Tips to keep your Computer Safe

Monitor your system’s unused disk space regularly.
If you see a large unexplained drop in available space, investigate the cause promptly.

Be Careful With Passwords.
Use Strong password (don’t use your name,DOB etc) and protect passwords from misuse. Don’t let anyone else know or use your password. Don’t write it down; or if you must, keep it in a locked area or in your wallet. Don’t post it on your computer or anywhere around your desk. Don’t include the name of the system or the associated login ID with the password. Change your password periodically, even if it hasn’t been compromised. Don’t type your password while anyone is watching.

Patch Frequently.
Along with weak passwords and virus-spreading email attachments, unpatched computer systems constitute one of the greatest security threats on the Internet. All major operating system vendors offer mechanisms that will allow you to regularly check for updates and apply them. It is important to keep your system at “current patch level” to minimize your exposure.

Use Latest Antivirus Software and Keep latest virus definations updated.

Remove Spyware.

Spyware is software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or is bundled with other software you download from the internet.
Spyware can:
-Track what you are doing on your computer for marketing purposes
-Reset the homepage and search pages on your browser
-Create pop-up advertisements
-Slow down your computer’s Internet connection
-Interfere with your computer’s normal operations

Guard against Identity Theft
Bad things happen to your good name when Phishers get a hold of your identity.

Keep your original system software handy
If your computer is compromised or you fall prey to a nasty virus, it may be necessary to reformat the disk drive and reload the operating system and drivers. Keeping your original system software in a safe and easily reachable place ensures that you won’t have to waste valuable time searching for these items or downloading them from the Web.

Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing is the practice of sending millions of bogus emails that appear to come from popular Web sites or from your bank or credit card company. The emails look so official that many people will respond to requests for their password, credit card information, and other personal information. Below four steps to avoid Phishing Scams.
-Don’t respond to e-mails requesting personal information.
-Don’t click on a link in an e-mail that you suspect might be fake.
-Check a Web site’s security certificate before you enter any personal information.
-Routinely review your credit card and bank statements

Back up your locally stored data regularly and keep copies in another location.
How important is your data to you? If it’s important, it should be backed up. If it matters enough to get upset over losing, it’s worth protecting, and backups are an essential part of data protection. Part of your preventive maintenance and system care should include regular, reliable data backups. No matter how well you treat your system, no matter how much care you take, you cannot guarantee that your data will be safe if it exists in only one place. The risks are much greater than most people realize.

Note:Keep Your System Security Current Patch Level

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