 any personal or sensitive information (including passwords and credit card/banking information) on your computer's hard drive. Store this information on removable media or drive so it is available when you need it. Remember to store a back-up copy in a safe place.
Use the most recent version of installed programs. The latest version of a program typically tries to fix known problems or security vulnerabilities with the previous version.
Download and install current security fixes, updates and patches for your operating system and all installed programs (not only the programs you use regularly). Be sure to download the updates from the software manufacturer's website. Downloads directly from an email link (immediately downloading without being directed to the manufacturer's website) can be contain infections even if the email convincingly says otherwise. Vendors will send notices to opt-in subscribers through email when updates are available if they offer this service. The links in these emails will often go to the vendor's website. They are not direct links to the download.
Check and maintain safety devices - fire alarms, burglar alarms, smoke detectors, backup power supplies, anti-virus software updates, operating system and installed program security updates. Take the time to practice safety procedures - fire exits, contacting emergency personnel for possible safety compromising situations in your everyday life and with internet activities, examine emails and everyday situations for infectors, scams and fraud.
Secure your computer. You lock your doors and windows to your home and car when you are not there. Do the same with your computer and electronic devices. Don't allow your home, car or computer to be available to strangers, intruders or thieves. Use firewalls, lock features, updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Be sure that both incoming and outgoing firewall protection is active.
Try to maintain a separate home computer for confidential, business, and valuable information from children or persons who use file-sharing software or download "free" software regularly. You want to reduce the risk of infection and intrusion.
Protect Your Kids
Keep the children's computer in the room that is most often occupied by family members with the monitor facing everyone. This helps to discourage "secret" conversations and friendships that child predators so desperately seek. This also helps adults to see where children are online, what they are doing and with whom they are communicating.
Spend time as a family talking about experiences in your daily and online lives - where you went, with whom, what you did. Protect your children online as you do everyday.
Don't Give Out Personal Information
Don't post your personal information at websites, guestbooks, forums, social networking communities, family homepages with or without biographical information, newsgroups, chatroom profiles, text messaging profiles, or in email. Your personal information includes your legal name, last name, address, phone, marital status, occupation, financial/banking/credit/insurance card information, social security numbers, passwords, logon information and other usernames.
When entering financial, banking, or credit card information online while banking or shopping, be sure the website is where you want to be and the website is secure. Look for https in the webpage address or an icon of an unbroken key or lock that is closed, glowing or golden usually at the bottom of the browser window. You can double-click the lock to display the website's certificate. Be sure this certificate matches the website you believe you are visiting. If it does not, don't enter your information. Know that some reputable websites - including stores and banks - use third-party vendor websites for financial transactions online.
Check Your Energy Consumption
To be environmentally friendly as we are everyday through recycling and reducing everyday consumption of energy resources, each business and individual can contribute using resources available online. As a business, b