Your home computer is your window to the world, but hackers bent on mischief can crawl in if you don’t protect it. Here are some tips to help you protect your identity and personal information in today’s online world:

1. Run antivirus, anti-spyware, AND firewall software. It is important to use all three as they address different types of threats. And, there are many free options available such as Avast!, ZoneAlarm Firewall, Ad-Aware, and Windows Defender. Don’t install more than one antivirus and firewall program though, as this can cause problems.

2. Update your operating system and software frequently. Enable the auto update function if possible; the most recent software updates ensure that the latest security fixes are in place to close any holes that hackers may find.

3. Use caution at wireless “hot spots”. It’s easy to get hacked at “free wireless” hot spots such as cafes, hotels, and airports. Make sure your firewall is on, you disable file sharing, and be aware of your surroundings (watch out for a “peering peter” who may be sneaking a peak trying to steal your password).

4. Avoid suspicious email attachments and links. Never open an attachment or link from an unidentified sender. Even if it appears it was sent from a friend, it may be “disguised”; confirm with them first that it was legitimately sent to you.

5. Beware of phishing expeditions. These are internet scams that most frequently solicit your login information for a financial site. A perpetrator may send you a link in an email pretending to be a legitimate financial institution. NEVER click an email link and give out personal information! For more information on how to identify a legitimate link, read this article.

6. Eliminate spam. Unsolicited emails are more than just an annoyance, they are often used to deliver malicious sofware, and their links often lead to scam sites. Although standard email software typically includes some spam-killing features, consider using extra protection anti-spam software such as that provided by Symantec, McAfee, and Cloudmark.

7. Guard your passwords and PINs. Make sure you keep them in a safe place, and never share them with others. DON’T save them in your browser, either; anyone with access (planned or otherwise) will be able to log on as you!

8. Block pop-ups. Besides being incredibly annoying, if you click on one you may be endangering your computer by opening up a path to download malicious software to your computer. Enable your pop-up blocker in your browser at all times!

9. Use parental controls. For those of us with children (many of whom are more computer saavy than we are!!) one might want to use parental control software (some operating systems such as Windows Vista have built in parental controls) to ensure the safe and appropriate use of your computer.

10. Avoid instant messaging viruses. Viruses and malicious software can be spread via instant messaging. Don’t accept file transfers in our instant messaging software, and turn off the file transfer feature completely. Before clicking a link, confirm your “friend” actually sent it to you.

Does anyone else have some additional tips to share?

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