by Sara Johnson , MSP & Michael J . Servidio , MCSE , TCI Consultants , Inc .
TECH TIPS Preservation and Security
Passwords
Passwords are something we must live with if we want to keep using technology . Because we have so many passwords for our computers , bank accounts , websites , e-mail and other Internet of Things ( IOT ) passwords , how are we to remember them all ? Never write them down and leave the paper on your desk , or taped on your computer monitor . Cameras are everywhere and a quick picture of your password information is but a click away That would be a terrible thing to happen , especially since it is so simple to avoid .
There are computer programs and apps for phones that allow the storing of account password information . One such program we have used is LastPass ( https :// lastpass . com ). One thing to remember is where that information is to be stored . If it ’ s local on your PC , you just need to make sure it ’ s backed up . If you have a credential app on your phone , make sure your phone has a lock pin . If the data is stored in the cloud , like many apps do , is that data backed up ? Do you have a way to print the accounts list and store in a lock box or safe ?
A simple way to store credentials would be in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet . You would put a password on the spreadsheet and store it somewhere safe . This way , you can print the file to store it in a lockbox or safe . Password protecting your spreadsheet encrypts the file . The next time you open it , you ’ ll type the password before you see the contents .
Locking your computer
Locking your computer is another important security tip . Typically , you should lock your PC whenever you get up from your desk . This prevents unauthorized use of your PC and access to files . One way to make sure a computer is locked , is to use a Policy . If your company has a network that includes a Domain Controller , Group Policy can be set to lock PC ’ s when not in use at a specified time . Group Policy allows the centralized management of the office ’ s operating systems so that they can all be set to lock at specified times , among other settings . Either way , setting a PC lock is critical . This especially helpful when people leave for the day , and the cleaning crew , if you have one , comes .
Browsers
Each Windows 7 through Windows 10 comes with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 . Internet Explorer will open most sites successfully , but there comes a time , when an alternate browser will work better . Consider Firefox and / or Google ’ s Chrome browsers . Both will run almost all websites , and your cookies , favorites and history can be imported from Internet Explorer . If you prefer Internet Explorer and it starts to bog down , History and Temporary files should be deleted . This should be done regularly to keep it operating smoothly . Also Internet Explorer can be reset too . The most recent version is IE 11 .
Encrypting E-Mail
Sometimes , sending a regular unsecured message won ’ t do . A client ’ s personal identifying information such as documents that contain social security numbers , passport numbers , credit card numbers or even other confidential information should never be sent via unsecured mail . If using Office 365 , with certain service levels , sending encrypted messages is possible . The message is encrypted in transport . And the receiver can get the message successfully . Encrypting messages prevents unauthorized tampering during transport of the message . There are many web-based encryption services available as well .
Alternate Network Adapters
Sometimes a network adapter on a Laptop or Desktop may fail . You need to be connected to do your work , sending and receiving messages , printing out files for a presentation and other time sensitive tasks . USB network adapters can get you reconnected in minutes . Simply plug the adapter into an available USB port and connect the wire . If wireless , the adapter can be configured to connect to your existing wireless network . These time saving adapters are inexpensive and easy to use . It makes sense to keep one on hand .
Patching your system
It is important to keep Windows , your applications , and PC up to date . TCI has a system that can keep your Windows Operating System as well as industry applications such as Microsoft Office , JAVA and Adobe Reader up to date . Having an IT person available is essential to ensure your system is kept current . Your PC can be updated with Hardware drivers that can improve system performance . TCI can do this for you . ____________________ Sara Johnson has been working with Technology Consultants , Inc . an IT computer firm in Vermont for the past 7 years and has over 25 years of IT experience .
Michael Servidio is the CEO and founder of Technology Consultants , Inc . and holds a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certificate along with over 35 years working in the Computer Field .
16 THE VERMONT BAR JOURNAL • FALL 2016 www . vtbar . org