- Never provide personal information such as account numbers, usernames and passwords in response to a request via an e-mail. Any email requesting personal information is an attempt to steal your information.
- Back up your data on a regular basis.
- Defragment your computer’s hard drive at least once a month.
- Make sure that your antivirus program is running and up to date.
- Make sure you know the name of your antivirus program, many viruses pose as an antivirus program and may even ask you to pay for the privilege of being infected.
- Make sure that windows updates are current and set to download automatically.
- If you are using high speed internet, always have a router to protect your computer, even if you only have one computer.
- Delete your browsing history and browser cache on a regular basis.
- Don’t unsubscribe from spam. All that does it let the spammers know that your email address is valid.
- Use a battery backup on every computer to protect from power fluctuations.
- Keep all of your software and associated key codes in a safe place to prove ownership.
- Do not have too many programs loading at startup.
- You should have maintenance done on your computer including having it cleaned on a periodic basis.
- Make a system restore point before making any major changes to your computer such as installing new software or hardware.
- Only open e-mail attachments that you are expecting. People you know may have infected computers and their computer may be sending out viruses unknown to them.
- Do not click on pop-ups as they can infect your computer even if you choose “No”.
- If you use a laptop, do not set it on a bed or fabric surface as it restricts airflow causing it to overheat.
- Do not load additional toolbars in your browser.