only authorised users can get access to your data.

Small business server is ideal for this.

Viruses, trojans, worms, keyloggers, etc

Install & keep updated your antivirus software. Scan weekly.

Run anti-adware, anti-spyware software & scan once amonth.

Backups

Make sure you have a least 2 sets of backups.

Get some offsite on DVD's, tape or use an online backup service.