Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol1 Issue 4 | Page 27

BAJAN SUN Bajan Sun Magazine JUN 2014 TOP SIX SAFE COMPUTING TIPS: 1) Patch, Patch, PATCH! Set up your computer for automatic software and operating system updates. An unpatched machine is more likely to have software vulnerabilities that can be exploited. 2) Install protective software. Sophos is available as a free download for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux from IS&T's software page. When in stalled, the software should be set to scan your files and update your virus definitions on a regular basis. 3) Choose strong passwords. Choose strong passwords with letters, numbers, and special characters to create a mental image or an acronym that is easy for you to remember. Create a different password for each important account, and change passwords regularly. 4) Backup, Backup, BACKUP!Backing up your machine regularly can protect you from the unexpected. Keep a few months' worth of backups and make sure the files can be retrieved if needed. Learn more about TSM and how to backup your system. 5) Control access to your machine. Don't leave your computer in an unsecured area, or unattended and logged on, especially in public places - including Athena clusters and Quickstations. The physical security of your machine is just as important as its technical security. 6) Use email and the Internet safely. Ignore unsolicited emails, and be wary of attachments, links and forms in emails that come from people you don't know, or which seem "phishy." Avoid untrustworthy (often free) downloads from freeware or shareware sites. Learn more about spam filtering. 27 www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | [email protected] | @BajanSunOnline